Artificial Grass vs. Natural Grass: The Smart, Low-Maintenance Choice for UK Homes

We all want our outside space to be a place where we can relax, enjoy, and be proud of. And when it comes to artificial grass vs natural grass, choosing faux turf over real grass can bring multiple benefits, particularly if you’re looking for a low-maintenance outdoor flooring solution which looks green and inviting in any season.

Artificial lawns are the ideal easy-to-maintain, ultra-practical grass for small gardens. Synthetic grass creates a modern outdoor space which looks great all year round and never needs watering, mowing, or re-seeding. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking a low-maintenance landscaping solution, a first time buyer or landlord, this article will look at the advantages of artificial grass vs natural grass, and consider the aesthetics, convenience, and budget-friendly benefits that faux turf can give to any garden, balcony or outside space, no matter what the weather brings.

What First-Time Buyers Need to Know About Lawn Choices

If you’ve recently bought your first home, you’ll no doubt have grand plans when it comes to decorating and making it your own. It’s great if you have your own garden, too, but having to mow and fertilise a lawn may be pretty far down your to-do list, and looking after real grass can be time-consuming for busy lifestyles. In fact, a recent survey showed over 40% of new UK homeowners prefer low-maintenance garden solutions, which is where artificial grass comes in.

If you’re looking for small garden grass ideas, artificial lawns can provide a stylish solution which needs next to no maintenance and is extremely versatile when it comes to landscaping. If you’ve got shady spots, stony soil, or an area prone to insect attacks, real grass can look patchy after a while, and following freezing weather, drought, or flooding, courtesy of the great British weather, your lawn can start to look rather miserable. Artificial grass is the perfect choice, as it looks stylish in all seasons and is simple to maintain.

Cost and Time Commitment Comparison

Artificial grass is built to last, and can maintain its looks and performance for around 15-20 years, while natural lawns require re-seeding, watering, and fertilising every year. UK homeowners spend an average of £150-£300 annually on natural lawn upkeep (including mowing, fertilising and watering), whereas artificial grass requires zero mowing and watering, making it an ideal choice for very wet, very dry, or unpredictable weather.

Once laid, artificial grass needs very little maintenance, making it a long-term cost-effective lawn solution for UK gardens. As well as luxury grass for higher end budgets and/or smaller spaces, Grass247 also stock a wide range of budget-friendly artificial grass options for cost-conscious buyers, which look beautifully realistic and never need mowing again.

Why Maintenance is a Big Deal for New Homeowners

Busy households with families, pets, demanding jobs, and other responsibilities may struggle to find time to maintain a real lawn. With the invention of modern artificial grass, why bother? It can be used all year round, it’s great for new homeowners and families, and it can open up a world of inspiring garden ideas for small spaces, as it can be laid in places where real grass won’t grow. Browse our customer gallery for inspiration on how to transform your outside space and reduce lawn maintenance to a minimum.

No Mowing = More Usable Outdoor Space

When it comes to low-maintenance lawn options, artificial grass cannot be beaten. With no more seeding, trimming or feeding, you can say goodbye to your mower, grass seed spreader, and fertilisers, freeing up space in your shed, garage, or outside storage area. The edges will never need cutting again, and all of the lawn can be enjoyed, year round, without the risk of damage, muddy patches, or insect attacks which can render real grass unusable.

Great for Balconies, Courtyards, and Compact Gardens

The best grass for British weather is the hardiest, and one which can withstand extreme cold in the winter, through to flooding, drought, and searing heat in summer. Hose pipe bans can be a problem for homes with real grass, but artificial grass maintains its vibrant looks in every season. In fact, it’s so versatile that it can be laid on balconies, roof terraces, courtyards, or even over old patios or decking. If you’re looking to revamp your outside space or opt for an easy garden makeover, speak to our team today for our product recommendations, which always come with our lowest price guarantee.

No Mud, No Mess, and Always Green

Pet and child-friendly faux grass can be the best lawn alternative for UK homes, as it’s soft underfoot, ultra durable, and can look highly realistic without the effort to maintain it. With real lawns, muddy footprints and paw prints from digging and playing outdoors can be a real pain, but our synthetic solutions mean no more mess. Say goodbye to muddy puddles ruining your lawn, and hello to year-round greenery so vibrant it could rival Wembley stripes.

Drainage and Durability in Rainy Conditions

One of the benefits of artificial grass in wet weather is that, when installed with the recommended drainage system, it can help prevent water pooling during downpours. This helps to reduce the muddiness that real lawns can have, as well as help to prevent flooding. Browse our accessories for easy DIY installation and preparation, which can help your lawn look its best for even longer.

Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investment

If you’re looking at the costs involved with artificial grass vs natural grass, it can vary depending on your choice of product, lawn size, and maintenance requirements, but generally – once laid – the upkeep time and costs of an artificial lawn will be minimal.

Upfront Costs: Natural vs Artificial

Although real grass can be cheaper to install initially, there are longer term costs associated with the upkeep of a natural lawn. You’ll need to buy a mower, edge trimmer, seeds to patch it up, a spreader, fertiliser, hose pipe and/or sprinkler, plus other accessories to keep it looking its best. Artificial lawn requires a higher cost to install, but these costs may be offset over time due to its simple maintenance and lack of need to mow, feed, or water it.

Lifetime Maintenance Costs

The reason why artificial grass is one of the most popular low-maintenance lawn options is because it maintains its looks throughout the seasons, and needs very little care and attention apart from sweeping it to keep its shape, and removing leaves and detritus just like you would any outdoor area. Time is money, as they say, so if you’re looking for a UK lawn maintenance comparison for artificial grass vs natural grass, the average UK homeowner spends 60+ hours per year on lawn maintenance, and needs to mow their grass every 7-10 days in spring/summer. If you opt for artificial instead, just think of what you could do with all that spare time!

Added Value for Property Resale

Due to its convenience, striking aesthetics, and all seasons curb appeal, artificial grass can potentially add value to your property, as it’s a definite plus point for many would-be buyers and tenants. It’s worth seeking advice from your local estate agent if you’re thinking of adding artificial grass in order to boost your property resale value, but certainly for first-time buyers, small outdoor spaces, pensioners, and pet owners, artificial grass could add value thanks to its low-maintenance upkeep.

Who Artificial Grass is Best Suited For

Although artificial grass is suitable for all homes, it’s most popular with:

• Busy homeowners
  
• Retirees
  
• Working professionals
  
• Sports enthusiasts
  
• First-time buyers
  
• Families
  
• Landlords
  
• Pet owners
  
• Homes with small gardens

Durable and versatile artificial lawns are ideal for first-time buyers, retirees, families, and dog owners, and they provide simple solutions for small garden grass ideas. It’s great for budget-friendly garden upgrades, creative landscaping, and giving a shady spot or play area a simple yet striking makeover. It can offer the perfect surface for practicing sports outside, and creating dedicated spaces for pets, eating seating, and year-round leisure. For those who want an easy to maintain outdoor space, an artificial lawn could be the answer.

Our Top Picks for Low-Maintenance Artificial Grass

We understand that comparing artificial grass vs natural grass can be a little confusing, but at Grass247 our expert team is here to help. If you’re after a beautiful, realistic lawn that you’ll never need to mow, try our Daisy or Stamford ranges, which boast a C-Shaped yarn for a natural, realistic look with a springy feel underfoot. Or, if you're looking for a budget option that will look great all year round, take a look at the Yewvista range, which adds a fantastic, lifelike aesthetic with a multi-tonal pile that is purse-friendly. Order your samples today to see just how realistic your artificial lawn can look, without all the upkeep that real grass brings.