If your lawn is patchy, muddy, worn out, or simply beyond saving, one of the first questions is usually cost. In the UK, replacing a lawn can mean either returfing with natural grass or switching to artificial grass for a lower-maintenance finish.
The price difference between the two is significant upfront, but the long-term costs can be much closer than many homeowners expect. It all comes down to the size of the garden, the amount of removal and prep work needed, and whether you want the cheapest short-term fix or the most practical long-term option.
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 the extra charges many quotes leave out.
Quick Answer: In the UK, replacing a lawn with real turf usually costs around £10–£25 per m², while replacing it with artificial grass typically costs £45–£85 per m² including removal, groundwork, and installation.
A standard 40m² garden often costs:
- £400–£1,000 for new real turf
- £1,800–£3,400 for new artificial grass
Real turf is cheaper upfront. Artificial grass costs more to install, but usually lasts much longer and needs far less upkeep.
Jump to:
- How Much Does Lawn Replacement Cost in the UK?
- Artificial Grass Lawn Replacement Costs
- Real Turf Lawn Replacement Costs
- Artificial Grass vs Real Turf Cost Comparison
- Old Lawn Removal Costs
- What Affects Lawn Replacement Cost?
- Artificial Grass vs Real Turf Over 10 Years
- Cost to Replace Artificial Grass with Lawn
- Which Option Is Best?
- Lawn Replacement FAQs
How Much Does Lawn Replacement Cost in the UK?
The cost of lawn replacement in the UK depends mainly on what you are replacing it with. If you are laying fresh natural turf, the price is lower upfront but the lawn will need regular care and may need patching or replacing again sooner. If you are switching to artificial grass, the install cost is higher because the existing lawn has to be removed and a proper new base built underneath.
As a rough guide:
- New turf lawn: usually around £10–£25 per m²
- Artificial grass lawn replacement: usually around £45–£85 per m²
The final figure can move up or down depending on access, garden shape, drainage issues, waste removal, and the quality of the materials chosen.
Artificial Grass Lawn Replacement Costs
Artificial grass is the more durable, low-maintenance option, especially for shaded gardens, pet owners, and homes where real grass struggles with mud, wear, or poor drainage.
Replacing a natural lawn with professional artificial grass installation typically costs:
- £45–£85 per m² including removal, base preparation, and installation
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 the cheaper option upfront and still suits many gardens well, especially where the space gets good sunlight and the homeowner is happy to keep up with mowing, watering, feeding, and patch repairs.
Typical real turf replacement costs in the UK are:
- 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
When people search for returfing lawn cost or how much it costs to replace a lawn, this is usually the price range they are looking for.
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 smart when first installed, but the real difference shows up in the upfront cost, annual maintenance, lifespan, and how the lawn copes with daily use. This side-by-side comparison shows how artificial grass and real turf typically 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 beyond installation day. The upfront price is only one part of the cost. Watering, mowing, feeding, patching, cleaning, and eventual replacement all affect what the lawn really costs over time.
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.
Cost to Replace Artificial Grass with Lawn
If you already have artificial grass and want to switch back to a natural lawn, the cost is usually lower than installing artificial grass from scratch, but there is still groundwork involved.
Typical costs include:
- Removing old artificial grass and waste: around £5–£15 per m²
- Levelling, topsoil, and preparation: depends on site condition and compaction below
- New turf supply and laying: usually £10–£25 per m²
If the old artificial grass base is heavily compacted or poorly suited to natural drainage, extra work may be needed before new turf will establish properly.
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 a lawn. Here are the clear, practical answers based on nearly 20 years of installations.
How much does lawn replacement cost in the UK?
For most homes, replacing a lawn with real turf costs around £10–£25 per m², while artificial grass usually comes in around £45–£85 per m² including proper groundwork and fitting.
What is the cheapest way to replace a lawn?
Real turf is usually the cheapest option upfront. Artificial grass costs more to install, but ongoing maintenance is far lower.
How much does it cost to returf a lawn?
Returfing a lawn in the UK usually costs around £10–£25 per m² depending on preparation, access, turf quality, and whether old lawn material needs removing.
Is artificial grass worth the extra cost?
For many homeowners, yes. It lasts far longer than turf, copes better with pets, mud, and shade, and removes the need for regular mowing and lawn treatments.
How long does real turf last?
Many real turf lawns stay in good condition for around 3–7 years before major repair work, relaying, or full replacement becomes necessary, depending on use and maintenance.
Can I replace my lawn myself?
Yes, especially with real turf. Artificial grass can also be installed DIY, but the base preparation is what usually determines whether it performs properly long term.
Can artificial grass go on concrete?
Yes. Artificial grass can often be installed over patios, concrete, or decking with the right preparation and 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.
