Artificial, natural or mixed grass? Different characteristics and advantages

Synthetic and natural grass are two types of surface used for gardens, patios, sports surfaces and external spaces. Each provides different characteristics.

Below, Bellon-Mit has put together a simple guide to help you understand which material to choose to meet your needs and local climatic conditions.

Artificial Turf

This is made of polyethylene or polypropylene and represents a great innovation. It’s often used on sports fields as it delivers the following characteristics:

• Reduced maintenance: no need for cutting, watering or fertilising.
• Resistant to all weather conditions: can withstand even the most severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, ice, and drought, eliminating the problem, for example, of having to cancel sports events due to bad weather.
• Intense use: it can withstand intense use without damage. It has life expectancy of 15-20 years before it needs replacing.
• Unaltered appearance: the appearance remains uniform and aesthetically pleasing over time.
• Reduced water usage: no need for watering and consequently this represents an eco-friendly solution.
• Outstanding drainage: adequate drainage is important to ensure no surface water builds up on the artificial turf which could lead to deterioration of grass or mould growth.

Natural turf

• Natural appearance: turf appears soft and verdant, which many people find more attractive.
• Increased maintenance: natural grass requires regular cutting, watering and care to keep it in good condition. Our range of cleaning and gardening products are perfect for maintaining your turf in tip-top condition.
• It refreshes the surrounding air through the process of photosynthesis.
• Environmental benefits: reduction of air pollution and enhanced water quality are just two examples.

Recently, turfed areas are being created which use a combination of natural and artificial grass together.

This type of mixed turf, known as “hybrid grass”, features an artificial layer placed on top of natural turf to exploit the advantages of both materials and thus enhance the performance of the surface.