Is it legal to install artificial grass to cover backyard entirely?

Your municipality will have a minimum soft-scaping requirement. Look that up.

Then while you are there, check to see if they define artificial turf as hardscaping or softscaping. A lot actually say artificial turf is hardscaping, which is way its not allowed.

That said, if you had gardens, planters, etc, you may be able to hit the softscaping requirements with that alone and can do the rest in artificial grass.

What is the going rate these days? Looking to get it installed as well. Got two dogs so I am sick of reseeding/resodding yearly.

Cybersid wrote: ↑ What is the going rate these days? Looking to get it installed as well. Got two dogs so I am sick of reseeding/resodding yearly.

More than most people think. You're probably looking at a similar price to getting pavers put in, with a range in the quality of product you get.

I also wouldn't bother with the cheaper stuff.

Paved cardboard sheets over, spread bale of straw and voila, headache gone. Not the prettiest but sure works like a charm

I can't see artificial grass being considered hardscaping as it is water permeable similar to real grass.

Just ask the contractor you are getting the quote from.

nielboy wrote: ↑ I can't see artificial grass being considered hardscaping as it is water permeable similar to real grass.

Look at you, trying to use science and stuff.

Toronto (and other places too) don't care for your logic.

Artificial grass is HIGHLY detrimental to the environmental PLEASE don't do this. It's better to have weeds than going this route.

healsio wrote: ↑ in York Region, ON

It's your own backyard. You can do whatever you want.

My sister lives in Markham and her entire backyard is paved.

Clover is a good option for dogs too it seems. Stays green all summer long. Soft underfoot. Isn't plastic. I'm letting it take over my backyard lol.

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ It's your own backyard. You can do whatever you want.

My sister lives in Markham and her entire backyard is paved.

Exactly this.

My back yard has no grass for more than 2 years. We took out the grass, we turned it into Japanese garden with pebbles and beach rocks.

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ It's your own backyard. You can do whatever you want.

My sister lives in Markham and her entire backyard is paved.

Bylaws state otherwise.

I knew one guy with an artificial backyard in Oakville. Had to vacuum his lawn when stuff fell on it.

Jon Lai wrote: ↑ Bylaws state otherwise.

and are there enough bylaw officers out there to check each and every house? NO! Only your so-called pain in the rear "pretend to be cops" (aka dumb nosy neighbours)

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ and are there enough bylaw officers out there to check each and every house? NO! Only your so-called pain in the rear "pretend to be cops" (aka dumb nosy neighbours)

Well, there are reasons behind the bylaws - it's not just about enforcement. If there was no benefit of grass turf, then the bylaws wouldn't exist.

Everyone should do their own part in making sure our environment is sound, there is suitable water runoff, soil won't erode, UV is absorbed by the ground, etc... It's not just about "it's my backyard so I'll do whatever I want" attitude.

Jon Lai wrote: ↑ Well, there are reasons behind the bylaws - it's not just about enforcement. If there was no benefit of grass turf, then the bylaws wouldn't exist.

Everyone should do their own part in making sure our environment is sound, there is suitable water runoff, soil won't erode, UV is absorbed by the ground, etc... It's not just about "it's my backyard so I'll do whatever I want" attitude.

Whatever. I would pave my entire backyard and front yard if I wanted to ... but I like mowing the lawn and I like seeing grass

The only one I would probably do (when the time comes) ... rip out the asphalt driveway ... repave asphalt but have it widened on both sides so that I can accommodate 3 vehicles ...

My backyard is made up of rocks, wood, and artificial grass. I only have like 3 living plants as I'm tired of taking out weeds everyday.

Next house I am repeating the process and removing all grass. Best decision I made as I can now enjoy my weekends instead of plucking weeds all day.

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ Whatever. I would pave my entire backyard and front yard if I wanted to ... but I like mowing the lawn and I like seeing grass

The only one I would probably do (when the time comes) ... rip out the asphalt driveway ... repave asphalt but have it widened on both sides so that I can accommodate 3 vehicles ...

Yea do you know anything about grading? Didn’t think so. Paving everything causes issues for your neighbors water etc.

There are also bylaws about how wide you can widen. Based on your comments you seem to not care bout anyone but yourself

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ Whatever. I would pave my entire backyard and front yard if I wanted to ... but I like mowing the lawn and I like seeing grass

The only one I would probably do (when the time comes) ... rip out the asphalt driveway ... repave asphalt but have it widened on both sides so that I can accommodate 3 vehicles ...

Exhibit A of why by-laws exist.