A cut above? The pros and cons of artificial grass

%image(15492562, type="article-full", alt="Critics say that that plastic lawns are not environmentally friendly and can end up in landfill after use. Picture: iStock/PA")

There’s been a boom in artificial grass during lockdown, but horticulturists are urging gardeners to grow natural lawns to help wildlife and improve air quality.

Sales of artificial turf at LazyLawn, the UK’s biggest artificial grass supplier, rose by 300 per cent during three months of lockdown, according to its sales director Andy Driver.

“Makeovers have been on the increase and artificial turf has featured in that,” he says. “The market ranges from the older generation where it’s become too much of a chore to mow the lawn, to families with a busy lawn that gets ruined quickly, and people with very small gardens who don’t feel it’s worth having a small patch of real grass which will require a lawnmower to maintain.”

Critics counter that plastic lawns are not environmentally friendly and can end up in landfill after use.

%image(15492563, type="article-full", alt=""Lawns lock up carbon in the soil and promote wildlife," says RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter. Picture: iStock/PA")

A decade ago fake grass was showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but it has long since been banned from the show, says RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter. “As an environmental charity, it’s not the kind of thing we think is appropriate,” he says. “I would go for real grass every time. I would rather throw myself in a ditch than have an artificial lawn.”

Lawn expert David Hedges-Gower agrees. “You either want to go with nature or you don’t.”

So, what are the advantages of a real lawn?

To start with, real lawns are undoubtedly environmentally friendly. “Lawns are natural surfaces, they lock up carbon in the soil and promote wildlife, and are part of what makes gardens lovely,” says Guy.

%image(15492564, type="article-full", alt="Real lawns still have a loyal following. Picture: iStock/PA")

“Real lawns allow invertebrates access to the soil beneath, so all the things that live under the ground, like worms, centipedes and millipedes, can bring down goodness into the soil, aerate the soil and survive down there,” adds Paul Hetherington, director of insect charity Buglife.

“Crane flies (daddy long-legs) lay their eggs there and you’ll also find beetles, so birds will come down and eat on your lawn. Invertebrates are a really important part of the food chain. Once you put a plastic lawn across, you’ve basically created a desert in your garden.”

Andy concedes: “Artificial turf is not a product designed for wildlife, it’s a product designed for living. We very much encourage people to have planting areas as well, so they can attract wildlife. Having an artificial lawn which looks lovely may encourage people to grow plants around it.”

“We are not against natural grass – it’s about a need,” he continues. “If you have a family where the lawn has become muddy, we are servicing a need that allows people to enjoy their outdoor space and get active.”

%image(15492565, type="article-full", alt=""Real lawns allow invertebrates access to the soil beneath, so worms can bring down goodness into the soil, aerate the soil and survive down there," says Paul Hetherington, director of insect charity Buglife. Picture: iStock/PA")

How hard is grass to grow?

Grasses cover around a quarter of our planet. “It’s the most simple plant to grow and grows very naturally without too much intervention,” says David. “The use of native species – [like] bent grass and fescue – is paramount. We call native grasses ‘luxury lawn mixtures’ in garden centres and seed companies. You don’t need a bowling green lawn, you can go for a more natural look.”

What about areas that aren’t suitable to grow a real lawn?

“Some places such as shady areas aren’t suitable for real lawns,” says Guy. “Other options include ground cover shrubs or hard paving rather than artificial grass, which has a limited life and has to be disposed of in ways that are not always easy.”

He adds that it is “increasingly common to recycle concrete, slabs and paving, grinding them up and reusing them” when necessary.

Is fake grass really that low maintenance?

“The production process to make plastic grass involves using enormous amounts of water and petroleum,” claims David. “Your product can last around 15 years and will still need maintaining.”

“You can get weed seeds growing and germinating in the plastic,” he continues.

Andy admits: “You will get airborne weeds, but it’s not a problem. We recommend treating the whole lawn twice a year with a weedkiller. If you do get any weeds, they just pull out.”

When leaves fall on the fake grass, you can just sweep them off with a plastic rake or use a lawn blower, Andy suggests. “People have even been known to use a vacuum cleaner on the lawn.”

Are fake lawns biodegradable?

No. Many end up in landfill say gardening experts, although Andy points out there is a facility in Holland that opened this year and allows artificial grass to be 100 per cent recycled. “We need to work out the logistics of it,” he admits, “whether the (artificial) grass companies pay a tariff so we don’t put the cost onto customers. We need to support it moving forward.”

So, when does artificial grass make sense?

“There is a place for artificial lawns to provide wheelchair access in, say, a nursing home,” muses David.

While Guy adds: “I can conceive of certain situations, like on a balcony or for a disabled gardener who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy their garden.”