Artificial grass or real turf?

Choose artificial grass if…

• your lawn is often muddy, boggy or worn out by children and dogs;
• the garden is shady and real grass struggles to grow;
• you want a green lawn all year with no mowing, feeding or weeding;
• you want a clean surface next to a patio or play area.

A Paulton family we worked with had a lawn ruined by children and dogs; artificial grass with porcelain paving gave them a garden they can use every day of the year.

Choose real turf if…

• you love the look, smell and feel of a natural lawn;
• you want the lowest up-front cost;
• you want to support wildlife and keep the garden cool in summer;
• you do not mind mowing and occasional feeding.

Pets and children

Artificial grass is popular with dog owners because it stays clean and mud-free, and drains through its backing. Real turf is softer and cooler underfoot in hot weather, but heavy use can wear patches. Whichever you choose, good preparation and drainage make the biggest difference.

Preparation is everything

Artificial grass needs the old lawn excavated, a compacted sub-base, firm edging and careful levelling so it lies flat and drains. We have re-laid artificial grass that another installer had put straight onto mud — it is worth doing properly the first time.

Real turf needs the old grass removed, drainage problems fixed, quality topsoil compacted and screeded level, and a starter fertiliser. On a boggy Westfield lawn we cultivated ten tonnes of sand into the ground before adding topsoil and new turf.

Cost over time

Real turf is cheaper to lay but needs ongoing care. Artificial grass costs more up front but very little afterwards. We are happy to price both so you can compare.

Written by the JSW Landscaping & Surfacing team · Updated October 2026