Why artificial lawn is a problem

Why we don’t use artificial lawn or plastics in our garden design projects

In March 2023 the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) took a stand against the widespread use of artificial lawn in our gardens by launching a campaign. This is in conjunction with the Landscape Institute and Royal Horticultural Society

You may be asking why? Here are 10 reasons we do not use plastic in our projects:-

1. Artificial lawns are made of plastic manufactured using valuable fossil fuels.  So by installing artificial lawns we are wrapping our gardens in plastic.
2. Artificial lawns are NOT low maintenance. Debris such as faecal matter (dog poo!), moss and seeds build up on the surface. You will need to regularly clean them with water and chemicals.
3. In summer the surface becomes extremely hot, causing burns to humans and pets. The heat generated also escapes into the atmosphere contributing to global warming.
4. Plastic does not absorb carbon dioxide (unlike natural grass).  Artificial grass is also high in carbon dioxide emissions. This is due to the way it is manufactured, transported and installed.
5. Artificial lawn destroys living soil. You will have to remove all top soil before installation leaving a sterile and compacted subsoil for installation.
6. Water cannot be absorbed into the ground as the plastic surface is impermeable. This means that drains are under more pressure during high rainfall which can lead to flooding.
7. It prevents us touching soil. Studies have shown that ‘getting our hands in the dirt’ is beneficial for our mental and physical health.  Soil produces microbes which are beneficial to our immune system, especially for children.
8. Artificial lawn supports no insect life. This results in fewer pollinators in our gardens and also no food for birds and small animals.
9. Artificial grass sheds micro plastic fibres during their use which enters our water courses and oceans.
10. It contributes to ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’. This is a term first used by Richard Louv to describe the human cost of alienation from nature.  We have become increasingly disconnected from nature and ecological systems to the point where it is acceptable to replace nature with plastic.

What can we use instead?

So if we can take a ‘Bag For Life’ to the supermarket and diligently recycle all of our plastics, surely we can stop wrapping our gardens in plastic? There are many low maintenance options.

• Clover lawns are low-maintenance, easy to care for and look great. They also make your outdoor space more welcoming to wildlife.
• Permeable paving materials such as permeable concrete blocks, clay pavers or porous tarmac are great options if you are really struggling to maintain your garden lawn.
• Gravel gardens are a great option for a low maintenance garden where growing a lawn has become problematic. You can even plant plenty of nectar and pollen rich perennials to attract  visiting insects to your garden and break up the gravel surface.

These sustainable options will also help your health and wellbeing, increase biodiversity and make you more connected to nature.

Looking for inspiration for your garden design project? Then check out our portfolio.

Gerbera Designs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and a garden Design member of the Association of Professional Landscapers.

Get in touch with us at info@gerberadesigns.co.uk to organise a FREE consultation in Aberdeen City and Shire to start creating your dream outdoor space.