With eco-conscious gardeners looking to garden sustainably and reduce their use of plastics in their everyday activities, the oldest and most trusted lawn seed brand, Johnsons Lawn Seed, is urging retailers to educate consumers on the benefits of real grass vs artificial turf to prevent a negative impact on the environment and the enhance the reputation of the garden industry.

With the Welsh government considering a ban on artificial lawns and the SGD’s “Say No to Plastic Grass” campaign gathering momentum, Johnsons Lawn Seed is keen to reveal the full extent of the environmental damage of fake plastic grass and how retailers be seen as ‘green champions’ by emphasising how real lawns are essential for health and well-being, beneficial to wildlife and mitigating climate change.

Recent data from MyBuilder.com reveals a significant decline of 48% in enquiries for artificial grass installation compared to the previous year. This presents an excellent opportunity for garden retailers to promote natural turf and lawn seed use.  

As the UK enjoys the summer months, Johnsons reminds its stockists about natural lawns’ advantages. Unlike fake turf, which is made of non-recyclable plastic and takes centuries to decompose in landfills, real lawns are a sustainable and eco-friendly option for keeping gardens green.

THE BENEFITS OF A REAL LAWN

Natural Cooling Effect

During hot and humid summers, artificial turf can be uncomfortable to walk or sit on, while real lawns tend to remain cooler, providing a pleasant environment for urban residents to relax and enjoy. Grass, like all plants, also helps regulate temperatures, which can keep urban areas cool during extended heat waves. This is why barefoot walks on a grassy lawn in the summer are so enjoyable while stepping on burning plastic grass is a firm no-no after research from New York's Department of Environmental Conservation indicated that areas of fake grass in direct sun can be up to 15 - 20⁰C hotter than natural grass.

Surface Runoff

In the UK’s towns and cities, flash flooding has become a growing threat after intense heatwaves. Synthetic, plastic lawns and paved gardens are unable to absorb the volume of water.

Rainfall on natural grass can cause water to run off. Real grass plays a crucial role in soil stabilisation and erosion prevention during heavy rainfalls, particularly on steep slopes or embankments, as 80% of a grass plant is made up of roots.

Efficient at oxygen production

Did you know that real lawns are important for the ecosystem? They absorb CO2 and release oxygen, which is especially valuable in heavily populated cities with poor air quality. For instance, a small patch of grass measuring only 235m2 can provide enough oxygen for a family of four every day. Moreover, lawns help to reduce unwanted noise pollution and provide a natural habitat for insects and pollinators.

Carbon Capture

Johnsons’ extensive research estimates that 336kg of carbon per 100m2 is locked up in the soil each year which is the equivalent to 1.23t of CO2. Grass can sequester more CO2 per m2 than trees. So instead of being released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas, the CO2 is turned into organic matter and useful fertiliser for the grass itself.

Good for your health

Did you know that standing barefoot on real grass can help reduce stress? Studies have shown that doing so can trigger a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Keeping plastic grass clean and tidy requires regular sweeping and cleaning, and pet mess must be thoroughly scrubbed. Despite the claim of being maintenance-free, fake lawns are still susceptible to moss and weed growth, especially in areas with debris buildup.   

Good Exercise

According to a recent survey conducted by RHS, 80% of gardeners in the UK believe that gardening is beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying fit. Among the top three activities that provide the best workout mowing the lawn was mentioned, which can burn up to 250 calories in an hour. This not only helps you stay fit but also adds to the beauty of your garden, with a well-maintained lawn as your pride and joy.

Johnsons Real Lawn Portfolio

Johnson’s Lawn Seed has dedicated significant time and resources towards researching and developing eco-friendly lawn options. Its top-performing Tuffgrass with Dog Patch Resistance is a naturally durable grass species that maintains its green colour even when dogs use it for their needs. In addition, it offers impressive drought resistance and can withstand harsh weather conditions and active family use.

Looking for a quick and effective way to sow or repair your lawn? Look no further than Quick Lawn with Accelerator®!  With its innovative specially coated seeds, Quick Lawn germinates quickly and requires only a third of the water typically needed for lawn establishment. You’ll see 38% more grass within the first seven days compared to non-coated seeds.

Featuring drought-tolerant fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass and a touch of fescue, this seed mixture reduces the need for extra fertiliser and minimises water usage. Thanks to its Accelerator® technology, Quick Lawn attracts beneficial bacteria to the grassroots, ensuring a successful establishment. Try it out and see the difference for yourself!

Artificial grass manufacturers claim that their products are necessary for shady areas, but Johnsons Lawn Seed has developed Shady Place lawn seed with Seedbooster nutrition as the ideal solution for sites under trees, walls, or other dark corners.

There has been a growing concern among wildlife advocates about the use of artificial grass. Synthetic turf is difficult to maintain and is destructive to the natural grasslands which are crucial for the survival of various plants and insects.

Keen to offer a solution, Johnsons Lawn Seed’s Country Meadow Wildflower Mix is recommended to those who want to seed a real, eco-friendly wildflower meadow A mix of native wildflowers such as Birdsfoot Trefoil, Black Medick, Black Knapweed, Common Vetch, Meadow Buttercup, Oxeye Daisy, Ribwort Plantain, White Campion, White Clover, Self Heal, Yarrow, Musk Mallow, and Red Campion, makes it an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden and offers garden visitors a plastic free haven to thrive in.

Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed, said: “The environmental issues caused by choosing to put down an artificial lawn far outweigh any of these potential benefits. Natural lawns and seeding benefit the environment, your community and your family’s quality of life in ways that artificial grass simply can’t. We are urging retailers to champion real grass with our product portfolio and highlight how urban gardens are increasingly recognised for their potential to maintain or even enhance biodiversity.”

Find out more

If you want to join’s Johnsons Lawn Seed’s mission for real grass and help create eco-lawns across the country, visit the website to see the full range http://www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range.aspx