It can be difficult to decide between artificial turf and the real thing until you dive into the details.

Garden renovations from the ground up start with deciding what kind of turf you want to tackle. And while you might be thinking that you’re restricted to choosing between natural grasses like kikuyu or wintergreen couch, there’s another option that you will want to consider.

And that is synthetic turf. 

Gone are the days where synthetic turf is a one-size-fits-all system that resembles a putting green. Artificial grasses come in a number of different varieties designed to meet specific functional and design needs. And that means that you should consider whether synthetic turf vs. natural grass is right for you.

A closer look at synthetic turf

So what makes today’s artificial grass standout from the lacklustre and fake looking products of the past?

A lot of engineering and design has gone into the modern products to make them look just as convincing as the real thing while also bringing in a bunch of benefits.

For one, not all synthetic turf is created equally. You have a choice of material, each with its own pros and cons when it comes to everything from budget to aesthetics. The grass fibres can be made from nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene, all of which are then connected to a robust backing material that keeps it all together. To make the grass stand up straight and give it a natural feel, infill sand is used to support the strands as well as help with drainage into the soil below.

The result? A garden with turf that looks just like the real thing.

So how do you choose between synthetic turf vs. natural grass if they’re going to look so similar. The answer is in the details.

The benefits of synthetic turf

When it comes to artificial grass, it all comes down to maintenance. No matter the size of your garden here in Brisbane, few people actually want to spend much of their spare time working on maintaining a lawn. All of the mowing, weeding, and fertilising can add up to hours that you’ll never get back.

With artificial turf, you will have little to no maintenance once it’s installed. Occasional brushing and redistributing of infill sand can help keep your turf looking swell even longer, but in most cases, this isn’t necessary on a frequent basis.

And while you’ll pay a bit more up front for synthetic turf compared to natural grass, you won’t have to worry about pouring money into keeping it looking great all year round. There’s no need to water, fertilise, or reseed artificial grass, which will save you money on annual maintenance. Plus, while most manufacturers warranty their synthetic turf products for 7-10 years, you can expect it to last nearly double that before you need to worry about replacing it.

The perks of natural grass

Of course, some people just prefer the look and feel of natural grass. Natural grass does have a different feeling underfoot than synthetic turf, although many varieties are designed to have a more natural bounce back when walking on them.

What’s more, natural grass is a natural part of the environment. So the grasses that you plant and maintain will not only be contributing to oxygen generation, but they’ll also be adding nutrients to the soil below.

While the infill included with a synthetic turf installation can help with drainage, some homeowners find that natural grass is the better of the two when it comes to managing runoff and drainage.

And then there’s the heat. Natural grasses tend to remain cooler when walked on during the hotter months than compared to artificial turf varieties.

How to choose the best option for your garden

Which turf works best for you is largely a personal preference. We find that for most customers, the clincher is going to be how much care and upkeep they want to be involved with when it comes to their lawns. The low maintenance nature of artificial turf simply can’t be beat when compared to all of the tasks (and money) required to keep natural grass looking its best.

Some homeowners wonder whether synthetic turf vs. natural grass is better for them if they have kids and pets. The answer is that both can work wonders. Again, it depends on the maintenance you want to bother with. The good news is that artificial turf is safe for children and pets to use, made from non-toxic materials, and can even wash clean in the event of a dog run. In fact, there are specific turf varieties made just for that purpose!

If you’re worried about options, both natural grasses and synthetic turf come in different varieties and with options for thicknesses and colours. You might have more control over these conditions when you choose artificial turf since you can specify features such as pile density, turf quality, and pile height, factors that are bred in different natural grasses but harder to guarantee.

Choose from a wide range of synthetic turf products

You certainly aren’t stuck with a single option when it comes to artificial grass. Manufacturers have become quite skilled at designing long-lasting, lookalike grasses that can fit the bill for any size garden. You can also mix different artificial turf styles to create borders, designate play areas, or give yourself that putting green you’ve always wanted. The options are limitless when it comes to synthetic turf, and they all come without the hassle that comes with caring for real grass.

Here in Brisbane, we’re keen on installing low-maintenance gardens that can maximize our outdoor spaces. And many homeowners and businesses have turned to Surface Pro Group as their trusted experts in all things synthetic turf. We can guide you through the process of choosing the best turf for your project and have the experience to install your new lawns with style.

If you’re considering an upgrade to your outdoor space, give us a call on 1300 521 612 today. We’ll be happy to give you a free consultation and quote so you can budget for your new lawn accordingly.