Lawn Replacement – Turf vs Artificial Grass
Lawn Replacement: Should you choose Turf or Artificial Grass?
Lawn replacement is a very common requirement across our service area. It’s worth pausing to consider why. It often boils down to a poor drainage, heavy use thus compacted soil or lawns that have been poorly maintained (yes, a well maintained lawn requires more than a simple cut).
Whether replacing a failing lawn or redesigning a garden layout, choosing between natural turf and artificial grass (or perhaps Wildflower Turf?) depends on how the space will be used and how much ongoing maintenance is desired. There is often a significant price difference… ‘fake grass’ can’t just be rolled out over the old lawn.
Whichever option is chosen, long-term success relies on correct preparation and professional installation.
Why preparation matters for lawn replacement
Before any new lawn is installed, the existing ground conditions must be properly considered and addressed. Many gardens — commonly in new build gardens — suffer from compacted subsoil, poor drainage and uneven levels. If these issues are ignored, even high-quality turf or artificial grass will fail prematurely. They need sorting out where evident.
Successful lawn replacement starts with:
Proper drainage design (French drains, commonly into a Soak Away to be compliant with SUDS)
Soil conditioning or replacement where required (aeration, pre-turf fertiliser and improvement)
Accurate level setting to avoid pooling or uneven surfaces (we rake to remove stones, lightly compact then rake again and screed to level)
Addressing these fundamentals ensures the new lawn performs reliably throughout the year… as long as not walked on until established!
Natural turf – traditional appearance and flexibility
Natural turf remains a popular choice for homeowners who value the look, feel and seasonal character of a real lawn. Many people quite enjoy mowing after work or at weekend too! When installed correctly, turf establishes quickly and integrates well with planting schemes and wider garden designs.
However, turf lawns require:
Regular maintenance (cut at correct height and when dry plus seasonal fertilisers and scarification plus aeration)
Adequate sunlight and drainage (rarely does well in shady or seasonally waterlogged areas)
Ongoing care during establishment (don’t cut too soon, and cut it right… we can guide you on this)
The bottom line is this… Professional turf installation ensures the ground preparation, soil quality and laying techniques support healthy growth from the outset.
Artificial grass – consistent performance with low maintenance
The benefits of it are clear. Artificial grass offers a practical alternative; particularly where maintenance, drainage or heavy use are ongoing concerns. It provides a clean, durable surface that performs consistently throughout the year and works well in shaded gardens or high-traffic areas… as long as installed correctly!
Professional artificial grass installation focuses on:
A stable, free-draining sub-base
Secure edging and fixing
Correct pile direction and jointing
When installed to a high standard, artificial grass delivers a long-lasting, low-maintenance lawn solution.
Choosing the right lawn replacement option
To conclude, the best lawn replacement solution depends on lifestyle, garden layout and how the space will be used.
A professional landscaping company can assess site conditions, discuss practical requirements and recommend the most suitable approach — whether that’s turf, artificial grass or a combination of both.
For homeowners planning lawn replacement; professional installation ensures a clean finish, long-term durability and a lawn that complements the rest of the garden design.
Written by Goodwin Gardens Ltd – lawn and turf specialists located between Crewe and Sandbach… delivering high-quality garden landscaping and outdoor spaces.
