You’re standing in your garden, looking at a tired, patchy lawn, and finally thinking — right, time for a change. Then it hits you: real turf or artificial grass? At NexGen Landscapes, it’s easily one of the most common questions we get from homeowners across Bournemouth and Dorset. Both can give you a stunning lawn, but they’re worlds apart on cost, upkeep, and performance. Choose wrong, and you’ll regret it within a season. Choose right, and you’ll love it for years. Grab a brew — let’s settle this once and for all.
Difference Between Turfing and Artificial Grass
Turfing is the process of laying rolls of real, natural grass grown on a turf farm. Once laid, the grass roots into your soil and form a living lawn that grows, breathes, and changes with the seasons.
Artificial grass is a synthetic alternative made from durable polyethene or polypropylene fibres, designed to mimic the look and feel of real grass without any of the upkeep.
One is alive, the other isn’t. But that single difference creates a whole world of practical implications for your garden, your time, and your wallet.
What Is Turfing? (Pros and Cons)
Real turf gives you that authentic, lush lawn feel underfoot — and honestly, there’s still nothing quite like it on a warm summer’s day.
The pros:
- Natural, soft look and feel
- Cooler underfoot in summer
- Supports biodiversity (bees, worms, birds)
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
- Lower upfront installation cost
- Can last indefinitely with care
The cons:
- Needs regular mowing, watering, and feeding
- Can turn patchy, muddy, or brown
- Struggles in heavily shaded gardens
- Takes 4–6 weeks to fully establish
- Higher long-term effort and time commitment
If you genuinely enjoy gardening, turf rewards you with a beautiful, living lawn full of character. If lawn care feels like a chore, you might want to keep reading.
What Is Artificial Grass? (Pros and Cons)
Artificial grass has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade. Today’s premium products from brands like Namgrass. Trulawn and Easigrass look genuinely realistic — a far cry from the bright green fake carpet of years gone by.
The pros:
- Virtually zero maintenance
- Stays perfectly green all year round
- No mowing, watering, or feeding needed
- Brilliant for shaded or high-traffic gardens
- Pet and child-friendly (no mud!)
- Ideal for small or awkward gardens
- Lasts 15–20 years
The cons:
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Can warm up in direct summer sun
- Not biodegradable
- Less wildlife-friendly than real grass
- Eventually needs replacing
For busy families, dog owners and anyone who’d rather spend their weekends relaxing than mowing artificial grass is hard to beat.
Cost Comparison: Real Turf vs Artificial Grass
Let’s talk real numbers. Based on recent NexGen Landscapes projects across the BH postcode area:
| Option | Supply + Install | Lifespan | Ongoing Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Turf | £5–£10 per m² | 10–15+ years | Mowing, watering, feeding, lawn care |
| Artificial Grass | £20–£40 per m² | 15–20 years | Minimal (occasional clean and brush) |
So, real turf is the clear winner on upfront cost. But here’s the bit most homeowners forget — over a decade, the cost of mowing, watering, lawn feed, weedkillers, and your own time all add up.
Maintenance: Which Is Easier to Look After?
Real turf: Is genuinely a commitment. You’ll be mowing weekly through spring and summer, watering during dry spells, feeding seasonally, and dealing with weeds, moss, and patchy spots. Lovely if you enjoy it — a constant chore if you don’t.
Artificial grass: By contrast, it asks almost nothing of you. A light brush every few weeks, an occasional rinse, and clearing leaves in autumn is essentially the entire maintenance routine. No mower, no hosepipe, no muddy paw prints traipsed through the kitchen on rainy days.
Best Choice for Families, Pets and Small Gardens
Different households have different needs — here’s how each option stacks up:
- Families with young children: Artificial grass means no mud, year-round play, and a clean lawn even in winter
- Dog owners: Pet-friendly artificial grass is easy to clean, won’t get churned up, and dries quickly
- Small UK gardens: Artificial grass keeps things looking tidy without the faff of a tiny mower
- Keen gardeners: Real turf offers that authentic, nurturing experience
- Wildlife lovers: Real grass supports far more bees, worms, and birds
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it really comes down to how you’ll use your garden.
The Environmental Impact
It’d be wrong to skip this. Real turf is genuinely the greener choice — it supports insects and pollinators, absorbs carbon, helps with drainage, and is fully biodegradable at the end of its life. Artificial grass, while saving water and avoiding chemical lawn feeds, is made from plastic and isn’t biodegradable. The good news? Many modern artificial grass products are now recyclable, and manufacturers are continually improving their sustainability credentials.
Which Lasts Longer?
Both options can stand the test of time, but in different ways:
- Real turf can technically last indefinitely — but only with regular care. Neglect it for a season, and it’ll need replacing.
- Artificial grass has a clear lifespan of around 15–20 years for quality products, after which it’ll need replacing.
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it lawn, artificial wins. If you don’t mind ongoing care, real turf can outlast you.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest verdict from our team at NexGen Landscapes:
- Choose real turf if you love gardening, want a natural feel, care about wildlife, and don’t mind the upkeep
- Choose artificial grass if you want a low-maintenance, always-green lawn that’s perfect for kids, pets, shade, or smaller gardens
There’s no universal winner — only the right choice for your garden, lifestyle, and budget.
Final Thoughts
Turfing or artificial grass? There’s genuinely no wrong answer — just the right one for your home. Real turf gives you a living, breathing lawn full of character. Artificial grass gives you a flawless, fuss-free green space all year round. The real key, whichever route you go, is proper ground preparation and professional installation. Even the best turf or premium artificial grass will disappoint if the groundwork’s rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is artificial grass cheaper than turf?
Not upfront — artificial grass costs more to install. However, with no mowing, watering, or feeding required, it’s often more cost-effective over its 15–20 year lifespan.
Which lasts longer, turf or artificial grass?
Quality artificial grass lasts 15–20 years. Real turf can last indefinitely with proper care, but requires consistent maintenance to stay looking good.
Is artificial grass good for dogs?
Yes. Pet-friendly artificial grass is durable, easy to clean, and won’t turn muddy — making it a favourite among dog-owning households.
Does artificial grass get hot in summer?
It can warm up in direct sun but rarely uncomfortably so in the UK climate. A quick splash with the hose cools it down instantly.
Can artificial grass damage soil?
Not if installed correctly with a proper sub-base and weed membrane. Professional installation ensures the ground beneath stays healthy.
