Artificial grass comes up as a consideration for clients every so often. We understand why it’s got some appeal but want to make sure you know what’s really involved so that you can make an informed decision. In some North facing or small gardens, artificial grass can be a tempting, quick-fix option but there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
Why not choose artificial grass?
Artificial grass can look green and neat, but it’s essentially a big plastic carpet that is laid over all the wildlife and goodness in your soil, keeping them trapped beneath.
It’s not as low maintenance as you think…
You may think it’s going to be a low maintenance option and save you all that time mowing the lawn, but it does have pretty intense maintenance needs.
Believe it or not, it will need hoovering… organic materials won’t be absorbed or rot down so you’ll have to hoover it like a carpet to keep it looking good.
It needs regular washing to keep it clean and green.
What else should you be aware of?
Friction burns on little knees and paws
It’s a heat trap in summer
It doesn’t absorb as much rain as grass
A three point polluter:
Artificial grass pollutes the planet at three points in its lifespan:
An artificial lawn of 60sqm for an average urban garden will create about 435kg CO2e of greenhouse gas emissions through the plastic manufacturing process.
When in situ, microplastics in the grass and rubber underlay break down and enter the food chain.
It has a limited lifespan of 10 to 20 years, will break down and need replacing. It may claim to be recyclable but very few centres want to take it.
As you can see – we’re not big fans of artificial grass!
What to do about scruffy grass or difficult conditions?
Perhaps your garden is North facing, with poor soil or in shade? This is a situation many clients find themselves in and I can tell you there are so many design solutions that can work well instead of resorting to artificial grass.
Go for the right grass for your garden…
The right type of grass seed for your garden and soil makes a big difference
Get support from a local lawn expert who can feed it and keep it looking great
Invest in a robo mower – which will save you time and actually nourish your lawn by leaving small amounts of organic matter behind
Or - go grass free
There are also so many great alternatives to grass if it really doesn’t work in your outside space, from creating a gravel or courtyard garden with paving and planting areas, to a zen-like, more modern space with interesting use of textured planting. You can still enjoy lots of trees and plants, and the wildlife that inhabit them, without a lawn.
No grass and kids?
You might think that a garden needs to have grass for children to play on, but paving with areas of planting can be great for children who can whizz about on ride-on toys, go for bug hunts and still dig around and get a sense of nature.
Check out this Before and After - artificial grass is removed. Trees, plants and pathways are added! This is a Laura's Gardens client who used our Consultation Pack service to build their own garden.
If you are thinking of resorting to artificial grass - please don’t – get in touch with us at Laura’s Gardens. We can help you figure out the right design to suit your space and inspire you with alternatives!
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Article by Jo Edwards, Design Associate at Laura’s Gardens in Reigate and Redhill. Check out our “Garden Makeover Guide”
Learn more about Grass-Free Gardens in our blog piece The Joy of Grass-Free Gardens: Why Less Lawn Can Be More in Your Small Space
For more garden inspiration, follow Laura’s Gardens on Facebook @laurasgardensuk and Instagram @laurasgardens.
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