An Analysis of Synthetic Grass Lawns – Are They Really Worth It?

Synthetic turf, often referred to as artificial grass or myriad combinations of the two phrases, is made from polyethylene or polypropylene materials designed to mimic the look and feel of real grass.

There are several layers to Artificial Turf including the fibres, thatching, base material, backing material and infill, and as the name would suggest, every layer is made up of engineered synthetic materials,

It’s not uncommon for the fibres and thatching to be made from polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon, and they’re typically woven or glued to a dense rubber base that helps with structural integrity, but also some cushioning.

The infill material is usually a kiln-dried or otherwise sterilised fine grain sand that’s brushed into the canopy to help with the natural feel, add weight to the turf and assist with drainage.

Modern synthetic turf has come a long way since the harsh, plastic-looking surfaces of old. Today, it offers a more realistic appearance and is tailored to suit various applications, including small residential lawns, shaded areas, and spaces where natural turf struggles to thrive.

As we mentioned above, there are benefits to synthetic grass lawns:

1. Low Maintenance: One of the primary reasons homeowners consider synthetic turf is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t need mowing, watering, or fertilising.

2. Water-Saving: With water restrictions and dry climates common across Australia, synthetic turf can drastically reduce water usage. This makes it appealing for areas where water conservation is a top priority.

3. Shade Tolerance: If your lawn has significant shading from trees, fences, or buildings, natural turf may struggle to grow. Synthetic turf remains green year-round without patchiness.

4. Durability: Synthetic lawns can handle heavy foot traffic and pets, making them suitable for play areas, pathways, or family backyards.

Of course, there are no free meals in the lawn game and while synthetic grass does have its advantages, the pendulum swings back just as far with disadvantages:

1. High Upfront Cost: While synthetic turf requires less maintenance, the initial installation cost can be significant. Depending on the quality of the turf and installation process, prices can range from $50 to $100 per square metre.

2. Heat Retention: Synthetic turf can get extremely hot in the Australian sun, making it uncomfortable to walk on during summer. Unlike natural turf, it doesn’t have a cooling effect.

3. Environmental Impact: Artificial grass is made from non-biodegradable materials, contributing to landfill waste at the end of its lifespan. It also doesn’t absorb carbon dioxide or support biodiversity like natural grass.

4. Lack of Natural Feel: Despite improvements in technology, synthetic turf cannot replicate the soft, cool texture of real grass underfoot.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance for Pets: While synthetic turf doesn’t require mowing, it still needs cleaning, especially for households with pets. Urine can create odours, and organic matter such as leaves can accumulate, requiring regular upkeep. Over time, sand infill may need to be replaced to keep the turf looking fresh.

While synthetic grass has many benefits, surprisingly synthetic grass can require a lot of maintenance in order to keep it looking in tip-top condition.

Cleaning

Synthetic turf needs regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of leaves and debris, which can cause drainage problems. Sweeping of the surface should be done weekly. If leaves, tree flowers, pine needles and other debris are left on the surface for any length of time they can break down, forming a drainage-inhibiting skin within the surface which can encourage the growth of algae and moss.

Regular cleaning helps to remove any dirt or grit which could potentially damage the turf. There are a number of different ways to clean synthetic turf, including using a broom, hose, or even a pressure washer. However, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these can damage the turf.

Grooming

Regular grooming of synthetic turf is important to prevent the deterioration of its appearance and characteristics, and keep the surface as even and uniform as possible. This can be done with a mechanical brush or a power broom.

Synthetic turf should also be raked on a regular basis to remove leaves, twigs, and other organic debris. Raking also helps to redistribute infill material and maintain an even playing surface.

Finally, you should spray your synthetic turf with water on a regular basis to keep it cool and prevent dirt and dust from buildup.

Moss and Algae

Algae and moss can be unsightly on synthetic turf, and if left unmanaged, can cause permanent damage. Use a stiff broom to dislodge the algae or moss, and then treat the affected areas with a solution of bleach and water. Be sure to rinse the area afterwards with clean water to remove any residual bleach.

Alternatively, your turf can be treated with a fungicide designed for this purpose.

