There is nothing better than a lush, green lawn. However the time, money, and effort needed to keep a lawn looking nice is sometimes too much to keep up with. Artificial turf is a great alternative for those who want the look of a healthy lawn year round without all the hassle!
Let's go through the pros that artificial turf brings to the table. Because the ground is rolled out prior to installing, there are no puddles in uneven ruts after it rains. The ground must be flat before installing, ensuring that water can fall through to the ground below without pooling. Artificial turf is made of plastic, so sun and shade conditions do not matter to the health of the lawn. This eliminates browning and bare patches which need time and money to fix. It also does not require you to purchase or use harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or gas powered maintenance tools. It also eliminates the need for watering the lawn which not only saves you money, but helps preserve water!
The benefits of artificial turf are appealing, however there are some drawbacks to this option which should be noted before selecting this route for your landscaping. The turf is made using recycled plastic which gives it the long life of 20 years or more, but it is unable to be recycled and is not biodegradable once you're done with it. It also does not absorb liquids. With pets, the best option is to have turf installed over the ground instead of a hard surface so that liquid can be absorbed beneath the grass. There are other options to add drainage if you prefer it on top of a less porous surface, though they add to the overall cost. Artificial turf has been reported to get slightly warm when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Unlike real grass that has the cool ground below, the turf collects the heat making it warmer to the touch than real grass.
We recommend you do some research on artificial turf to decide if it right for you and your space. We at Native Edge Landscape can also provide you with our opinions on using this turf in your specific space! We recommend this route if you are wanting lush grass year round with very little time spent toward maintenance. Instead of spending the weekend caring for your lawn, with artificial turf you can spend more time enjoying your space!
