09 May Benefits of Artificial Grass
Does Artificial Turf Make Sense for Your Yard?
Do you love the look of a lush green lawn? Whether to choose real or artificial grass is a common question, and for some, artificial grass is a more practical option. Although many nature lovers may have mixed feelings, it’s worth considering the benefits of synthetic turf. The best part is, it doesn’t have to be either/or! You can successfully incorporate both into your yard.
Artificial turf offers a number of advantages, but also has some drawbacks. The goal is finding the right balance between real and synthetic grass to create an outdoor space that meets your needs. This post will explore when artificial grass makes the most sense, along with tips for successfully blending it with natural lawn areas. By understanding the unique benefits of each type, you can determine where to utilize artificial turf to maximum effect. With thoughtful planning, you can have the best of both worlds!
Best Uses for Artificial Grass
Artificial grass truly shines for a few specific uses where it provides clear benefits over real grass:
High Traffic Areas Like Dog Runs
If you have energetic dogs that love to run and play in your yard, artificial grass is likely the best option. The constant paw traffic from dogs can quickly damage and muddy real grass. No matter the weather, artificial turf remains lush and green while standing up to heavy use. You won’t have to worry about repeatedly re-seeding grass that gets torn up in your dog run or play area.
Putting Greens
Got an awkward, uneven part of your yard that’s hard to mow and maintain? Turn it into a putting green! Artificial turf creates the perfect surface for practicing your short game at home. The turf provides a consistent, smooth surface for putting and chipping that requires no watering or mowing to upkeep. It’s an ideal way to transform an underutilized area into something fun and practical.
Areas with Drainage Issues
Does part of your yard get muddy and flooded when it rains? Artificial grass provides a clever solution. Because it allows water to drain through, artificial turf can fix soggy areas in your landscape. Combining it with proper grading and drainage underneath creates a dry, usable surface that looks great year-round.
Lower Maintenance than Real Grass
One of the biggest benefits of artificial grass is the extremely low maintenance required once it’s installed. With real grass, there are many time-consuming tasks required to keep it looking lush and healthy.
You need to water it frequently, especially in hot and dry weather. The grass needs to be treated with fertilizers and weed control products on a regular basis. Every fall, you’ll have to aerate the soil and overseed to maintain thickness. And of course, there’s the weekly chore of mowing and trimming the grass.
All of these maintenance tasks add up significantly, both in terms of your time and money. The costs of water, fertilizer, weed control products, grass seed, and fuel for the mower really start to add up over time.
With artificial grass, you can say goodbye to all those hassles once it’s installed. There’s no need to water, fertilize, treat weeds, aerate, overseed, or mow. It retains its fresh, green appearance year-round with practically zero maintenance. The low maintenance aspect alone makes artificial grass an attractive choice for many homeowners.
Cost of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass can seem expensive at first glance, with costs starting around $25 per square foot installed. However, it pays for itself over time by eliminating the need for regular maintenance, watering, and repairs.
For a small area, such as a 10′ x 20′ space, expect to pay around $5,000 to install quality artificial turf with a small putting green and a couple of extra features. While this may seem high compared to laying new sod, remember that real grass requires continual upkeep. Artificial turf is a long-term investment that ends up saving money and time in the long run.
The overall cost depends on several factors:
- Quality of materials – Higher-end artificial turf using advanced polymers and backing materials will be more expensive. Budget products may degrade faster.
- Site preparation – The area must be leveled and have proper drainage. Complex grading, excavation, or installation of drainage systems will increase costs.
- Access and size – Larger areas that are difficult to access can boost the price.
- Special features – Options like materials, custom patterns, or landscape contours will add to the overall price.
So while the initial cost may be higher, artificial grass pays off when you consider the 10+ year lifespan and zero maintenance required. And the benefits like always having a lush, green, mud-free space make it worthwhile for many homeowners.
Incorporating with Real Grass
The key to getting the best of both worlds is using artificial grass strategically in high traffic areas, while keeping real grass in other spots. This allows you to protect the parts of your yard that are most prone to damage, while still enjoying the natural beauty of real grass in decorative areas.
For example, you may choose to use artificial turf in the following high traffic zones:
- Dog runs
- Play areas
- Frequently used pathways
Then use real grass in these types of areas:
- Flower beds and pollinator gardens
- Less used sections of the yard
- Areas meant for aesthetics more than function
This allows the real grass to thrive without being trampled, so your yard retains its natural curb appeal. The end result is a beautifully designed outdoor space that incorporates both materials in a purposeful, practical way. With thoughtful planning, you can have the durability of artificial grass where you need it most, paired with the aesthetic and environmental pleasures of real grass.
Give Turf a Try
At the end of the day, while some may be hesitant to consider artificial turf, it’s a practical, low-maintenance option for many. By incorporating both real and artificial grass into your yard, you can create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor space.