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Natural Grass vs. Artificial Turf: Which is Right for Me?

If you want a lawn in your garden, you have two choices – either natural grass or artificial turf. Both come with pros and cons, so the answer to which is better between the two is largely subjective. Whilst natural and artificial grass are both visually appealing, they differ in many ways, from cost to the level of maintenance required.

Many landscapers believe natural grass is better. Not only does a lush, green lawn enhance any garden in which it’s installed, but it also offers wellbeing benefits. Natural grass brings you closer to nature, reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. What’s also important to consider is the positive impact of natural grass on wildlife and on the environment.

Of course, artificial grass does come with a series of benefits. Indeed, synthetic grass has grown in popularity in recent years, with many people preferring it over real grass due to its realistic appearance, durability, and easy maintenance. As well as being ideal for gardens, artificial grass can be a great way to brighten up balconies and rooftop gardens. Offering incredible versatility, it’s ideal for a wide range of applications.

Artificial Turf

Even though real grass is superior in a number of ways, an artificial lawn is appealing for many people. Read on to discover the benefits of faux lawns:

The Pros:

Easy to maintain
Mowing, watering or feeding aren’t required. Artificial turf also doesn’t need sunlight.
Ideal for various domestic and commercial settings.
Appeals to a wide range of customers, including those with children or pets and those who don’t have the time or ability to maintain a natural grass lawn.
Stays looking its best throughout its lifespan.

The Cons:

Negative effect on the environment. Not only does artificial grass have zero climate benefits, but the plastic gives off carbon and utilises fossil fuels when it’s being produced and transported.
Not biodegradable. This means that it will ultimately end up in a landfill. Although the plastic within it can be recycled easily, it’s difficult to separate it from the other components that can’t be reused.
Made from petroleum. The blades are made from petroleum, which can degrade and can break off, potentially washing into waterways. Petroleum can impact the environment due to its toxicity. As well as fuelling climate change, it can also increase air pollution and disease.
Damaging nature and wildlife. Artificial turf may be useful for humans seeking an easy to maintain lawn but it’s not so good for flora and fauna. Exchanging natural grass for fake plastic grass deprives living things of their habitat and food.
Expensive. Artificial turf can be costly to lay, repair, and remove at the end of its life.
Requires maintenance. Although it’s easier to look after than natural grass, it still needs cleaning and weeding to keep it looking good.
Weeds can penetrate artificial grass. This can impact its appearance if not dealt with.
Moss can appear since it can survive on the plastic surface.
Artificial grass can become very hot during the summer months. A sand infill needs to be installed to keep the temperature down.
Not all artificial grass is high-quality. Some give a poor, unrealistic appearance.Difficult to install.

Natural Grass

A real grass lawn can enhance your garden whilst improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Natural turf is also highly beneficial to the environment.

The Pros:

Keeps cool. Since natural grass is made from over 90% water, it stays at a lower temperature than fake grass. It’s a natural air conditioner!
Absorbs noise from cars, people, and animals. Acting as an insulation panel, it’s able to reduce noise pollution.
Purifies the air, enhancing air quality.
Breaks down pollutants. The impurities captured by the grass blades are absorbed when it rains.
Natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen. Many species require oxygen to breathe and survive.

Inhibits soil erosion. Natural grass has a loose soil structure, ensuring that water can be absorbed when it rains. This restocks the groundwater.
Natural grass slows water runoff after periods of heavy rain. This provides time for the water to be absorbed back into the ground.
Supports wildlife. Birds and smaller mammals can eat the insects which inhabit the vegetation whilst insects that live amongst the blades of grass can find refuge all year round.
Curbs dust and pollen. Since the grass can trap dust and pollen, it can benefit those with allergies and respiratory conditions.
Highly sustainable. Natural grass can regenerate itself, unlike artificial turf which often requires costly repairs to keep it looking its best over time.

The Cons:

Regular mowing is required. One of the downsides to natural grass is that it needs to be mowed frequently, particularly during the summer months.
Gets muddy when it rains.
Natural grass can become damaged due to wear and tear.
Time and effort are needed to keep a natural grass lawn looking its best. As well as mowing, it’s also important to water and feed your lawn, as well as carry out weeding and pest control if required.