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Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

March 7, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban. Just 12 months later, new statistics show this figure […]

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

March 7, 2025/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek: #GroundsWeek 2025, taking place from 17 to 23 March, is fast approaching. This nationwide celebration, led by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), shines a spotlight on the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sports surfaces and green spaces thrive. The week is all […]

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

March 7, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

March 7, 2025/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

March 7, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban.

Just 12 months later, new statistics show this figure has now risen to 36 per cent in support of a full ban on the product – a rise of 50 per cent in just one year.

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

According to research from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, more than a third of people living in the UK want to ban artificial grass. This explains the drop in popularity for the product, with data from the company itself showing enquiries for artificial grass installation were down 48 per cent year on year in 2023. Google data supports this finding, with searches for the product down 20 per cent since 2023 – and 50 percent since 2021.

The new statistics show that support for a ban is universal across all age groups and is consistent for both men and women. Geographically there are some variations, with Scottish capital Edinburgh showing the strongest support. In Edinburgh, more than half (53 per cent) of residents would support a full ban. Manchester was the least supportive – although 32 per cent still stated that they would like to see the product banned. Other results included:

Cardiff 41%
Liverpool 39%
Plymouth 39%
Leeds 39%
Southampton 38%
London 36%
Birmingham 36%

MyBuilder.com ran the research across its European territories, which also showed strong support for a ban. Perhaps unsurprisingly, green-focused Netherlands residents stated they would like a ban. Results across Europe included:

Data from the Netherlands showed that 43 per cent of residents support a ban
Data from France showed that 26 per cent of residents would support the ban
Data from Germany showed that 31 per cent of residents would support the ban
Data from Austria showed that 30 per cent of residents support a ban

James Lewis, expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said widespread negativity in the press, and concerns about how artificial grass affects wildlife, has caused concerns with homeowners.

“After an extremely wet 2024, Brits are understandably really worried about flooding and the damage it can cause to both property and gardens. Artificial grass has received a fair amount of negativity for the potential it has to increase any flooding risk.

“We’d advise anyone considering installing it to look at all the pros and cons, as there are still many benefits to the product.”

To help those thinking about it decide, experts from MyBuilder.com have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.

Pros

Looks aesthetically pleasing all year round

No brown spots, bald patches, or muddy puddles here! There’s no denying that an artificial lawn looks nice and maintains its appearance, whatever the weather.

No need for watering

No live grass equals no need for watering in the summer. Saves you time, and money, off your monthly water bill. Also useful when the inevitable hosepipe ban comes into play.

Low maintenance

No mowing, no watering, no reseeding – there’s no doubt that an artificial lawn is easier to look after than a natural one.

Easy to clean

We all know the risk of unseen pet poo and urine on our lawns, but with an artificial lawn you can easily hose it down to keep it sparkly clean.

Cons

Cost to buy and install

Although once in place it may save you money, buying and installing your artificial lawn is likely to be a several thousand-pound cost. The average cost for installation in an average size garden is between £1,200 to £2,500.

Impact on natural habitat

Removing natural grass undeniably has a negative effect on the environment, with the loss of habitat for bugs and wildlife.

Drainage implications

Although this varies depending on product and installation, an artificial lawn does not drain as well as a real one. This can cause issues in areas where flooding is a problem, such as in new build estates built on previous flood plains, or in areas close to bodies of water.

Can get too hot

Artificial lawns can get too hot for little feet and paws, causing blistering and burns. Vets from Joii Pet Care have recently warned owners that artificial grass can be perilous for pets, and advised caution when allowing pets onto it.

If you’re considering a garden project, MyBuilder have a helpful cost guide at https://www.mybuilder.com/pricing-guides/garden-landscaping-cost

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

March 7, 2025/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek: #GroundsWeek 2025, taking place from 17 to 23 March, is fast approaching.

This nationwide celebration, led by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), shines a spotlight on the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sports surfaces and green spaces thrive.

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

The week is all about recognition, whilst inspiring more people to appreciate and explore careers in grounds management. Whether you’re a professional grounds manager, a volunteer or someone who enjoys well-maintained outdoor spaces, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your support.

Building on the success of the 2024 campaign, which reached an impressive 18 million people, we hope #GroundsWeek 2025 will reach a global audience, shining a spotlight on the vital role of grounds staff not only in the UK but across the world.

Ways to take part in #GroundsWeek 2025:

Download the #GroundsWeek Toolkit – Access ready-made graphics, templates and ideas to help you spread the word.

Share Your Story – Tell us about your experiences in grounds management for a chance to be featured during the week.

Join the Online Conversation – Keep an eye on @wearetheGMA across all social media channels and help us kick off the week by sharing our launch post on Monday 17 March.

Show off Your Grounds Team – Post a photo of your grounds staff or volunteers, or share a short video of someone at your club or organisation saying thank you.
Use the Official Hashtag – Tag @wearetheGMA in your posts and include #GroundsWeek to ensure your content reaches a wider audience.

#GroundsWeek is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the people who make great outdoor spaces possible.

Get involved and help raise awareness of the vital work that goes into keeping pitches, parks and green spaces in top condition.

To find out more about #GroundsWeek 2025, please visit thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban.

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek

How You Can Get Involved With #GroundsWeek: #GroundsWeek 2025, taking place from 17 to 23 March, is fast approaching.

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