Artificial Lawn vs Real Lawn | Benefits & Maintenance

You have finally decided to install a lawn and you are still hesitating between artificial and natural grass? The choice is not always obvious and it is not easy to distinguish between these two types of grass. To understand the differences between artificial grass and natural grass, we will go through the various principles of their installation, maintenance and use.

Artificial grass versus natural grass 

Advantages and disadvantages of natural grass

Natural grass is beneficial to the environment because it produces oxygen and captures carbon. Any green space is used to improve well-being and reduce stress. Unlike artificial grass, natural grass does not cause the appearance of silver ions, the accumulation of which is a cause for concern. A well-maintained natural grass will help plant and insect life and will be an integral part of your garden. In addition, growing your own grass is a wonderful experience and costs much less than artificial grass.

The hardest part about natural grass is the maintenance, which is time consuming, especially in the summer. Several treatments are to be practiced regularly such as weeding, fertilizing and mowing. In addition, you must get the necessary products and tools. 

Advantages and disadvantages of artificial grass 

The best thing about artificial grass is that it requires very little maintenance. It withstands frequent use and pedestrian traffic. This gives you the freedom to use your lawn whenever you want, even in winter without having to worry about muddy grass. In addition, artificial grass blends very well with small spaces. It will beautify your home and you won't need to arm yourself with maintenance tools.

Artificial grass is also ideal for shaded areas that grow more slowly. It has an important practical aspect and could even be laid directly on concrete. However, its installation is expensive and requires professional installation. Moreover, it is a permanent solution with a rather limited lifespan that varies according to quality. It is also necessary to add underlayments or a sand base on uniform surfaces before installing the artificial turf. Not to mention the fact that it is an obstacle for local wildlife and the atmosphere.

How do I maintain artificial grass? 

To ensure the durability of artificial turf, it is important to avoid over-traumatizing it by storing heavy materials. The use of wire brushes and high pressure water jets should also be avoided.

To maintain your lawn properly, you have to make sure it is always clean and you have to take proper care of it:

• Thoroughly clean the synthetic turf and remove all leaves and waste.
• Brush the lawn frequently and from time to time, use a blower or vacuum cleaner for the leaves.
• Eliminate weeds. Weed control is very important to keep the lawn in good condition.
• Rinse the stains that are due to frequent use daily.
• Make repairs when necessary.

Artificial grass and environment

The manufacture and installation of synthetic turf as well as its dismantling produces waste. However, during its use, it does not require mowing or maintenance operations that decompact the grass. Thus, in the long term, its waste emission is almost the same as that of natural grass.

The sediment toxicity caused by the maintenance of natural grass is greater than that of synthetic turf. In fact, it is the ease of maintenance of artificial grass that makes it, for some, an ecological choice; for example, it requires little watering. However, unlike natural grass, it does not absorb, filter or purify and accumulates heat, making it a factor that promotes global warming.

What is artificial grass used for?

There are three uses for artificial grass:

1. For the garden

It is ideal if you have a small garden that is not very sunny or a terrace in which you want to add a touch of greenery. It requires little maintenance and you can continue to use the space as before without worrying too much about maintenance.

2. For playgrounds 

Artificial grass with short bristles is ideal for these places. It must be well resistant to tearing in order to last. Artificial turf can provide cushioning in case of falls for better safety of those who play on it. 

3. For sports grounds

Here again, short-stapled turf with good pull-out resistance is preferred. In recent years, synthetic turf has been able to transform itself, thanks to its many properties, to ensure the safety of players.

The installation of artificial grass 

The installation of artificial grass generally requires the intervention of a professional, which increases the already high costs at the time of purchase. It is important to consider the quality of the soil and water drainage before deciding to install the grass. The soil must be able to support the weight of the lawn and you must adapt the type of turf to the situation. In addition, it is not uncommon to have to prepare the ground before laying the sod.

Depending on the space you have available, you must take the perfect measurements and carefully install your lawn. To ensure that the sod is properly secured and that the cuts are precise, it is best to call in experts.

Natural grass: a better alternative 

If you have a lively garden, natural grass is your best option. It provides a natural environment for your garden and contributes to the freshness of its atmosphere.

For its installation, two techniques are predominant:

• Sowing: this technique requires removing all rooted plants, flattening the space and then sowing the seeds. After frequent watering, results appear after 10 weeks.
• Rolling: this alternative requires a small amount of ground preparation and then laying the lawn. You will obtain a green lawn after two weeks. 

Easily installed, natural grass plays an important role in reducing your energy costs and increasing the appeal and value of your property. It is a natural alternative that suits nature lovers and creates a beautiful, authentic and refreshing space.

Gardening, a real pleasure!

Keeping your lawn in harmony requires careful soil preparation and frequent maintenance to control weeds, drought and insects. Here are a few practices necessary for good lawn care:

• Seeding
• Aeration
• Fertilization
• Watering
• Mowing
• Cleaning

This is a healthy physical and mental investment. These practices help stimulate the muscles and the heart and especially reduce stress and depression. In fact, contact with nature, exposure to the sun and the pleasure of watching your lawn evolve and feeling the changes you have contributed to bring satisfaction and well-being.

Impact of natural grass on the environment

In addition to its aesthetic quality, natural grass protects against soil erosion. In fact, it helps strengthen the soil and contributes to the replenishment of the earth's water table. In addition, the felt of the lawn prevents the migration of chemical elements to the water table and feeds on bacteria. Thus it filters rainwater and chemical elements. 

Natural grass also absorbs sounds and noises. It thus participates in the reduction of noise pollution. It respects the environment by trapping carbon and producing oxygen and refreshes the atmosphere. 

The various types of grass

Depending on the use, there are different types of grass: 

• Ornamental lawn: it is a green and dense lawn that has an important aesthetic side and whose maintenance is essential. It is used to enhance a building or clumps of trees and flowers and is not resistant to trampling.
• Leisure and relaxation lawn: it is a trample-resistant lawn, ideal for picnics or family games. It must be stronger and requires less care.
• Flower lawn: colorful and ecological, this lawn adds biodiversity to your garden. It requires little mowing and has a natural look.
• Lawn dedicated to sports: this lawn withstands trampling and is resistant to uprooting. It requires careful maintenance to ensure its durability.
• Roof turf: this lawn grows in most regions and is drought resistant. 

Artificial grass is an ideal alternative to natural grass for those who do not wish to maintain their lawns. It is also recommended in shady or difficult to access areas and can be adapted to various types of soil.

The best grass according to the type of ground

Depending on the type of land you own, there are three important criteria to consider when choosing the best turfgrass for you:

1. Use (ornament, leisure, sport...)
2. Exposure to sunlight and resistance to climatic conditions
3. Maintenance 

Thus, the perfect lawn is the one that adapts to the space and the needs of each one, for example :

• For a rooftop terrace or a classic garden: you can choose a natural lawn that will harmonize with the space and add a touch of freshness.
• For a decorative garden, an ornamental lawn is ideal. You can install artificial grass if the space is not very busy, but nature lovers will lean towards a natural lawn.
• For a sports field, the most important thing is to choose a lawn that is resistant to trampling. Choices vary and the best alternative depends on frequency of use, region and maintenance.
• For a balcony, especially if the space is shaded, the installation of synthetic turf is quite frequent.

Once you've chosen the right lawn for you, all you have to do is install it and enjoy it. If you need help maintaining your lawn, you can consult our tips or packages or contact us directly for more information. Specialists in the treatment of green spaces for 30 years, Vertdure will satisfy your needs and guarantee a quality service that respects the environment.