Artificial grass or a real lawn: which is right for your garden?
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
For most gardens we recommend real grass: cooler in summer, better for soil and wildlife, and over its lifetime rarely more expensive. Artificial grass is the right call for deep-shade city gardens, heavily played-on small lawns, roof terraces, or when maintenance genuinely is not an option. Installed artificial grass costs €40–€80 per m²; a real lawn €5–€15 per m² plus yearly care.
What do both cost over ten years?
| Aspect | Real grass | Artificial grass |
|---|---|---|
| Installation per m² | €5–€15 | €40–€80 |
| Yearly care | Mowing, feeding, scarifying | Sweeping, leaf removal |
| Lifespan | Indefinite (with care) | 10–15 years, then replace and dispose |
| Summer surface temperature | Cool (evaporates moisture) | Can hit 50–60 °C |
| Rain infiltration | Full | Limited; sub-base often compacted |
| Wildlife value | Soil life, birds, insects | Practically none |
Over a decade, total costs converge: artificial has high up-front and a replacement moment; real grass has yearly work or a subscription.
When is artificial grass genuinely the better choice?
- Deep shade where even shade-mix grass will not close — common in narrow Dutch city gardens.
- Intensive play: a small lawn used daily as a football pitch cannot stay closed as real grass.
- Roof terraces and balconies where real turf is impossible.
- Dogs: dig-proof and patch-proof, provided you rinse regularly.
If you choose it: buy quality turf with a permeable backing, lay it on a water-permeable lava/grit sub-base, and keep generous planted borders so the garden as a whole stays green and cool.
Why do we usually advise real grass?
- Heat: at 50–60 °C on a summer day, artificial grass is too hot for bare feet, dog paws and playing children — and warms the whole garden. Real grass cools by evaporation.
- Water: on polder clay every permeable square metre counts; under artificial grass the soil is compacted and lifeless.
- End of life: after 10–15 years the mat is worn plastic that must be disposed of.
A tired real lawn is nearly always fixable — see our lawn care guide — and renovation is almost always cheaper than artificial turf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does weed grow through artificial grass?
Not from below when properly installed with a membrane — but over time seeds blow in and germinate in the mat itself. Regular sweeping and leaf removal limits it: artificial grass is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance.
How hot does artificial grass really get?
On a sunny Dutch summer day, 50–60 °C — up to 30 degrees hotter than real grass. At peak afternoon it can be unwalkable barefoot. Sprinkling cools it briefly but spends the water you hoped to save.
What is a good alternative to both?
For spots where grass fails: ground covers (creeping thyme, ajuga, Leptinella), a planted border with stepping stones, or semi-paving with herbs between. Greener than plastic, cooler, and good for insects.
Hovenier Hoofddorp is your gardener for the greater Amsterdam area — from garden landscaping and garden maintenance to premium villa gardens with pools, nationwide. Fixed prices, reply within 24 hours.
Rather leave it to us? Request a quote.
We are happy to visit you for honest advice and a clear price. No hassle — just a well-kept garden, with everything explained in English.
Fast Response
We always respond within 24 hours, so you quickly know where you stand.
Professional Results
We work neatly and always leave your garden tidy. A deal is a deal.