Artificial Turf: 11 Advantages

Layers of artificial grass

Many homeowners are choosing artificial turf to fix their lawn issues. Not only does artificial turf, also called synthetic turf or grass, require far less maintenance, but it also saves you money while improving the environment. Here are eleven benefits to using artificial turf instead of real grass.

1. Water Savings

The average natural grass field takes thousands of gallons of water annually to maintain. Those numbers fluctuate depending on the size of the field. Artificial turf, on the other hand, does not need any water to keep its healthy appearance, saving you time and money on a yearly basis.

2. Easy Maintenance

One consistent issue with real grass is that it wears down if overused and is difficult to keep lush and green throughout the year. This is especially true if you have kids or pets that turn your lawn into high traffic areas. Synthetic turf does not suffer from these problems and is much easier to maintain throughout the year.

3. An Eco-Friendly Alternative

A lawnmower trimming grass

As silly as it may sound, artificial turf is actually better for the environment than natural grass. This is because people tend to use gasoline-powered mowers to maintain real grass throughout the growing season. In contrast, synthetic turf does not need to be mowed and can be cleaned with a simple broom.

4. Better Safety

Artificial surfaces are more reliable than natural grass when it comes to safety. Real grass can get slippery when wet, which can lead to dangerous environments for young children and the elderly. Synthetic surfaces have better grip, can withstand greater moisture concentrations, and can be used on a more consistent basis than real grass.

5. Say Goodbye to Fertilizers

Unlike real grass, artificial turf does not need any fertilizers or pesticides to maintain its lush appearance. Not only does this help you save money on yearly lawn care bills, but it also saves you time and energy tending to your yard.

6. No More Lawn Mowing

With synthetic grass, you no longer have to hassle with the weekly routine of trimming the lawn. The lawn will stay the perfect height with minimal maintenance, which puts more money in your pocket. The only thing you really have to worry about is keeping the lawn free of dead leaves in the fall.

7. Better Colors

As vibrant as real grass can be, artificial turf is consistently greener throughout the year. In the winter months, natural grasses can turn brown, especially in areas prone to extended drought periods. No matter what time of year, artificial grass remains green and will continue to do so despite minimal upkeep.

8. Money Savings

A piggy bank surrounded by coins

Between frequent mowing sessions, water bills, and annual treatments, maintaining a healthy lawn can get expensive fast. Although it takes more money upfront to install an artificial lawn, the low maintenance fees will easily save you money in the long run. The savings can be even higher depending on where you live and your local water fees.

9. Affordable Replacement

If and when you need to replace your artificial turf, the replacement cost is actually less than if you install real grass, whether via sod or seeds. Better yet, if the synthetic turf is in decent shape, you can recycle it and use it in other areas of your yard. For example, you can use the old turf to prevent weeds from overrunning a garden or create a durable dog run.

10. Pet Friendly

It's no secret that dogs absolutely love playing outside on real grass. But problems arise when pets dig up lawns and generally wreak havoc on the landscape. With artificial grass, you no longer have to worry about a big mess in your backyard. If the dogs do get into something, the grass can be cleaned with detergent and water.

11. No More Weeds

For most homeowners, pulling weeds is the bane of their existence. Luckily, artificial lawns eliminate the need to mess with weeds ever again. Weeds may spring up occasionally, but they are much less frequent than in real grass.