Artificial Lawns Market

Market Overview

The global artificial lawns market size was valued at USD 4.89 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 14.70 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.01% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The global artificial lawns market is boosted by rising home ownership and home improvement owing to a surge in disposable income, rising urbanization, and higher demand for single home ownership. Moreover, there has been a rapid expansion of the landscaping industry from the residential and commercial sectors, which is, in turn, fueling the global artificial lawns market. Furthermore, the strategic initiatives by key players to enhance their market share are expected to create opportunities for market expansion.

Artificial lawns, which are man-made surfaces intended to resemble the appearance and functionality of natural grass, are also referred to as synthetic turf or artificial grass. These surfaces are frequently employed in recreational areas, sports fields, and landscaping as an alternative to conventional grass lawns. Synthetic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene are commonly used to construct artificial lawns, available in various hues and textures to closely resemble natural grass.

The minimal maintenance requirements of artificial landscapes are among their primary benefits. The elimination of the requirements for mowing, irrigation, and fertilizing results in cost and time savings. Artificial turf is constructed to endure significant traffic and is resistant to deterioration. Artificial lawns are an environmentally sustainable option in areas with water scarcity because they do not necessitate routine irrigation, conserving water resources. Moreover, a consistently maintained artificial lawn can maintain its attractive aspect for many years.

Market Dynamics

Artificial Lawns Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Home Ownership and Home Improvement 

Homeownership is increasingly gaining momentum in various economies worldwide. The increasing standard of living and rising income levels drive a surge in the demand for single-family residential ownership. Single-ownership residences comprise over 28% of the total residential stock in the United States. The surging number of single residents is expanding the residential sector across countries.

Home improvement projects are growing continuously with the rising focus of consumers on home improvements and enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The growing investment in home improvement projects, specifically in terraces and gardens, presents an opportunity to expand landscaping services and, consequently, an increased demand for artificial lawns. Home improvement is also gaining momentum in developing economies of the Asia-Pacific region, such as China, which is expected to expand its lawn areas, thereby supporting the market for artificial lawns over the next few years.

Healthy Growth of the Landscaping Industry

The popularity of landscaping services is increasing worldwide due to the need to provide an aesthetic appeal to residential and commercial lawns and gardens. This has led to the landscaping of outdoor yards and spaces gaining significant momentum worldwide. In the global outdoor landscaping market, the construction of decorative structures, ponds, patios, and winding green paths is gathering traction.

Furthermore, the demand for landscaping services is significantly higher in the commercial segment due to the large size of lawns and landscapes. Corporate properties are one of the key users of landscaping services. Similarly, many established projects, such as Nature Discovery parks in China, The Science and Technical Pool in Paris, Solar City in Austria, and others, require landscaping services for their upkeep and maintenance. The demand for landscaping services will rise as more projects are completed, stimulating the market for artificial lawns.

Artificial Lawns Market Restraint

Shortage of Skilled Labor in Gardening

The issue of recruiting skilled staff has been a persistent one within the grass-roots sector. Hours can be lengthy, work is physically challenging in various environmental conditions, and not everyone can be assured of year-round jobs. Staff in the industry do not get the recognition they deserve, given that being a highly qualified specialist in the marketplace requires tremendous effort and hard work.

Lately, things have gotten even more challenging for businesses in the lawn industry seeking to recruit qualified workers. A reduction in H-2B workers, economic growth, and a lack of educational and training opportunities in the landscape industry are the main reasons for the labor shortage, thereby restricting market growth.

Artificial Lawns Market Opportunities

Strategic Initiatives by Key Players

The primary stakeholders in the industry are implementing strategic measures to enhance their market dominance. For instance, in April 2021, the Chicago Fire FC announced today that it had formed a multi-year partnership with synthetic turf industry leader AstroTurf. For all forthcoming synthetic turf initiatives, AstroTurf is designated as the preferred vendor and the official synthetic turf field building partner.

