Natural Grass Turf vs Artificial Turf: Which Is Best?

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Choosing a Lush Green Lawn Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

So, you’re looking at getting a new lawn, but do you know which type to go for? You probably think that natural grass looks nicer and, well, more natural. But on the other hand, artificial turf might be easier to maintain. So, in the end, you just want a lawn that is easy to maintain, looks great and won’t break the bank. Well, we can help you with that. 

We’re going to break down the pros and cons of both natural turf and artificial turf so you can make the best decision for your backyard. With so many turf varieties on the market, it’s hard to know what will work for you. That’s why we’ve broken it down, so you don’t have to!

Already sold on instant real grass turf? Check out our variety of warm-season instant turf lawns that are grown in Victoria and are excellent value for money. 

What’s the Difference Between Natural Turf and Artificial Grass?

The difference between natural turf and artificial grass is quite a big one. Let’s start with natural turf.

Natural turf is completely organic and is naturally safe. A natural lawn requires sunlight, nutrients and water like any other living plant. As a natural product, instant turf is environmentally friendly as it’s grown on farms and uses sustainable growing methods. In backyard applications, natural turf has been found to absorb more noise and reflect less light than artificial or synthetic turf.

Artificial turf, on the other, is just that, artificial. Also referred to as synthetic grass, artificial turf is made of polypropylene and polyethene, synthesised from ethylene. In laymen’s terms, this essentially means that it’s grass made of hard-wearing plastic. 

Often installed with a layer of rubber granules and extra sand infill, artificial (or synthetic) turf provides good shock absorbency and is mostly used for sports fields as the artificial surface offers a more controlled pitch. 

The main difference between natural and artificial (or synthetic) grass is that natural turf can last a lifetime with the proper care. On the other hand, synthetic turf will age, and the components of the artificial material will break down into microfibres, posing some serious risks if inhaled.

Maintenance

One of the main factors to consider when choosing between artificial and natural turf is the maintenance required. 

As natural turf is living, it will require much more maintenance than its fake grass counterpart. Natural grass will need to be maintained with water, fertilising, regular mowing, weed control and sunlight. However, you can buy drought-resistant instant turfs that require less water than traditional natural turfs. The payoff of this maintenance is a luscious green lawn; that’s real and lasts.

Although it may seem like synthetic grass is a set and forget option that requires little maintenance, it’s not as simple to maintain as it may appear on the surface. Artificial turf needs frequent disinfection and cleaning to avoid moss, mould, and algae on the fake grass blades. Synthetic grass can also be damaged easily with excessive wear, so patch replacements are common. Artificial grass needs to be replaced every 10 - 12 years, even with great maintenance. 

Temperature Concerns

The surface temperature of your new lawn actually plays an important role in your decision when looking at lawn options. You’ll be surprised to know that a natural lawn actually has a cooling effect as it absorbs heat and can ultimately keep your home cooler in the warmer months. In fact, studies have shown that natural grass can be almost 40 degrees cooler than synthetic grass.

Artificial grass gets scorchingly hot in the summers making it unsuitable for pets and kids to play on unless your water the plastic regularly to cool it down. This ultimately makes you have to use more water. Do you really want a lawn that will make your home hotter in the middle of summer?

The Environmental Benefits

A natural lawn wins over a synthetic lawn any day of the week in terms of eco-friendliness. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that artificial turf requires less water, which means it’s a better option for the environment. This idea is completely untrue. 

An artificial lawn will need an irrigation or sprinkler system to keep the grass temperature down, which means it will be using just as much water as a natural lawn. 

The manufacturing process of synthetic grass also has a significant carbon footprint and is produced from different plastics. Any plastic will have a negative impact on the environment due to its inability to break down, and once the artificial grass has reached its use-by date, it’ll need to go to a landfill.

Overall, an artificial lawn isn’t an eco-friendly option for your backyard. Natural turf, on the other hand, is a great option.

Natural grass improves water quality by filtering runoff and reducing soil erosion. It also reduces greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Natural turf is a living organism that is natural and doesn’t impact the environment.

Installation Cost

Probably the biggest factor you’ll consider when getting a new lawn is how much it’ll cost to install. Installing artificial grass can cost up to three times more than natural grass. In fact, artificial grass installation can cost up to $90 per square metre compared to $20 for natural turf. So you’ll want to consider that installation price along with additional maintenance costs when choosing grass type.

Natural turf is also incredibly simple to install as it’s sliced into easy to lay strips of grass that can be patched together to fit any backyard space. Once the real grass area has settled and grown together, you’ll have a perfect looking lawn. Artificial grass is also pretty easy to install, but you still may be able to see the separate installation lines if not laid correctly. 

Trust Your Local Turf Suppliers 

The answer is simple when it comes to natural grass vs artificial turf. Natural turf wins every time. Prefer natural grass? Looking for natural grass lawn that is easy to install and will last a lifetime? Check out our warm-season instant turfs, including Sir Walter Buffalo, Tif Tuf Bermuda, Eureka Premium Kikuyu and Sir Grange. Get a real lawn installed today and have a beautiful front lawn year-round.