In brief
Pros: Artificial turf stays green all year round, does not need mowing, fertilising or watering, is hard-wearing and, if it is good quality, lasts for many years. Cons: higher upfront costs, significant heat build-up in the sun, no habitat for insects and soil organisms, and it is a plastic product that must be properly recycled at the end of its life. Whether artificial turf is worth it depends mainly on how it will be used, the location and the quality.
Artificial turf is polarising: for some, it is the low-maintenance solution for shady gardens, balconies and dog owners; for others, it is an eyesore in the garden. As a specialist company that has been installing and cleaning artificial turf since 1998, we know both sides. Here you will find an honest assessment – so you can decide whether artificial turf is right for you.
The advantages of artificial turf
- No mowing, fertilising or scarifying: Maintenance is limited to removing leaves, occasional brushing and one thorough cleaning per year.
- No watering: Especially in dry summers, you save water and time.
- Green all year round: Even in shade, under trees or on roof terraces where natural grass will not grow.
- Hard-wearing: Children, dogs and garden parties do not leave bare patches or mud.
- Clean: No soil being tracked into the house – ideal for families with children and pets.
- Durable: High-quality, UV-resistant artificial turf lasts for many years with proper care. Our Royal Grass® products come with a 15-year warranty.
The disadvantages of artificial turf
- Upfront costs: Materials and a professionally built base cost significantly more than grass seed or turf rolls. Over the years, this is partly offset by lower maintenance costs.
- Heat: Artificial turf heats up significantly in the sun because no water evaporates. Measurements by the University of Florida show surface temperatures of up to 79°C on artificial turf compared to around 39°C on natural grass on hot days.
- Ecology: Artificial turf provides no habitat for insects, earthworms and soil organisms and does not contribute to cooling the surrounding area.
- Plastic and microplastics: Abrasion and loose plastic granules can enter the environment as microplastics. Granules used as infill are therefore subject to an EU restriction; for garden turf without plastic infill, this is not an issue.
- Disposal: At the end of its service life, artificial turf must be disposed of properly. Products made from single-type materials can be recycled.
- Local regulations: Some municipalities restrict the design of front gardens via development plans or design bylaws. Please check this with your local authority in advance.
Artificial turf vs. natural grass: a direct comparison
| Criterion | Artificial turf | Natural grass |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance effort | low | high (mowing, fertilising, watering, scarifying) |
| Water requirement | none (except for cleaning or cooling) | high during dry periods |
| Purchase | more expensive | less expensive |
| Durability under use | very high, year-round | depends on weather and season |
| Shade / balcony | no problem | limited to impossible |
| Temperature in summer | heats up significantly | cools through evaporation |
| Biodiversity | none | habitat for insects and soil life |
| Service life | many years, then recycling | permanent with maintenance |
What helps to mitigate the disadvantages
Many disadvantages can be significantly reduced with the right product choice and planning:
- Heat: Plan shaded areas, briefly hose down the surface with water on hot days, and opt for light rather than dark infill. More on this in our glossary under surface temperature.
- Ecology: Use artificial turf specifically where natural grass does not work, and design the rest of the garden in a nature-friendly way with beds, shrubs and flowering areas.
- Microplastics: Choose products without plastic granules and keep abrasion low through regular cleaning.
- Disposal: Look for recyclable products – all our Royal Grass® artificial turf is 100% recyclable.
- Quality: Cheap artificial turf fades faster and mats down sooner. Pay attention to stitch density, fibre shape and warranty.
Who is artificial turf worth it for?
| Situation | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| Shady garden, natural grass does not grow | Artificial turf is often the best solution |
| Balcony, terrace, roof terrace | very suitable; natural grass is hardly possible |
| Family with a dog or small children | well suited; cleaner and more hard-wearing than natural grass |
| Little time or physical limitations | significant relief when it comes to garden work |
| Large, sunny garden with a focus on nature | Natural grass or a wildflower meadow is usually the better choice |
Our advice
Feel the difference for yourself: In our show garden in Bernau and in our sample gardens, you can touch and compare different artificial turfs. We advise you honestly – even if artificial turf is not the right solution for your project.
Frequently asked questions about the pros and cons of artificial turf
How long does artificial turf last?
High-quality artificial turf lasts for many years when installed professionally and maintained regularly. Royal Grass artificial turf comes with a 15-year warranty. Cheaper products usually fade faster and lose their shape sooner.
Does artificial turf get hot in summer?
Yes. Because plastic does not evaporate water, artificial turf can heat up significantly more in direct sun than natural grass. Shade, briefly hosing it down with water and light-coloured infill help to reduce the temperature.
Is artificial turf harmful to the environment?
Artificial turf provides no habitat for insects and can release microplastics, but it saves water, fertiliser and lawnmower emissions. The most environmentally friendly option is a recyclable product without plastic granules, used specifically where natural grass does not work.
Is artificial turf good for dogs?
Yes, artificial turf is well suited for dogs because it prevents holes and mud. What matters is a permeable base as well as regular rinsing and cleaning to prevent odours.
Is artificial turf allowed in the garden?
In principle, yes. However, some municipalities restrict the design of front gardens via development plans or bylaws. Please check with your local authority before installation.