Synthetic Grass vs Real Grass: What’s the Difference

Modern residential and commercial property owners in Australia have to balance the growing living costs with their property’s aesthetics and maintenance. In doing so, there’s often a common question about which would be better for their outdoor space: synthetic grass or real grass.

Both turf types have unique benefits, so our specialists at Trinity Landscape & Sports have sized up these contenders in this comprehensive guide to help you weigh your options.

Artificial Grass vs Natural Grass Lawn

The distinction is pretty big if you are currently reviewing the market and choosing between natural grass and an artificial lawn.

Natural Turf

A natural lawn is entirely organic. As with many forms of flora, natural grass lawns require lots of sunlight, nutrients, and water for survival.

As a product of Mother Nature, a roll-on lawn may seem more eco-friendly due to its retrieval and usage of sustainable cultivation practices, but some maintenance issues can impact your carbon footprint. 

Additionally, in residential and commercial properties, those who prefer natural grass will find it absorbs more noise and reflects less light than its fake grass alternative.

Synthetic Turf

That said, synthetic grass is constructed from robust materials such as polypropylene and polyethene, derived from ethylene, a highly durable form of plastic-crafted greenery. 

Unlike natural grass, artificial grass is often laid with rubber granules and additional sand infill for better shock absorption. Given its ability to be a great playing surface, it is a favourite for applications like sports fields and play equipment.

Requiring very little maintenance, you also forgo common issues like weed control and maintaining a freshly mowed lawn.

Which Lasts the Longest?

Of course, when we compare natural and artificial grass, the biggest difference is in longevity. Natural turf, when appropriately maintained, can last for decades. Synthetic turf will still last between 20 and 30 years, but eventually, the artificial components may degenerate into minute fibres, losing their aesthetic appeal.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Instead, it’s about picking the most suitable option based on your individual needs and circumstances. 

Maintenance Considerations: Real Grass vs Artificial Grass

In our busy world, where free time is often rare, mirroring the botanical masterpiece of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne might be a pipe dream.

So comes the question of natural grass versus a synthetic lawn. In terms of ongoing maintenance, which one should you choose for your property? 

Natural grass is the traditional option. It regulates temperature, produces oxygen and has an unmatched natural feel and aroma. A well-manicured natural grass lawn, however, requires consistent care and attention. Think re-seeding, mowing, watering, fertilising, and weeding – the list goes on.

If you love gardening and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves at weekends, a real lawn might be the perfect choice. 

Environmental Impact of Artificial Turf vs Natural Grass

We are all more aware of our significant carbon footprint these days. So, if you are intent on making your house more ‘green,’ it’s essential that you make thoughtful decisions about the materials you choose to use on an everyday basis. 

At first glance, you might think that natural grass is the greener choice. It absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen—an undeniable boon for our environment, right? Plus, it supports various forms of wildlife and adds to our neighbourhood biodiversity.

That said, natural grass requires regular watering, using pesticides, weed killer and fertilisers, and, of course, the dreaded mowing. These activities can have significant environmental implications, as they consume vast amounts of water from a hose or sprinkler system, contribute to chemical runoff, and create emissions from fuel-powered lawn-mowing machines. 

On the other hand, artificial grass requires no water, no mowing, and no harmful pesticides, offering its own benefits in terms of sustainability. However, many options are made from petroleum-based products, which is a less-than-stellar manufacturing process for our environment. 

There’s also the concern about its disposal when it reaches the end of its useful life (i.e. will it be recycled, handled responsibly, or will it end up on landfill sites?). 

Heat Wave Worries: How Temperature Affects Your Natural or Artificial Grass Installation

Property owners familiar with the extremes of the Australian climate know the damage relentless heat waves can have on your new lawn.

With real grass, hot summer days can pose a real challenge. A high surface temperature could lead to parched lawns if not watered regularly, particularly during periods when there may be strict limits on household water usage. Regardless, this could also mean higher water bills and more time spent tending to your lawn.

And yet, despite this, real grass possesses a cooling effect that artificial grass might not afford you. It absorbs heat from the surrounding area, rather than reflecting it back.

