If your lawn keeps dying, turning patchy, or turning into a mud bath every winter, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners replace their lawns each year – some switch to fresh turf, others upgrade to low-maintenance artificial grass.
This guide breaks down the real costs of lawn replacement in the UK, comparing artificial grass vs real turf, including removal costs, installation prices, lifetime value, and hidden charges most installers don’t mention.
Quick Answer: Replacing a lawn with real turf typically costs £10–£25 per m², while artificial grass replacement usually costs £45–£85 per m² including removal of the old lawn, groundwork, and installation.
A standard 40m² garden costs:
- £400–£1,000 for new real turf
- £1,800–£3,400 for new artificial grass
Artificial grass costs more upfront – but lasts 10–20 years with very little upkeep.
Jump to:
- Artificial Grass Lawn Replacement Costs
- Real Turf Lawn Replacement Costs
- Cost Comparison Table
- Old Lawn Removal Costs
- What Affects Replacement Cost?
- Artificial Grass vs Real Turf Over 10 Years
- Which Option Is Best?
- Lawn Replacement FAQs
Artificial Grass Lawn Replacement Costs
Artificial grass is the more durable, low-maintenance choice – especially for shaded gardens, pets, or homes tired of constant mud and mowing.
Replacing your natural lawn with professional artificial grass installation typically costs:
- £45–£85 per m² including full groundwork
Example garden installation costs:
- 20m²: £900–£1,700
- 40m²: £1,800–£3,400
- 100m²: £4,500–£8,500
Every quote includes:
- Removal of old turf and soil
- MOT Type 1 sub-base
- Sharp sand or limestone fines
- Weed membrane
- Premium EU-made turf
- Professional fitting, edging, and waste removal
Artificial Grass Cost Per m² (Supply vs Installed)
Getting a clear price per square metre is the best way to compare products. Here’s what homeowners actually pay for turf alone vs a full, professional installation.
| Type | Supply-Only Price | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Mid-Range Turf | £12.50–£20 per m² | £45–£70 per m² |
| Premium Turf | £25–£28 per m² | £70–£85 per m² |
Browse our full range of artificial grass here: Shop artificial grass online
Real Turf Lawn Replacement Costs
Real turf is cheaper upfront, but it needs ongoing care and doesn’t suit gardens with shade, dogs, or heavy use.
Typical real turf replacement costs:
- Turf supply: £3–£6 per m²
- Supply + labour: £10–£25 per m²
Example garden costs:
- 20m²: £200–£500
- 40m²: £400–£1,000
- 100m²: £1,000–£2,500
What pushes turf costs up?
- Land levelling
- Topsoil delivery
- Rotavating and preparation
- Watering for 2–4 weeks
- Maintenance: mowing, fertiliser, weed control
Artificial Grass vs Real Turf: Cost Comparison
Both options can look great on day one – but the costs, upkeep and lifespan are completely different. This side-by-side breakdown shows how they truly stack up.
| Feature | Artificial Grass | Real Turf |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Annual Maintenance | Low (£50–£100) | High (£250–£400) |
| Lifespan | 10–20+ years | 3–7 years |
| Pet-Friendly | Excellent | Mud & wear issues |
| All-Weather Usability | Yes | No |
Old Lawn Removal Costs
Removing an existing lawn is part of most replacement projects. Typical removal costs:
- £5–£15 per m² depending on soil depth and waste volume
- Skip hire: £150–£250
- Additional labour for compacted/clay soil
Artificial grass installations always require this step – the base must be rebuilt properly for drainage and longevity.
What Affects Lawn Replacement Cost?
No two gardens cost the same. These are the real factors that push prices up or down – and the ones most installers forget to mention in their quotes.
- Access: Narrow alleys or steps increase labour
- Garden shape: Curves and borders need more cutting time
- Drainage: Poor soil may need deeper MOT base
- Pets: Dog owners may want specific drainage upgrades
- Turf quality: Premium grasses last longer and look more natural
- Waste removal: Turf and soil disposal varies by location
Artificial Grass vs Real Turf Over 10 Years
To compare properly, you need to look at lifetime cost not just installation.
Example: 40m² garden
A 40m² garden is the most common size we install, and it’s a great benchmark for comparing real-world costs. Here’s what each option looks like in practice over 10 years.
Artificial Grass:
- Install: £3,000
- Annual upkeep (light brush/occasional clean): £50
- 10-year total = £3,500
Real Turf:
- Install: £600
- Annual care: £250–£400
- Patch repairs: £100–£200 every few years
- 10-year total = £3,100–£4,600
Artificial grass is often equal or cheaper long-term and a lot easier to live with.
Want to keep your artificial lawn fresh year after year? See our maintenance & repair services.
Which Lawn Replacement Option Is Best?
The right choice depends on how you use your garden. Here’s a quick guide to when real turf makes sense – and when artificial grass is the smarter, long-term upgrade.
Choose Real Turf If:
Real turf still has its place – especially for homeowners who enjoy gardening and don’t mind the upkeep. It’s the better fit when the following apply:
- You enjoy gardening
- Your garden gets full sun
- You’re happy with regular mowing and care
Choose Artificial Grass If:
Artificial grass is the smarter long-term choice for low-maintenance living and year-round usability. It’s ideal when your garden ticks any of these boxes:
- You want a clean, low-maintenance lawn
- You have dogs
- Your garden struggles with shade or drainage
- You’re tired of constant patch repairs
- You want a lawn usable in all seasons
Looking for dog-friendly options? Try our pet-friendly artificial grass.
Lawn Replacement FAQs
Most homeowners ask the same questions before replacing their lawn. Here are the clear, honest answers – based on nearly 20 years of installations.
Is artificial grass worth the cost?
For most homeowners, yes. It lasts 10–20 years, needs minimal upkeep, and solves common issues like mud, shade, and heavy use.
How long does real turf last?
Most real turf lawns last 3–7 years before needing major repairs or replacement.
What’s the cheapest way to replace a lawn?
Basic real turf is cheapest upfront. But over time, artificial grass is often more cost-effective due to low maintenance.
Can I replace my lawn myself?
Yes especially real turf. Artificial grass can also be DIY’d if you follow proper base preparation.
Does artificial grass add value to a home?
Many buyers prefer low-maintenance gardens, so it can boost kerb appeal and improve usability.
Can artificial grass go on concrete?
Yes – we often install over patios, decking, or concrete with a suitable underlay. Learn more on our installation service page.
Ready to Replace Your Lawn?
Whether you prefer real turf or low-maintenance artificial grass, we’ll give you a clear, honest price with no pressure. If you want a cleaner, easier garden that lasts, artificial grass is often the best long-term value.
