Artificial Grass v Real Grass

As I walk around residential areas one thing I have started to see more and more is artificial grass.

I have even seen builders put artificial grass on the nature strips in front of their show houses. (Can you still call them nature strips with artificial grass?)

Here are my thoughts on how they compare for use in the home:

Real Grass

Artificial Grass

Installation To get a good lawn requires good soil preparation whether you are going to use seed or turf. It will initially require heavy watering. Artificial grass should be laid on a level well compacted gravel bed. Following the laying of the mat a filler of rubber granules is added and brushed in.
Cost Low for seed to high for turf High
First use Can be a few weeks for turf to months for seed Immediately
Water Use 10-20L/m2 per week in summer without rain Zero
Maint’nce Weekly mowing in summer and regular edging Regular weedkill and monthly raking to keep up appearance
Repair Easy and low cost Difficult and expensive, particularly if it becomes uneven.
Suitability for sport Ok for garden putting greens Good for sports such as tennis as it’s resistant to wear
Enviro Effects Helps absorb CO2 Saves water
Look Seasonal and weather changes also watering dependant Always green
Feel Soft and cool on feet Neutral to pleasant smell Soft but Hot in direct sunlight, static can build up, and has rubbery smell*
Effect on the House Will help keep the house cool No effect
Allergies Can affect hay fever sufferers, especially when mowing No effect

* spraying with a weak solution of fabric softener will help with static and smell

As for me….. well my children have grown up and I don’t like mowing lawns so we haven’t got any lawn, just a native garden.

Which do you prefer?

2 Comments

  1. Brion

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    1. Brian Ashworth (Post author)

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      Brian

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