Should I Use Artificial Grass In My Yard?

If you’re like many homeowners, you’re considering installing artificial grass in your yard. It’s a great way to save water and keep your lawn looking good all year round. But is it the right choice for you?

In this post, we’ll help you decide whether or not artificial grass is right for your home. So if you’re ready to ditch your lawn mower, keep reading!

Pros Of Artificial Grass

ROI

High-end artificial grass can pay for itself in just a few years. You don’t have to spend money maintaining it or lawn care equipment, replacing it as often as natural grass, fertilizers, grass seeds, and other necessities.

It’s also great because you won’t have to spend time and energy keeping it looking green and healthy.

Maintenance

Since it’s artificial, maintaining turf takes less time, energy, and money. You don’t have to mow, worry about dead spots, use pesticides or herbicides, or do many other maintenance activities.

You will still want to take care of pet waste, debris, weeds, and any standing water. Artificial grass can still be damaged and discolored.

Longevity

Artificial turf has come a long way in recent years, and today’s options are more durable than ever before. Most artificial grasses are made from PVC or polyethylene, which are both highly resistant to UV rays, moisture, and wear and tear. In fact, many artificial types of grass come with warranties of 8-12 years.

Save Water

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family uses 300 gallons of water per day, 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses like watering the lawn. In arid climates, that number can be even higher. Landscaping with fake grass is an increasingly popular way to save water as it eliminates the need for regular irrigation. You get to lessen your environmental footprint and save some money!

Non-Allergenic

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, you know that it can be tough to find a place to escape pollen and other irritants that trigger your symptoms. The grass in your yard can trigger these symptoms, too. Traditional grass is a common allergen, and even if you’re not allergic, it can still worsen sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

For anyone with allergies, artificial grass is a great option. Unlike real grass, artificial grass doesn’t contain pollen or any other allergens. It’s also non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb pet waste or other contaminants. As a result, artificial grass is a safe and clean surface for people with allergies to enjoy.

Flatness

Normal grass lawns have divots and bumps that make them less safe. These can also cause drainage issues that lead to stagnant water, dead grass, and a lessened curb appeal.

With artificial grass, you don’t have to worry about divots or bumps, and your lawn will always look pristine.

No Chemical Usage

Fake grass is made from synthetic materials, so it doesn’t require the use of pesticides or other chemicals. This makes it safer for people and pets.

Cons Of Artificial Grass

It Can Be Expensive To Install

Artificial turf can be an expensive investment—the initial cost of installation can range from $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on the type of grass you choose and the size of your project. But, you’ll save money and time by having to do less maintenance or pay for a lawn care company.

May Not Be The Most Environmentally-Friendly Option

Artificial grass may seem like a green solution for your lawn, but it’s not as environmentally friendly as you might think.

It’s made from synthetic materials that come from petroleum. These materials take a lot of energy and resources to produce that can pollute the air and water during manufacturing. When artificial turf reaches the end of its lifespan, it goes to a landfill, where it eventually releases harmful chemicals into the environment.

Hot To The Touch

Artificial grass can sometimes get hotter to the touch than natural grass. This may make it difficult to lay on, though this can be a problem anyway as some artificial grass isn’t as comfortable anyway.

Potential Melting And Fire Hazard

Artificial grass can be susceptible to melting in high temperatures or if something like a hot coal from a grill falls on it. This is because the synthetic fibers in artificial turf absorb heat, which can lead to the synthetic fibers breaking down and separating.

This is mostly a concern in areas with extreme heat or during heat waves. It’s good to know that reflective surfaces can also cause your artificial grass to melt.

Can Be Less Comfortable

Artificial grass might look like the real thing, but it doesn’t feel quite the same. The blades of artificial grass are stiffer and less flexible than natural grass, so they don’t give as much when you walk or run on them. This can make artificial turf feel less comfortable and more jarring on your joints. Artificial grass is more heat retentive than regular grass, making it more uncomfortable to lay or walk on.

Choose A High-Quality Artificial Grass

There are significant differences between high and low-quality artificial grasses. It’s enough to get most homeowners to wait and save up instead of going ahead and pulling the trigger on the project.

Here are four reasons to choose a high-quality artificial grass:

1. You want your artificial grass to look as natural as possible. A high-quality product will use blades that are the same length and color as real grass, giving your lawn a realistic appearance.
2. You want your artificial grass to last. High-quality artificial grass is made from durable materials that can stand up to heavy traffic and weather conditions.
2. You want your artificial grass to last. High-quality artificial grass is made from durable materials that can stand up to heavy traffic and weather conditions.
4. You want your artificial grass to be easy to maintain. High-quality artificial grass will be low-maintenance and require little care beyond occasional brushing and rinsing.

Choosing high-quality artificial grass may cost more than low-quality artificial grass, but it’ll save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace it as often. It’ll also give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re using a safe, durable product that will look great for years to come.

Turn To Farrell’s Lawn And Garden Center For Your Outdoor Needs

Farrel Lawn And Garden Center can install your artificial grass and help you with any of your other outdoor area needs. There are other solutions you can do for your lawn issues besides installing fake grass. You can install a water feature, outdoor living space, natural areas, and more. These are all fantastic ways to lower your maintenance while increasing the amount of enjoyment you can get from your outdoor space.

Ready to ditch your lawn care woes for good? Fill out our contact form today, and let us help you get started on your new artificial grass installation!