If you’re looking to make a big change to the lawn of your garden, one of the questions you’ve probably asked is whether natural turf or artificial grass is better.
This question is always at the forefront of our customers’ minds when discussing turf options, and ultimately, it requires more nuanced thought.
Each option offers differing advantages and drawbacks. Maintenance, cost, aesthetics, and environmental impact play a role in determining the best option, but so does preference.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your garden.
Understanding the Differences Between Turf and Artificial Grass
Understanding the fundamental differences between natural turf and artificial grass is necessary before choosing the right one for you.
Natural turf or garden turf is laid as pre-grown rolls. As it is natural, it requires maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fertilising. This ensures that its aesthetics remain the same and that it stays healthy. Turf has an organic, natural look and feel.
Artificial grass, on the other hand, is synthetic and designed to replicate the appearance of real grass. Made from materials like polyethene or polypropylene, artificial grass options require significantly less maintenance than turf. Due to its artificial nature, it provides consistent, green-looking turf all year around, regardless of weather.
Pros and Cons of Natural Turf for Your Garden
Favoured by many for its natural look, eco benefits and vibrant, organic feel, natural turf has some key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of natural turf
Environmental Benefits: Turf is a natural solution that contributes to oxygen production, supports local wildlife, and helps filter air pollutants.
Natural Feel: Its soft, cool surface offers a natural, pleasant feel, making it ideal for families with children and pets.
Versatility: Turf is laid from pre-grown rolls and can be grown from various grass types. This allows you to select the best option for your area. We always make tailored recommendations to our Essex and Suffolk customers when deciding what turf best suits their property.
Cons of natural turf
High Maintenance: Like regular lawn grass, turf requires regular mowing, watering, and fertilising. Pest control can sometimes be a factor in maintaining a long-lasting appearance.
Seasonal Challenges: Depending on the location, natural turf can brown during dry spells or become muddy during intense wet weather. These require careful maintenance to work around.
Durability: High foot traffic can damage turf, requiring periodic reseeding or patching where areas have worn down.
As maintenance largely resembles a traditional lawn, natural turf can be a great option for those who value a traditional appearance with environmental benefits.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Your Garden
Rising in popularity over the last few years, artificial grass has become a go-to option for homeowners looking for something with less maintenance. Here are some of artificial grass’s advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of artificial grass
Low maintenance: Artificial grass won’t require mowing, watering, or fertilising, unlike its natural turf counterpart. This can help save time and resources.
Year-round greenery: Weather conditions have little impact on artificial turf’s overall appearance, allowing for a lush garden throughout the year.
Durability: Artificial grass is incredibly durable and can withstand high foot traffic and activities. Depending on how you and your family use your garden, this can be incredibly beneficial in the long term.
Cons of artificial grass
Environmental impact: Artificial grass is non-biodegradable and doesn’t offer the same widespread wildlife benefits as natural turf.
Upfront Cost: Typically, artificial grass installation costs more upfront than garden turf. However, the maintenance cost associated with natural alternatives can offset this.
Temperature Retention: You may find that artificial grass becomes uncomfortably hot during the summer when we get our two or three weeks of heat in the UK. This can make it difficult to enjoy and use during these months unless preparations are made to block the sun.
While artificial grass may not appeal to those looking for a truly natural-feeling garden, it is an attractive option for those looking for low maintenance without sacrificing long-term aesthetics.
Which Is Better for Kids and Pets?
You may have noticed that both options can benefit families with kids and pets. The option more suitable for you and your family will boil down to a few specific factors:
Natural Turf: Real grass provides a soft, cushioned surface that is gentle on children’s feet and offers great natural cooling during warm weather. That said, turf can quickly become muddy in wet conditions, leading to muddy footprints in the house. For pets, natural turf is a prime target for scratching and digging, which may require periodic repair.
Artificial Grass: Highly durable and pet resistant, making it a great option for active households that use their garden predominantly for activities. An additional benefit is that even with this activity, the grass stays green and mud-free, allowing children and pets to resume their activities even after rainfall. The tradeoff, however, is that it can be less comfortable to relax on, even more so during hot weather with its poor temperature regulation.
Both options are good choices for Essex and Suffolk gardens. Artificial grass offers the best bang for your buck if durability, minimal mess, and lower maintenance requirements are a focus. If you use your garden more to relax and find peace in managing and maintaining it, natural garden turf could be a good go-to.
Impact on Property Value: Turf vs. Artificial Grass
One pro/con we didn’t mention was property value. The same overall benefits should be kept in mind when considering its impact on resale value:
Natural Turf: For buyers looking for the appeal of real grass, the environmental benefits, and, overall, the “traditional” look, natural turf can significantly impact your property’s appeal. In our experience, more people prefer turf’s authentic look and feel, adding to its desirability. Couple natural turf with a professionally installed hedge, and you’ll skyrocket your property’s appeal to those interested in the natural look.
Artificial Grass: On the other hand, buyers interested in a low-maintenance option with year-round greenery may prefer artificial grass. We’ve found this is particularly the case for busy professionals or those who prefer to leverage their garden for high-impact activities and generally have less time to focus on maintenance.
If you’re considering selling in the future, it could be beneficial to assess local trends and consult with an estate agent to learn what buyers prefer in your particular area of Essex or Suffolk.
Making Your Choice of Turf
The choice between natural turf and artificial grass largely depends on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and personal aesthetics. While not noted in this post, these choices often have a greater impact on your garden’s overall aesthetic.
If you’ve spent a great deal of time investing in the look of your garden, selecting a turf option that suits your already established style could be prudent.
When it comes to organic beauty and environmental benefits, natural turf wins. However, artificial grass is the best choice for low maintenance and durability.
Whatever you decide, investing in a quality lawn can enhance your garden’s look and functionality for years to come.
Looking for a professional recommendation?
Get in touch for a free consultation regarding turf installation. Our experts can recommend which option would better suit your needs and garden and provide more information on costs, timeframes, etc.
