It's one of the most common questions we hear from Suffolk homeowners: should I go for artificial grass or stick with real turf? Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your specific situation, garden, and lifestyle. Let's break it down honestly.
Real Turf: The Traditional Choice
There's something undeniably beautiful about a well-maintained natural lawn. The smell of freshly cut grass on a summer evening, the soft feel underfoot, and the environmental benefits of a living lawn are hard to replicate.
Pros of Real Turf
Lower upfront cost: Turfing costs approx. £40–60/m² installed, compared to approx. £100–160/m² for artificial grass.
Cooler in summer: Natural grass stays cool on hot days, while artificial grass can warm up in direct sunlight.
Environmental benefits: Real lawns absorb CO2, produce oxygen, support insects, and help with drainage.
Natural look and feel: Even the best artificial grass isn't quite the same as the real thing.
Cons of Real Turf
Ongoing maintenance: Mowing every 1-2 weeks from March to October, plus feeding, watering, aerating, and scarifying.
Weather dependent: Suffolk's dry summers can leave natural lawns brown and patchy without regular watering.
Mud and mess: In wet weather, natural lawns become muddy — a particular issue for families with children and dogs.
Shade issues: Natural grass struggles in heavily shaded areas, becoming thin and mossy.
Wear and tear: High-traffic areas — around goalposts, under trampolines, near back doors — quickly become worn and bare.
Artificial Grass: The Modern Alternative
Modern artificial grass is a world away from the obviously fake products of 20 years ago. Today's premium artificial grass looks remarkably natural and feels soft underfoot.
Pros of Artificial Grass
Zero maintenance: No mowing, feeding, watering, or seasonal care. Just an occasional brush and rinse.
Always green: Looks perfect in every season, regardless of weather, shade, or foot traffic.
No mud: Even after heavy Suffolk rain, artificial grass drains quickly and stays clean.
Durable: Handles heavy use from children, pets, and garden furniture without wearing out.
15-year guarantee: Our artificial grass installations come with a 15-year product guarantee.
Cons of Artificial Grass
Higher upfront cost: approx. £100–160/m² installed, compared to approx. £40–60/m² for turfing.
Heat in summer: Can warm up on very hot days, though this is rarely an issue in Suffolk's moderate climate.
Not natural: Despite improvements, it doesn't provide the environmental benefits of real grass.
Replacement eventually: After 15–20 years, artificial grass will need replacing rather than simply re-growing.
Cost Comparison Over 10 Years
When you factor in the ongoing costs of maintaining real turf — mower purchase and servicing, fuel, fertiliser, weed killer, water, and your own time — the financial gap narrows significantly:
Real Turf (50m²): £750–1,250 to install + approximately £500–800/year in maintenance and time = **£5,750–9,250 over 10 years**
Artificial Grass (50m²): £2,500–4,500 to install + virtually zero maintenance = **£2,500–4,500 over 10 years**
For many Suffolk homeowners, artificial grass is actually cheaper over a 10-year period.
Which is Right for Your Suffolk Garden?
Choose Real Turf If:
You enjoy gardening and lawn care as a hobby
Environmental benefits are a priority for you
You have a large open garden with good sun exposure
Upfront budget is tight
Choose Artificial Grass If:
You want a low-maintenance, always-perfect lawn
You have children or dogs that cause wear and mess
Your garden is heavily shaded
You're busy and don't have time for regular lawn care
You want a year-round usable outdoor space
We Install Both
At Garden Worx, we're experts in both turfing and artificial grass installation. We'll give you honest advice on which option suits your specific garden, lifestyle, and budget. Many of our Suffolk clients even combine both — real turf in open, sunny areas and artificial grass in shaded or high-traffic zones.
Get a free quote or try our AI garden visualiser to see how both options would look in your garden.
Garden Worx — landscaping excellence in Suffolk. SME Award Winners 2024.