Short answer: often yes, but only when the fake wood finish is part of a well-built system. A faux wood urban planter box can hold up as well as, or better than, real wood in city conditions if it uses a stable core such as aluminum, fiberglass, PVC, or high-density composite, a UV-stable wood-grain coating, stainless or coated fasteners, and proper drainage. In rooftop, courtyard, balcony, and streetscape settings, the main enemies are moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, intense sun, wind, pollution, and repeated watering.
Real wood such as cedar, teak, or robinia can perform beautifully, but it needs sealing or oiling, may crack, gray, rot, or attract insects, and is usually repairable. Faux wood finish products resist rot and pests and need less routine upkeep, but low-quality versions can fade, peel, chalk, or crack, especially in strong sun and freeze-thaw conditions. The finish matters as much as the label: a thin printed film over particleboard is not comparable to a thick, UV-stable coating over a moisture-resistant core.
Construction details decide longevity, including raised feet, drainage holes, breathable liners, protected edges, and quality hardware. Real wood can be sanded and refinished; faux wood is often harder to repair, though some composite boards can be sanded lightly or replaced. Over ten to fifteen years, a quality faux wood planter may cost less in maintenance and outperform untreated real wood, while a premium rot-resistant wood with regular care can last just as long and age more naturally.
For urban planter boxes, choose by exposure and maintenance budget: use high-quality faux wood in low-maintenance rooftop or street projects; choose real wood where repairability, natural patina, and thicker insulation matter. Avoid any product that hides its core material or lacks UV and drainage specs. In short, fake wood finish can hold up as well as real wood, not because it is fake, but because the core, coating, hardware, and drainage are designed for urban weather.