Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular alternative to natural grass lawns in recent years. Homeowners are turning to synthetic turf for its low maintenance requirements, durability, and water conservation benefits. Knowing how to choose the right turf for high-traffic spaces or decorative areas is important. So, before installing artificial grass in your backyard, it’s important to carefully consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks. This definitive guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know when deciding if artificial turf is right for your backyard and patio.
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Artificial grass is a surfacing material designed to replicate the appearance and performance of natural grass while overcoming some of its drawbacks. There are a few different components that make up a synthetic grass system:
Grass Blades: The synthetic blades that make up the visible grass are commonly made from polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon. These are materials chosen for their ability to closely mimic the texture and color of real grass blades. The blades are tufted into the backing to create the illusion of a continuous lawn.
Infill Material: Artificial lawns contain infill material located below the grass blades. It’s composed of materials like silica sand, crumb rubber from recycled tires, Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or coated sand. Infill provides weight, stability and support to the turf blades. It also keeps the blades upright.
Backing/Base: The underside of the artificial grass system has a backing made from materials like polyurethane or latex. This provides durability and stability. An additional porous backing allows drainage.
Sub-base: An aggregate base is installed below the turf system to allow for drainage. This crushed stone layer may also contain a shock pad for additional cushioning.
There are many compelling reasons to consider installing synthetic turf in your backyard. Here are some of the main benefits:
One of the biggest advantages of artificial lawns is that they require no irrigation. Natural grass lawns need about 1 inch of water per week to stay lush and healthy during the growing season. With synthetic turf, all of this watering becomes unnecessary. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing a typical suburban lawn with artificial grass can save households around 22,000 gallons of water per year. In drought-prone areas like the Southwest, the savings are even greater. Artificial grass provides a high-quality landscape option without straining water resources.
Maintaining a thriving natural lawn takes regular effort. Mowing, aerating, fertilizing, seeding, weed control and pest management all require dedication to keep grass looking its best. Installing artificial turf essentially eliminates all of these labors. Synthetic lawns are unaffected by weeds, don’t require feeding and retain their fresh appearance without mowing. The only necessary upkeep is occasional cleaning to remove dirt, debris and other deposits. For busy homeowners, artificial grass offers an appealing no-hassle alternative.
Natural grass lawns go through seasonal color changes. In freezing winters or hot, dry summers they can lose their lush green luster. Synthetic grass maintains its vibrant color and thickness year-round since it’s not vulnerable to these environmental stresses. Artificial lawns offer a permanently uniform landscape.
Natural grass is easily susceptible to damage. Heavy foot traffic can quickly lead to worn patches, especially in play areas. Artificial grass is specifically engineered with durability in mind. The synthetic blades easily bounce back and retain their shape even after repeated activity. Artificial lawns stand up well to pets, children playing and athletic activity. They even handle occasional vehicle parking without damage. Harsh weather including UV rays, heavy rain and freeze/thaw cycles don’t faze synthetic materials. Artificial grass handles the rigors of backyard use that would destroy natural turf.
Pets and children can be tough on lawns. Active kids playing combined with pet urine and digging can quickly damage the lawn. Synthetic grass solutions overcome these issues. Their durable blades resist activity while the porous backing and infill allow liquids to drain through. This eliminates urine stains or puddles. Some pet waste cleanup is still required, but the turf won’t show dug out holes or worn tracks. Synthetic lawns better withstand active outdoor family lifestyles.
Since artificial lawns don’t require any trimming, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, they provide environmental advantages over natural grass. The EPA estimates that a gas-powered lawn mower produces emissions equivalent to over 11 cars per hour. Trimming, weed whacking and blowers also generate substantial emissions over the course of a year. Installing synthetic turf eliminates all this regular equipment usage and its attendant pollution. There’s also no chemical runoff to worry about with artificial solutions.
While artificial grass offers many benefits, it also comes with some potential drawbacks, depending on your needs and expectations.
Unlike natural lawn grass, synthetic turf is unable to naturally cool itself through evapotranspiration. As a result, it absorbs sunlight and heat instead of dissipating it. On hot sunny days, the surface temperature of synthetic lawns can get significantly hotter compared to real grass. This may make synthetic turf uncomfortable for bare feet or activity during the hottest conditions. However, proper installation and infill selection can help mitigate this issue.
While artificial grass escapes mowing and other maintenance, it does require occasional deep cleaning. The main task is to remove accumulated debris, dirt, leaves, pine needles and other deposits from the turf surface and ensure even distribution of infill material. For most homeowners, a few deep cleanings per year are sufficient to keep the lawn looking tidy.
Since artificial grass consists of plastic blades with space between, pet waste cannot decompose and be absorbed as it does in soil. Any solid or liquid pet excrement sitting on the surface needs prompt manual removal. This is essential for cleanliness and to prevent odor issues. Some pet owners find the cleanup requirement more inconvenient than disposing of waste in natural lawn areas.
High-quality, third-generation synthetic grass mimics real grass very convincingly in terms of appearance. However, some differences in texture and response remain. Underfoot, artificial turf generally provides more spring and less natural variability compared to real lawns. Synthetic blades also tend to be stiffer and cooler to the touch than living grass. While modern artificial solutions are highly realistic, some homeowners still perceive the feel as awkwardly synthetic.
