Fake lawns uncovered: The pros and cons of artificial grass

It’s green, pristine, and doesn’t need to be mowed, but gardeners argue that artificial turf isn’t good for the planet. Hannah Stephenson investigates.

Critics say plastic turf is not environmentally friendly and can end up in a landfill after use. Image: iStock / PA
– Photo credit: Press Association Images

There was a boom in artificial turf during the lockdown, but gardeners are urging gardeners to grow natural lawns to help wildlife and improve air quality.

Andy Driver, LazyLawn’s sales director, said sales of artificial turf at LazyLawn, the UK’s largest artificial turf supplier, rose 300 percent in three months after the lockdown.

“Makeovers have increased and artificial turf has played a role in that,” he says. “The market ranges from the older generation, who are too troublesome to mow the lawn, to families with busy lawns that are quickly ruined, and people with very small gardens who don’t think it is It is worth having a small patch of real grass, which requires a lawnmower to care for. “

Critics counter that artificial turf is not environmentally friendly and can end up in a landfill after use.

“Lawns bind carbon in the soil and promote wildlife,” says Guy Barter, chief gardener at RHS. Image: iStock / PA
– Photo credit: Press Association Images

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Fake grass was on display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show a decade ago, but it has long been banned from the exhibition, says Guy Barter, chief gardener at RHS. “As an environmental organization, we don’t think that’s appropriate,” he says. “I would get real weed every time. I’d rather throw myself in a ditch than have an artificial lawn. “

Lawn expert David Hedges-Gower agrees. “You either want to go with nature or you don’t.”

What are the advantages of a real lawn?

Real lawns are undoubtedly environmentally friendly. “Lawns are natural surfaces, they fix carbon in the soil and promote wildlife. They are part of what makes gardens beautiful, ”says Guy.

Real lawns still have a loyal following. Image: iStock / PA
– Photo credit: Press Association Images

“Real lawns allow invertebrates to access the ground below, so all of the things that live underground, such as worms, millipedes and millipedes, can bring goodness into the ground, aerate the soil and survive down there,” added Paul Hetherington, director , added the insect charity Buglife.

“Crane flies (dad with long legs) lay their eggs there and you will also find beetles so that birds can come down and eat on your lawn. Invertebrates are a really important part of the food chain. Once you’ve put a plastic lawn over it, you’ve basically created a desert in your yard. “

Andy admits: “Artificial turf is not a product for wildlife, it is a product for life. We very much encourage people to have planting areas as well so that they can attract wildlife. An artificial lawn that looks beautiful can encourage people to grow plants around it. “

“We’re not against natural grass – it’s a need,” he continues. “When you have a family where the lawn has gotten muddy, we are serving a need that allows people to enjoy their outdoors and get active.”

“Real lawns allow invertebrates to access the soil below so that worms can bring the good into the soil, aerate the soil and survive down there,” said Paul Hetherington, director of the insect charity Buglife. Image: iStock / PA
– Photo credit: Press Association Images

How hard is grass to grow?

Grasses cover about a quarter of our planet. “It’s the easiest plant to grow and grow naturally without over-interfering,” says David. “The use of native species – [like] curved grass and fescue – is of paramount importance. We call native grasses “luxury lawn mixes” in garden centers and seed companies. You don’t need a bowling green lawn, you can opt for a more natural look. “

What about areas that are not suitable for growing a real lawn?

“Some places like shady areas aren’t suitable for real lawns,” says Guy. “Other options are ground cover shrubs or hard pavement instead of artificial turf, which has a limited lifespan and is not always easy to dispose of.”

He adds that “it is becoming more and more common to recycle, grind and reuse concrete, slabs and pavement” when necessary.

Is artificial grass really that low-maintenance?

“Enormous amounts of water and petroleum are used to make synthetic grass,” explains David. “Your product can last about 15 years and still needs maintenance.”

“Weed seeds can grow and germinate in plastic,” he continues.

Andy admits, “You will get weeds in the air, but that’s not a problem. We recommend treating the entire lawn with a weed killer twice a year. When you get weeds, they just pull back. “

If leaves fall on the artificial grass, you can just brush them off with a plastic rake or use a lawn blower, suggests Andy. “People have even been known to use a vacuum cleaner on the lawn.”

Are artificial lawns biodegradable?

No. A lot of them end up in landfills, gardeners say, although Andy points out that there is a facility in Holland that opened this year that allows artificial turf to be 100 percent recycled. “We have to work out the logistics for this,” he admits, “whether the (artificial turf) companies pay a tariff so that we don’t impose the costs on the customers. We have to support it in the future. “

When does artificial grass make sense?

“There is a place for artificial turf that wheelchair users can use in a nursing home, for example,” David muses.

As Guy adds, “I can imagine certain situations, like on a balcony or for a disabled gardener who would otherwise not be able to enjoy his garden.”