Artificial Grass vs Turf Lawns: What’s Right for Your Garden?

Your garden is an important part of your home. Whether you want to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the fresh air, a well-maintained lawn is essential. But with so many options available, choosing between turf and artificial grass can be overwhelming.

artificial grass vs turf lawns

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both turf and artificial lawns, tackling important factors like cost, maintenance, and environmental impact. By the end, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Factors to consider when comparing artificial grass and turf lawns

There are plenty of things to consider when deciding between turf or an artificial lawn for your garden:

Lifestyle and usage

  • Foot traffic: Will your garden experience heavy foot traffic?
  • Pets: Are there pets and other animal visitors in your garden regularly?
  • Entertaining: Do you frequently host outdoor gatherings and require a durable surface?

Style and touch

  • Style: Would a modern and contemporary appearance fit best with the style of your house and garden, or would a more traditional turf solution work best?
  • Appearance: Do you prefer a natural look, or are you looking for an alternative style and colour?
  • Texture: Do you prefer the natural feel and texture of real grass, or are you open to exploring artificial grass as an option (which can be soft or firm to meet your preference)

Maintenance

  • Time: How much time can you commit to regular care for your garden?
  • Cost: What is your overall budget to cover the up-front costs and any ongoing maintenance?

Terrain and conditions

  • Terrain: Does your garden have hilly or uneven surfaces, or is it mostly level?
  • Drainage: Does your garden have proper drainage in place to prevent waterlogging?
  • Light: Does your garden benefit from enough sunlight to ensure good growth and avoid moss and other issues caused by light of direct sunlight?

 

Turf lawns

Natural turf lawn | Garden lawn

Once a status symbol of only the very wealthy, turf lawns have long been a popular choice for Scottish homes. A natural turf lawn offers a lush green space that enhances the appeal of any property.

The 2021 UK census found that 87% of UK households have a garden, and around 80% of those gardens are turfed.

The most common types of grass in UK lawns are perennial ryegrass, red fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Advantages of a turf lawn

Aesthetic appeal

  • Natural beauty: Turf lawns provide an immediate, lush, green appearance, transforming your garden instantly
  • Classic style: Grass lawns offer a classic, natural look that complements most garden styles
  • Improved curb appeal: A well-maintained turf lawn can significantly enhance the value and appeal of your home

shaped natural turn lawn

Environmental benefits

  • Oxygen production: Grass lawns absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to cleaner air
  • Erosion control: Turf lawns help prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes
  • Biodiversity: Grass lawns can support a variety of insects, birds, and small mammals

sloping turf lawn | natural grass lawn

Functional benefits

  • Outdoor activities: Turf lawns provide a soft, comfortable surface for various activities, such as playing with your pets or children, picnicking, or sunbathing when we’re graced with a bit of Scottish sun
  • Noise reduction: Turf lawns can absorb noise pollution, creating a quieter outdoor space

shaped turf lawn | tegula kerb edge

Health benefits

  • Mental well-being: Spending time among nature, including within your own garden, has been linked to improved mental health and stress reduction
  • Physical activity: A lawn encourages outdoor activities, promoting physical fitness and overall health

sensory garden lawn | natural grass

Disadvantages of a turf lawn

Maintenance requirements

  • Time-consuming: Maintaining a healthy turf lawn requires regular lawnmowing, watering during the summer, and weed control
  • Labour-intensive: Tasks like garden and lawn edging and reseeding can be physically demanding
  • Costly: The ongoing costs of maintaining a turf lawn, including equipment, supplies, and potential professional services, can add up

Vulnerability to damage

  • Foot traffic: High-traffic areas can wear down turf, leading to bare patches and erosion
  • Animals: Dogs, cats, other pets, and other animals can damage turf lawns with digging, urination, and defecation
  • Diseases and pests: Turf lawns are susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can require treatment and potentially harm the environment
  • Weeds: Weeds pose a significant threat to the health and appearance of turf lawns, competing with grass for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, and often winning

Seasonal variations

  • Winter dormancy: Turf lawns become dormant during the long Scottish winters, losing their green colour and vitality
  • Summer stress: Even in our typically wet climate, dry spells during the summertime can stress turf lawns, leading to browning

 

Artificial grass

astroturf lawn | garden lawns

Artificial grass is one of the fastest-growing garden trends in the UK today, but its history dates back to the 1960s. This synthetic turf has evolved from a durable sports surface to a popular landscaping material.

