Real grass versus fake grass - what's the most planet friendly?

The imitation versus real is an argument to get passions aroused on an subject.

Real or implanted breasts; real wood or MDF; real stone or concrete; real decking or plastic...I could go on but I'm sure you get my drift?

In the landscape industry it's plastic grass - also known as fake grass, nylon grass, imitation and synthetic grass - that gets the blood boiling in traditional gardeners.

The installation of synthetic turf is growing apace. It's especially favoured in areas of high traffic or in areas where maintenance is complicated by poor soil conditions and low light levels.

It is therefore understandable that school and public park play areas and walkways are being laid with fake grass.

The pros are instant. Very little maintenance, good drainage, no muddy areas, non-slip, always green and extremely long life.

The obvious negative downside is cost of installation (although many would argue that due to competition and the rapid development of materials that the gap between installation costs for real/fake is starting to close).

It was once viewed as imperative that a sub-base such as compressed scalpings and blinding layer of sand was used to stabilise an area before the laying of synthetic grass.

Nowadays, in domestic applications or areas of low traffic, just by levelling off of an area and the laying of the synthetic grass may be acceptable. Bearing in mind that the synthetic filaments can be 50mm in length and when filled with sand is extremely stable.

Many traditionalists insist nothing compares to the real thing.

Real grass provides habitat for insects and worms and absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.

Real grass is however expensive to maintain and some would argue - due to the sheer quantity of artificial chemicals we pour onto them during each season - that real grass installations are less friendly to the planet than the environmental impact of producing synthetic fibres.

Traditionalists would counter that argument by warning of hidden toxins in synthetic turf.

Also bear in mind that the use of real grass means that there are massive industries dependent on their business from those who have real grass installations.

Mower, scarifier and aerator manufacturers and dealers, fertiliser and herbicide manufacturers and the practitioners who apply them. Top dressing and compost manufacturers and suppliers. Turf and grass seed suppliers....I could go on.

For artificial installations there's very little need for a supply chain. Many fake grass installations just rely on periodic brushing and a top up of sand.

Passionate about grass or interested in the fake versus real grass debate? Join our professional discussion or leave a comment here.

The aerial image shows a Huxley synthetic golf green I installed at Highfield School Liphook in circa 2002.

Comments

[Duncan Heather]

Good Article. Fake lawns work best in confined areas where they get a lot of ware and tear. For example London gardens where you have poor draining clay soil and young children who want to play outside.

Its not economical for most private clients to use very large areas of artificial lawn but you can reduce maintenance cost but using rough grass areas and just cutting the edges to keep the site looking tidy and maintained.

[Michelle D]

I live in Callifornia where we go without rain for more than 6 to 7 months at a time.
Artificial turf can prove to be the smartest choice once long term costs, energy usage , functionability and the environmental site specific considerations are fully analyzed.
As with most products, moderation is usually key.
It's a benefit in my area of the world to have the choice.

[Philip Voice]

Thanks for your comment Duncan.
I totally concur with your view.

[Philip Voice]

Hi Michelle

I totally agree it makes sense to use artificial grass in areas it is not practical and economical to try to maintain real grass.

[Di Blood]

Synthetic grass is perfect for families on temperate zones who have ball-playing children and dogs. They result in destroyed real grass, dis-heartened owners and dismal-looking, muddy gardens. The ideal would be artificial grass which supports soil mycofungi, micro- and macro-biology.

[Artificial Grass]

Considered by some to be environmentally friendly because of the reduced need for water and fertilizer as well as reduced lawnmower emissions, artificial grass is gaining popularity around the United States. Installing the turf is difficult, however, and a perfectly fitted lawn requires specialized tools and knowledge. Professional fitters exist in every state and may be recognized by several authoritative bodies; you should only use a company that has good reviews and offers a money-back guarantee.

[trev Knight]

I have succumbed to fake grass to my rear decked area that covers my Koi pond filters, it is the best thing i have done, looks great, no maintenance...the one downside is when the dog tries to dig it up and the look of bewilderment on his face when he gets nowhere is worth its weight in gold. I am a convert for the low maintenance and all year round good looks side of things.

[Perfectly Green]

A really interesting post, there are a lot of pros to getting synthetic grass. Although a lot of people don't like to idea of synthetic grass because they think that real grass is better, it really does depend on what you are using it for. Like you have said there is a lot less maintenance needed and there is no mud and it always look green, it is definitely worth looking into getting.

[Artificial Grass]

Its going to be around for a long so might as well get used to it