ZERO – Mattenlager

Anyone who wants to create a green space will sooner or later face the question:
Artificial turf or real grass – which is better?

Whether in the garden, on the balcony, at the office, or on the playground – both options have their merits. But depending on the intended use, maintenance requirements, and long-term goals, the decision can vary considerably.

Both options have their advantages – but also clear differences. In this article, you'll find an honest comparison of artificial turf to help you find the best solution for your needs. And although we at Mattenlager sell artificial turf, we naturally also consider the strengths of real grass. Because: Only those who are well-informed can make the right decision.

Real grass – naturally beautiful, but requires maintenance.

A well-maintained natural lawn looks fantastic, smells wonderfully of summer, and is a true dream for many garden owners. Unfortunately, it also requires a lot of maintenance. Regular mowing, fertilizing, scarifying, and watering are ongoing tasks – and depending on the location, it can take years for a uniform, dense lawn to develop.

Advantages of real grass:

Natural look, authentic feel
Cooling effect in summer
Ecologically valuable (for insects & microorganisms)
Self-regenerating in case of damage

Disadvantages of real grass:

High maintenance requirements (mowing, fertilizing, watering)
Prone to bare patches, weeds & moss
Requires sufficient light and good soil quality
Hardly usable when wet (e.g., after rain)

Artificial turf – easy to care for, clean and green all year round

What are the advantages of artificial turf? There are several – especially for people with little time, shady areas, commercial spaces, or high-traffic areas. Artificial turf always stays uniformly green, doesn't need mowing, and is ready for immediate use – whether for children, pets, or garden furniture.

Advantages of artificial turf:

Minimal maintenance required (no mowing, no watering)
Evergreen – regardless of weather or season
Ideal for shady locations, balconies & heavily used areas
Clean & dry – no mud, no brown stains
Durable & pet-friendly

Disadvantages of artificial turf:

No natural CO₂ absorption or cooling
The feel and smell are not quite like real grass.
Higher initial investment (depending on quality)
The material can heat up in strong sunlight (e.g., on roof terraces).

If you're worried about the appearance, we can put your mind at ease. These days, artificial grass is virtually indistinguishable from real grass. Our best example of this is the NATURIS artificial grass with its deceptively realistic look. See for yourself with just one click!

Lawn comparison – artificial turf or real grass?

Here is an overview of the most important differences:

criterion	Real grass	artificial turf
Maintenance effort	High (mowing, watering, fertilizing)	Very low
Weather resistance	Susceptible (to rain, drought)	Regardless of weather
appearance	Of course, but unevenly possible.	Always uniformly green
longevity	Depending on care & use	10–15 years depending on quality
usability	Limited performance in wet or hot conditions	Usable all year round
Costs (long-term)	Low to buy, expensive to maintain	Higher purchase price, low follow-up costs
Ecological aspects	Natural & invigorating	No habitat for insects
Locations	A garden with plenty of light & time	Balcony, roof terrace, play area, events, commercial

Conclusion: Artificial turf or real grass?

If you enjoy gardening, can invest enough time and love the classic natural look, real lawn is the right choice – especially in private gardens with good soil quality.

However, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, clean and year-round usable green space – e.g. on the balcony, roof terrace, in commercial settings, on playgrounds or for events – then the advantages of artificial turf are unbeatable.

Are you looking to buy artificial turf that suits your needs?
Then take a look at our product range or read our blog post “ Finding the right artificial turf – what to look out for when buying ”