Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by ReTurf
With everything from colorful lights strung up on the house and wreaths hung on doors, to large inflatable snowmen, to full nativity scenes, there’s no shortage of ways to show your Christmas spirit when you’re a homeowner.
For a growing number of homeowners with artificial turf lawns, some questions may come up as they decorate their yards for the holiday. Can you use inflatable Christmas decorations? What about decorations that use ground staples or stakes?
If you’re one such homeowner who has questions about decorating your synthetic grass lawn for Christmas, don’t worry—we’re here to help!
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about decorating on artificial turf for the holidays—and their answers. (By the end of this guide, we’ll also share some tips for how you may be able to make certain Christmas decorations work on artificial grass!)
Artificial Turf and Christmas Decorations: Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Can you put Christmas decorations on fake grass?
A: Yes!—you can decorate synthetic grass for the holidays. However, it’s important to use caution and make sure that you’re not damaging the turf in the process.
This essentially boils down to: “Don’t use any decorations that require holes to be dug or stakes to be placed into the ground.” In other words, decorations that require stakes or similar anchoring methods generally shouldn’t be located on synthetic grass—unless there is a safe, alternative place to anchor them close by.
Why is this important when sections of artificial turf can be replaced or even repaired with relative ease? Well, it’s not just about the turf, it’s about what’s under it. It’s possible to damage turf drainage systems when fake grass is punctured and stakes are buried too deep. Drainage systems below a turf installation can be fairly complex. So, to avoid this, opt for Christmas decorations that don’t require making holes in the ground.
Q: Can you use inflatables on turf?
Inflatable Christmas decorations can technically be located on turf, but there is an important thing to consider when deciding their location. The main issue you’ll encounter with inflatables is that their large, ultra-lightweight design generally requires some strong anchoring—i.e. stakes—to keep them in place.
Of course, depending on the decoration and its position in your yard, there may be other ways to anchor it, such as securing the inflatable to a heavy object.
You may also be able to anchor it in an area that doesn’t have turf, such as hardscaping, edging, or inside a mulch bed. Just make sure you’re not damaging anything in the process (like subterranean pipes or wires) and be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for safety and security. (And definitely don’t secure inflatables to any important/structural elements like gutters, young trees, mailboxes, etc.)
Q: Can I stand Christmas decorations (i.e. reindeer, trees, etc.) up on artificial turf?
Yes, you can generally stand up decorations such as reindeer, snowmen, trees, and other figures on artificial grass. However, again, if the items require stakes or anchors, you’ll need to avoid puncturing or putting stakes directly into the turf. Consider anchoring decor to hardscaping elements or in mulch beds—just make sure you’re not damaging anything in the process.
Some Christmas decorations that are usually held by stakes may have alternative methods to secure them as well.
For example, some manufacturers produce Christmas tree-shaped decorations that may be able to be stood up using an outdoor tree stand—no stakes required. Other decorations may have weighted bottoms so that they can be stood up without stakes, or it may be possible to fill them with sand to give them weight and stability.
And lastly, it may sound like a no-brainer, but if you’re lucky enough to have a White Christmas, it may be possible for you to prop up certain decorations with the help of the snow.
Regardless of how you choose to decorate your artificial grass lawn for Christmas, it’s important to make sure that you are not damaging the turf or creating a safety hazard. Make sure the decoration is in a safe location shielded from wind, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions above all else. If you have any concerns about what decoration methods are safe to use, be sure to consult with a professional artificial turf installer or reach out to the manufacturer directly for assistance.
Conclusion
This Christmas, enjoy your decorations without worry by following these tips on how to decorate your artificial turf lawn. Just keep in mind that no matter what decorations you use, the main rule is that you want to avoid puncturing or making holes in turf.
Stick to hanging up lights and using other decorations that don’t require making holes; if it’s possible to do so safely on your property, consider securing large decorations to non-turf areas such as hardscaping or mulch beds.
Have a great Christmas, and happy decorating!
For more tips, tricks and advice on artificial turf maintenance in Winter, be sure to check out our DIY Support & Tips. We have information for every season!
