Is There a Place for Both? The Rise of Hybrid Lawn Design in NZ Homes

How Kiwi Landscapes Are Blending Artificial Turf with Natural Grass for the Best of Both Worlds

Artificial or real lawn? For years, this has been an either/or conversation.

But across Wellington, homeowners are starting to realise that the best answer might actually be both.

Welcome to the era of hybrid lawn design—where artificial turf and natural grass work together in harmony to deliver good looks, smart function, and lower maintenance.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What hybrid lawn design actually is

• Why it’s gaining traction in New Zealand

• The best ways to use turf + grass together

• Real examples of how Just Grass NZ makes it work

What Is a Hybrid Lawn?

A hybrid lawn combines two surface types:

• Natural lawn – Living grass like Tall Fescue Ready Lawn

• Artificial turf – Synthetic grass like Cool 35mm or Natural 35mm

This approach allows different areas of your landscape to serve specific purposes. For example:

• Real grass in open sunny zones

• Turf in shaded, muddy, or high-traffic areas

• Turf around pet runs or children’s play areas

• Natural lawn for visual contrast or sustainability

It’s not just practical—it can be beautifully integrated.

Why Hybrid Lawns Are Trending in NZ

Wellington’s challenging conditions and modern lifestyle demands are making this design approach more relevant than ever.

1. The Best of Both Worlds

You get the soft, alive feeling of natural grass and the easy-care benefits of turf.

2. Targeted Maintenance

Save time and money by reducing how much lawn you need to mow, water, weed, or reseed.

3. Problem-Solving

Shady backyard? Use turf. Dry, sunny front lawn? Use natural grass. Got a dog? Turf in the run / toilet zone.

4. Long-Term Investment

Artificial turf protects vulnerable zones from repeated damage—saving you from full re-landscaping every few years.

Best Hybrid Design Ideas

If you're considering mixing lawn types, here are some smart combinations that work well across Wellington homes and properties:

1. 🐾 Turf for Dog Runs, Real Lawn for Play

Why it works:
Dog urine burns real grass and causes patchy dead spots. By installing artificial turf in a fenced dog area (with drainage and infill), you isolate the wear and tear—while keeping the main lawn fresh and lush.

2. ☕ Turf Courtyard + Garden Borders

Why it works:
Inner-city courtyards or shaded entertainment zones are hard to maintain with real grass. Turf provides a clean, dry base that’s easy to walk on and weed-free—while garden beds around the edges bring life and colour.

3. 🧸 Turf Under Play Equipment

Why it works:
Swing sets, trampolines, and high-traffic zones are grass killers. Certified turf with shock pads provide a durable, clean, and safe surface—without mowing awkward corners.

4. 🌞 Real Lawn Where It Shines

Why it works:
Open sunny spaces are ideal for ready lawn. It looks great, feels soft underfoot, and contributes to garden ecology—especially where turf wouldn’t offer much benefit.

5. 🌿 Turf Edging + Real Lawn Centre

Why it works:
Mixing turf around the borders of garden beds or beside fences avoids fiddly mowing or trimming, while real grass fills the main space. Framed with a Macrocapa sleeper, visually, it’s seamless. Practically, it saves hours.

Real Hybrid Project Example

“We wanted a real lawn, but our dog kept destroying it. Just Grass helped us install artificial turf in the side run where the dogs spend most of their time. Now the back lawn stays green, and we barely have to worry about maintenance.”
— Rachel M., Kāpiti

What to Consider Before Going Hybrid

• Transitions & Levels: You’ll want turf and lawn to meet cleanly. We handle levelling and edge solutions like sleeper installations and mow strips during install.

• Drainage Differences: Turf needs compacted base and drainage cloth. Grass needs good soil and nutrients. We design both properly.

• Visual Blending: Our turf varieties are realistic and colour-matched for smooth transitions between zones.

• Maintenance Tips: Turf stays tidy with occasional brushing; real lawn needs seasonal care—water, fertiliser, and weed control.

‘‘So, Should I Go Hybrid?’’

Hybrid lawn design makes a lot of sense if:

• You want to cut back on lawn care

• You have both sun and shade

• Pets or kids are causing damage

• You want instant lawn appearance, with natural touchpoints

• You want to futureproof problem zones

It’s not all-or-nothing anymore. With the right layout, both types of lawn can look and function seamlessly together.

Ready to Design a Smarter Lawn?

At Just Grass NZ, we don’t just sell turf or lawn—we help Wellington property owners build long-term, low-hassle landscapes that look incredible year-round.

Let’s help you design a lawn that works harder and looks better.

📍 Based in Wellington, servicing Kapiti Coast, Hutt Valley, Porirua and all of the Wellington Suburbs
📞 Call 0800 MY LAWN
📧 Email info@justgrassnz.com
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