Artificial Turf in NZ: Is It Worth It in 2025?
Benefits, Costs, and Whether It’s the Right Fit for Your Home or Business
Let’s face it—mowing the lawn isn’t for everyone. Whether you’re sick of mud patches, tired of spending every summer weekend pulling weeds, and dodging hidden doggy bombs, or just want your outdoor area to look good 365 days a year, artificial turf has become a hot topic for Kiwi homeowners and commercial spaces alike.
But is it actually worth it? In this guide, we break down the real pros and cons of artificial grass in 2025, how it stacks up against natural lawn, and where it makes the most sense to install it. Whether you’re landscaping a Wellington courtyard, renovating a childcare centre, or replacing a failed natural lawn, here’s everything you need to know.
The Benefits of Artificial Turf in 2025
1. Low Maintenance, Big Impact
No mowing. No watering. No fertilising. Once installed, artificial grass requires minimal upkeep—just an occasional brush or rinse. This is a game-changer for busy families, elderly homeowners, commercial facilities, and rental properties. And it looks good year-round.
2. Always Green, All Year Round
While natural grass can brown in summer and thin out in winter, high-quality synthetic turf stays green no matter the season. No more drought stress, frost burn, or patchy colour.
3. Pet- and Kid-Friendly
Our premium turfs are non-toxic, lead-free, and built to handle rough-and-tumble play. No mud tracked inside. Dog pee won’t kill it. And it’s easy to clean with a quick rinse. Many of our clients with pets say it’s the best decision they’ve made.
4. Great for Tough Spots
Artificial turf shines in places where real grass struggles—shaded areas, steep banks, tight urban spaces, or high-traffic zones like daycares and schools. It’s also ideal for rooftops, courtyards, and around pools where water and wear are constant challenges.
5. Built for NZ Conditions
The products we supply—like Cool 30mm, Cool 35mm and Natural 35mm—are UV-resistant, self-cooling, antibacterial, and resistant to chlorine and seawater. That makes them suitable for Wellington’s salty winds, shaded backyards, and hard clay bases.
But Artificial Turf Isn’t Perfect
1. Higher Upfront Cost
Let’s be honest: synthetic turf isn’t cheap to install. The cost per square metre is higher than ready lawn—especially when installed properly over a compacted sub-base. But the long-term savings on water, maintenance, and your time can well and truely make up for it over 5–10 years.
2. Not 100% Natural
Some people just prefer real grass. And fair enough—there’s something about the smell, feel, and life of a natural lawn that turf can’t quite replicate. If you're someone who loves gardening, artificial turf might not be for you.
3. Heat in Direct Sun
While newer products like our Cool Series include self-cooling technology, all synthetic turf can get warm on hot days. We always advise hosing it down before use in summer—especially for pets or children.
Artificial vs Natural Lawn – What’s the Difference?
Table: Artificial vs Ready Lawn
Where Artificial Turf Makes Sense
Not every lawn needs to be fake—but there are times when it’s the smart option:
Small courtyards or patios with low sunlight
Urban properties with little time or space for maintenance
Childcare centres, schools, and council playgrounds where fall safety and appearance matter
Pet areas where cleanliness is a priority
Sloped sections that are hard to mow or water
Homes for sale where presentation is key
Installation Done Right
Installing artificial turf isn’t just about unrolling some green carpet. A proper install includes excavation, sub-base compaction, drainage, timber edge fixing, and sand infill. Our turf installations typically take 2–5 days depending on the size and complexity.
At Just Grass NZ, we use only trained installers, high-quality compacted GAP base material, and certified turf options that meet NZ standards. And yes—we recycle offcuts and in-fill where possible, so little goes to waste.
Artificial Turf + Healthy Lawn Program?
Here’s something many customers don’t realise: You don’t have to choose just one.
We have clients who use artificial turf in tricky areas (like shaded dog runs or under trampolines), and real lawn elsewhere, maintained through our Healthy Lawn Program.
Sometimes the smartest solution is a mix of both. We can help you plan and design that hybrid approach.
Is It Worth It?
Yes—if:
You want a low-maintenance lawn
You’ve tried natural grass and failed
Your site is shaded, sloped or heavily used
You have pets and want easy cleanup
You want year-round kerb appeal
Maybe not—if:
You love mowing and gardening
Your site is well-lit and drains well
Budget is tight upfront
The bottom line: artificial turf isn’t for everyone. But for the right property, it’s a game changer.
Thinking About Making the Switch?
Let’s talk. We’ll assess your space, talk through options (natural or synthetic), and give you an honest recommendation based on your needs, and even give you a no obligation quote!
Call 0800 MY LAWN,
Or send us and enquiry
Servicing the Greater Wellington Region, including Porirua, Kapiti, and the Hutt Valley
