We just bought our first house and it comes with a compact 20ft garden.
However, it is quite overgrown and we are not very green-handed.
We want to put down artificial grass so we don’t have to constantly mow the lawn and remove weeds.
Is it a good idea? How much would it cost? Does it add value to the home? What is the best quality artificial grass on the market?
Are there other factors we should take into account before taking the step?
Sacrilege? A This is Money reader wants to rip out his lawn and replace it with artificial turf.
Jane Denton responds: I understand that you are not keen on the idea of keeping a real lawn, but I urge you to think twice before ripping it out and replacing it with an artificial one.
It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. They are harmful to wildlife and can often look pretty shabby.
Artificial grass is often, but not always, made from virgin plastic and typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, according to consumer group Which?
That being said, I fully appreciate that artificial grass can be very useful, especially for those who do not have the time, inclination, mobility or means to maintain a natural lawn.
If you sell your property in the future, the question of whether artificial grass would impact the value of your home comes down to the personal tastes of potential buyers.
There are different types of artificial grass on the market, including nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene.
The costs involved will depend on the quality of the artificial grass purchased, the amount of space to be covered and the labor costs, which can vary greatly depending on where you live.
Artificial grass can cost around £15 per square metre, which would put it on par with carpet. However, premium artificial grass, designed to look and feel like real grass, can cost up to £60 per square metre, according to Which?
If you decide to install artificial grass, do your research beforehand. Compare the different types available and check how easy they are to install, whether they have a natural look or not, and whether they are easy to clean.
Even artificial grass requires some maintenance to stay in perfect condition.
Real Estate Skill: Real Estate Agent Liam Gretton
Liam Gretton, owner of Liam Gretton Bespoke Estate Agent on the Wirral Peninsula, says: As a real estate agent and homeowner, I understand that maintaining a garden can be overwhelming.
Over the years, artificial grass has increased in popularity as it can be a practical solution for those looking to enjoy their garden without having to mow the lawn.
For homeowners who don’t have much green thumb, it’s an alternative to natural grass.
An artificial lawn eliminates the need for mowing, watering and weeding, which can save time and effort.
Plus, it’s durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic, making it ideal for families with children and pets.
Ultimately, it is your home and artificial grass is increasingly being used due to its low maintenance and year-round green appearance.
However, it’s also important to think about how it could affect the ability to sell your home in the future.
While it may offer comfort for the moment, it may not provide the same curb appeal or ecological benefits as natural grass, such as supporting local wildlife and aiding in water absorption.
There are good, bad, ugly and exceptional things about any product. The same is true for artificial grass.
The cost of installing artificial grass can vary widely depending on the quality of the grass, the size of the area, and the complexity of the installation.
On average, you can expect to pay between £10 and £50 per square metre for the material itself.
Installation costs can range from £20 to £60 per square metre. For a 20ft garden, or approximately 18.5 square metres, the total cost could range from £555 to £1,700.
It is advisable to get quotes from several suppliers to ensure you get the best deal, and remember that the best deal is not always the price, also think about the quality of the artificial grass being used.
When it comes to quality, look for artificial grass that is UV resistant, as it has a realistic appearance and comes with a good warranty.
Brands such as Namgrass, Easigrass and TigerTurf are known for their high-quality products. Pay attention to the pile height and density. A higher pile and denser grass tend to look more natural and feel softer to the touch.
Artificial grass can add value to your home, but it’s important to note that in some cases, it can actually detract from it.
A well-installed artificial lawn can enhance the appeal of your garden, making it look neat and tidy all year round. However, some buyers may prefer natural grass for its look, environmental benefits and natural feel.
Ultimately, it depends on the preferences of potential buyers looking for a home in your area.
Before making a decision, factors such as drainage and maintenance must be taken into account. It is essential to ensure that the artificial grass has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
While minimal, artificial grass still requires some level of maintenance, such as occasional brushing and cleaning, to keep the fibers upright and in good condition.
It is important to consider the environmental implications of artificial grass. Some artificial grasses are made from recyclable materials and have a smaller environmental footprint.
In the Know: Andrew Duff is a garden and landscape designer
Andrew Duff, garden and landscape designer and president of the Society of Garden Designers, says: While many of us look for low-maintenance gardens, it is an absolute myth that artificial grass is easier to maintain.
They are also hot in the summer, difficult to keep clean, and generally unpleasant to sit on.
But more importantly, they are also extremely harmful to the environment and their increasing use in this country is destroying our soils and natural wildlife habitats, contributing to carbon emissions and polluting our waterways with microplastics.
In addition to the environmental damage that artificial grass causes, it can also have a detrimental effect on your property.
In its recent Property Exchange podcast, estate agents Winkworth highlighted the damage caused by artificial grass, pointing out that artificial grass can affect the value of a seller’s property, put off potential buyers and can even cause water damage to your property.
I encourage you to reconsider using plastic turf in your new garden and consider a greener, more sustainable alternative that can benefit wildlife, the environment and you.
For example, carpet lawns combine low-growing flowering plants that require little maintenance and high ornamental value to create a vibrant mosaic of colors and textures. Not only are they beautiful, they also attract wildlife, absorb rain twice as fast as artificial grass, and don’t need fertilization.
Chamomile lawns are a good, low-maintenance alternative to grass. They don’t require regular mowing, fertilization, or watering, and they help improve the soil and attract pollinators.
Clover lawns are another great option. They don’t require mowing or watering and will stay green all year round, with the added benefit of a beautiful flowerscape during the summer.
If you prefer a lawn-free garden, you can create a beautiful gravel garden using Mediterranean plants which are ideal for the UK’s changeable climate.
If you wish, you can find a local garden designer to help you design your garden or provide you with a simple planting plan, as well as learn more about alternatives to plastic grass.
We are all custodians of this wonderful planet and those of us lucky enough to have access to a private garden have a duty to care for it in order to improve it for future generations and preserve the life within it.
That’s the life of your soil and also the life of the birds and insects that visit your garden. Grass and natural plants enhance life in every way.
Tom Moss, owner of Moss Landscaping in Liverpool, says: Artificial grass is a fantastic option for many people. It is aesthetically pleasing and requires less maintenance, making it ideal for people with busy lives or disabilities.
Using artificial grass also means that children and pets can enjoy playing in the garden without the worry of getting covered in mud and dirt due to heavy downpours.
It also helps reduce the need to use an irrigation system during the hot summer months.
Artificial grass maintains its colour thanks to its UV stability. In my opinion, it is a fantastic investment and would increase the value of any home.
