NATURAL TURF LAWNS

IS NATURAL TURF RIGHT FOR YOUR GARDEN?

Nothing is better in a garden than a real lawn in top condition. It is the traditional focal point of a garden.

When choosing the type of lawn to lay in a garden it’s vital to first consider how it is intended to be used. There are two main options; natural turf and artificial grass. Is the planned lawn going to be used as a play area for children? As a play area for pets? A socialising and recreation area for your family? Perhaps it will rarely be used at all and it simply needs to look fantastic at all times.

Next, consider whether the time, desire and capability involved in keeping a natural turf lawn trim and tidy is an obligation which can be met. If not, is the disposable income needed to pay a local gardener a realistic option?

Real turf lawns not only require patience and care work, repair work and general maintenance, they also need the right conditions to thrive - with the right balance of direct sun, natural light and shade. Are those conditions available in the garden? Well laid and knowledgablely cared for natural turf has several advantages over artifical grass. But there are also a number of drawbacks. Let's look at some of these issues in a bit more detail.

Natural Turf Maintenance

Both real grass and artificial grass require maintenance. But there is a big difference in the time, effort and expertise involved in doing so.

Artificial grass on the other hand requires significantly less care and attention, but some upkeep is needed nonetheless; such as regular brushing and occasional cleaning.

The Comfort Of Natural Turf

Both natural turf and artificial grass are comfortable to use; whether that be sitting, laying or playing.

The Durability Of Natural Turf

Looked after properly, real grass is a wondrous plant which provides the perfect, natural, soft surface for most people and most gardens - and can last a very long time. It is difficult to attribute an exact lifespan as it is dependent on so many factors.

Artificial grass, on the other hand, is particularly durable with basic maintenance and can last for 15-20 years, typically being resistant of UV damage for for 8-10 years.

The Impact Of Natural Turf On The Environment

Natural grass can require the use of fertiliser, pesticides and weed killer - none of which are ideal for our environment. Similarly, lawns are likely to require hydration during summer months. Cutting grass, especially with a petrol or diesel driven lawnmower is not friendly to our environment.

Artificial grass is produced in factories which produce carbon emissions, but on balance, it is believed that it is a more environmentally friendly lawn solution for small to medium sized domestic gardens. There are environmental consequences to both options, but there are practical and thoughtful solutions to overcome most of these.

The Appearance Of Natural Turf

Quality, real turf can in time, with the right installation, conditions and care look and feel fantastic.

Artificial grass has an instant visual impact and can be used straight away; an impact it showcases all year round, in all types of weather, regardless of how it is used by adults, kids and pets alike. However, artificial grass has the added benefit of versatility to be laid almost as a carpet on any existing flat, solid surface such as decking, patios and concrete yards.

The Cost Of Natural Turf

The initial cost of buying and installing natural turfis lower than artificial grass. That said, in the medium to long term, real grass will require additional expenditure for its care and maintenance.

This includes regular mowing using a machine which needs to be bought, maintained and potentially replaced (or the cost of paying a gardener), plus the cost of water, weed killer, pesticides and other solutions to keep it in good shape. So in the medium to long term, it is likely that artificial grass will prove to be more cost effective than real turf.