Did you know the average UK garden guzzles over 1,000 litres of water a week just to keep the lawn green? Whether you’re battling droughts, dodging muddy boots, or craving perfect turf year-round, choosing between real grass in your garden design and its plastic twin is a big call.
In this guide, we’ll lay out the key pros and cons of artificial versus natural lawns, so you can pick the turf that truly fits your lifestyle and your patch.
What is artificial grass?
Also known as synthetic grass, today’s artificial lawns aren’t like the ones you saw in the 1980s and 90s. Advances in technology now mean that faux grass looks like the real thing without the shiny, plastic aesthetic.
You can take choose from of a variety of artificial grass types, including:
- Nylon (Polyamide) artificial grass is popular for commercial properties, sports pitches, and gardens that see a lot of traffic.
- Polyethylene (PE) Artificial Grass: PE grass is a durable solution for residential gardens, but it’s softer than nylon, making it ideal for play areas and pet-friendly spaces.
- Polypropylene Grass: PP can be beneficial if you’re on a budget. However, it doesn’t look natural and is more prone to damage over time. This grass type is best for small balconies or decorative spaces.
- Short-Pile: Artificial grass with a short pile of between 10-20mm is ideal for decorative features and borders.
- Medium-Pile: If you’re using artificial grass as your general lawn, 20mm to 30mm piles are ideal for play areas and light usage.
- Long-Pile: Piles between 30mm and 40mm are best for gardens with decorative features and low traffic. These lawns look most like the real thing.
- Coloured/Themed Grass: Commercial spaces, outdoor events, and playgrounds often use themed or coloured grass to create an eye-catching display.
The pros of artificial grass:
Low Maintenance
Artificial grass lets you benefit from a beautiful garden without worrying about maintenance. You won’t need to regularly weed, mow, or fertilise it – just brush it down and rinse it once in a while to remove any debris and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Year-round colour
Natural grass naturally turns brown and patchy over time due to changes in weather. However, when you install artificial grass, it maintains its colour and pile throughout the year, which can be beneficial if your garden is more for show than functionality.
Durability
Synthetic lawns are highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, making them ideal for families. Pets and children can play on the grass without damaging it, ensuring the whole family can enjoy spending time outdoors.
Sustainability
Natural lawns require a lot of watering – especially in the summer months. With the UK experiencing hotter and longer summers, installing a synthetic lawn can save water and benefit the environment.
The cons of artificial lawns:
Initial Cost
If you want high-quality artificial grass, you’ll need to invest upfront. Purchasing cheaper grass is an option, but budget synthetics don’t mirror the look of a natural lawn.
Heat Retention
Some forms of synthetic turf can become hot in direct sunlight, making them uncomfortable for pets and children to use. This can be an issue if your family spends a lot of time outdoors.
Environmental Impact
Despite its water-saving abilities, artificial grass also has some environmental drawbacks. Most forms use plastic, which can impact sustainability, as all artificial lawns have a lifespan.
Limited biodiversity
]When you have a natural lawn, it attracts wildlife like worms, birds and insects – but artificial grass doesn’t. While this isn’t an issue for some people, others might prefer to create a thriving natural environment.
Natural grass
So, if artificial grass is the low-maintenance option, why do people still opt for natural grass? Well, it’s simple: natural grass elevates any outdoor space, attracts nature, and offers functional benefits.
Natural grass is a great option for creating a beautiful outdoor space where children can play, and adults can relax.
The pros of natural grass:
Aesthetically appeal
While some artificial grasses can closely match the aesthetic of natural grass, nothing quite compares to the beauty of a natural lawn.
Eco-Friendly
Natural lawns are able to absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen and provide a habitat for birds and insects.
Comfort
Artificial lawns can overheat in summer, making them uncomfortable for pets and children. However, natural grass retains a consistent temperature.
Affordable
Natural grass is more affordable to lay, and you can save money by seeding the lawn yourself. When you use natural lawns, you can invest your money in creating a stunning outdoor space for play, entertainment, and relaxation.
The cons of natural grass:
Maintenance
When you have a natural lawn, you’ll need to maintain and water it, which can take time. However, it’s a trade-off for creating a beautiful garden.
Weather issues
Excess heat can cause browning, while heavy rain might leave the lawn feeling muddy, impacting its functionality.
Pests and weeds
Weeds and pests can affect your natural lawn and may require consistent maintenance or chemical treatments to prevent damage.
Which lawn option suits your needs?
When choosing between a natural or artificial lawn, it’s important to consider your priorities and think about the type of garden you’d like to create:
- Maintenance: Artificial lawns are ideal as a low-maintenance option, but well-kept natural lawns usually only require regular watering and basic preventative treatments.
- Functionality: While artificial turf is durable, it experiences temperature changes and might be unsuitable for homes with pets and children. Natural grass is best for gardens that are about play and entertainment.
- Affordability: Both options are affordable, but artificial lawns have a higher upfront cost. Natural lawns require more maintenance, which can increase your long-term expenses.
If you’re unsure of which solution suits your needs, please get in touch with our experts today for a consultation. We can help you create a beautiful outdoor space that lasts for years to come.