The pros and cons of the latest trend

THERE’S been a boom in artificial grass during lockdown, but horticulturists are urging gardeners to grow natural lawns to help wildlife and improve air quality. Sales of artificial turf at LazyLawn, the UK’s biggest artificial grass supplier, rose by 300% during three months of lockdown, according to its sales director Andy Driver.

Critics say that plastic lawns are not environmentally friendly. A decade ago fake grass was showcased at the

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but it has long since been banned from the show, says RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter. “As an environmental charity, it’s not the kind of thing we think is appropriate,” he says. “I would go for real grass. I would rather throw myself in a ditch than have an artificial lawn.”

Lawn expert David HedgesGower agrees. “You either want to go with nature or you don’t.”

SO, WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A REAL LAWN COMPARED?

To start with, real lawns are undoubtedly environmentally friendly. “Lawns are natural surfaces, they lock up carbon in the soil and promote wildlife, and are part of what makes gardens lovely,” says Barter.

“Real lawns allow invertebrates access to the soil beneath, so all the things that live under the ground, like worms, centipedes and millipedes, can bring down goodness into the soil, aerate the soil and survive down there,” adds Paul Hetherington, director of insect charity Buglife.

“Crane flies (daddy long-legs) lay their eggs there and you’ll also find beetles, so birds will come down and eat on your lawn. Invertebrates are a really important part of the food chain. Once you put a plastic lawn across, you’ve basically created a desert in your garden.” Driver concedes: “Artificial turf is not a product designed for wildlife, it’s a product designed for living. We very much encourage people to have planting areas as well, so they can attract wildlife. Having an artificial lawn which looks lovely may encourage people to grow plants around it.”

“We are not against natural grass – it’s about a need,” he continues. “If you have a family where the lawn has become muddy, we are servicing a need that allows people to enjoy their outdoor space and get active.”

HOW HARD IS GRASS TO GROW?

Grasses cover around a quarter of our planet. “It’s the most simple plant to grow and grows very naturally without too much intervention,” says Hedges-Gower. “The use of native species – [like] bent grass and fescue – is paramount. We call native grasses ‘luxury lawn mixtures’ in garden centres and seed companies. You don’t need a bowling green lawn, you can go for a more natural look.”

WHAT ABOUT AREAS THAT AREN’T SUITABLE TO GROW A REAL LAWN?

“Some places such as shady areas aren’t suitable for real lawns,” says Barter. “Other options include ground cover shrubs or hard paving rather than artificial grass, which has a limited life and has to be disposed of in ways that are not always easy.”

He adds that it is “increasingly common to recycle concrete, slabs and paving, by grinding them up and reusing them.”

IS FAKE GRASS REALLY THAT LOW MAINTENANCE?

It will still need maintaining. Driver says: “You can get weed seeds growing and germinating in the plastic. You will get airborne weeds, but it’s not a problem. We recommend treating the whole lawn twice a year with a weedkiller. If you do get any weeds, they just pull out.”

When leaves fall on the fake grass, you can just sweep them off with a plastic rake or use a lawn blower.

People have even been known to use a vacuum cleaner on the lawn.