How To Choose Between Real Or Artificial Grass In Your Garden
Choosing between real or artificial grass for any garden is a difficult decision, as both are highly rated based on who you ask. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, which can vary based on your needs, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.
At Heath Landscapes & Garden Design, we appreciate how important it is for you to make the best decision for your garden. We understand that a lot of time and money goes into creating the ideal landscape for your home and family, which is why you want to get it right.
As a leading landscaping company, we provide both traditional and artificial turfing across Hertfordshire and have witnessed the appeal that both can provide. To help you make the best decision for your outdoor space, we have created this guide and will share everything you need to know about real and artificial lawns so you can make an informed choice.
Real Or Artificial Grass: What Is The Difference?
Before we can explore the individual pros and cons of each turfing type, we first need to explain the difference between the two main types and what your options are when it comes to adding a lawn to your garden these days.
Grass is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach, as there are many options available based on the size and condition of your garden, as well as your budget and requirements. These different types of grass will be categorised as either real or artificial.
Real grass is exactly what it sounds like – living, breathing turf which grows naturally from the soil. Artificial grass, on the other hand, is the complete opposite, as it is a synthetic material that is designed to mimic the look, and often feel, of real grass.
Both offer their own pros and cons, based on your requirements, and we will explore them here to help you make the best decision for your garden.
Why You Should Choose Real Grass
Traditional turfing has long been the solution to bare gardens and continues to offer a range of advantages for modern homeowners. If you are wanting to add some natural appeal to your garden, then you may want to consider real grass due to the following:
1. Natural Aesthetic
The main appeal of real grass over artificial lawns is the natural aesthetic it will give your garden. While artificial lawns are designed to mimic real grass, that is all they are – a mimic. Real grass gives you the natural appeal you desire for your garden and will change based on the season.
If you appreciate the natural transitions of plants and greenery, then real grass is your best option for your garden.
2. Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is a big concern these days and a primary value for a lot of modern homeowners, which is why real grass is an incredible option. Real grass is the most environmentally friendly choice because of the natural functions of plants.
Real grass, like all other living plants, absorbs carbon dioxide from the air while also producing oxygen meaning it contributes to better air quality for us all to enjoy.
As well as benefitting humans, real grass is also a great habitat for wildlife such as insects, birds and other local creatures. By having real grass in your garden, you are supporting local biodiversity and contributing to better ecosystems.
3. Comfortable Surfacing
As well as looking great, real grass feels great. It feels soft and cool underfoot, making it an ideal surface for playing, relaxation, or outdoor dining for people of all ages.
If you have little ones or pets, grass is a safe surface for them to play on and you do not need to worry about them hurting themselves when outdoors on this kind of turf. It will also always remain cool underfoot, offering a well-welcomed relief from the summer heat.
4. Cost Effective (Short Term)
When compared to artificial grass, real grass is much cheaper to install. It requires minimal investment upfront, allowing you to transform your garden and create a green oasis no matter your budget.
5. Natural Drainage
Rain is a constant issue across Hertfordshire and the rest of the UK, which is why real grass can be the preferred option. It offers natural drainage, soaking up water during heavy rainfalls to prevent the soil and roots of the grass from flooding.
With real grass, the chances of your garden flooding or being full of puddles are significantly reduced.
The Cons Of Real Grass
While there are many benefits of real grass, there are also some disadvantages which you need to consider before making your decision. These include:
- High Maintenance: Real grass is notoriously high maintenance as it needs constant upkeep. Being a living plant, real grass continues to grow throughout the year, needing ongoing mowing, watering, and fertilising to ensure it remains in prime condition.
- Seasonal Downtime: While the changing nature of real plants can be appealing to some people, it does mean that your garden will not look the same all year round. Real grass typically looks best in spring and summer but can become water-logged and muddy during the winter – especially in high-traffic areas.
