Homeowners across the United Kingdom are being urged to reconsider installing artificial grass following a stark environmental warning from leading scientists and conservationists. What many perceive as a low-maintenance solution for gardens, particularly for those with pets, is now under scrutiny for its damaging ecological effects.
The Hidden Environmental Cost of Plastic Lawns
Research from Plymouth University highlights that synthetic turf offers no nutritional value to living creatures. Dr Mick Hanley, Associate Professor in Plant-Animal Interactions, authored a significant thesis on the subject in April 2024, questioning its environmental footprint. The primary concern is that the material acts as a plastic barrier, severely limiting access to the soil beneath.
This barrier prevents burrowing insects, such as solitary bees, from reaching their habitats. It also starves soil dwellers like worms of essential natural materials. "It restricts access to natural materials like leaf litter and grass clippings – essential for feeding soil organisms like worms and microscopic animals and keeping the soil healthy," the university report states.
Overheating and Contributing to Global Warming
Beyond its impact on insects and soil, artificial grass poses a direct problem in warmer weather. Studies confirm it reaches significantly greater temperatures than natural grass under identical weather conditions. This can make plastic lawns uncomfortably hot and even unusable during a heatwave.
Furthermore, the material contributes to climate change. It absorbs more radiation than living grass and, by displacing living plants, reduces the natural removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
Paul Hetherington, fundraising director for the charity Buglife, strongly echoes these concerns. He states that artificial turf is far from an eco-friendly alternative, as "it provides food for absolutely no living creatures" and critically blocks access for vital soil-dwelling insects.
Long-Term Practicality and Disposal Issues
Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), offers a practical perspective. While acknowledging its use in specialised scenarios, he notes that artificial grass fails to provide the environmental benefits of a real lawn, such as soaking up rainwater and providing a home for insects.
He also highlights a key drawback: its limited lifespan. "Its life isn’t that long. It gets trampled on and quite soon looks poor," Barter says. Unlike natural grass, which can be reseeded, worn-out artificial turf must be rolled up, lifted, and sent to landfill, creating another environmental problem.
The consensus among experts is clear. For UK households seeking a green garden, natural grass supports biodiversity, helps combat global warming, and maintains healthy soil, making it the superior long-term choice for the environment.
