Advantages of using artificial grass on the balcony
It's soft
First, artificial grass is soft all year round, with no sharp stones or weeds in it. We use polyethylene combined with strong nylon fibers to ensure our artificial grass is both stretchy and resilient
It's easy to clean, so it's ideal for pets
Keeping pets in an apartment can be a challenge, especially if you have a dog that needs to be taken to the bathroom every few hours.
Artificial grass can be used by your dog and you can simply wash it off without turning your grass into a mud puddle. Just remember that whether you have real grass or artificial grass, it may start to smell if you don't remember to clean it from time to time. For everything you need to know about maintaining artificial grass, check out this blog post.
No need to water
Keeping true grass healthy and lush requires a lot of water, especially on hot days or if your balcony is shaded. Artificial grass looks the same regardless of the weather.
Pair with artificial or live plants
Whether you long for a garden or just like the idea of one, artificial grass can make that dream come true. If you want to be surrounded by greenery but don't want to get your hands dirty, artificial grass works great with artificial plants and trees, but if you want to develop your gardening skills, artificial grass can also work with your live plants use. Also, if you put some dirt on the artificial grass, you can easily brush it off without damaging your lawn.
It won't die
Live grass needs the same things as any other plant to thrive—it needs water, light, and drainage. Most balconies have concrete bases, which don't leave much room for tree roots. There is very little sunlight in the corners of most places, which can make these areas patchy.
No weeds
Anywhere living plants can grow, so can weeds! We don't usually think of balcony lawns as having the same weed problems as ground lawns, but they can. Weeds are named for a reason!
Disadvantages of using artificial grass on balconies
Advantages of using real grass on the balcony
It is more environmentally friendly.
There's no reason artificial grass is more environmentally friendly than real grass, at least in small spaces like balconies. While huge gardens may require the use of a fuel-burning mower, small lawns don't have this problem. If you want to help improve air quality in your area, your grass may help.
This is real grass.
There's nothing to say about using real grass on a balcony, other than the fact that it's real grass means it might look more appealing to you, and we can't say it can have a lovely smell! However, the harm outweighs the benefit - and you'll see why now.
Disadvantages of using real grass on the balcony
Sustaining life is extremely difficult.
The biggest problem with using real grass on a balcony is that it is nearly impossible to sustain life. The roots have no natural base to attach to and there will always be too much light or not enough light for the grass to grow properly.
Logistics is impractical.
Even if you could spend the time and money laying topsoil and gravel, and carefully laying grass seed or a real lawn, the grass may only last a few months, or even a few weeks, especially if you don't have time to maintain it! How will you transport those earthbags, gravel or sod to your balcony? Might be a little difficult. All in all, putting real grass on a balcony simply isn't worth it.
Even in winter, you need regular watering.
Another disadvantage of using real grass is that watering is especially difficult. You may have to walk around the house with a heavy water pitcher, or luckily you can hang a hose somewhere, either way your balcony grass must be watered regularly, in hot weather down, the frequency of watering is even higher. Another thing you need to consider is where the water will go. Chances are, your downstairs neighbors won't be too happy with the amount of water falling on their balconies every day!
You can't just put down the turf.
Unless you are happy that it can live for a few weeks and then die. Grass needs a deeper bed to survive, so if the roots grow into the concrete, the grass will die. If you're happy that the real grass is temporary, then this might be an option, but otherwise, you'll want to consider laying topsoil first.
If it does grow, you'll have to prune it.
If you have a well-located balcony with lots of light and easy watering, you're probably in the perfect spot to try real grass. Now is the time to think about how you will mow the grass and what you will do with the clippings. You probably don't have room to store a full-size lawn mower, so you'll have to opt for a push mower or mower and put the clippings in a composter or bin. None of this is impossible, but it's definitely something you need to consider.
If you use it for pets, they may eat or dig.
If you have images in your mind of your beloved furry friend rolling happily on grass, know that they can do the same on artificial grass, and you'll avoid letting yours think real grass is better for chewing or digging. The bubble burst.
Which one is better for balcony use?