Most artificial grass components contain plastics, synthetics and rubber that won’t decompose. At the end of its lifespan, when replaced, the used turf will end up in landfills. Some manufacturers have implemented recycling programs to help reclaim these materials. But ultimately, synthetic turf contributes to solid waste in a way that natural grass growth and clipping breakdown doesn’t.
Artificial lawns won’t absorb water. Instead, rainfall drains vertically through the system. While the materials used provide excellent drainage, proper installation is still key. The sub-base and grading must have sufficient slope and preparation to channel away excess water and avoid pooling or runoff issues. Proper drainage planning and execution helps avoid problems.
For homeowners debating between natural grass and synthetic turf, the cost differences are often a key factor. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
In most cases, the return on investment and ongoing savings from reduced water and maintenance costs offset the higher initial price of quality synthetic grass within 3-7 years. And homeowners gain the added bonus of convenience from slashing lawn care labor.
One of the chief advantages of artificial turf is the minimal required maintenance compared to traditional lawns. But synthetic grass does still require occasional care and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Here are the key maintenance tasks recommended:
With just periodic cleaning and infill management, homeowners can keep their synthetic lawn looking great year-round.
Proper installation is essential for your artificial grass to look its best and deliver years of performance. Here’s an overview of the key steps:
Site Preparation: The area must be leveled and cleared of all vegetation, roots and rocks. Address any drainage issues.
Sub-base Installation: A porous aggregate base is compacted and leveled to promote drainage. Often, a shock pad is added for extra cushioning.
Turf Unrolling: The synthetic grass rolls are unrolled across the prepared base and cut to fit the specific area and shape.
Seam Joining: Adhesive secures the edges and seams between turf strips to form a continuous surface.
Securing Perimeter: The perimeter edge is secured in a trench or using nails and adhesive. Drainage outlets are included.
Infill Application: Once laid, the required infill material is added and brushed between the blades to provide stability and a natural look.
Grooming: The synthetic blades are brushed upward and the infill is smoothed into place across the entire surface.
With quality preparation and workmanship, you can expect your new synthetic lawn to deliver lasting performance and great aesthetics.
If you want a lawn that can withstand the rigors of pets, kids and active use, artificial grass is up to the task. The durability of quality synthetic turf outperforms natural grass. Here’s how it stands up to wear and tear:
With proper installation and regular cleaning, you can expect years of enduring performance from quality artificial grass.
Synthetic lawn materials offer environmental trade-offs compared to natural grass. When weighing your options, here are some considerations:
Water Conservation
Eliminating irrigation needs provides major water savings, especially in drought zones. This benefits environmental aquifers and watersheds.
No Pesticides or Fertilizers
Artificial turf avoids any chemical usage that could leach into groundwater and create runoff.
No Mowing or Equipment Emissions
The lack of regular mowing, trimming and blowing avoids air pollution emissions from gas-powered equipment.
Lack of Biodegradability
Most synthetic grass components won’t break down when discarded. This contributes to landfill waste unless recycled.
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Limits Natural Habitat
Synthetic lawns provide no ecological habitat, food sources or oxygen generation compared to living grass.
Heat Retention
Synthetic turf absorbs more heat than natural lawns, creating an urban heat island effect.
Overall, artificial grass offers compelling environmental benefits regarding water use and pollution. But tradeoffs like waste and heat retention merit consideration of long-term impacts.
To help decide between real and synthetic varieties, here’s an overview of how the two stack up:
Both options have their advantages. But for most homeowners seeking an attractive, low-maintenance landscape, artificial grass proves superior in convenience, cost savings and durability.
If you decide artificial grass isn’t for you, there are other alternatives to natural lawns to consider:
Native Grasses or Clover
Native grasses and clover varieties require less water than conventional turf grasses. They offer a natural look while conserving resources.
Rock Gardens and Hardscaping
Gravel, stone, pebbles, walkways and other inorganic materials cut down on maintenance. They withstand local climate variations well.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Specially bred plants like succulents and shrubs thrive on little water once established. They provide appealing greenery suited for the environment.
Vegetable Gardens
Expanding garden beds offer fresh food production and new ways to enjoy your yard with less required maintenance.
Mulch Groundcover
Mulched areas control weeds, retain soil moisture and add organic matter back to the earth while requiring minimal work.
Artificial grass offers an attractive, low-maintenance alternative for your backyard and patio area. The advantages in convenience, water savings, and durability make it a top choice for many homeowners. However, it comes with environmental tradeoffs to consider regarding biodegradability and heat retention compared to living lawns.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons against your specific climate, lifestyle, maintenance preferences and sustainability goals. Quality installation and materials are also paramount to gaining the benefits. With proper expectations and execution, artificial grass can provide a lush backyard patio oasis for years to come. Use this guide to make the landscape decision that best fits your needs!
No one can deny that a lush, healthy lawn can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, keeping that lawn in pristine condition takes a lot of time, physical effort, and money. Not every homeowner wants to spend their weekends mowing the lawn or dealing with weed and pest outbreaks. That’s why the popularity of artificial turf has grown so rapidly over the past few years.
