Hey there, lawn lovers! Thinking about ditching the natural grass and diving into the world of artificial turf? Whether you're seeking a low-maintenance alternative or yearning for a perpetually green lawn, artificial grass, also known as turf, might just be the solution you've been looking for. But before you roll it out, let's explore the pros and cons of turf vs. real grass.
Pros of Installing Turf:
Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to mowing, watering, and fertilizing! Artificial turf requires minimal upkeep, saving you time and effort on lawn care chores.
All-Year Greenery: No matter the weather or season, your artificial grass remains lush and green. No more brown patches or dormant grass during colder months.
Water Conservation: Artificial turf doesn't need watering, helping you conserve water resources and lower your water bills, especially in dry climates or during water restrictions.
Durability: Turf can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for areas frequently used by kids, pets, or for outdoor entertaining. We especially love it if you have a swing set or trampoline. No need to worry about kids playing outside after the rain and creating a mud pit or dead patches of grass everywhere.
No Chemicals or Pesticides: With turf, you eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We are all about a non-toxic lifestyle, so this is definitely a positive!
Cons of Installing Turf:
Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing artificial turf can be higher than natural grass. However, it's important to consider the long-term savings in maintenance and water bills.
Heat Retention: Artificial turf can retain heat, making it warmer than natural grass, especially in direct sunlight. This can be uncomfortable for barefoot activities during hot weather. A rare but potential problem to note: if there are windows that reflect light onto the turf, intense heat or sunlight can actually burn grass or turf. If you have turf, it’s not so easy to replace just a small patch or area. If this is a concern of yours, you can look into window tinting to prevent any burns.
Odor: If you have pets, turf can be a great option as urine won’t damage the look of the turf, and poop scooping is much easier. However, as a previous turf and dog owner, the urine odor can become fairly strong, especially for smaller yard spaces. While regularly hosing down the turf can help, we found that sprinkling the turf with baking soda and letting it sit for an hour or two before hosing down made a big difference. While this can typically get rid of the odor, it is still something to keep in mind about maintenance if you are considering turf and are a pet owner.
Environmental Impact: Although artificial turf conserves water, it is not biodegradable and can contribute to environmental waste when disposed of.
Potential for Damage: Sharp objects or intense heat can damage artificial grass. It’s challenging to repair/replace just one area of turf, so any potential damage would be a hit on your wallet.
Turf can be an excellent option for many, offering a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. However, its limitations and potential drawbacks should be known before committing to installation.
So, whether you opt for the natural charm of real grass or the convenience of artificial turf, make a choice that best suits your needs and brings out the beauty in your outdoor space!