Weed Removal

Although they are not as prevalent in synthetic turf as they are with natural grass, weeds can still appear from time to time. It is important to remove weeds as soon as they appear to prevent them from spreading. The best way to do this is to pull them up by the root by hand or using a weeding tool. If the weed has already gone to seed, you should also remove the seeds from the area to prevent them from germinating.

Joints and Seams

You should inspect the joints and seams of your synthetic turf on a regular basis, looking for any signs of looseness, separation, or gaps, which could cause a loss of pile, or pose a safety risk to users. Repair any damage promptly to avoid long term damage to your turf.

Top-Up Infill Levels (for filled synthetic grass only)

Filled synthetic lawns need the correct level of infill in order to maintain their bouncy, realistic feel. This also helps to protect the grass fibres from damage. Over time, infill can be lost through wear and tear, wind, and rain, so you should check the infill levels on a monthly basis and top up as needed. High traffic areas may need to be topped-up more regularly.

Power Brushing

Power brushing uses rotating brushes to loosen and remove any build-up of dirt, debris, or other materials that can accumulate on the synthetic grass over time. Many manufacturers recommend power brushing every six months in order to keep the rubber particles mobile and the carpet fibres upright.

We’ve done countless articles on the benefits of natural turf, but to quickly summarise:

1. Environmental Benefits: Natural turf offers significant environmental advantages, including absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It also fosters a healthy soil biome providing a natural habitat for insects and microorganisms. It also reduces urban heating by providing a cool, natural surface.

2. Visual Appeal and Natural Feel: There’s no substitute for the lush, vibrant look of a healthy natural lawn. Natural turf feels soft and cool underfoot, making it ideal for kids, pets, and summer gatherings.

3. Improved Air Quality: Lawns help filter dust and pollutants, improving overall air quality around your home.

4. Cost-Effective: While natural turf requires ongoing maintenance, the upfront cost is considerably lower than synthetic turf installation. With proper care, a natural lawn has no measurable shelf life – it can last forever.

It would be blatantly biased if we overlooked some of the reasons people don’t favour natural turf, including:

1. Maintenance Requirements: Natural turf requires regular mowing, watering, fertilising, and pest control to remain healthy. For busy homeowners, this can be time-consuming.

2. Water Usage: Maintaining a natural lawn during dry periods can increase water usage, which may not be ideal in areas with restrictions.

3. Shade Challenges: Natural turf struggles to grow in heavily shaded areas, leading to patchiness and bare spots.

If we’re to stack the two turf types side by side, which one comes out on top?

Cost Comparison

Synthetic Turf does have a high upfront installation cost, but it could be argued has lower ongoing maintenance. Natural Turf on the other hand has lower installation costs, but does require ongoing maintenance, watering and supplementation.

Environmental Considerations

It’s hard to overlook the fact that Synthetic Turf is made from non-biodegradable materials, and at the end of its life will contribute to landfill waste. Natural Turf on the other hand absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen and supports biodiversity but requires water and occasional chemicals for maintenance.

Appearance and Feel

Synthetic Turf maintains year-round colour even in shaded conditions, but lacks the softness and cooling of a natural lawn. Natural Turf, by comparison, offers a vibrant, natural look and feel with a cooling, soft texture underfoot.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

Synthetic Turf is an attractive option for homeowners with small yards, heavy shade, or minimal time for lawn care. For families, pet owners, and those who value environmental benefits and natural aesthetics, you cannot go past Natural Turf.

While synthetic turf offers convenience and durability, natural turf remains the superior choice for homeowners who prioritise environmental benefits, natural beauty, and tactile appeal. If your backyard receives plenty of sunlight and you can commit to regular maintenance, natural turf will reward you with a lush, vibrant lawn that’s perfect for the Australian lifestyle.

On the other hand, if you have a shaded yard, limited time for upkeep, or require a low-maintenance solution, synthetic turf might be worth considering despite its environmental impact and upfront cost.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and values. For those who love the feel of fresh grass underfoot and the environmental benefits of a living lawn, natural turf remains the gold standard.

 Where to Find Your Local Turf Supplier

There’s a reason why Aussie home owners have loved natural turf for decades. The minimal amount of maintenance required to cultivate a little green slice of heaven is a small price to pay for the memories made on an outstanding patch of grass.

You can find the perfect myhomeTURF variety for your yard by connecting with a myhomeTURF Supplier in your area.