Maybe it’s the digital age, smaller house plots or perhaps people just have less time, but gardening is going out of fashion. Those who have garden space often pave it for vehicles, or use Astroturf to cut down on mowing and weeding. As this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 begins, leading insurer, Aviva, is encouraging homeowners to consider flood resilient materials in their gardens, which also provides a haven for wildlife. Here’s the word;
Research commissioned by the insurer, among 2,000 consumers, found that many are unaware of the risks posed by some popular garden changes, including artificial grass or a lack of planting. Just three in ten (28%) believe artificial grass may increase flood risk, with almost half (47%) believing it has no impact. Similarly, while a third (33%) think a lack of natural planting in the garden may increase the risk of a flood, 44% believe it has no impact.
A previous study by the insurer in 2023 revealed that a fifth (21%) of UK residents had already replaced or planned to switch their natural lawn with artificial grass. In reality, a lack of permeable materials and planting in a garden can make it more difficult for water to be absorbed, especially during dry weather.
These changes can increase the risk of flash flooding when heavy and intense downpours fall onto dry ground particularly following hot, dry weather. The risk can increase in urban areas where impermeable surfaces can prevent water from soaking into the ground, with more water going into drainage systems, potentially overwhelming them and causing floods.
The risk of flash or surface water flooding can increase further during the summer months. Aviva data shows that July and August experience almost a quarter (24%) of all flood claims received, with each month receiving 12% of annual flood claims, second only to December (17%).
Jason Storah, CEO UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: “While it’s tempting to turn gardens into driveways to make room for our cars, these changes can often have a negative impact and increase the risk of flooding caused by heavy downpours. Flash flooding can be harder to predict than flooding from rivers or streams and can happen anywhere and at any time. As the UK is set to experience its driest spring in over a century4 the risk of surface water flooding from localised torrential downpours could increase.
“Urban areas can be most at risk because a lack of green space can leave rainwater with nowhere to go when the drains are overwhelmed. The impacts of flash floods shouldn’t be underestimated. Even a few centimetres of rainwater can have a devastating impact on homes, taking weeks or months to dry out, or damaging treasured family belongings.
“And while they may seem like a low-maintenance option, artificial lawns can also cause problems. Most are made from plastic with a limited lifespan, so they will eventually end up in landfill. We’d urge homeowners to consider more flood resilient alternatives, including using permeable materials, such as gravel, installing drains or planting borders to allow rainwater to reach the ground.”
The research shows that, despite the popularity of some garden changes, landscape restoration and nature-based solutions are recognised as effective flood mitigation methods. Four fifths of people (82%) agree that landscape restoration provides flood mitigation benefits while almost three quarters (75%) believe nature-based solutions can help reduce flood risk. Additionally, three quarters (74%) of residents are supportive of more investment in nature-based solutions to help reduce flooding.
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