Artificial Grass Pros & Cons

Owning a home comes with countless decisions that need to be made: from the colours on the walls to what type of grass to install in the yard—real or artificial.

There are positives and negatives to both, and plenty of great reasons to choose either. That’s why it’s important to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of artificial grass vs real grass and turf. Here, we’ll go through the main differences between real and fake grass, to help you make the best choice for your yard.

What is Artificial Grass Made From?

The first thing to note when talking about artificial grass is that there are a few different fabrications available, with the following being the two most common types in Australian homes:

• Polyethylene (PE): This is a popular material used for outdoor applications, as it offers a good balance between durability and cost. PE blades are made by weaving together plastic threads to make a kind of ‘fabric’, which can vary depending on the thickness required.
• Polypropylene (PP): PP blades are made from plastic polymers, so they have a similar look and feel to natural grass. These blades can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. PP blades are generally more resilient than PE, making them great for areas with heavy traffic, and ideal for households where children and pets play outside.

The Benefits of Artificial Grass

There are a few positives to having a fake lawn. These include:

Low Maintenance

An artificial lawn doesn’t need to be watered, mowed, weeded, or fertilised like a real one. So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain garden that still looks lush enough to impress your guests when they come over, then artificial grass might be the perfect solution. This can also mean less money spent on lawn maintenance.

That being said, you should note that artificial lawns still need some attention; weekly rinsing to remove dust and dirt, and a sweep every so often. Make sure to sweep against the grain to help the blades stay in an upright position, and while you’re at it, keep an eye out for any weeds popping up around the perimeter.

Instantly enjoyable

When laying real turf, you’ll generally need to wait a few weeks before you can enjoy it. This time is even longer for grass that’s seeded. Artificial grass, on the other hand, can be walked on from day one. This makes it ideal for those who have kids or pets that are eager to get out and enjoy the new yard.

However, make sure you either bring in the professionals or carefully follow your supplier’s instructions to ensure it is safe for walking on before allowing any pets or children onto it.

Versatility

Since a fake lawn doesn’t need sunshine and rain to grow, it can be installed both outside and indoors. This can make it a great option for placing under covered patios or other areas that don’t get sunlight, where you’d still like a little greenery. 

Allergy-friendly

Households that deal with allergies will get a lot of relief from choosing fake turf over real grass, as they won’t have to deal with the levels of pollen exposure found in natural gardens.

Hardwearing

Artificial grass can be quite tough. While real grass is susceptible to pests, weeds, and drought, synthetic grass doesn’t share these issues. Artificial turf can also be great for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic—whether this is kids playing games and roughhousing, regular barbecues and social gatherings, or pets running about. Those that like entertaining and spending time outdoors might be tempted towards an artificial lawn in favour of real turf for these reasons alone.

With that in mind, now it’s time to consider the disadvantages of artificial grass.

The Negatives of Artificial Grass 

Environmental impact

There are a few environmental downsides to artificial grass;

As fake lawns don’t grow from the soil, there will generally be less wildlife attracted to your garden. Not only is this bad for homeowners who enjoy watching the wildlife around their gardens, it can also have a severe impact on the property’s long-term microclimate, as oxygen flow to the soil is limited as long as the fake grass is there.

Artificial grasses are usually made from synthetic materials and plastics. Their creation and installation alone leads to large increases in plastic usage and waste, as well as further waste each time the lawn needs repair or replacement. 

Cost

While you might be saving money on maintenance costs, artificial grass tends to be more expensive to purchase and install than a natural lawn. An artificial lawn can last a long time, but it will usually cost more per square metre than natural turf. It will also generally require a professional to assist with the install in order to get it smooth and ripple-free, whereas real grass can be DIY-reseeded.

Life cycle

As an extension of the cost cons of artificial turf, its longevity is also worth considering. Some fake lawns can last as long as 25 years, but many supplier warranties run out after 10, so if it needs to be replaced earlier than expected, this is another significant cost.

Unrealistic feel 

A real lawn has a soft, natural feel underfoot. This is difficult to replicate with synthetic turf, as the blades are man-made. Some people may not like the look or feel of a fake lawn, instead preferring a more natural option. A fake lawn can look very uniform and even, and may be a bit of an acquired taste. Even with fake grass that looks real, the feel can often give it away.

Easily warmed surface

A major downside of artificial grass, particularly in the hot Australian summer, is its ability to warm up and hold heat. Under the sun, fake grass can quickly reach temperatures capable of causing surface burns to skin within seconds of contact. With fake grass on the lawn, barefoot explorers and pets may not be able to make the most of the yard on hot, sunny days.

The radiant heat produced by artificial grass is another issue. This is where the grass holds the heat so well, it actually raises the temperature of the surrounding environment, making hot days even more uncomfortable.

Manufacturers are, however, beginning to find ways around the heat problems associated with fake grass. Some are now produced with cooler yarns that use infrared-reflective pigments to prevent the heat and radiation from being absorbed in the first place. There are also cooling infills available that store water and release it through evaporative technology to cool things down as the surface temperature rises.

The Real Lawn Pros

Weighing out the differences between fake grass and turf can be tricky, but maintaining a thriving lawn and yard with Jim’s Mowing isn’t. Our expert gardeners can help you keep on top of all your outdoor chores, from basic mowing and pruning to aeration, gutter cleaning, and even landscaping. If you want a hand keeping your natural lawn in tip-top shape, contact your local Jim’s Mowing franchise today.