Real Vs Artificial Lawns: Which is Best?

Choosing between real and synthetic, aka artificial, lawns involves carefully weighing up the pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, i.e., the look of it, maintenance, environmental impact, and long-term cost.

Are you considering swapping real lawns for artificial grass for your next real estate project? There are many reasons to do it and some for not doing it.

This article weighs up the pros and cons of both so you can decide which is best for your tastes and situation.

1. Aesthetics

Let’s start with aesthetics – at your place, which would look better – real or synthetic lawns?

Real lawns offer a natural and organic look (hardly surprising, given that they are natural and organic). When they’re in prime condition, they not only look good but feel good, too. The grass is softer than synthetic types and, therefore, much nicer to picnic on, or if you’re playing a game and fall on the grass—the real deal is much softer.

However, over time, modern synthetic lawns can look very realistic, so if the space where you want the lawn to look is just for visual impact, synthetic types can closely mimic real grass but still look artificial up close.

2. Maintenance

Real grass is much higher maintenance as it requires regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. It’s also prone to pests and diseases, which may require additional care.

Synthetic Grass is the opposite, and it wins hands-down for being low-maintenance- no mowing, watering, or fertilizing is needed. Occasional cleaning (e.g., rinsing to remove dust and debris) is sufficient, making it ideal for those wanting a hassle-free lawn.

For homeowners who hate having to take care of a real lawn, this will likely be a big selling point for the property overall.

Artificial lawns are also durable and can last many years, making them a good investment. There’s no worry about a synthetic lawn turning into a mudbath over winter or being damaged by garden furniture like it might with real turf.

On a similar note, synthetic grass always looks green and healthy, regardless of the weather, so it has a consistency that’s nearly impossible to maintain with a real lawn.

Finally, if you’ve got pets that like to do their business on your lawn, you’ll probably find cleaning up after them on an artificial lawn easier. Click here to learn more about synthetic grass and its benefits if you have a pet.

3. Environment

A real lawn also has a few environmental benefits compared to artificial grass. Having real turf in a garden can help to improve air quality and absorb rainwater, reducing runoff. It provides natural cooling, absorbs carbon dioxide, and produces oxygen. However, the good can be negated if you choose to maintain it with fertilizers, pesticides, and frequent watering.

While synthetic grass really needs no water to stay ‘alive,’ it does need a little bit to keep it clean. However, it can save resources by not needing feeding, pest control, etc.

The downside to artificial lawns is what they are made of – often non-biodegradable materials like plastic, and production and disposal have environmental implications. Plus, did you know synthetic turf can contribute to urban heat due to its tendency to absorb and retain
heat? The heat produced can be minimalized if you’re laying the lawn near trees instead of concrete or building.

Plus, while initial costs can be high, real lawns are pretty affordable to maintain over the long term, making them a hit with budget-conscious homeowners.

4. Costs

This is the real sticking point. Although it may not be apparent, real grass is likely to cost more over time, depending on your commitment to its upkeep.

Synthetic grass has a much higher upfront installation cost but lower ongoing maintenance expenses. While installation is more expensive,
synthetic lawns can last up to 15-20 years, offering potential long-term savings.

Often, homeowners renovating their outdoors before they sell their homes will keep costs to a minimum by growing grass. They will list their house for sale when it’s reached an ideal height. The upkeep of the lawn is then the next homeowner’s responsibility.

Other Factors to Consider

If you’re deciding whether to get a fake lawn or real grass for your home, what you choose is not necessarily what your family, friends, or associates want. Your lifestyle and preferences matter most.

Your Lifestyle

Artificial grass will probably make more sense if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t think you’ll have time to maintain a real lawn. The good news is you can get a landscaped lawn without needing to spend hours maintaining it.

Your Preferences

Practicalities aside, it’s also important to consider your personal preferences and what you want your garden to look like.

Do you prefer the natural look of a real lawn or the low-maintenance benefits of artificial grass? Be honest with yourself here, understanding that both options have pros and cons, and there is no “best” choice overall.

Conclusion

Real and artificial lawns both have their advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the best option, it’ll probably come down to a combination of your preferences, lifestyle, and how much money you’re willing to spend.

Artificial grass is a good choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance and durable lawn. But if you prefer a real lawn’s natural look and feel, you’ll probably think it’s worth the extra effort to maintain it.