The North East reality check
Between October and March, a shaded lawn on clay in the North East is often more mud than grass. Foot traffic compacts it, water sits on it, and by spring it needs reseeding rather than mowing.
Artificial turf laid on a properly drained aggregate base stays usable through that period, which for families and dog owners is usually the whole reason for the switch.
Where a real lawn still wins
If your garden gets good sun, drains reasonably, and you enjoy the maintenance, a real lawn is cheaper to establish, better for insects and soil, and stays cool in summer heat.
Artificial turf gets warm in direct summer sun and does not support wildlife. We would rather tell you that up front than sell turf into a garden that does not need it.
- Turf: usable year-round, no mowing, no muddy paws
- Lawn: cheaper, cooler in heat, better for biodiversity
- Turf needs a real base — not laying straight onto soil
Installation quality decides everything
Artificial turf laid onto old lawn or unprepared soil is where the horror stories come from: it ripples, holds water, and grows weeds through from below.
A proper installation removes the existing turf, builds and compacts a permeable aggregate base, adds a laying course and a weed membrane, then joins and pins the turf so seams are invisible and the surface drains straight through.
Pets, children and upkeep
For dogs, drainage in the base matters more than the turf itself — that is what lets rinse water and rain pass straight through rather than sitting in the pile.
Upkeep is real but light: a brush-up, an occasional rinse, and clearing leaves in autumn so organic matter does not sit and grow moss on the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Does artificial grass drain properly?+
Yes, when the base is built for it. The turf is perforated; the permeable aggregate base underneath is what actually does the draining.
How long does it last?+
Quality turf on a correctly built base holds up for many years of family use. Base failures, not pile wear, cause most early problems.
Is it suitable for dogs?+
Very. Rinse-through drainage and a firm base make it far more practical than a churned-up winter lawn.
Can it be laid over an existing patio?+
Sometimes, if the falls and drainage are right. We assess it rather than assume it.
Thinking of ditching the mud?
Get a quote that includes the base build — the part that decides whether turf looks good in five years.