When you think of the words “artificial turf”, what images pop into your head? Chances are, you think of the impossibly green grasses where MLB and NFL players fight for sports supremacy. While artificial grass has been a feature of sports for some 5 decades, some athletes are protesting its inclusion and asking for a return to natural grass.
Despite this, artificial grass can still be an effective solution for you. What are the 5 major differences between artificial turf and natural grass? How can you decide which is better? Here’s what you need to know.
1. The Initial Cost of Artificial Grass Is Higher
The initial price is one area where we have to give the win to a natural grass lawn. Grass seed and the tools you need to plant it require much less money up-front than patches of artificial turf.
However, it’s important to note that artificial grass will pay dividends on its initial investment. A natural lawn may not, depending on the conditions where you live.
2. Artificial Turf Installations Are Evergreen
One major appeal for artificial turf is that it always looks amazing. Struggling through the hottest, driest summer of your life? Your lawn will still look fresh, green, and healthy rather than brown, wilted, and sad.
Buried under several inches of snow? Once it melts, your lawn will still look great while your neighbor’s grass lawn looks barren and empty.
3. Artificial Turf Grass Is More Eco-Friendly Than Natural Grass
This might seem like an oxymoron, but it’s true. Artificial turf installations are more eco-friendly than the grass you can grow yourself.
Why? Well, for one, you don’t have to use an exorbitant amount of pesticides and weedkillers that can damage other plants in the area. Another thing to consider is that you don’t need to use a (likely gas-powered) lawnmower to keep it tamed. And, even if you’re in the middle of a horrible drought, your water bill and energy expenses won’t spike to keep your yard alive.
4. Natural Grass Can Outlast an Artificial Turf
Sadly, even the best artificial grass must eventually get replaced. The lifespan of a patch of turf is usually around 15 years. A well-tended, well-maintained natural grass lawn can last forever, even after the ones who originally planted it and their grandchildren are long dead.
5. You Can Get Artificial Grass Anywhere
The last difference to remember between the two is that you can get artificial turf anywhere. Burning in a heatwave in central Texas? You can have SYNLawn Artificial Grass installed to get the green grass of your dreams. Chilling in Connecticut? Artificial grass can go where no natural grass can grow.
Looking for More Information to Suit Your Landscaping Needs?
With all that said, it’s plain to see that if you can afford it, artificial turf is the best choice for your landscaping needs. However, if you prefer the more natural look or want to consider other alternatives to the traditional lawn, check out the Home Improvement section of our blog. We update each day with more handy landscaping guides like this!
