Artificial grass what's the deal?

[BG2015]

Last year we had our garden done. Really pleased with it. Decided to have the lawn re-turfed as artificial grass was so expensive.

However, although our garden/patio is south westerly the bottom half is sheltered by a massive willow tree so gets little sun. We also had a visiting mole x2 which created havoc and turned it into a mud bath.

We've decided to go with artificial grass, I'm not a great fan but it's the only way to go with our garden now.

So what's the deal with the grades etc as I know nothing about it. We've got someone coming to give us a quote next week so would like to have some idea first.

I think it’s really sad that plastic lawns are taking off. I blame Instagram and Mrs Hinch.

The poor insects and worms

@NeilBuchananisBanksy

"I hope all these people shouting at those with fake grass are vegetarian, don't drive, don't fly, only use locally sourced produce ...... otherwise that would be a tad hypocritical no?"

It's like Mumsnet bingo on here. This live is trotted out all the time.

Just being alive has an environmental impact. Doesn't mean you it justifies poor environmental choices. Nobody needs plastic grass. Plenty of other options if a lawn won't take.

Are flying In jets and shiny new plastic items at Christmas a necessity? No, nor is fake grass. What's the issue, especially if OP has other plants around for bees.

The "just being alive" argument doesn't work, because most people aren't able to slaughter their own meet and grow their own wheat. We have to go to the supermarket and get food with packaging to eat etc. It's not an indulgence

Nothing wrong with one person getting plastic grass, coming from someone who's environmentally conscious, no worse than other things we do day to day

@LimberlostLark

Sorry, I meant that for *@Cakeonthefloor*

(not that you're not cool, @LastSummerHere )

😂🤣 Give me a year and I'll give Cake a good run for her money!

We also don't have a lawn but have a deck, millstone water feature, raised beds and stepping stones. Super low maintenance and creature friendly

I meant to say we have a gravel garden with all those things in

How incredibly selfish. Fuck the environment, i want pretend grass so that usurps everything else. Why on earth would you want pretend grass? Just pave it, or cat litter gravel.

You can create the most beautiful garden with an alternative. Gravel, slate.
Have a winding path with beautiful intersting plants either side which leads to a secluded seating area.

Your options are endless.

But avoid the environmental damaging artificial grass.
The earth needs you.

@Cakeonthefloor

I got rid of my lawn but replaced it with brick paths and insect friendly plants. We did it ourself, bricks were free as they were reclaimed from a neighbour.

This looks beautiful!

As for artificial lawns - even leaving facts about how awful plastic lawns are for the environment and biodiversity aside (which absolutely is the main issue here), I think they're a crime against taste. I've seen some of the "high end" ones, and even they look truly awful.

It's dreadful stuff! I hope it gets banned very soon.

@Chicchicchicchiclana

ThrownToTheWolves

The thread title is "artificial grass - what's the deal" and some of us have responded with what the deal is - environmentally disastrous and we'd prefer people didn't choose it because all these individual choices affect the world around us.

It's got nothing to do with morals. They are bald facts. Just because you don't want to hear something doesn't mean people aren't allowed to voice their concerns. Too many people sticking fingers in their ears and going la la la.

This

@AlwaysLatte

It's dreadful stuff! I hope it gets banned very soon.

Me too, it needs to be made illegal.

Quite apart from how bad it is for the environment, it just looks so shit! I've only seen one house with it near me, and it looks awful compared with everyone else's garden. I'd rather have moles tbh. We don't have any lawn at all - lots of beds, two small ponds, some gravel and slabs, plenty of ferns and weeds! We live in a rural area, and plastic lawns don't seem to be at all popular here, thank goodness!

Disagree with most.
Depending on your soil, round her grass growing is bad. Even if you get it relaid twice, because the soil is so poor, it does and looks crap soon.
Not every soil in the uk is monty donn lovely.

And if you have loads of plants in your borders, then wildlife and bees will be happy.

Goodness is this thread still going? I expect the OP has sorted her lawn out a long time ago.

Funny how fake grass threads always attract cries of how could you, think of the environment. But threads about flying abroad or with long lists of plastic toys being bought for Christmas don’t.

@minipie

Goodness is this thread still going? I expect the OP has sorted her lawn out a long time ago.

Funny how fake grass threads always attract cries of how could you, think of the environment. But threads about flying abroad or with long lists of plastic toys being bought for Christmas don’t.

Is it funny? Isn't it just an example of how different people think different things are 'worth' their environmental impact?

I don't take planes for holidays and don't buy plastic toys at Christmas. But I do have two dogs (now). But I don't have children. But I do like tech. All of those things have environmental impact and clearly I've decided some are worth it and some are not. As others will do but come to different conclusions - perhaps choosing kids over dogs, for eg.

If fake grass thread attract more cries than others, wouldn't that just suggest that more people think the impact of fake grass is not worth it?

Well said Limber. I see fake grass being used on top of hard surface graves and IMO that is the only place it is justifiable.

I agree it should be made illegal, it’s really bad for the environment and there is no justification for using it. Due to the fact it only last 10-15 years and there is a huge amount of plastic going to waste, plus it’s taking land from wildlife.

If fake grass thread attract more cries than others, wouldn't that just suggest that more people think the impact of fake grass is not worth it?

Yes I guess that is what it suggests. But that’s because they don’t see it as having any benefits. Whereas those who have it, do regard it as having benefits. Same as any decision which has an environmental impact.

For example, I personally see absolutely no benefits in anyone having a third child, which has a far larger environmental impact than plastic grass. But I recognise that other people do find benefits in it which outweigh the impact, so I’m not going round berating people for their decision or saying it should be illegal.

We can’t go on mass opinion as to what is “worth it” without getting onto a very slippery slope.