In short
Natural lawn is alive, cools on hot days, and provides habitat for insects – but requires regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering. Artificial turf is green all year round, requires no mowing or watering, and tolerates shade and heavy use, but it heats up in the sun and is a plastic product. The right choice depends on how you use your garden and how much time you want to invest.
Install natural lawn or artificial turf? Both options have their merits. This decision-making guide honestly compares the pros and cons and shows which solution is suitable for which situation.
Natural Lawn and Artificial Turf Compared
| Criterion | Natural Lawn | Artificial Turf |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Effort | Mowing, fertilizing, watering, scarifying, reseeding | Remove leaves, brush, occasionally clean |
| Water Requirement | Regular watering during dry periods | No watering necessary |
| Appearance | Natural, depending on season and care | Consistently green all year round |
| Shade | Grows poorly, becomes patchy | Independent of light |
| Durability | Bare spots with heavy use | Remains dense, even with children and dogs |
| Temperature | Cools through evaporation | Heats up significantly in direct sun |
| Ecology | Habitat for insects and soil life | Plastic, no habitat |
| Installation | Cheaper to purchase | Higher initial investment, low ongoing costs |
When is Natural Lawn the Better Choice?
- You enjoy gardening and have time for regular maintenance
- Your garden is sunny and easy to water
- Ecology and biodiversity are a priority for you
- The area is only moderately used
Tip: A mix of lawn and flower beds or a herb lawn is particularly insect-friendly.
When is Artificial Turf the Better Choice?
- Shady areas where grass does not grow
- Heavily used areas with children or dogs – see Artificial Turf and Dogs
- Balconies, roof terraces, and areas on concrete or paving
- Little time or physical limitations for gardening
- Holiday homes or areas that cannot be regularly maintained
The Combination: The Best of Both
Many gardens benefit from a mix: artificial turf where natural lawn doesn’t work – under trees, on the terrace, in front of the play tower – and natural lawn, flower beds, or wildflower meadows in the remaining areas. This keeps the garden low-maintenance yet vibrant.
What to Consider with Artificial Turf
- High-quality product with a natural look and a long warranty
- Water-permeable construction for drainage
- Professional sub-base – see Artificial Turf Sub-base
- Plan for shaded areas on sunny surfaces
- Prefer a single-material, recyclable product
All advantages and disadvantages of artificial turf in detail can be found in the guide Artificial Turf: Pros and Cons.
Our Advice
Are you unsure what suits your garden? We offer honest advice – even if the answer is sometimes “natural lawn.” You can experience Royal Grass® artificial turf live in our show gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions: Garden Lawn or Artificial Turf?
What is better, artificial turf or real grass?
That depends on your situation. Natural lawn is ecologically more valuable and cools, but requires maintenance, light, and water. Artificial turf is low-maintenance, green all year round, and durable, but it heats up in the sun and is a plastic product.
Is artificial turf easier to maintain than natural lawn?
Yes, significantly. Mowing, fertilizing, watering, and reseeding are eliminated. Artificial turf only needs to be cleared of leaves, occasionally brushed, and cleaned.
Does grass grow in the shade?
Natural lawn grows poorly in the shade and quickly becomes patchy or mossy. Artificial turf is often the better solution for shady areas.
Can artificial turf and natural lawn be combined?
Yes. Many gardens strategically use artificial turf where natural lawn doesn’t thrive, such as under trees or on the terrace, while retaining natural lawn or flower beds in other areas.