If there’s one thing that the most recent British summer has taught us, it’s that the effects of climate change are well and truly underway. In July 2022, we saw temperatures exceed 40°C in a country where the July average temperature is a mere 18°C. As a result, it’s fair to say that temperatures in the UK are becoming anything but predictable.

Once upon a time, temperatures and weather conditions throughout the UK were relatively mild all year round. This created the perfect scenario for UK gardens, as it was rarely so sunny that lawns dried out and died, nor was it common for the rain to become so intense that lawns flooded and drowned.

This summer, we have already seen how climate change takes effect with extreme heat, and winter conditions aren't going to improve. In fact, due to climate change, winter is set to provide us with heavy rainfall, so much so that our lawns won’t be able to handle it. What was once a region of middle ground had become an area of extremes, making natural lawn maintenance virtually impossible.

With this being said, there are ways in which you can keep your garden looking great, even in such unprecedented weather conditions. Discover more below.

Install Artificial Lawn

First and foremost, the simplest way of keeping your lawn looking luscious and green is by installing one that isn’t affected by environmental conditions. Since synthetic grass isn’t a living thing, it won’t fall victim to changing conditions, such as extreme heat, sunlight, or even rainfall. Likewise, artificial grass won’t be dried up by the sun, nor will it drown in intense rainfall, making it the perfect contender for sprucing up your garden amid climate change.

You only need to worry that synthetic grass can get quite hot in extreme heat. Therefore, if you have pets, it’s a good idea to rinse the area before they go outside or create a shady spot for them. The same can be said even for gardens that don’t have an artificial lawn, as pets can burn their paws on pavement, patios and even decking too! In extreme heat, your best bet is to minimise your pet's contact with the outdoors entirely.

Another concern for people considering synthetic grass is flooding; however, artificial lawn drains just like real grass but even better. This is because each of our synthetic lawn solutions is fully porous with drainage holes, allowing water to drain into the soil below. We also recommend it is laid onto a crushed granite subbase further improving drainage. Unlike natural grass, water will not pool and sit atop your artificial lawn solution. As a result, synthetic grass is the safest, cleanest, and most aesthetically pleasing turf option.

Plant Trees and Other Plants

One of the biggest concerns about artificial grass is its environmental impact, as you’re essentially replacing natural grass with plastic. Despite this, amid climate change and water shortages, an artificial lawn can sometimes be the more environmentally friendly option. This is because you’re not required to waste copious amounts of water to keep grass hydrated in extreme heat. You’re also not having to use a lawnmower/edge trimmer both of which produce a lot of CO2. Similarly, the grass isn't the only way that you can make your garden a green space.

To compensate for the loss of greenery, you might plant trees and other plants that can cope with extreme conditions. Not only will this equip your garden to tackle climate change through carbon dioxide removal, but it will also reduce the likelihood of flooding during periods of intense rainfall. This is because trees will slow down rainwater runoff.

Additionally, planting climbers on your house can keep the house cool during summer and reduce heating costs during winter. Meanwhile, a hedge in your front garden can capture some forms of pollution, such as exhaust from vehicles.

Plant a Diverse Range of Plants

Of course, it's not wise to plant plants that require a specific set of conditions, as they're not likely to thrive in the current unpredictable conditions of the UK. Instead, it would be best if you planted a diverse range of plants that can withstand all manner of weather conditions. This will make your garden more resilient to extreme weather, from droughts to flooding. You should also ensure that all your plant life is pollinator friendly and mostly native so that plants and insects don't suffer.

Adopt New Ways of Growing

Green roofs are the latest phenomenon in eco-friendly gardening, and they even improve the energy efficiency of one’s home. This is because they offer coolness in summer and provide insulation during winter. On top of this, reducing your use of petrol-powered tools is another way of adapting your gardening practices in response to climate change.

Respond to Climate Change with Artificial Lawn Company

The above points are just some of the adjustments you can make to garden successfully during climate change. Take the first step by contacting us about our artificial lawn solutions here.