Artificial vs. natural grass — which option is best for you?

If you are looking to create an outdoor sports or athletic pitch, or simply want to bring some greenery to an area, one of the first questions you will need to ask yourself is whether you want to use natural grass, or if you would be better off with artificial grass.

As with any question of this nature, people on either side will have their own reasons behind their choice. Each solution will offer its own advantages and disadvantages, and what may be right for one situation, may not be right for the other. By fully understanding the benefits of each offering, however, you can enable yourself to make an informed decision that is best suited to your circumstances.

How will it look?
Fans of natural grass will be quick to say that no artificial alternative will ever have the same appearance as natural grass. This may have been true in the past, when artificial grass and turf options were limited, but modern variations are much more natural in their look and feel. The quality of your desired area will be directly related to the quality of the artificial grass you use, so make sure you work with a provider you can trust!

How easy will it be to maintain?
This is one area that artificial grass definitely has a clear advantage. If you want it to retain its beauty, natural grass can require quite a lot of maintenance, with regular watering, mowing and raking being the bare minimum. You may also need to regularly fertilise the area to encourage growth, as well as use insecticides to keep insects away.

Artificial grass requires much less maintenance, as it will not need to be watered or mowed, and won’t require insecticides or fertilisers. With artificial grass, as long as it is occasionally swept or raked, you can sit back and relax knowing that it will last for years to come.

Will it be safe?
With any surface, whether it is in school, the workplace, or open to the public, safety should always be a top priority. Natural grass can often be more dangerous than you may think, due to the possibility of divots being made which could cause people to trip and fall — with artificial grass you don’t need to worry about this. Artificial grass can even be laid on top of a solid, impact absorbing base surface, further increasing its safety.
If you think artificial grass would be the best solution for you, make sure to work with an established, trustworthy company who offer a range of different options to suit your needs.