As a nation, it’s official; we’re obsessed with our gardens and, in particular, our lawns. If you’re one for keeping up with the Joneses and are continually chasing after the perfectly cut, green, weed-free lawn, an artificial alternative could be just what you’re looking for.
Once considered unaffordable and even a bit tacky, the quality of artificial lawns has improved dramatically over the last few years and is now a booming market. No longer does it fade and flake after one summer, and instead, we are now choosing it over traditional turf for their gardens that are continuing to become an extension of our living spaces.
So why are more of us opting for artificial grass lawns?
1. It will save you money
Traditional turf might be more cost-effective to lay, but artificial grass wins every time when it comes to upkeep costs. Watering the average-sized garden lawn during long hot summers can end up costing homeowners around £1 extra per week. On top of this, if you are keen to keep your lawn in tip-top condition, a lawn care service could cost anywhere between £30-£120 per month! Whereas, in comparison, the cost of maintaining your artificial lawn is zero!
2. You’ll have an immaculate green lawn all year round
One of the number one reasons families choose to install artificial lawns in their garden is because it looks great, and not just during the summer, you can enjoy a gorgeously green lawn all year round. Whether your garden is shady or in full sun, you won’t ever have to worry about a patchy lawn again.
3. They are low maintenance
Anyone who has a traditional turf lawn will understand how much upkeep is involved in ensuring it looks great all year round. Particularly during the spring and summer months, homeowners find their weekends are filled up with not only mowing their lawn but also watering, feeding it with fertiliser, controlling moss and overseeding bare patches. In comparison, with an artificial lawn, you can spend your weekend exactly how you want and put your feet up.
4. Durability is an artificial grass lawn’s middle name
When it comes to durability, artificial lawns win hands down. With an average lifespan of up to 20 years, artificial turf is incredibly robust, no matter how many football matches take place in your garden. Because it’s completely weatherproof, you also won’t worry about it becoming waterlogged during the winter months.
5. Wave goodbye to weeds
Traditional lawns can look amazing until the weeds begin to grow. Notoriously tricky to control, nobody wants to spend their weekend battling against thistles and dandelions. Because artificial lawns are laid with a protective membrane, there is no chance of weeds getting through and spoiling the look of your garden.
6. Safe for children
If your garden also doubles up as a playground for your children, you are going to love artificial grass. Slightly cushioned, there will be fewer tears if they fall over, and a nicely levelled ground will make your garden a lot safer for kids to race around. There is also no risk of hidden sharp stones that could cause an injury.
7. Dogs love artificial grass lawns too
You might think that dogs and cats would take a dislike to an artificial lawn, but in fact, it makes the ideal play area for them that is not only durable against their digging antics, but it’s also very hygienic. No more will you need to worry about patchy yellow lawns from dog mess. Simply pick it up and wash down your lawn with soap and water.
8. Save on water
We all need to be conscious about saving water, and in a country where summer hosepipe bans are not uncommon, you can rest assured that you will be helping the planet by saving on watering your lawn when you choose to go artificial.
9. Say no to harmful pesticides
Another significant environmental impact of having a traditional turf lawn is the harmful pesticides that are used to treat moss and weeds. These chemicals have a severe impact on the environment but are also incredibly dangerous to animals and humans, making them completely unsuitable if you have children and pets. By choosing to lay an artificial lawn, you will be doing your bit to reduce the use of pesticides and contributing to their decline in sales.
10. No need for expensive garden tools
With an artificial lawn, you can wave goodbye to the lawnmower and the array of other tools used to maintain its condition, from edging cutters to aerators. Petrol lawnmowers can cost anywhere from £200 up to an eyewatering £3,000! You’ll save some serious pennies without the need for all this extra machinery, and you’ll have tons more space in your shed.
11. Aids mobility
For your loved ones who suffer from a loss of mobility, artificial lawns are ideal. Well suited for wheelchairs and walking aids, they are made level during installation for easy manoeuvrability. Also suitable in wet conditions, unlike traditional turf lawns, they will not get churned up and become muddy with wheelchair use.
12. Ideal for allergy sufferers
An allergy to grass is common for many of us, especially those who suffer from hay fever. Symptoms include persistent sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose and skin rashes. With the installation of an artificial lawn, all of these symptoms will be alleviated without the constant need for antihistamines.
13. Hundreds of choices available
With the demand for artificial grass lawns increasing, there is an ever-growing catalogue of styles for you to choose from. You can now select your perfect lawn based on various natural shades, depth of pile in varying lengths, and a choice of fibres from straight to curly for a natural look and comforting feel.
14. Stop mud in its tracks
Spending time in the garden is excellent, but during wet weather, mud becomes our enemy. When you choose to install an artificial grass lawn, you can relax and forget about muddy boots being brought into your house. Thanks to the protective layer it forms above the soil, mud can stay put where it’s meant to be, in the garden!
15. Worry-free while you’re away from home
Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you return home from a week away to discover your lawn has turned an unsightly shade of yellowish-brown during a dry spell? With no watering requirements needed, you can rest assured that your artificial lawn will remain exactly how you left it, no matter what the weather brings.
However, when it comes to artificial grass lawns, it’s not always a bed of roses. Although they are marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional turf lawns, for those of you who are climate-conscious and want to encourage more wildlife into your garden, you may want to learn a little more about the downsides of artificial grass lawns.
1. Expensive to install over natural turf
Artificial lawns may look great instantly, but there is a cost that comes with the installation. On average artificial grass costs between £45-60 per m2. This isn’t so bad if you only have a small area you want to cover, but if you’re looking at installing it into a garden of 30m2, you can expect an initial hefty outlay of up to £1,800.
2. No freshly cut grass smell
If you associate a sunny summer’s afternoon with the smell of freshly cut grass, then sadly, installing an artificial lawn in your garden is not going to be an option for you.
3. Its production isn’t ideal for the environment
Despite artificial grass being marketed as an eco-friendly choice over traditional turf lawns, the production of plastic grass has been criticised for the environmental impact of its production. This includes the raw materials used, its contributions to microplastics and how artificial grass is recycled once it comes to the end of its shelf life in 10-20 years.
4. Not insect-friendly
In recent years, the phrase ‘rewilding our green spaces’ has become commonplace as more of us are encouraging wildlife back into our gardens. The issue you will encounter with artificial lawns and wildlife is that it acts as a barrier to the soil, making it impossible for both burrowing insects and soil dwellers to share your garden with you and contribute to a diverse habitat.
5. Not plant friendly
Despite enjoying a weed-free garden when you install an artificial lawn, it also has no climate benefits, and you will ultimately be irradicating your garden of all living plants. If you would rather contribute positively to the environment, you may prefer to plant a wildflower-rich turf that requires minimal maintenance, will encourage a variety of insect species into your garden, and it looks beautiful too.
Ultimately, when designing your garden, you need to choose what’s suitable for you and your family, whether that’s an artificial lawn, a traditional lawn, or something different altogether.
We all need to spend more time enjoying the outdoors for both our physical and mental wellbeing, and if installing an artificial lawn in your garden helps you and your family enjoy your outside space, great!
Are you thinking of putting your home on the market?
We specialise in helping you get more for your property. Quicker, easier and with less stress.
You can call us any time on 0333 016 5458 where we can provide help, guidance and support.
Instant valuation – get a free 32-page instant valuation report here
Video appointment – book a free, no-obligation 30-minute advice meeting with one of our experts here
Ready to instruct us? – locate and sign your agreement here