Free lawn consultation service

Many homes in the area are blessed with good sized gardens, and this is one of the major factors attracting people to the area - especially those with young children.

However, we are also less blessed with thick clay soil, poor drainage and a very high water table, meaning that gardens can often become waterlogged, boggy and muddy, especially after periods of heavy rain which seem to be increasingly frequent in recent years.

Throw into the mix a child or two determined to play football in all weathers and a mudbath is often the outcome. 

Given this, it is understandable that for many artificial grass is an obvious solution, which more and more homes in the area are adopting.

BUT - there are many downsides to astroturf which aren’t well publicised. It’s expensive to lay (and needs to be replaced every 8-10 years), will make your garden (and home) hotter as plants naturally cool the air, whereas plastic retains it, and is catastrophic for wildlife - both in your garden and more widely, given its made from plastic that has to be produced and ultimately dumped. For wildlife, it’s not that dissimilar to wrapping your garden in cling film.

Rather than preach about its perils, or repeat warnings that it’s not permitted by the trust, the RA is committed to helping residents find better, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly solutions for their gardens. There are plenty of ways to improve drainage, lay and maintain better lawns and create spaces that work for nature, as well as for footballing kids - all at a lower or equivalent cost.

If you are struggling with your lawn, or considering installing artificial grass please email me on biodiversity@hgsra.uk to arrange a free visit and consultation with some lawn experts to help you understand and explore alternatives!