Decided you like the look of grass for your outdoor space, but torn between natural and artificial turf? Scouring the internet for advice but all you can find is pushy sales tactics and no real information? There is a lot of debate as to which option is better when it comes to artificial vs. natural turf. Both options have their own pros and cons, and it comes down to the individual to weigh up all their options.
However, it can be overwhelming when starting the process, and knowing where to begin is tricky. PlaySmart has put together a guide of some of our most frequently-asked questions, our expert knowledge, and a walk through of the pros and cons of artificial grass, in order to help you decide if it is surface for you.
Pro
Aesthetics. Artificial turf can look the same as the real thing! If you don’t want to sacrifice the look of a beautiful green space, PlaySmart’s is made in three different shades of green and comes with both short curly yarn and long straight yarn, which gives it that authentic appearance.
Con
Cost. The initial cost of artificial grass and a professional installation can be high, as cutting corners with cheaper low-quality grass or poor installation can cost you more in the long run. To save yourself from avoidable future expenses, you will need to front an upfront charge for good quality grass from recommended professionals.
Pro
Longevity. If correctly cared for and maintained, artificial grass can last for around 10 years. It is definitely a worthwhile investment, guaranteeing years of use and enjoyment. PlaySmart’s own brand, Green Frog, has an 8-year guarantee, which will likely be exceeded if properly cared for.
Con
Heat. On a hot summer’s day, artificial grass can absorb heat very easily and reach an uncomfortable temperature. Wearing appropriate footwear, hosing the turf down with cool water or sitting on a blanket are all measures that should be taken to avoid burn risks.
Pro
Durability. Artificial grass is usually built to withstand duress from weather (permeable surfaces), pets, heavy footfall, and is fade and stain resistant.
Con
Biodiversity. Artificial turf creates a gap in the ecosystem where your lawn would fulfil it. Insects, flowers and weeds will not be able to grow and flourish in artificial grass.
Pro
Maintenance. Unlike real grass, you don’t have to feed, water, fertilise or mow artificial grass! Saving you money on garden paraphernalia, artificial grass saves you maintenance costs in the long run.
Con
Sustainability. Artificial grass is not the most eco-friendly of surfacing. It is made of plastic and is not biodegradable, so it will end up in landfill eventually. If sustainability is the most important factor for you, you should do your own research into the different materials artificial turf can be made from.
Pro
Child and pet friendly. PlaySmart’s Green Frog grass has been made with everyone in mind! Our product is free from harmful toxins and chemicals that could be dangerous for young children or pets – simply ask for a pet-friendly option.
Con
Smell. Artificial grass can become prone to build up over time, especially with pets using it for their business, which will result in a bad smell if not looked after. You should rinse off your grass on a semi-regular basis to avoid this happening.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this article has helped clear up some of the questions you might have surrounding the benefits or disadvantages of artificial turf. Whilst there are clearly a whole host of positives, you may still have some reservations, and hopefully PlaySmart’s guide has steered you in the right direction to do your own research and make your decision as to which is the right option for you.
If you have any questions about our artificial grass, please either call a member of our friendly team on 01564 742811, or fill out the contact form on our contact page and we will be back in touch with you as soon as possible.