Real Lawns vs Artificial Lawns: Is It Worth Investing in Artificial Grass?
A lush lawn plays a huge part in creating a beautiful garden. While natural turf has been the default option for many years, more and more people are now waking up to the benefits of artificial grass.
But is it worth investing in artificial grass? Or will a real lawn still win out? We’re examining how the two match up to help you decide which is better.
Longevity
The lifespan of a real lawn can vary depending on several factors, such as soil quality, maintenance, climate and weather conditions. While a well-maintained natural lawn can last for many years to come, it only takes one dry, hot summer or an especially rainy winter to kill it off completely.
So how long does artificial grass last? With proper installation and maintenance, an artificial lawn can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. It is also specifically designed to withstand bad weather and frequent foot traffic, so it should continue to look green and healthy in virtually all conditions.
- Verdict: Artificial grass has a slight edge thanks to its durability and weather resistance.
Maintenance
Keeping your lawn looking its best can be time-consuming and requires frequent mowing, watering and fertilisation, especially during periods of bad weather. If you notice that your lawn is thinning or developing bare patches, it may also require reseeding to ensure it grows evenly again. This can be a lengthy, complex process; the soil will need to be properly prepared and aerated before the seeds are sown and it can take six to eight weeks for the grass to become properly established.
By contrast, an artificial lawn requires no mowing and minimal maintenance; simply remove any debris and give it a brush every so often to keep the blades upright.
- Verdict: Artificial grass wins out every time.
Appearance
A real lawn has a unique, natural look that can change with the seasons and offer variations in shade and textures. However, artificial lawns have improved significantly in recent years and nowadays, many of them are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. There’s also durability to consider; while the appearance of natural grass can be affected by bad weather or frequent use, artificial grass will continue to look lush and green throughout the year.
- Verdict: This is completely down to your personal preferences, so let’s call this one a draw.
Price
The price of a natural lawn can vary depending on the size of your garden, the quality of the grass and any installation costs. However, a natural lawn will usually be slightly cheaper than an artificial one, discounting ongoing maintenance costs.
The price of an artificial lawn depends on the specific product you choose. Here at Artificial Lawn Supply, we have options to suit all budgets ranging from £12.99m² to £28.95m². Check out our previous blog for more information on how much artificial grass costs.
- Verdict: While real grass will typically have a lower price upfront, artificial grass will save you money in the long run thanks to the minimal maintenance required.
Pets and children
Your garden is a great place for children and pets to get some fresh air and blow off some steam. However, with your dogs determined to dig up the grass at any opportunity and children drawn to muddy play, a real lawn is perhaps not the most practical choice.
With an artificial lawn, this isn’t a concern as the surface is resilient and can withstand any amount of rough play. You can also incorporate an impact-absorbing shockpad underlay to add extra cushioning, reduce the risk of injuries and provide peace of mind. Given that an artificial lawn will continue to look great without the need for weedkiller, it’s also much safer for children and pets as there’s no chance of ingesting any chemicals.
- Verdict: For busy family homes, artificial grass is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Is it worth investing in artificial grass?
As we’ve covered above, there are several pros and cons of artificial grass. If you live a busy life and want to ensure your lawn looks great year-round without any tiresome maintenance, artificial grass is an ideal solution. It’s also well suited to busy family homes as it provides a safe, durable surface while ensuring mud won’t be tracked through your house!
Want to know more about how an artificial lawn can benefit your home? Get in touch with Artificial Lawn Supply – we provide a comprehensive range of budget-friendly and premium products to homeowners across the country. Why not place an order online with us today?
