One of the key dilemmas we are increasingly hearing is whether to stick with a real grass lawn, or opt to lay an artificial one? Now of course we at Greensleeves are a little biased, but for good reasons.
The recent lockdowns have re-engaged many of us with nature and increased our appreciation of the natural world around us. So just the thought of carpeting our Earth with green plastic, no matter how recyclable it claims to be, makes us shiver.
You think your garden isn’t suited to real grass
Mowing is a headache
For some people, the idea of having to mow the lawn can seem too much effort, whereas for others this task can be very satisfying or even therapeutic. Artificial lawn does not come without maintenance requirements; with a regular brush, or even a vacuum is needed to keep it looking good and keeping it clear of moss or mould. In some instances, just like real lawn, an artificial one needs watering. This also helps keep it cool as some versions can get extremely hot under foot.
The environmental impact
There is no avoiding the environmental impact of an artificial lawn. It forms a barrier to the soil beneath and starves it of food and light, leading to less wildlife in your garden. Artificial lawn leaves nowhere for birds to feed or for burrowing insects, such as solitary bees, as well as worms and it provides no benefit to nature. In fact, the removal of turf has a wider impact on the environment as grass and the earth below it absorbs and stores carbon from the atmosphere. Whereas fake lawn will contribute to the carbon through its production and use of fossil fuels. This is even before you consider the impact of perhaps removing a layer of soil and replacing it with hardcore or sand before laying the plastic grass.
Real grass is more flexible
While the look, feel and resilience of artificial grass has improved over recent years, it still has a limited lifespan. Similarly, costs have come down, but there is still a premium for the better products. You need to consider whether you will be staying in your house long enough to justify the outlay? And what if you change your mind? With a traditional lawn you can easily make tweaks, remodel it or make space for a new extension or home office. With a fake lawn you have less flexibility.
Lush green grass made simple by Greensleeves
Ultimately, what most people want is a nice green outlook with minimum hassle. That is where Greensleeves can help and without any compromises. As one of the leading lawn care treatment specialists in the UK, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment. We ensure all our lawn activities are as environmentally friendly as possible as well as being suitable for everyone who uses your lawn, pets and children included.
They say that a picture paints a thousand words so let us leave you with a picture of your own. Imagine your perfect family picnic on a beautiful summer’s day. Maybe you are by a river or sitting on a hillside with far reaching views of the green countryside. Perhaps the children are playing and laughing in the background, or you are just snoozing in the sun. Food and drink will likely play its part and perhaps a bit of activity. Whatever your perfect picnic picture, it probably involves sitting on a rug, normally tartan for some reason! But what is under the rug? Fake grass or real grass?
For more information about how we can help you achieve your perfect lawn, feel free to contact our helpful team either by calling 0808 100 1413 or completing the form on the contact us page.
