I’m a home expert and a viral Facebook mum garden trend could knock £20k off your house’s value – buyers just hate it
HOMEOWNERS have been warned against a garden trend which is booming in popularity this summer.
Many people are turning to artificial lawns to create an instant pristine look in their back gardens, but an estate agent has claimed it could knock £20,000 value off your home.
Home expert Liam Gretton said: “Artificial grass can have varying effects. Property type is one crucial aspect to consider. When it comes to affluent areas or high-end properties, artificial grass might detract from the overall appeal and could potentially reduce the property’s value.
“Buyers in these markets often prioritise authenticity and natural features, and artificial grass often does not align with their preferences.”
Liam said that artificial grass can occasionally improve the curb appeal of a property, but if it is installed poorly or is of a low quality, it can have a negative impact.
The estate agent explained how he had recently viewed a three-bedroom home that was valued at £320,000.
When it came to the outdoor spaces, most of the natural greenery had been replaced with artificial grass.
Liam added: “After conducting six viewings, we consistently received feedback from prospective buyers indicating that the artificial grass detracted from the overall appeal of the property.
“When we posed the question about their offer price, if the property met their preferences, the average response was £300,000 – £20,000 below its initial marketing price.”
Experts have shared how it need not be too difficult to grow a naturally lush lawn.
In his viral video, an employee at Armstrong Garden broke down the steps he swears by.
The green-thumbed pro began by aerating his lawn, which he demonstrated to his viewers.
“This is both satisfying and beneficial! Grass naturally creates a layer of thatch – matted roots, stems, and blades – that can be difficult to penetrate through,” he explained.
He advised his audience to “pop some holes” in their lawns to allow water and fertilizer to soak in.
According to the Instagrammer, this helps to promote deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
Next, he gave his lawn a spring cleaning by removing all the fallen matter and adding an all-natural mulch.
He explained that this move will ensure the grass can receive sunshine and water evenly.
Once he finished this step, he went on to give his grass a mow.
He also used pre-emergent weed control to stop seeds from germinating.
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- Scarify the lawn with a rake to remove any old leaves and moss
- Add nitrogen fertiliser into the soil
- Alternatively, put granular feed over the lawn, or a ‘plant soup’ from plant material over the lawn
“This is helpful to keep airborne weed seeds from taking root in your lawn,” he said.
The lawn care expert also discussed re-seeding your lawn, explaining that aspiring gardeners have to choose between this step and applying pre-emergent to their grass.
He explained that re-seeding is great for if your lawn seems thin or has some bald spots.
All you have to do is throw seeds down, cover them lightly with topsoil, and keep the ground evenly moist for two weeks.
Finally, he highlighted the important role fertiliser plays in maintaining a perfect lawn.