As landscapers we are often asked to price to create lawn areas using both natural and artificial turf. However, whilst we have laid over 700 square meters of natural turf this year, we haven’t laid any artificial lawns for a while. So why is that? One product is not superior to the other, and artificial lawn has many, many benefits.
The technology using in artificial lawn has increased exponentially over the last couple of years. Alasdair, our garden designer, works with a company called ‘Perfectly Green’ https://www.perfectlygreen.co.uk/, to source the best possible products and solutions for our clients.
If you’re considering a new lawn but not sure which way to go, this is the article for you. Rather than trawling through lots of company pages to find product information Alasdair has here put together the pros and cons of each product. What you choose is very much up to your personal preference, circumstances and budget.
Budget
Maintenance
Seasons of use
Pets
Visuals
Feel
Drainage
Ecological
Cushioning
Lifetime
Aspect
Ground conditions
Garden furniture / paddling pools / rugs, etc
Roof terraces & balcony gardens
Weeds
Mess
Natural Turf
Just about the cheapest groundcover option
available
- Watering
- Regular mowing / strimming
- throughout the growing season
- Weed and feed
- Scarification
- Top dressing
- Aeration
May become damaged / muddy in Winter, when it is more likely to be wet and well-trodden
May cause damage as above, also scuffing and browning-off from urination
Will look soft, healthy and genuine but only if well-maintained
Genuine
Free-draining, and takes up some water
Supports wildlife
Naturally cushioning underfoot and for trips and falls
Indefinite with proper maintenance
Difficult to grow in deep shade
Requires topsoil
Will dent under load and brown-off if kept under shade
Potentially requires structural
reinforcement and level changes
Will need treating
Mud and cuttings can be transferred to
paved areas / inside house
Artificial Turf
This is a comparatively expensive option to natural turf, as you will need a premium product and for it to be laid properly on prepared ground. However, it’s worth considering that significant savings will be made in the long term on maintenance and time
- Occasionally lift pile with a stiff brush
- Occasionally blow off leaves, sticks etc
Fine to use throughout the year provided it has been laid on an appropriate base
Permeable and resistant to scuffing and urine if washed down regularly
Always green
Will look consistent but not natural
Soft
Free-draining and permeable
Doesn’t require watering
Cushioning and shock absorbing underlay available for critical fall heights of up to 3m
Generally guaranteed for at least 8 years, with expected lifespan of approximately 15-20 years
Suits any aspect
Can be laid on poor ground and even over concrete or existing paving
Unaffected
Can be laid directly on existing surfaces
Weed proof
No mess