A fifth of UK homeowners have already replaced or plan to switch their natural lawn with artificial grass, and a further fifth would consider making the swap. (Source: Aviva)

Artificial grass yarn is the fundamental component of artificial turf. It’s the material that simulates real grass blades, giving artificial turf its appearance and texture. The choice of yarn significantly impacts the quality, durability, and appearance of artificial grass.

The piles that make up artificial grass are available in a wide range of grades and varying lengths and thicknesses, making it adaptable for different uses and style preferences, customising for everything from durability and softness to aesthetic appeal.

Advantages of artificial grass

Low Maintenance

  • No lawnmower required: Say goodbye to weekends spent pushing a lawnmower across your grass – artificial grass requires no cutting and minimal maintenance
  • No watering: Save time and water by eliminating the need for watering

Durability

  • Weather resistance: Artificial grass is designed to withstand the sometimes harsh Scottish weather conditions, including rain, snow, and frost
  • Foot traffic: It can handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for families with children or pets
  • Long lifespan: With proper care, artificial grass can last for many years

large artificial lawn

Aesthetic appeal

  • Consistent appearance: Enjoy a lush, green lawn all year round without worrying about seasonal browning or patchy areas
  • Customisation options: Choose from a variety of colours, textures, and pile heights to match your desired aesthetic
  • Weed-free: Say goodbye to weeds and enjoy a clean, tidy lawn

landscaping with artificial grass

Increased property value

  • Visual appeal: A well-maintained artificial lawn can enhance the overall appeal of your home
  • Potential return on investment: The increased property value can offset the initial cost of installation

Disadvantages of artificial grass

Initial cost

  • Artificial lawns can be more expensive upfront compared to natural grass, especially for larger areas

Environmental impact

  • Some artificial grass materials may contain harmful chemicals or plastics, and the manufacturing process can have environmental implications

Lack of natural feel

  • Artificial grass may not provide the same soft, natural feel underfoot as real grass
  • Artificial turf can absorb heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on when we get a bit of heat in the summer

Limited ecological benefits

  • Unlike natural grass, artificial lawns may not support biodiversity or provide habitats for insects and other wildlife

Maintenance requirements

  • Although the maintenance requirements are much lower than those of a natural grass lawn, artificial lawns still require some maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional brushing

So what’s right for your garden? Artificial grass or a turf lawn

If you’re still not sure, use our handy at-a-glance guide before to weigh up the two options. We have given each option a score out of five. You may wish to give each option your own score.

Artificial grassTurf lawn
Up-front cost★★☆☆☆★★★★☆
Ongoing cost★★★★★★★★☆☆
Maintenance★★★★☆★★☆☆☆
Traditional Style★★☆☆☆★★★★★
Contemporary Style★★★★★★★★☆☆
Comfort and feel★★★☆☆★★★★★
Environment★★★☆☆★★★★☆
Terrain and conditions★★★★☆★★★☆☆
Lifestyle and usage★★★★☆★★★★☆
Total★★★★☆★★★★☆

Both artificial grass and turf lawns offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for your garden ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

comparing artificial grass vs turf lawns

 

Can’t decide? Need some expert advice on artificial grass vs turf lawns?

If you need an expert perspective on how best to transform your garden with either an artificial lawn or natural turfing and grass seed, simply contact our team for some friendly help and advice.

Our professional landscaping designers will use their many years of experience to deliver valuable insights and recommendations to help you make the right decision.

Ultimately, the best lawn for your garden is the one that brings you joy and enhances your outdoor living experience.