The British love affair with gardens is taking a modern twist with the increasing popularity of artificial grass. While it promises low maintenance and a perpetually green appearance, this synthetic alternative is stirring controversy. Property experts warn that choosing artificial turf could potentially reduce your home’s market value by as much as £2,000.

A shift in public opinion regarding synthetic lawns is noticeable. Critics, including environmentalists, are vocal about the detrimental effects of artificial grass on the ecosystem. They highlight concerns such as soil contamination with plastic particles, disruption of wildlife habitats, and the complex issues surrounding the disposal and recycling of synthetic materials.

Property Value Concerns

Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com emphasises that while artificial grass may seem appealing for its maintenance-free nature, it has significant drawbacks that could influence home valuations. Potential buyers might consider the additional costs of replacing artificial turf with natural grass, a process that involves removing the existing base, adding new topsoil, and laying down fresh turf. The expense for such an overhaul on a standard 25 square meter garden is estimated at around £2,000, essentially negating any upfront cost benefits of installing artificial grass in the first place.

Cost Breakdown

• Removal and Replacement: Removing a well-installed artificial lawn involves extracting the sub-base and replacing it with topsoil, followed by new turf installation. This process can be quite costly, requiring significant labor and materials.
• Returfing Costs: For an average garden size of 25 square meters, returfing could cost about £2,100, considering labor, waste disposal, and materials over roughly five days.

Public Opinion and Legislative Attempts

Recent research by MyBuilder.com revealed a significant public pushback against artificial grass:

• 24% of Britons support a complete ban on synthetic grass.
• 33% advocate for regulations limiting artificial grass to protect the environment.
• 57% of respondents would not consider installing artificial grass, with this sentiment more pronounced among individuals over 55, where 68% are opposed.

Legislative Landscape

The Welsh Government’s recent failed attempt to ban artificial grass underscores the growing legislative interest in regulating synthetic materials in landscaping. Such governmental actions reflect the public’s increasing environmental concerns and their impact on policy.

Expert Advice

Property experts like Simms suggest that homeowners carefully consider the long-term implications of opting for artificial grass. While it may offer short-term convenience and aesthetic appeal, the potential reduction in property value and the environmental costs could outweigh these benefits.