- Vulnerable To Pests and Diseases: As a living plant, real grass can easily fall victim to pests and diseases throughout the year, some of which require professional help to resolve.
- Water Requirement: Hydration is vital for all living creatures, and this applies to your real grass too. It is vital that you continue watering your grass and adjusting the levels based on the season to keep it lush and healthy.
Why You Should Choose Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular option for all kinds of gardens these days because of the benefits it provides. If you want a green appearance in your garden without the cons of real grass, then artificial turf is your ideal solution. The benefits include:
1. Low Maintenance
The main appeal of artificial grass, especially when compared to real grass, is the fact it is low maintenance. With artificial grass, you can maintain the lush green appearance of your garden all year round with little maintenance.
There is no need to water, fertilise or mow the lawn when you have artificial turf, which is why this is a great solution for all kinds of homes – especially busy families. There is small amounts of maintenance required throughout the year, such as removing debris, but this is not as time-consuming as the care of real grass.
2. No Seasonal Effects
Artificial grass looks the same all year round, which means your garden can always look great no matter the weather.
Unlike living grass, artificial lawns do not grow or fade with the changing seasons so will maintain their pristine appearance all year round.
3. Durable and Hard-Wearing
Artificial grass is designed to be incredibly robust, so it can withstand fluctuating seasons and changing weather conditions. It is durable and will last a long time, ensuring your garden is always attractive and ready even well after the initial installation.
Even with constant use from pets or children, artificial grass remains in great condition and resists wear and tear.
4. Pet-Friendly
Synthetic lawns are a great solution for dog owners, as this material is safe for pets and makes your life a little bit easier. As there is no need for soil, you can avoid muddy paws in wet weather, keeping your home cleaner too.
Artificial lawns are also easy to clean, as most have good drainage systems, allowing you to simply wash away any waste or debris from your pets.
5. Still Sustainable
While artificial lawns do not improve air quality like real grass, they can still be a sustainable option. Many artificial lawns are made using recycled materials, so there is no additional damage to the planet when choosing this material for your garden.
Likewise, as there is no need to feed or water artificial grass you are helping the environment by removing harmful chemicals and excessive water usage from your routine.
The Cons Of Artificial Grass
Although there are many benefits of artificial lawns, especially when choosing between real or artificial grass, there are some disadvantages that you need to consider. Artificial grass aims to make things easier for you to manage, but these cons may hinder this:
- Higher Upfront Costs: Although the ongoing maintenance costs of artificial grass is low, the upfront cost for installation and supply can be quite high, especially when compared to real grass.
- Traps Heat: Artificial grass is suitable for pets and small children, but you may need to be extra careful during the mid-day heat as it retains heat. This can make it uncomfortable underfoot, especially during the hottest temperature.
- Limited Lifespan: Where real grass can last a lifetime with the right care, artificial lawns will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. In most cases, you can experience 10 to 15 years of use of artificial grass before it becomes worn.
What Should I Choose: Real Or Artifical Grass?
Choosing real or artificial grass is ultimately a personal decision, as the best solution for you will vary based on your needs, lifestyle and budget. For example, if you are running a busy family home and do not have time for gardening, but still want to enjoy the outdoors, then artificial grass is going to be your best option. However, if you have a smaller budget but are looking to create a welcoming outdoor space for friends and family, then real grass is the better choice.
This is why you need to carefully consider your needs and preferences before making any decisions regarding your garden. Speak to your family, consider reviews and consult professionals like our team to determine which kind of grass is going to be the best asset in your garden.
At Health Landscapes & Garden Design, we offer both real and artificial turfing allowing us to work with all requirements. We can create the perfect garden for your home and lifestyle, ensuring there is plenty of room for entertaining, relaxing and playing as you desire.
Make The Best Decision: Contact Us Today
If you are still unsure about your choice of real or artificial grass or need some additional landscaping help, we can help. Contact the team today to learn more or request a consultation and allow us to deliver the care your landscape deserves.
