Best artificial grass 2023: Which? expert buying advice

Artificial grass is pricey to install, but remains green regardless of the weather, takes heavy wear and requires little maintenance once it’s set up. Be aware of the environmental concerns around using it, though (see below).  

We've tested 13 types of mid-priced artificial grass to see which looked the most natural, even when it's been subjected to some tough wear and tear. The best artificial grass we've seen looks like real grass from a distance, but low-scoring options are let down by weak backing material that struggles to keep the grass secure. 

Keep scrolling for the best artificial grass, the environmental implications, what to put under your grass and much more. 

Already chosen your new lawn? See our guide on how to lay artificial grass for expert tips on laying and maintaining 

Best artificial grass for 2023 

Because of the environmental implications and sustainability concerns associated with artificial grass, we haven't awarded any Best Buys in this area. 

However, we have listed the types we've had on test below alongside their overall scores and star ratings – including three that received the full five stars for appearance, ease of installation and cleaning – in order for interested members to choose the best products.

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Sticking with real grass? See the best lawn feed with moss and weed killer

What are the environmental implications of artificial grass?

• Most worms and soil insects that usually live underneath real lawns will be unable to survive under artificial grass laid on earth, creating unknown effects on soil ecology. 
• Fake lawns don't provide valuable food for birds and other garden wildlife, including pollinators that feed from flowers in grass lawns, such as daisies and clover. 
• Any potential loose fibres might be hazardous to certain wildlife and could add to the growing problem of micro plastic pollution. 
• They don't convert carbon dioxide into oxygen as grass does, potentially having a negative effect on carbon levels in the atmosphere. 
• They're made of plastic, and when they need to be removed they can't be recycled, and instead have to go into landfill or be incinerated.

Fake grass does allow rain to drain away just as efficiently as a real lawn, though, and you shouldn't need to use any harmful weed killers or pesticides to keep it looking healthy. 

If you'd prefer to spruce up your garden with real grass, see our how to lay turf to make a lawn guide

Types of artificial grass

There are three materials used in the production of artificial grass, each with their pros and cons.

Nylon artificial grass

Artificial grass made with nylon is better-protected against the elements than polypropylene grass. Nylon is a particularly strong type of plastic fibre, so if you're looking for an artificial lawn that can withstand children and pets, consider nylon grass.

Polyethylene artificial grass

This is a good option if you want to keep costs down. Polyethylene artificial turf has a natural look and a texture that's soft to the touch, like real grass. You obviously won't be running a lawn mower over it, but remember to brush or rake it occasionally.

Polypropylene artificial grass

Although polypropylene grass will usually be your cheapest option, it's also the least durable type. As a result, it's best to use this grass in small spots rather than for large lawns.

How much does good artificial grass cost? 

Artificial grass can cost anything from £10 to £45 per square metre (on a par with carpet). Most artificial grasses come in rolls that are 2 or 4 metres wide. 

You could try laying artificial grass yourself, but if you want a perfectly level lawn and a good-quality finish, it’s probably best to employ a local landscaper or an artificial lawn specialist to fit it for you. This will bump up the price, though.

Many manufacturers will offer to fit the grass for you, and prices vary depending on the complexity of your garden. The prices quoted for fitting a 50sq m area ranged from £1,000 to £2,700 - double the price of the artificial grass alone. Be sure to do your research and take advantage of any price match offered from various professionals to keep the costs down.  

Is it cheaper to turf or lay artificial grass? 

Compared with real turf (which typically costs around £6 per square metre), fake turf is expensive, but you could still make long-term savings. After all, you won't have to buy and maintain a mower, or buy any lawn feed. You'll also save time, as there will be no more mowing, raking or re-sowing. 

Keep your grass looking fresh with our best lawn treatments

Artificial grass features 

Colour

Most of us think of artificial grass as being a fake-looking dark green. But a range of tones are available, and many include strands of brown fibre and 'grass blades' of varying heights to simulate a normal lawn. 

It’s well worth researching the colours and finishes thoroughly and requesting samples of the different materials to make sure they fulfil your requirements. With artificial grass, you generally get what you pay for. 

The cheapest products look like the sort of bright green baize used by greengrocers, which is OK on a pitch-and-putt golf course, but not what you want in a garden.

Finish

Some of the the mid-priced grasses have individual strands of plastic that look remarkably similar to real grass. The strands are held upright by brushing a layer of fine sand into the pile. The sand will have to be renewed every year, and might need brushing occasionally to keep the strands upright.

Our highest-scoring artificial grass was not the most expensive, but could easily be mistaken for real grass.

Where to buy artificial grass?

In addition to the brand retailers mentioned previously, below we've included the top five most searched-for retailers for artificial grass:

• B&M offers a decent range of artificial grass, as well as adhesive joining tape for installing. It doesn't have a delivery service, though, so you'll need to be able to get to a store.
• B&Q has lots of different types of artificial grass, in addition to underlays, pins, nails and adhesives. B&Q also sells a range of tools and equipment that can be used to maintain your artificial lawn. It offers free standard delivery on orders over £75, a click-and-collect service and a 90-day returns policy.
• The Range sells a decent selection of artificial grass and cleaning products. It has more than 200 outlets across the country, but you can also order online. Next-day delivery costs between £3.95 and £19.95 depending on the size of your order. 
• Wickes has a few different types of artificial grass. It also stocks tools and cleaning products to help you maintain your artificial grass, including leaf blowers and pressure washers. Wickes offers free delivery on orders over £85, a free click-and-collect service and free returns.
• Homebase stocks artificial grass and an extensive range of tools to help you maintain it. It also has a handy one-hour click-and-collect service from any of its stores. Homebase also has free delivery on orders over £100. 

What do you put under artificial grass?

You’ll need to remove any existing turf, then create a firm, level surface topped with a 25-35mm layer of coarse sand. 

Some artificial grass manufacturers also recommend laying a weed-proof membrane, depending on how densely woven the artificial grass is. If you've had problems with tough weeds, such as brambles or ground elder, we'd recommend you use a weed-proof membrane.

Do weeds grow through artificial grass?

Yes, weeds can grow through artificial grass. However, it's much more unlikely to happen if you prep the ground properly and install a weed-proof membrane. 

See our round-up of the best weed-supressing membranes

How long will artificial grass last?

Some manufacturers claim you can get a decade or two out of an artificial lawn. But it all depends on how well it's maintained, the level of foot traffic it endures, weather conditions and what's placed on top and underneath it. 

Artificial grass won't last as long as real lawn, though, so if you're after a longer term investment, we'd recommend laying turf instead. 

Follow our tips on how to maintain artificial grass

How we test artificial grass

For each type of artificial grass we test, we pay close attention to the following: 

• Heat resistance We tip boiling water over the fake grass, and drop a hot disposable barbecue on to it to see if it melts. 
• Installation We rate the instructions, where provided, and how easy it is to install the grass on a flat area of ground. 
• Appearance We leave the grass outside for six months, driving a wear machine over it to see how well the joins hold together and how well the grass stands up to heavy use. 
• Cleaning We let mud and leaves accumulate on the lawn before cleaning them off using a leaf blower and a hose. We even make up a mix of treacle, oats and soil to simulate dog mess, and leave it to settle on the lawn over a weekend before cleaning it.

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