Lawn guide
Artificial grass vs real turf: costs and upkeep compared
Both give you a green garden, but they're very different to live with. Here's a straight comparison of real turf and artificial grass, so you can choose what suits you.
Side by side
| Real turf | Artificial grass | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, with a sub-base and installation |
| Ready to use | Light use after about three weeks | Straight away |
| Mowing | Weekly in the growing season | None |
| Other upkeep | Feeding, watering in dry spells | Brushing, rinsing, clearing leaves and weeds at edges |
| Lifespan | Lasts indefinitely with care | Needs replacing eventually |
| Summer heat | Stays cool underfoot | Can get hot in direct sun |
| Drainage | Soil absorbs rain | Relies on the base below draining |
| Wildlife | Supports worms, insects and birds | Very little |
| Pets | Natural, but urine can leave patches | Easy to clean, but needs rinsing |
Why many people choose real turf
A real lawn is living soil: it soaks up rain, stays cool in summer, smells like a garden and gives birds something to feed on. It costs less to lay, and if it gets worn in one place, it recovers or can be patched.
The trade-off is upkeep. A lawn needs mowing through the growing season and a bit of care, though a healthy, well-laid lawn is less work than people expect.
When artificial grass makes sense
In a deeply shaded yard, on a balcony or roof terrace, or where nobody can mow, artificial grass can be the practical choice. We lay real turf only, so if that's your situation it's worth getting advice from an artificial grass installer.
Thinking of switching back?
Plenty of people who put down artificial grass later want the real thing. That's very doable; read replacing artificial grass with real turf.
Common questions
Do you lay artificial grass?
No, we lay real turf only.
Is a real lawn a lot of work?
In the growing season, plan on a weekly mow and some feeding in spring and autumn. In dry spells, an established lawn usually recovers on its own once the rain comes back.