How does artificial grass compare to a real lawn on cost?
Artificial grass costs £60 to £100 per square metre installed in the UK, including ground preparation, a compacted aggregate base, shock pad, and the turf itself. A typical 40 square metre back garden costs £2,400 to £4,000 upfront. A real lawn costs far less to establish: professional turfing runs £12 to £18 per square metre installed, or £480 to £720 for the same 40 square metres. The ongoing cost of maintaining a real lawn is roughly £400 to £800 per year for regular mowing, feeding, and seasonal treatments. Over a 10-year period, a real lawn costs approximately £4,500 to £8,500 in total (installation plus maintenance), while artificial grass costs £2,400 to £4,000 upfront with minimal ongoing spend. Artificial grass appears cheaper over the long run, but the upfront investment is substantial and the comparison shifts when you factor in replacement costs after 8 to 12 years.
What are the environmental pros and cons?
Real grass absorbs carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, supports insects and soil organisms, and filters rainwater naturally into the ground. A 40 square metre lawn absorbs roughly the same amount of CO2 as a tree over a growing season. Artificial grass is made from petroleum-based plastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) and cannot be easily recycled at end of life. It contributes to urban heat islands by absorbing and radiating heat rather than cooling the air through transpiration. Microplastic particles shed from artificial turf over time and enter the soil and waterways. On the other hand, real lawn maintenance involves petrol or electric mowers, fertilisers, and occasional herbicides, all of which carry their own environmental costs. For gardeners concerned about sustainability, a real lawn maintained with an electric mower and organic feeds has a significantly lower environmental footprint than artificial grass.
How does Cambridge clay soil affect artificial grass?
Cambridge clay soil creates a specific problem for artificial grass installations: drainage. Clay does not drain freely, so water sits on the surface unless the installation includes a proper aggregate sub-base with adequate falls to direct water away. A poor installation on clay results in puddles sitting on the artificial surface after rain, which attracts algae, creates odour problems if pets use the area, and makes the surface slippery. A good installer will excavate 75 to 100 millimetres of clay, replace it with compacted MOT Type 1 aggregate and a layer of sharp sand or granite dust, and ensure a gradient of at least 1 in 80 to move water to a drainage point. This groundwork adds cost but is essential on clay. Real grass on clay has its own drainage challenges, but aeration and top-dressing over time gradually improve it, and the grass itself absorbs significant rainfall through its root system.
What maintenance does artificial grass actually need?
Artificial grass is often sold as maintenance-free, but that is not entirely accurate. It needs regular brushing to keep the pile upright and prevent matting, especially in high-traffic areas. Leaves, blossom, and organic debris must be removed promptly because they decompose on the surface and create a growing medium for moss and algae. Pet urine needs hosing off to prevent odour buildup, and antibacterial treatments are recommended monthly for gardens used by dogs. Weeds can grow through the edges and joins if the membrane beneath deteriorates. Over time, the colour fades in direct sunlight and the pile flattens. Most artificial lawns need replacing after 8 to 12 years. A real lawn needs more frequent attention (mowing, feeding, occasional treatments) but ELawnCare handles all of this from £20 per 100 square metres for mowing, making the ongoing effort minimal for the homeowner.
When does artificial grass make sense?
Artificial grass is a reasonable choice in specific situations. Very small courtyards or balconies where real grass would not thrive due to lack of light and air circulation are good candidates. Heavily shaded areas under dense tree canopy where grass struggles despite shade-tolerant seed mixes may suit artificial turf. Dog runs and play areas that see extremely heavy daily use beyond what any real lawn can tolerate are another practical application. Rental properties where the landlord wants a tidy, low-involvement garden can also benefit. For most Cambridge gardens with reasonable sunlight and space, however, a well-maintained real lawn looks better, feels better underfoot, supports wildlife, stays cooler in summer, and costs less over the first decade. If you are considering artificial grass mainly to avoid maintenance, consider a professional lawn care plan first. The time and cost difference may be smaller than you expect.