Natural vs Artificial Grass — UK Cost Guide
Comparing natural turf and artificial grass for UK gardens — installation cost, ongoing maintenance, drainage, durability and environmental impact.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Natural Turf | Artificial Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Supply cost per m² | £3-6 | £15-40 |
| Installed cost per m² | £8-15 | £50-90 |
| Annual maintenance cost | £2-5/m² (mowing, feeding, watering) | £0.50-1/m² (brushing, rinsing) |
| Lifespan | Indefinite (self-renewing) | 15-20 years |
| Maintenance effort | Weekly mowing, seasonal feeding | Occasional brushing and rinsing |
| Drainage | Natural absorption | Permeable backing + sub-base |
| Summer temperature | Near air temp (cooling effect) | 50-70°C in sun (can burn) |
| Pet friendly | Yes (may get muddy/bare) | Yes (needs regular cleaning for odour) |
| Wildlife support | Supports insects, worms, birds | None — no habitat value |
| Appearance in winter | Can go dormant/muddy | Looks the same year-round |
UK Cost Comparison (2026 Prices)
For a typical 50 m² rear garden lawn:
| Cost Element | Natural Turf | Artificial Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Ground preparation | £100-200 | £300-500 |
| Sub-base (MOT Type 1) | N/A | £250-400 |
| Material supply | £150-300 | £750-2,000 |
| Membrane, edging, sand infill | N/A | £150-300 |
| Labour | £200-400 | £600-1,200 |
| Total installation | £450-900 | £2,050-4,400 |
| Annual maintenance (10 years) | £1,000-2,500 | £250-500 |
| 10-year total cost | £1,450-3,400 | £2,300-4,900 |
When to Choose Each
Choose Natural Turf When
- You enjoy gardening and lawn care
- Children play barefoot in summer
- Wildlife and biodiversity matter to you
- Budget is tight (much cheaper to install)
- The garden gets full sun (stays cool)
Choose Artificial When
- You want zero mowing and feeding
- Heavy foot traffic (dogs, play areas)
- Shaded areas where grass struggles
- Small urban gardens (roof terraces)
- Year-round consistent appearance
Environmental Considerations
Natural grass absorbs CO2, produces oxygen, supports pollinators, cools the surrounding area, and absorbs rainfall naturally. Artificial grass is plastic (typically polyethylene), does not biodegrade, offers no wildlife habitat, increases surface temperature, and is very difficult to recycle. Some UK councils have restricted artificial grass in front gardens to prevent flooding. If low maintenance is the goal, consider wildflower meadow or clover lawn as alternatives that support biodiversity with minimal upkeep.
Related Calculators
- Turf Calculator — calculate turf rolls and topsoil for natural lawns
- Artificial Grass Calculator — calculate materials for artificial lawn installation
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.