Natural VS. Synthetic Grass

Natural grass creates a perfect place for kids and pets to play. Keeping it soft, lush and green can be a lot of work, but many people enjoy the challenge. 

On the other hand, synthetic grass requires little-to-no maintenance, making it a great option for small spaces or anyone that doesn’t want the hassle of regular watering and mowing.  

If you’re not sure which option to choose, you’ve come to the right place! There are many factors to consider, what look you're after, the feel of the grass, required maintenance, environmental concerns, cost and more.

We’ll go through each of them below. 

CHOOSING BETWEEN NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC TURF

AESTHETICS

Natural grass looks much better than synthetic and has a psychologically calming effect. Having a well-maintained, lush green lawn is a pride point for many homeowners. However, with harsh Australian summers, long droughts and high cost of water, it can be hard to maintain a good-looking natural lawn. 

Today there are plenty of attractive synthetic grasses that look very realistic. Synthetic grasses look great all year round; there are no dead spots, worn spots, insect damage or disease problems. Synthetic lawns won’t die in a drought and are less vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature. But if you look closely at a synthetic lawn, you’ll notice a plasticky kind of shine. This fake-looking texture can be a drawback for many homeowners considering synthetic lawns. 

FEEL

Synthetic and natural turf feel very different. Synthetic turf will warm up in the sun, so much so, it can burn skin. So if you have young children or pets, this isn’t a great choice. On the other hand, natural grass stays cool, and research shows that it can actually cool your home, helping to reduce energy bills.

MAINTENANCE

A natural lawn will last forever, provided it’s maintained well. It requires regular mowing, fertilising, watering and weed control. If you don’t take care of your grass, it can get patchy and discoloured. Anywhere that gets too much light, too much water, or not enough water can suffer. Plus, any outdoor furniture you have on your lawn will need to be moved around to avoid making the grass underneath patchy and dry.

Synthetic turf lasts around 15 years before it needs replacing. It still requires some maintenance, brushing, grooming and refilling once per year to keep the grass blades standing upright. Any small objects or materials must be meticulously removed and the grass must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly. 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Some people believe that natural grass is better for the environment. It supports the natural ecosystem and local wildlife and filters rainwater, so it doesn’t just run off into the gutters. But natural grass can also be seen as bad for the environment. They require a lot of water, especially during the summer. You might also need to use all kinds of fertilisers and chemicals to keep it looking good, which can be harmful to the environment. 

Synthetic grass can be seen as more eco-friendly because it doesn’t need to be watered and you don’t need to use any fertilisers or chemicals. On the other hand, synthetic turf is manufactured from plastics containing petrochemicals. The manufacturing and transportation process is harmful to the environment. You might be happy to have less creepy crawlies around, but the wider environmental impact might not be good. 

COST

Natural turf costs around $35 per square metre to supply and install, depending on the base preparation required. There will be ongoing maintenance costs, including buying lawn care equipment and water bills. 

Synthetic grass will cost you between $75-$100 per square metre to have it professionally supplies and installed, including base preparation. After the grass is installed, there’s not much maintenance to do, so the main cost is upfront. 

If you’re planning on keeping the lawn for ten years or more, then the cost considerations might even out. But remember, you’ll need to replace synthetic turf every 15 years. 

OTHER FACTORS

There are plenty of other factors that can help you decide whether natural or synthetic turf is better for your home. Natural grass strengthens and supports the earth, so there’s less chance of cracking or sinking foundations. It helps to protect your home from bushfires and absorbs harmful carbon dioxide, acting as a natural filter to help you breathe cleaner. Natural grass is also soft underfoot, helping to minimise injury from falls. 

Synthetic grass is perfect for people suffering from grass allergies or hay fever. It can be installed anywhere, regardless of sun, shade or soil conditions. 

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

There are pros and cons to both natural and synthetic grass. At the end of the day, you should choose something that will make your outdoor space enjoyable for your whole family. 

Squarepegs Handyman will help with your lawn, whatever option you decide on. We can lay natural and artificial turf, help maintain your lawn and garden.

SQUAREPEGS HANDYMAN does real and artificial turf

Whether your project is big or small, Squarepegs Handyman is here to help!

Contact us here to organise a free, in person estimate with Handyman Sean. No matter what the project, we are here to help.

WHERE WE WORK

You’ll find Squarepegs Handyman in and around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter and beyond. Contact us to find out if we service your area. 

We cannot wait to work with you!

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