Environmental concerns are seeing Brits turn against installing astroturf in gardens and outdoor living spaces. Over half (58 per cent) of people who have astroturf in their garden want to remove it with 44 per cent of those people citing its negative impact on the environment according to new research from Churchill Home Insurance.

Almost one in five of those who have or plan to install astroturf (17 per cent) incorrectly assume it is better for the environment, despite the majority (61 per cent) understanding that astroturf doesn’t allow for wildlife and biodiversity to thrive and can contribute to water run-off and drainage issues. This can meaningfully impact outdoor spaces, particularly given most people’s gardens feature flowers and plants (71 per cent) and trees or bushes (63 per cent).

Of those with astroturf installed in their gardens or outdoor living spaces, one in four (25 per cent) noticed more water runoff patterns and drainage issues. This is likely due to astroturf being made of plastic, a non-permeable material which can prevent rainwater being absorbed by the soil in the same way as natural grass. One in ten (9 per cent) have noticed an impact on the prevalence of wildlife in their garden since installing astroturf. 

A significant number agree that astroturf is not aesthetically pleasing, with 40 per cent of those without it installed admitting they do not like its appearance. One in two people (49 per cent) agree that astroturf negatively affects the overall aesthetics of residential areas and 45 per cent would go as far to support policies or initiatives aimed at discouraging the use of astroturf in residential gardens. Nearly half (42 per cent) of those with astroturf now say they prefer the look of real grass.

For those considering buying or selling a home with astroturf installed, one in two (50 per cent) do not believe it adds any value to the property.

Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “While the low maintenance appeal of astroturf was originally enticing to some, particularly those with pets, rooftops, balconies or small spaces, our research shows the astroturf trend has fallen out of fashion.  Astroturf’s negative environmental effect is important to consider, especially given the large number of Brits that enjoy otherwise natural gardens, featuring plants and visiting wildlife.”