Real vs Artificial Grass. Which will suit you more?

This article will guide you through all you a complete review of both real grass and its artificial counterpart. We will try to help you to decide which is a better option for your backyard. We’ve gathered most of the criteria a potential buyer should take into consideration before making the final decision.

Questions you should ask yourself:

When you choose the type of lawn to lay in your garden, it’s not only about the pros and cons of artificial grass and real turf. You must ask yourself a few questions before making your choice. You should consider:

• For what purpose will you use your lawn? A children play area, a recreation area, for outdoor activities and family time, etc.?

• Does cost matter? How much can you afford to spend on materials, cost of installation and lawn upkeep?

• Will your real lawn have good enough growing conditions? Is your garden sunny or maybe shady

• Will your children play in the garden, and how often if so?

• Will you find enough time for your lawn maintenance?

What about aftercare?

It doesn’t matter if your lawn is real or fake, at the end of the day someone has to rake off all those fallen leaves. Both types of turf need maintenance, but which one is cheaper to maintain?
Real lawns need frequent mowing, watering, weeding and feeding. Some people prefer to consider it as part of general garden maintenance, and if you’re up to the task, you can save on the maintenance costs and do it yourself.
If you think that fake grass doesn’t require upkeep, you are wrong. Artificial lawn maintenance is a thing, and it includes regular brushing, scrubbing off pet messes, removing dead leaves to avoid moss, and sometimes apply additional sand-infill
Both types of turf need lawn care, so you should decide which one would be easier for you to maintain. If you choose to rely on the services of professionals, it will probably cost you the same amount of money. It’s best to decide which option is better for your garden and gardening skills.

What’s the durability of real turf and artificial lawns?

With artificial lawns you can forget about mowing, weeding and feeding and you can forget about replacing it in the next 8 to 10 years. On the other hand, no matter how durable it is, fake grass can’t repair itself, and there is little to no alternatives to replacement. The pros of artificial turf make it the perfect choice for indoor playgrounds and sports fields, and for busy people who don’t have the time to maintain a lawn.
When it comes to re-turfing, it’s easier to dig up parts of the sod and replace it with fresh and healthy patches. Artificial grass is harder to succeed, not to mention more costly sometimes.

Surface temperature and water usage

When it comes to surface temperature and heat storage, real turf has the upper hand. It’s comfortable to walk on the grass barefoot even in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest. It has an extra cooling effect and doesn’t release heat during the night. However, real grass requires the use of a lot of water to keep it lush and thick during the hot summer days.

On the other hand, artificial grass may get hot in full sun and release heat during the day and night, but it doesn’t require water to keep it thriving. These pros and cons of fake lawns make them perfect for areas with frequent rains and colder climate where real grass would always be soggy.

Environmental impact

The process of growing grass for turf rolls has a relatively low impact on the environment compared to artificial turf. It has a moderate carbon cost and requires as much watering and energy as any other plant. And since it’s an entirely organic matter, it’s decomposable, and grass clippings can you use as compost. On the other hand, since fake grass is synthetic, it has a more significant environmental effect. Its production is highly carbon costing, and it requires the use of synthetic materials, energy and water. Artificial lawns aren’t biodegradable, and if left unrecycled, they will remain in the landfill for hundreds of years.

What’s the difference in cost between real turf and artificial grass?

The first question that pops into your head when you think about re-turfing your garden is how much it’d cost you. And it’s going to be pricey, and there’s no doubt about it.

Laying real turf can be a low-cost investment if you going to buy turf in rolls and lay them without any ground preparations. It can cost you more if you improve the soil and invest in a lawn irrigation system.
Artificial grass is a perfect option for low maintenance areas, and it may seem like more cost effective investment, but it’s the other way around. Quality artificial turf can sometimes be more expensive than real grass, with the most affordable options being around £25 per square metre. And this doesn’t include the installation kit needed to pin the turf to the ground. Another thing to consider is that you’d need as much ground preparation as with lawn laying.
The answer to the question “Which is cheaper – real or artificial grass?” is that it all depends on the type of turf you pick; its quality and how much ground preparation needs to be done before laying the grass.

Strengths and weaknesses of real turf:

Weaknesses:

– Needs weekly maintenance
– Must provide proper drainage
– Can get soggy and muddy when wet
– Requires the use of weed killers and fertilizers
– The need for bald patches replacement

Strengths and weaknesses of artificial grass:

Weaknesses:

– Must be professionally installed
– Can store heat
– Not suitable for outdoor playgrounds
– Not so soft to the touch
– Can hurt more when you fall on it

So, which should I choose?

The answer to this question depends entirely on what features are most important for you and how you see your garden after the turf laying has been done. Consider the pros and cons of both types of lawns and decide which will suit best for your property. If you have any problems choosing, you can always consult with our experts and receive valuable advice.