The decision between synthetic and natural grass is increasingly common among garden owners, condominiums and commercial spaces in Portugal. With growing water restrictions and the search for sustainable solutions, artificial grass has become a serious alternative that deserves careful analysis.
Costs: Initial Investment vs Long Term
Natural grass has a lower installation cost, but requires ongoing maintenance (watering, mowing, fertilisation, treatments) that accumulates significantly over the years. Synthetic grass has a higher initial investment, but virtually zero maintenance costs.
The conclusion is clear: despite the higher initial investment, synthetic grass is more economical in the medium and long term, especially considering the rising cost of water in Portugal.
Maintenance: Time and Effort
What natural grass requires
A natural lawn requires hundreds of hours of work per year: weekly mowing (March to October), daily watering in summer, quarterly fertilisation, annual scarification, pest and weed treatment.
What synthetic grass needs
Practically nothing. An occasional brushing to lift the fibres, removal of leaves and debris, and an occasional wash with water. Just a few hours per year to maintain a perfect appearance.
Durability and Appearance
A professional quality synthetic grass lasts many years maintaining a green and well-kept appearance all year round. It does not turn yellow in summer, does not get muddy in winter and does not develop bald patches in high-wear areas.
Natural grass, when well maintained, offers an unmatched appearance, but requires constant dedication to maintain that quality. Periods of drought, extreme heat or intensive use quickly degrade its appearance.
Environmental Impact
This is a frequently debated topic. Natural grass absorbs CO₂ and produces oxygen, but:
- Consumes thousands of litres of water per year
- Requires chemical fertilisers and pesticides
- Petrol lawn mowers emit polluting gases
Modern synthetic grass is made from recyclable materials and completely eliminates water, fertiliser and fuel consumption. The environmental balance depends on the context, but in regions with water scarcity such as Portugal, synthetic grass has the advantage.
Ideal Applications for Each Type
Choose natural grass if:
- You have time and enjoy gardening
- The space is large and well irrigated
- You value the tactile feel of real grass
Choose synthetic grass if:
- You want an always-green garden without maintenance
- You have children or pets that use the space intensively
- The space has little sunlight or difficult conditions for natural grass
- You want to save water and time
- You have a terrace, balcony or patio where natural grass is not viable
How to Choose Quality Synthetic Grass
Not all artificial grass is equal. When choosing, look for:
- Adequate fibre height: natural appearance without being too long
- Multiple shades of green: monochrome grasses look artificial
- Certified UV resistance: essential to prevent fading in the sun
- Adequate drainage: drainage capacity according to standards
- Portuguese or European manufacture: guarantee of quality and environmental standards
Conclusion
For most property owners in Portugal, synthetic grass offers the best quality-cost-convenience ratio. With the technological advances of recent years, the visual difference between synthetic and natural is practically imperceptible.
At Keep on Flooring, we work exclusively with Portuguese-manufactured synthetic grass, guaranteeing the best quality and professional installation with bi-component adhesive, without nails, staples or provisional solutions.
