Demand for an artificial lawn drops fast

Although the Government has recently expressed concern about the popularity of artificial grass, our data released today shows they may be worrying for nothing.

According to our own exclusive data, interest in installing an artificial lawn is down a whopping 48 percent, year on year. This was after a steady rise for the trend in the previous few years.

What’s more, it seems that many homeowners are opting for more natural gardens, which is good news for environmentalists! Cottage gardens have also gained in popularity, as more Brits attempt to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Our data showed that year on year demand for artificial grass is 48 percent lower, while year to date demand is 66 percent down on the same time period in 2021.

Meanwhile, demand for garden maintenance is higher than ever, with an increase of 15 percent year on year in May - and there’s an 87 percent increase for 2023 compared to 2021.

Recently, the Government in Wales attempted to bring in legislation to ban artificial grass amid growing fears about its popularity. Despite the convenience of artificial grass, it is widely touted to be bad for wildlife and drainage, which is particularly problematic in many new build estates.

One of MyBuilder.com’s garden experts, James Lewis, said he wasn’t surprised by the statistics.

“There has been an increasing amount of negativity about artificial grass, particularly in terms of the environmental impact.

“Artificial grass does have its positives and negatives, and we’d advise anyone considering one to carefully weigh up the pros and cons before investing in it.”

To help those thinking about it decide, we’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.

##Pros

###1. Looks aesthetically pleasing all year round

No brown spots, bald patches, or muddy puddles here! There’s no denying that an artificial lawn looks nice and maintains its appearance, whatever the weather.

###2. No need for watering.

No live grass equals no need to water it in the summer. Saves you time, and money off your monthly water bill. Also useful when the inevitable hosepipe ban comes into play.

###3. Low maintenance

No mowing, no watering, no reseeding - there’s no doubt that an artificial lawn is easier to look after than a natural one.

###4. Easy to clean

We all know the risk of unseen pet poo and urine on our lawns, but with an artificial lawn you can easily hose it down to keep it sparkly clean.

##Cons

##1. Expensive to buy and install

Although once in place it may save you money, buying and installing your artificial lawn is likely to be a several thousand pound cost. The average cost for installation in an average size garden is between £1,200 to £2,500.

##2. Loss of natural habitat

Removing natural grass undeniably has a negative effect on the environment, with the loss of habitat for bugs and wildlife.

##3. Drainage implications

Although this varies depending on product and installation, an artificial lawn does not drain as well as a real one. This can cause issues in areas where flooding is a problem, such as in new build estates built on previous flood plains, or in areas close to bodies of water.

##4. Can get too hot

It’s been well documented lately that artificial lawns can get too hot for little feet and paws, causing blistering and burns. Vets from Joii Pet Care have recently warned owners that artificial grass can be perilous for pets, and advised extreme caution when allowing pets onto it.

If you’re looking at a garden project, we have a helpful landscaping cost guide and a dedicated one for artificial grass costs.