How to Choose Between Real and Artificial Turf

If you're thinking about upgrading your lawn, one of the first questions you'll face is whether to install real grass or artificial turf. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks—and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, how you use your yard, and your long-term goals.

At Square Leaf Landscaping, we help homeowners across Hamilton and surrounding areas navigate this decision with confidence. We specialize in both sod installation and artificial turf systems, and we’re here to break down what you need to know.

Understanding the pros and cons of each turf type

Real grass and artificial turf offer very different experiences. While real grass provides a traditional look and feel, artificial turf delivers unmatched convenience.

Real grass offers natural beauty and a soft, cool surface—especially appreciated by kids, pets, and those who love the feel of a living lawn. However, it comes with responsibilities. You'll need to mow regularly, manage weeds, fertilize seasonally, and water consistently—especially during dry spells. The trade-off is a vibrant, living yard that changes with the seasons and supports a natural ecosystem.

Artificial turf, on the other hand, is virtually maintenance-free. Once it’s installed, there’s no mowing, no watering, and no need for fertilizers. It stays green year-round and works especially well in shaded areas, high-traffic zones, or properties where drainage is poor. That said, it does come with a higher upfront cost and can get warmer under direct sun compared to natural grass.

Which one is right for your property?

There’s no universal answer to whether real grass or artificial turf is better—it all comes down to how you use your yard, how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, and the specific conditions of your property in the Hamilton area. At Square Leaf Landscaping, we help our clients choose the turf option that best fits their lifestyle and landscape.

Choose real grass if:

• • You enjoy lawn care or already have an irrigation system
    If mowing, fertilizing, and watering are part of your outdoor routine—or if you already have a sprinkler system in place—real grass may be the natural fit for your property.
  • You prefer the natural feel of live turf
    There’s something timeless and sensory about a living lawn—the soft texture underfoot, the earthy scent after rain, the slight seasonal changes in color and texture.
  • Your property receives good sunlight and drains well
    Real sod thrives in full sun with healthy airflow and minimal standing water. If your yard already has proper grading and drainage, natural turf can flourish with the right care.
  • You want to support biodiversity and plant life
    A living lawn invites birds, pollinators, and soil organisms into your landscape. It also pairs well with garden beds, native plants, and other eco-conscious landscaping elements.
  • You don’t mind the regular maintenance
    For homeowners who find satisfaction in yardwork or don’t mind hiring a lawn care provider, real grass can be a rewarding long-term option.

Choose artificial turf if:

• • You want a green lawn with minimal upkeep
    No mowing. No watering. No fertilizing. Artificial turf installation eliminates weekly chores and seasonal maintenance while keeping your lawn pristine.
  • Your yard struggles with poor soil, shade, or heavy foot traffic
    Many properties in Waterdown, Binbrook, and older neighborhoods in Hamilton face compacted clay soil, tree canopy cover, or uneven wear from pets and kids. Artificial grass handles these challenges with ease.
  • You're tired of mud, brown patches, or lawn repair work
    Artificial turf stays clean and green—rain or shine, summer or winter. It’s ideal for homeowners who are fed up with patchy spots, muddy entryways, or constant reseeding.
  • You want a clean, durable surface for pets or play areas
    Many of our clients with dogs, play structures, or outdoor entertaining areas love turf’s durability. It’s easy to hose off, doesn’t show wear, and avoids muddy paws and cleanup headaches.
  • You’d like to reduce water usage and eliminate fertilizers
    With increasing awareness around water conservation in Southern Ontario, artificial turf offers an eco-friendly option for clients looking to lower their utility bills and environmental impact.

Real-world examples from the Hamilton area

Many of our clients in Ancaster, Waterdown, and Oakville have made the switch to artificial turf for its durability and low-maintenance appeal—especially in backyards with pools, pets, or deep shade. We’ve installed turf around paver patios, beside retaining walls, and even as part of full backyard overhauls.

Others in Dundas, Binbrook, and Stoney Creek prefer the traditional charm and tactile experience of a real grass lawn. These homeowners often enjoy working outdoors, value the feel of real turf beneath their feet, and want their landscape to evolve with the seasons.

At Square Leaf Landscaping, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take time to assess your property, listen to your preferences, and recommend the turf type that aligns with your vision—and performs well in our local climate.

Lawn use and lifestyle considerations

Your daily habits and yard usage play a huge role in the right turf decision.

• • If you have kids or pets that play outside often, both real and artificial turf can work—just be aware that real grass may develop worn patches, while artificial turf is more resilient to traffic and digging.
  • If you host outdoor events, artificial turf creates a consistent, always-green space that doesn’t require last-minute mowing or edging.
  • If you love to garden or spend time outdoors, the aroma and natural changes of real grass might be something you don’t want to give up.

At Square Leaf Landscaping, we help you match the right solution to your lifestyle so you don’t have to compromise.

What about cost and maintenance?

In most cases, real grass has a lower initial cost—especially if seeded or installed with basic sod. But those savings can be offset over time by maintenance expenses such as watering, fertilizing, and lawn care services.

Artificial turf is more of an investment up front, but it pays off in the long run by eliminating almost all ongoing maintenance costs. There's no irrigation, fertilization, or mowing to worry about. The surface remains neat and green for 15 to 20 years with very little effort.

Our team at Square Leaf Landscaping can walk you through both short-term and long-term costs, helping you understand the return on investment for your specific yard.

Installation and drainage matter—either way

No matter which option you choose, proper installation is key. A beautiful lawn—natural or synthetic—starts with a solid foundation.

With sod installation, we focus on proper grading, soil amendments, and sometimes drainage improvements to ensure long-term turf health.

For artificial turf, we install a compacted, well-graded base with drainage layers and seams that hold up to weather and foot traffic. This prevents issues like pooling water, sinking spots, or weed growth beneath the turf.

Common installation use cases

We often recommend real sod for:

• • Large open yards where cost per square foot matters
  • Clients who enjoy seasonal changes and garden aesthetics
  • Homes with full sun exposure and good drainage

We often recommend artificial turf for:

• • Backyards with drainage issues or deep shade
  • Side yards, play areas, or pet runs
  • Front yards where curb appeal is a priority and maintenance is a challenge
  • Spaces around paver patios, retaining walls, or landscape features where lawn equipment is hard to maneuver

In some cases, we even blend both options—real grass in the open lawn, and artificial turf near structures or shaded corners.

Proudly Serving Hamilton and Surrounding Communities

Square Leaf Landscaping provides expert lawn installation and custom landscaping services throughout:

• • Hamilton
  • Ancaster
  • Burlington
  • Dundas
  • Waterdown
  • Aldershot
  • Grimsby
  • Binbrook
  • Oakville
  • Stoney Creek

Whether you need full landscape design, grading, drainage, or turf solutions, we’re ready to help.

Ready to Choose the Right Turf for Your Yard?

If you’re still unsure whether real grass or artificial turf is right for you, let Square Leaf Landscaping help. We’ll assess your property, discuss your goals, and recommend the best long-term solution—professionally installed and built to last.

Contact us today for a consultation or to request a free quote. Let’s transform your outdoor space into a lawn you’ll love—whatever turf type you choose.