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!
U P C Y C L E D: Technically, as long as a plant can crawl up it, you've got yourself a trellis. Try using old chairs, mattress spring boards, lawn equipment or even bicycle wheels to create your new funky trellis. If you aren't as into the shabby-chic look, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders and really make your trellis pop!
2. W I R E: A wire trellis can be as simple as a single line connected at two points, to as complicated as an interwoven pattern spanning across a 30 ft wall. This type of trellis has an exceptionally clean look with a ton of versatility that anyone could enjoy.
3. N E T: What a net provides that wire doesn't is ease of use. Not only is a net much cheaper than wire I looks more relaxed and will move in the wind. Hang it off the side of your house at an angle to create a shade covered patio.
4. N A T U R A L:
5. A R B O R: Probably, the most romantic trellis on this list. The trellis arbor is especially popular at weddings and in country gardens. They can be shaped any way you want and made with anything you want, but using a climbing plant that flowers is always a winner. Roses are the obvious choice, but Carolina Jessamine, honeysuckles, and grapes are other local favorites.
6. A-F R A M E: The A-Frame is another very traditional form of trellis. It's free standing and allows for double the climbing room without taking up a significant amount more space. Connect two planter beds with a single trellis to create an A-frame arbor walkway like the one pictured here. 
7. O B E L I S K: Looking for another free standing design besides the A-frame that you can place in your garden? Then maybe the obelisk is the right choice for you! Often paired together, and generally smaller than other trellises obelisks can be both practical and polished. 
8. P A R T I A L: Sometimes an entire trellis filled with plants can be too overwhelming, but that doesn't mean you want to leave it out completely. We integrated a trellis with this reclaimed wood wall for a local client and think it turned out to be a great success! Check out more pics from this project here:
9. P R I V A C Y: Not really a design, but a great use for a trellis nonetheless. A privacy trellis is an easy way to cover up some of those unattractive necessities you find in most yards. Place one in front of your AC unit, pool equipment, or garbage/recycling bins and soon all the neighbors will be following suit.
10. W I N D O W: Last but not least, when you are considering installing a trellis it's important to think about what you want your view to be. Trellises are beautiful, but if the rest of the yard is beautiful too, you don't want it to get cut off. That's why If you are planning on building a large trellis consider cutting out some holes for a window. Set a bench in front and enjoy the privacy and view you both enjoy.