Furthermore, with the global trend toward sustainability, market suppliers are increasingly emphasizing eco-friendliness. For instance, in September 2022, TenCate Grass, a Netherlands-based producer, supplier, and installer of artificial turf for sports and landscape uses, declared that it would start a recycling program for artificial grass that has been retired in the US. The objective of this endeavor, as stated in a press release from TenCate, is to assist in resolving the issue of recycling synthetic turf into a feedstock that can be utilized in producing new turf and other valuable goods efficiently and effectively. Such initiatives create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global artificial lawns market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The population of North America is estimated to be approximately 357 million individuals, with a corresponding number of 143 million homes. It is common knowledge that citizens of the United States favor lawns and gardens. Moreover, the cultivation of backyard landscapes is a widely embraced recreational pursuit in the United States. These factors are boosting the demand for artificial lawns in the region. In addition, North America has the highest concentration of golf courses globally. The combined total of golf courses in the United States and Canada exceeds 18,700. In 2019 and 2020, more than 25 new golf courses opened across the United States. Hence, many golf courses across the region are expected to support the growth of the artificial lawn market during the forecast period.

Additionally, the key players in the region are expanding their reach, thereby boosting market growth. For instance, in October 2023, Purchase Green Artificial Grass, a proud member of The Recreational Group (RG) and the industry's foremost provider of premium synthetic turf, is delighted to declare the grand inauguration of its newest location in Odessa, Texas. This strategically selected site will accommodate the growing need for superior artificial grass products in Odessa and the adjacent regions.

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid urbanization among all other geographies. According to the World Bank, the number of urban households in the region will rise by about 68% from 2010 to 2030. The urbanization of developing countries in Asia-Pacific is expected to foster the demand for gardens and recreational parks, thereby augmenting the artificial lawn market in the region. With the rapid economic growth in this region, per capita income has drastically increased over the past couple of years, improving consumers' purchasing power. Moreover, with higher economic growth, most of the nations in this region have been vigorously spending on infrastructure and industrial development. This will, in turn, boost the artificial lawn market in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Middle East and Africa region is estimated to grow at a considerable pace. Nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa are generating the highest demand in the region. The region has many stadiums for various sports, including cricket, football, and others. Moreover, the region stages numerous international sports competitions. For instance, Qatar hosted the FIFA 2022 World Cup, and Saudi Arabia was selected as the 2034 FIFA World Cup host nation. Hence, the high utilization of sports arenas will likely drive market growth for landscaping services, thereby boosting market revenue in the Middle East and Africa region during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global artificial lawn market is segmented by material type and application.

Based on material type, the global artificial lawn market is divided into polyamides, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and others.

The polyethylene segment dominates the global market and is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile, lightweight synthetic substance produced by polymerizing ethylene. Polyethylene belongs to the significant polyolefin resin family. It is the most extensively used plastic in the world, finding application in detergent bottles and automobile fuel tanks, including clear food wraps and shopping bags. It can also be spun, divided into synthetic fibers, or altered to acquire the elastic properties of rubber.

Additionally, using polyethylene artificial lawns has become increasingly common as a substitute for real grass on sports grounds and landscaping. Plastic polyethylene is utilized in the construction of synthetic grass blades. It is selected due to its natural appearance and delicate texture, which resemble grass. The construction of polyethylene artificial lawns includes resistance to heavy foot traffic and various environmental conditions. They are resistant to UV rays and will not deteriorate or discolor when exposed to the sun.

Based on application, the global artificial lawns market is segmented into residential, commercial, sports, and others. 

The commercial segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. Numerous aspects contribute to the increased prevalence of artificial lawns in the commercial sector. Synthetic surfaces offer numerous advantages for a wide range of commercial applications. Commercial properties utilize it to construct aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance landscapes. They are able to keep a lush and flawless appearance throughout the year without the need for watering, mowing, or pesticides.

Wedding venues, outdoor concert areas, and corporate event spaces are all examples of locations that utilize artificial lawns. Despite high foot traffic, they furnish guests with an aesthetically pleasing, sanitary, and comfortable surface. Artificial lawn presents a pragmatic option for a wide range of commercial purposes due to its adaptability, longevity, and economical nature. While simultaneously reducing environmental impact and maintenance expenses, they create a green and welcoming ambiance.

Recent Developments

• July 2023: FIFA and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) entered into a Contract of Agreed Objectives (CAO) that establishes a framework for the development of four artificial turfs in designated regional associations and the enlargement of the National Training Centre at Providence between 2023 and 2026.
• August 2023: Smart Turf, an industry leader in the production of artificial grass products, announced the introduction of its new website, which enables wholesale purchases of American-made artificial grass.