On 5 November every year, we commemorate the day on which Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Following this attack in 1605, bonfires were lit across London in order to celebrate James I’s survival. Since then, 5 November has been deemed as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, and up until 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate on this evening.

Today, households across the country organise their own Bonfire Night activities, lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks. As a result, synthetic lawn owners are left wondering how to take care of artificial grass while still immersing themselves in the festivities. When fire is involved, it’s not just about how to care for artificial grass; it’s also about ensuring that everyone is as safe as possible.

Read on to discover more about the dos and don’ts of bonfire night with regards to artificial grass care.

Don’t Light Bonfires on a Synthetic Lawn

The first of our tips for caring for artificial grass is to refrain from lighting bonfires on your synthetic lawn. Arguably, the most important feature of Bonfire Night is the bonfire itself; however, this doesn’t mean you should compromise your safety by lighting one on artificial grass. When lighting a bonfire, it should sit at least five metres away from your synthetic lawn and should ideally sit on concrete or patio. This is because if embers blow onto your synthetic lawn, it could cause considerable damage. Although self-extinguishing with sand infill, our lawns are not fireproof and will become singed and damaged if embers or hot items end up on them.  

Don’t Light Fireworks on a Synthetic Lawn

When it comes to artificial lawn care, you’ve probably deduced that you also shouldn’t light fireworks on this surface. After all, fireworks emit sparks that can damage synthetic grass upon coming into contact with it. As with bonfires, fireworks should be lit at least five metres away from artificial turf; otherwise, you run the risk of damage and safety hazards.

Don’t Use Sparklers While Standing on the Synthetic Lawn

Signing your name in the air with a sparkler is part of the fun of Bonfire Night; however, when it comes to taking care of artificial grass, this shouldn’t be done on a synthetic lawn. As with fireworks, sparklers emit excessive heat and sparks, which can melt the fibres of your turf when coming into contact with them. You don’t need to keep as much of a distance with sparklers as you do with fireworks and bonfires, but you shouldn’t stand directly on or next to your artificial lawn when holding a sparkler.

Do Watch the Fireworks from Your Synthetic Grass

One of the best parts about a synthetic lawn is that it provides you with a dry, cushioned surface without the inconvenience of mud. As a result, artificial grass care and maintenance permit you to watch fireworks from the comfort of your synthetic turf. So long as your lawn is a safe distance from the fireworks, you can set up chairs, picnic blankets, and more to create the perfect viewing area. Just be sure to wrap up warm; it can get quite nippy in November!

Safety Tips

In continuing with our artificial grass care guide for Bonfire Night, we’ve also put together some handy tips to keep you safe on 5 November.

• Don’t place your bonfire beside anything that may catch alight (e.g., garden sheds, wooden fences, etc.)
• Ensure any fires are always under adult supervision.
• Don’t give sparklers to children under five.
• Always wear gloves when handling sparklers.
• Set off fireworks before 11 pm (or midnight on 5 November). It’s illegal to set off fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am.
• Always direct fireworks away from spectators at a safe distance.
• Only buy fireworks that have been manufactured to BS 7114 standard and keep them in a sealed box away from bonfires and lit fireworks.
• Never return to a lit firework.
• Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper (this is usually supplied with fireworks, but they can also be purchased separately).
• Upon the party coming to a close, extinguish your bonfire using a bucket of water.

Perfect Artificial Grass Aftercare with ALC

Here at Artificial Lawn Company, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with synthetic turf that lasts for years on end. With this being said, your lawn’s durability relies on your care and maintenance, including on days of celebration like Bonfire Night.

If you’d like to enjoy the benefits of artificial grass for many Bonfire Nights to come, be sure to browse our range here. Similarly, read more about our installation service, as we can deliver some of the best results on the market.

We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with a space of celebration for years on end.