New home lawns are shrinking, says TGA
As the demand for affordable housing increases and developmental land is at an all-time premium, lawns are shrinking in size, says the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA).
2023 analysis estimated the average size of a garden in England was 255m2. However, new-build homes are required to provide a minimum of 30m2 amenity space.
So, whilst most gardens are bigger, recent estimates from the TGA show that the average size of a new-build lawn is 55m2.
According to the TGA, as homebuilders shrink budgets, there is less long-term consideration on gardens leading to poor drainage and reduced light from high fences.
It also suggests due to low landscaping budget, it has led landscapers to use cheap turf, referred to as a ‘contractors’ grade’.
The TGA represents most of the turf grown in the UK, and has led the movement to ban plastic net in turf by October 2026. This has been addressed as of a result of landscape architects using turf containing plastic net as a means to cheapen costs.
The TGA claims that home builders have not appreciated the value of good quality lawns in terms of the environment and personal well being.