Real lawns versus artificial lawns: What’s best for your garden?

If you’ve recently found yourself staring at your weather-beaten garden wondering whether to lay a real or artificial lawn, you’re not the only one.

So to help you with your decision, we’ve put together a list of questions, together with the pros and cons for both options. Pull up a chair and let’s get going.

How to decide what type of lawn is right for you

To help you decide on the right type of turf, start by asking yourself these questions.

1. What is the primary purpose of your lawn?

For example, it might be a natural retreat to destress, a place for your pets, or perhaps an escape for the children to run and play.

2. How much time can you devote to your garden?

If you haven’t got the time to upkeep a natural lawn (and don’t want to pay for gardening maintenance), you might’ve already found your answer.

3. What’s your budget for a new lawn?

Where real turf can cost as little as £3 per m2, artificial lawns can range from £10 and upwards of £35 per m2 for a premium pile.

4. Does your garden have a lack of airflow, light or shade?

Whether you prefer a real or artificial lawn, it’s appearance and lifespan will be determined by the natural environment of your garden. Choose wisely.

Pros and cons of real and artificial lawns

Okay, now that you’ve answered our questions, you’ve probably got a better idea on what lawn’s right for you. To help you confirm your decision, here’s a list of pros and cons for each option.

Pros of real lawns

  • Real grass is better for the environment, producing oxygen and sequestering up to 127.1 grams of carbon per square metre, per year.
  • Natural environments are proven to improve health and wellbeing, providing an instant escape from typical daily stresses.
  • Laying real grass is not only kinder to your wallet, but also healthier for the planet by reducing the need for plastic production, and other harmful materials.
  • Mowing the lawn not only produces that iconic smell of summer, but also supports insects, birds and the natural ecology of your garden.

Cons of real lawns

  • Mowing and strimming your lawn takes up time you could otherwise use sunbathing, entertaining or making memories with the family.
  • With record UK summer temperatures upwards of 40C, preventing your lawn from withering and wilting has become more difficult than ever.
  • Real lawns are notoriously bad for dealing with heavy foot traffic. If you’re planning on hosting outdoor events, prepare for the maintenance work that follows.

Pros of artificial lawns

  • The obvious benefit to artificial lawns is the low maintenance. Whatever the weather or season, it always stays green, and at the perfect length.
  • If you have a dog, you can easily hose down any areas of discolouration. The artificial route also means your pet won’t dig up your lawn.
  • Artificial lawns can deal with heavy foot traffic and will never lead to muddy boots walking through your home!

Cons of artificial lawns

  • As we mentioned earlier, artificial lawns are not cheap. If you’re looking for a premium pile, you could be paying upwards of £35 per square meter.
  • Artificial grass has no environmental benefit. In fact, some environmentalists have deemed it a hinderance for both wildlife and the atmosphere.
  • If you have pets, artificial lawns can lock the smell of urine which requires professional cleaning to be neutralised (£10+ per square meter).

Final thoughts about real and artificial lawns

Although most people believe nothing beats the real thing, the demand for artificial lawns has grown dramatically over the past decade.

With the quality of pile technology continually developing, for some, it makes too much sense ditching the lawnmower for the sun lounger.

Ultimately, whether you choose real or artificial will depend on your lifestyle. If you need a professional opinion on what’s right for your garden, feel free to get in touch.

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