Before you raise your eyebrows, it’s important to note that this isn’t your parent’s synthetic grass. The quality of today’s artificial turf has improved immensely. If you invest in a high-quality brand, it really does look and feel like real grass. In this article, we’ll review 10 significant benefits of artificial turf. We will also explore the pros and cons of artificial grass so that you can make an informed decision about whether synthetic grass is right for you.
The biggest benefit of artificial turf for most homeowners is that it’s extremely low maintenance. When you have artificial grass, you’ll never have to mow, weed, fertilize, or aerate your lawn again. You won’t have to spend weekends reseeding or dealing with major pest outbreaks. No more brown patches and bald spots. You’ll have a lush, green lawn every season.
If your lawn gets dirty or dusty, you can quickly clean it with a hose, some detergent, and a brush.
As droughts become more common and water rates continue to climb, homeowners can save money and lower their water usage with artificial turf. Synthetic grass doesn’t need any watering. It just needs to be quickly hosed down to clean. That could represent significant savings for homeowners with a lot of property.
Lawns are meant to be used. If you love having friends and family over for barbecues, or if your children spend all day running around the lawn, all this activity can quickly damage real grass. Artificial grass can stand up to lots of use and play. It’ll never look worn down or flat, and you won’t have to deal with thin patches or bald spots due to overuse.
We love our pets, but we don’t love how they dig up our yard, wear it down during play, and create brown spots. (The nitrogen in dog urine can damage or even kill real grass over time.)
There are many benefits of artificial turf for dogs and other outdoor pets. It’s safe and comfortable for them to use. Dogs can’t dig it up, and their urine won’t damage the grass. Synthetic grass is also easy to clean after your dog does its business. Just use water and a light detergent, and your lawn will be good to go.
Severe weather can quickly damage a living lawn. Early frost, heavy rains, or punishing heat waves can damage or ruin the look of your lawn. Artificial turf can stand up to all the elements. No matter what Mother Nature throws at it, your artificial lawn will survive it all and still look gorgeous.
Living grass can be vulnerable to all kinds of diseases, including mould and mildew. These infestations can be difficult to prevent and expensive to treat once they get started. They can also be a health hazard to you and your family. You don’t have to worry about mould or mildew when you have an artificial lawn. Mould and mildew thrive in wet, shady conditions. Synthetic grass tends to drain quickly, making it difficult for mould and mildew to grow.
Sometimes, the best way to tackle weeds and insect infestations is to use pesticides and insect killers. These chemicals, while effective, can damage the local environment and may harm local wildlife. Many homeowners also don’t like the idea of exposing their pets, children, and guests to lawn chemicals.
Since artificial turf doesn’t invite insects, weeds, and other lawn diseases, there’s no need to store or use chemicals on your synthetic grass.
One of the most challenging parts of managing a living lawn is maintaining its lush, colour. Heat, cold, lack of nutrition, and many other factors can stress grass, which negatively impacts its health, causing it to turn yellow or brown. A big benefit of artificial turf is that you can enjoy its rich, long-lasting colour every single day.
All quality artificial turf is UV-stabilised, meaning it won’t get bleached by the sun, so the colour won’t fade.
Did you know that artificial turf comes in lots of different colours, lengths, densities, and textures? All these choices mean you can pick a look and feel for your artificial lawn that you love. You can also create a lawn design that fits your aesthetic taste, combining your artificial turf with hardscape features, water features, and even a living garden if you’d like.
Your lawn can truly be one of a kind.
Artificial turf does require an upfront investment. However, over time, artificial turf may be more cost-effective than maintaining a living lawn.
Every month, you’ll save on watering and maintenance costs. You also won’t have to buy fertilizer, pesticides, new grass seeds, and sod. You won’t need a lawnmower, either. Don’t overlook the value of your own time and effort. You’ll save hours every week that you would have used weeding, mowing, and otherwise caring for your lawn.
Now that you’re aware of 10 significant benefits of artificial turf, you can weigh them against some of the cons of artificial grass.
As mentioned, you’ll need to spend some money up front to purchase artificial turf and have it professionally installed. However, spending a little more on a high-quality turf that looks and feels like real grass is a worthwhile investment when you consider how long it will last.
Artificial turf may also lower the biodiversity in your area by reducing the number of insects that live in real grass and attract birds and other animals. However, you can still support local wildlife when you install artificial turf by adding a garden or bird feeder to your property.
Finally, synthetic grass is not a permanent solution. How long does artificial grass last? Depending on the brand, location, and use, it usually lasts eight years or more.
If you’re now convinced of the benefits of artificial turf, the next step is finding the right company to install and maintain your artificial lawn. The Grounds Guys®are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to installing artificial turf. We’d love to help you choose the right type of turf and design a landscape that meets your specific needs. We can also install hardscapes along with your turf and create a new garden to add more color and diversity to your property. We offer free estimates and back all our work with the Neighbourly Done Right Promise™, which means your satisfaction is our top priority.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website synthetic lawn solutions.