Artificial Grass or Natural Lawn?
The popularity of artificial grass has grown rapidly in recent years with numerous products now available. It’s something clients sometimes request during our initial design consultation, especially those with small gardens and young children who require a low maintenance play space. So what are the pros and cons and is it really worth it?
A major appeal of artificial grass is that it requires minimal maintenance other than sweeping off leaves and perhaps washing down with a hose occasionally. A natural lawn, on the other hand, needs regular mowing during the growing season, plus other seasonal tasks such as fertilizing, scarifying and aerating if you want to keep it looking its best.
Many of the higher quality artificial grass products now available look very realistic, however they can’t replicate the sumptuous feel of walking bare feet on natural grass on a warm summer’s day. Synthetic grass can heat up on hot sunny days and may become uncomfortable underfoot.
Installing artificial lawns properly requires the right sub-base preparation. A poorly laid artificial lawn will soon look like ruffled old carpet and need replacing. The installation cost is typically 3-4 times that of laying turf. Also, if you ever want to revert back to a natural lawn at a later date, there would be an additional cost in removing the sub-base material and adding a lot more topsoil prior to turfing.
Where artificial grass is most beneficial is in high wear and tear areas, such as children’s play areas, where natural grass simply wouldn’t last. It’s also a good option for roof terraces and balconies.
But perhaps the biggest consideration is the environmental impact of artificial grass. Intensive farming and habitat loss in the countryside means gardens are increasingly important for supporting wildlife. Whilst not as rich a habitat as a wildflower meadow, lawns still support an eco-system. Worms, invertebrates and many other soil organisms live in them, which in turn provide a food source for birds and other animals. Artificial grass, on the other hand, offers absolutely no benefit to wildlife and equates to yet more habitat loss.
At a time when concerns over plastic pollution are firmly on the political agenda due to its long-term damage to the environment, the oceans and wildlife, should we really be covering our gardens in the stuff?
The trend for artificial grass seems set to continue and it does have its place, but careful thought should be given as to whether it’s right for you. In the urban environment gardens are vital for biodiversity, so there’s a balance to be had in creating a functional outdoor space and one that also encourages and supports birds and other wildlife. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects being surrounded by nature has on our health and wellbeing, which is surely one of the main attractions of a garden.