A fake lawn will cope very well under such intense conditions in the warmer months. The composition of instant turf allows it to remain green and vibrant, regardless of the temperature or weather, all year round. Nevertheless, artificial grass can heat up under direct sunlight, potentially causing some discomfort for foot traffic.

When making your decision between the grass-type options, consider your lifestyle, property, and typical local weather conditions.

If you’re living in regions prone to extended droughts and don’t have the resources to sustain real grass, for example, then synthetic might be the go-to solution.

If your property sees lower temperatures or enjoys significant shade, then real grass could be the better option.

Always remember that each choice has its pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your property.

Beauty vs Practicality: Aesthetic Appeal of Artificial Grass or Real Turf

As you review the aesthetic appeal of artificial grass versus natural grass, the debate is largely fuelled by personal preference. Some treasure the perfect, evergreen carpet offered by synthetic grass, while others relish the imperfections of real grass, valuing its natural charm and sensory appeal. 

Synthetic grass has come a long way in recent years. No longer the unnatural bright green mat of yesteryear, it now offers the look and feel of real, genuine grass, even down to individually designed blades and a mix of colour tones.

Perfect all year round and void of brown patches, artificial grass offers consistency, something that can’t always be said for real grass. 

No matter how advanced synthetic grass has become, though, it can’t quite replicate the alluring nature of real grass. The smell of freshly cut grass, the cushiony texture underfoot, the tiny flowers and plant life – these subtleties are lost with synthetic grass and are part of what makes real grass so appealing for many. 

In the grand scheme, both options offer unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s really about how much value you place on practicality and perfection versus authenticity and natural charm. 

This is one decision that can’t be made on a ‘one size fits all’ basis—it boils down to what best suits each individual homeowner and their unique circumstances.

Installation Cost of Synthetic vs Real Grass

If you are choosing between synthetic and real grass, let’s look at the financial implications of both options so you can make an informed decision based on your budget. 

Cost of Artificial Grass

Artificial grass, with its stunningly realistic appearance and low maintenance qualities, is often a front-runner for many. Initial installation costs can vary widely based on the quality and features of the type of grass you select, spanning from $25 to almost $60 per square metre. It’s worth keeping in mind that these costs are a one-time payment, with minimal ongoing maintenance costs involved. 

Cost of Real Grass

On the flip side, real grass installation can be somewhat easier on the wallet initially. You’re looking at costs between $5 to $45 per square metre. Again, real lawns require regular mowing, watering, fertilising, and sometimes, pest control. You might find these ongoing maintenance expenses adding up in the long run. 

Then there’s another factor to consider—time. While we can’t attach a dollar sign to this, it’s worth acknowledging that maintaining a real grass lawn can be time-consuming. If you find yourself crunched for time more often than not, saving on hours invested in lawn care by choosing synthetic grass might just tip the scales in your favour. 

So, when considering synthetic grass vs real grass, the upfront vs ongoing costs, maintenance time, and your own lifestyle needs should be considered. It’s a decision that involves weighing the pros and cons of your time and hard-earned dollars.

Note: When you contact Trinity Landscape & Sports for a free quote, we’ll provide you with a competitive price on the type of grass best suited for your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• Synthetic grass and real grass each have unique characteristics, both advantageous and disadvantageous, that make them suitable for different circumstances.
• Synthetic grass generally requires less maintenance than real grass, which can save you significant time and effort in the long run.
• With advances in technology, synthetic grass companies have been able to simulate the texture of real grass. Test both options and see which ‘feels’ right to you.
• Both types of grass can look fantastic if maintained or installed properly. The choice boils down to personal preference.
• Real grass contributes to the environment by reducing carbon dioxide, but synthetic grass is a good alternative for water conservation.
• Temperature can have different effects on both synthetic and real grass. Synthetic grass can get hot under intense sunlight, while real grass requires a good amount of sunlight for good health.
• From an aesthetic viewpoint, the appeal of real grass is timeless, but modern synthetic grass designs are catching up quickly and can be equally appealing.
• Although the initial cost of installing synthetic grass may be higher, the reduced maintenance cost and time over the years may offset this initial expense.

Weigh the pros and cons and factor in your specific needs and preferences. After all, whether you choose real or synthetic, the aim should always be to create a lovely green space where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the great Australian outdoors.

For more information on the options available to you, please contact our friendly team at Trinity today.