LITA 7ft x 13ft Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass Synthetic Thick Lawn Turf Carpet Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Landscape, 7'X13', Green

Why I chose this turf

I had two problem areas to address: a compacted gravel patio that always looked tired, and a high-wear strip in front of a backyard goal that kept turning to mud. I didn’t want to pour concrete or invest in pro-installed turf, so I tried the LITA turf in the 7' x 13' size to test whether a DIY-friendly roll could deliver a durable, convincing patch of “lawn” without turning into a maintenance headache.

First impressions and build

Out of the wrap, the turf looks more premium than its price would suggest. The 1.38-inch pile, cut in a four-tone mix, reads as grass at a glance—neither neon nor dull. Underfoot, it’s soft and just a bit springy, not the crunchy “carpet” feel of older turf. The backing is a rubber-like composite with evenly spaced drainage holes. It’s flexible enough to roll out flat but hefty enough to stay put once it relaxes.

The blade “grain” (the direction the blades lean) is noticeable, which is a good thing: oriented toward the viewing area, the face looks fuller and more natural. The roll I measured came very close to spec, enough to trust your layout if you plan a tight fit against edging.

Installation: what worked

I used two different substrates to see how forgiving the turf is.

• Over compacted base: On the patio, I scraped off loose fines, added a thin top-up of decomposed granite, and compacted. After rolling out the turf, I left it to relax in the sun for an hour, then trimmed from the backside with a sharp utility knife. On straight edges, a metal straightedge helps; on organic curves, the backing cuts smoothly without tearing blades. I staked the perimeter with landscape staples and tucked edges under a metal border. No rippling, no obvious edge curl.

• Over existing lawn/mud strip: In front of the goal, I stripped sod, installed a weed barrier, added 2 inches of compactable base, and leveled with a slight crown for runoff. I taped and glued a single seam where I needed extra width. Because the grain leans one way, matching the nap across pieces is essential; once aligned and brushed, the seam was hard to find from normal viewing height.

Optional infill isn’t required for the product to function, but a light dressing of dry silica sand (I used about 1 lb per sq ft on the soccer area) helped the blades stand taller and added mass to resist puckering from hard stops and dives.

Drainage is only as good as your base. On the patio with proper slope, water shed quickly through the perforations. In the goal area, no puddling even after an afternoon thunderstorm.

Day-to-day performance

Foot feel is the headline: barefoot comfort is excellent for a mid-height pile. Kids sprawled on it without complaints, and the dog took to it instantly. Cleat traffic and sliding didn’t deform the backing or scuff the yarns in my first season of use. After games, a quick brush with a stiff push broom restored the blades’ loft.

Cleaning is straightforward. Leaves blow off with a blower. Pet messes pick up normally; a hose rinse and enzyme cleaner handled odors. The backing doesn’t trap water, so it dries fast in mild sun and breeze. I noticed a faint “new rubber/plastic” odor the first day after unrolling; it dissipated outdoors in about 24 hours.

Color has held up well so far. After a summer of intense sun, I didn’t see fading. The green tone is on the lively side; next to a drought-stressed or cool-season lawn in summer, you’ll notice the turf is greener. Used as a defined zone—between pavers, as a play pad, or as an inset—it reads as intentionally evergreen. If you’re trying to invisibly splice it into a large natural lawn, be prepared for a slight mismatch depending on your grass species and season.

Heat and safety considerations

All artificial turf warms up in direct sun, and this one is no exception. On a typical warm day, it was comfortable barefoot until mid-afternoon, then noticeably warm but still usable. There is a caveat: reflective heat from low-E windows, shiny metal, or certain glass balcony railings can concentrate sunlight enough to soften or distort synthetic blades even when the air is cool. I’ve seen this with multiple brands, not just here. If your installation is near highly reflective glazing, test a small section at your intended location during peak sun, or use shade cloth/films to cut reflections. For patios, placing planters or a small pergola section over risk zones is a simple safeguard.

If you’re creating a fall zone under play equipment, remember that this turf alone isn’t a safety surface. Pair it with shock pads appropriate to your fall height if cushioning is a priority.

Durability over a season

After months of regular use, the turf still looks fresh. The cut edges didn’t fray, and the seam in the goal area remains tight. No matting in walking lanes beyond what a quick brush can remedy. The backing has not cracked or chalked. I would not park a hot grill or smoker directly on it, and I keep fire pits off-turf for obvious reasons, but everyday patio furniture poses no issue; chair legs didn’t punch through thanks to the sturdy backing.

Where it shines

• Small to medium projects where paying for pro install isn’t practical.
• Play areas, dog runs, and “green rooms” on balconies or rooftops.
• Mud mitigation zones (gates, goal mouths, trash can pads).
• Between pavers or around decks, where consistent pile and color read as intentional design.

The 7' x 13' size is useful: big enough to cover a modest patio in one piece, small enough to maneuver without a crew.

Limitations and things to plan for

• Color blending: The four-tone fibers look natural on their own, but the overall hue is a touch brighter than some cool-season lawns. If seamless blending is your goal, request or buy a sample first.

• Heat: Direct sun warms the surface; reflective hotspots can be an issue near certain windows. Test and plan shade or barriers if needed.

• Cushioning: At 1.38 inches, it’s comfortable but not a safety surfacing solution by itself. Add a shock pad if falls are a concern.

• Movement on smooth surfaces: On very smooth tile or vinyl, the rubber backing can creep slightly under lateral loads. Outdoor double-sided tape or perimeter edging solves it.

• Seaming: If you anticipate seams, align the grain and trim factory edges for the tightest join. A good seam tape/adhesive makes a big difference.

Tips for best results

• Let it relax in the sun before trimming; you’ll get cleaner, truer cuts.
• Brush the pile toward the viewer and keep that orientation consistent across pieces.
• Build a proper base for ground installs: compacted aggregate, slight slope, and a weed barrier.
• Consider a light silica sand infill in high-traffic areas to help blade memory and add ballast.
• Rinse occasionally to keep dust down; a quick enzyme treatment keeps pet zones fresh.

Pros

• Convincing look and soft, comfortable feel for a mid-height pile
• Sturdy rubber backing with effective drainage holes
• Cuts cleanly; edges don’t fray with proper trimming
• Easy maintenance and quick drying after rain
• Versatile size for patios, play pads, and dog areas

Cons

• Can warm noticeably in full sun; reflective hotspots require caution
• Slightly brighter green than some natural lawns, making color matching tricky
• Not a substitute for dedicated safety surfacing under play structures
• May need tape/staples on very smooth or windy sites to prevent movement

Recommendation

I recommend the LITA turf for homeowners and renters who want a reliable, realistic patch of evergreen groundcover without the cost or complexity of pro-installed systems. It strikes a smart balance: soft and lifelike enough for barefoot lounging, tough enough for daily foot traffic and backyard sports, and straightforward to install with basic tools. Plan your base and orientation, be mindful of reflective heat sources, and it should deliver a low-maintenance, good-looking surface that solves muddy spots and brightens hardscapes year-round.