Appearance & Natural Feel

Real turf has an unmistakable natural charm. It changes slightly with the seasons, softens the look of a garden and gives you that classic “fresh grass” feel underfoot. For some homeowners, nothing quite beats the look of a live, breathing lawn.

Artificial grass, on the other hand, has improved massively in recent years. High-quality artificial lawns now look impressively realistic, with multi-tone fibres and natural texture. Unlike real turf, artificial grass stays perfectly green all year, even in shady areas or gardens where natural grass struggles.

So if you enjoy the authenticity of a living lawn, turf wins. But for guaranteed year-round neatness, artificial grass is the standout choice.

Maintenance & Upkeep

One of the biggest differences between turf and artificial grass is how much work they require.
Here’s what you can expect:

Turf requires:

• Regular mowing

• Watering during dry spells

• Occasional feeding, weeding and patch repair

Artificial grass requires:

• Light brushing to lift the fibres

• Occasional rinsing to remove dust

• Simple tidying, with no mowing, watering or feeding

If you prefer a low-maintenance garden, artificial grass takes the lead. If you enjoy caring for a living lawn, turf can still be a rewarding choice.

Durability & Day-to-Day Use

Real turf can look beautiful, but it’s more sensitive to wear. Heavy foot traffic, energetic pets, shade or constant play can leave patches, muddy areas or compacted soil. After rain, turf can also take time to dry out — not ideal if you want to use the garden straight away.

Artificial grass is designed to be hard-wearing and stays clean and usable in almost all conditions. No mud, no patchiness, and no bald spots where pets or kids repeatedly play. It’s especially good for smaller gardens that struggle with drainage or shade.

If your garden gets a lot of use, artificial grass usually performs better long term.

Pets, Children & Family Living

Both turf and artificial grass can work well for family gardens, but each has different advantages.

Turf is good for:

• Soft, natural play surfaces

• Gardens with good sunlight and drainage

• Homeowners who love traditional lawns

Artificial grass is ideal for:

• Families who want a mud-free garden

• Pets (no digging, no muddy paws)

• High-traffic areas

• Play zones and everyday use

In busy homes, artificial grass tends to stay cleaner, safer and more practical.

Shade, Drainage & Garden Conditions

Not all gardens are perfectly suited to natural turf. If your lawn is heavily shaded, built on clay soil, or prone to waterlogging, real turf may struggle — often leading to thinning, moss and constant repair.

Artificial grass is far more forgiving. It works well in shaded areas and, when installed with proper sub-base and drainage layers, stays usable in almost any weather. It’s a great option for gardens where turf has failed in the past.

Final Thoughts

Both turf and artificial grass have their strengths, and the right choice depends on the look you want and how you use your outdoor space. Turf offers natural beauty and tradition, while artificial grass provides year-round neatness, minimal maintenance and excellent durability.

If you’re unsure which option will work best for your garden design or full landscaping project, feel free to contact us for advice or a no-obligation quote, we’re happy to help you choose the perfect finish for your outdoor space.