A beautiful, green lawn is the envy of every homeowner. The problem is natural grass is high maintenance; it needs to be mowed, watered, fertilized, and reseeded regularly. That’s where artificial grass comes in. You probably have many questions if you’re considering artificial grass for your home or business. What is it made of? How much does it cost? Is it easier to maintain than natural grass? Keep reading to learn everything you need to about artificial grass to make an informed decision about it.
What is Artificial Grass?
Synthetic fibers create faux grass and give the appearance and feel of genuine grass. The primary fibers are composed of nonabrasive, non-toxic polyethylene woven into soft, flexible green blades. Artificial grass blades are also coated with UV protectants to prevent hardening and fading due to the sun’s heat. So even when neighbors’ lawns go brown from drought, fake grass stays green because of this property.
The grass yarns are made of soft polyethylene and contain stabilizers that prevent the blades from being flattened by foot traffic. Artificial turf has come a long way since its introduction in the 1960s. With site preparation and infill, installation can last 20 years or more. Infill usually combines crumb rubber from recycled tires and silica sand. There are a few different types of grass that are generally used for landscaping, and they are:
- Polypropylene – Polypropylene is the least expensive type of artificial grass, and many businesses and homeowners choose it for that reason. Manufacturers can make it in various styles, so it certainly has budget-friendly appeal; however, it isn’t the best choice overall. It has a low melting point and isn’t very durable.
- Polyethylene – If you have the finances and can spend a little more, consider putting down artificial grass composed of polyethylene instead. Though it costs more than polypropylene, it has a more natural look and is considerably longer lasting.
- Nylon – Nylon artificial turf is one of the most durable types of fake grass; it can handle extremely high temperatures and weight without changing shape. Although nylon is quite durable, it isn’t utilized in large projects due to its high price and pile stiffness.
What Are the Best Uses for Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass can be used for many practical uses, including landscaping, and its best uses are for places you wouldn’t have a natural lawn. Here are several use cases:
- Under playground sets
- Roof gardens
- Pet runs and dog parks
- In front of commercial businesses
- Indoor or outdoor artificial putting greens
- On balconies
If you’re thinking about artificial grass for your home or business, consider the product’s full scope before installing it at your home. Let’s explore the pros and cons of artificial grass.
Benefits of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has evolved quite a bit throughout its lifetime, and now there are several attractive benefits to using it around your home or business. Property owners who use it get to enjoy:
- It’s long-lasting – With proper installation and care, artificial grass can last up to 20 years. That’s a long time not to have to worry about your lawn!
- It doesn’t need water – One of the best things about artificial grass is that it doesn’t require water to stay green and healthy. This is excellent news for those who live in areas with water restrictions.
- Maintenance is a snap – All artificial grass needs to stay looking great is the occasional rake or brush. You’ll never have to mow or fertilize artificial grass; removing the occasional weed takes no time.
- Environmentally-friendly – Artificial grass eliminates the need for gasoline storage, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides; it also saves water usage.
Unfortunately, there are two sides to a coin, and artificial grass is no different. Here are a few things to remember before installing artificial grass at your home or business.
Drawbacks of Artificial Grass
- It can be pricey – The initial investment for artificial grass can be quite significant; however, it will save you money in the long run because synthetic grass doesn’t require the same type of maintenance as natural grass.
- It can be hot – In areas where temperatures get extremely hot, artificial grass can retain quite a bit of heat. This can make it too hot to walk on with bare feet or for your animals. Installing shade trees can fix that issue quickly.
- It’s not as soft – Although artificial grass has come a long way, it’s still not as smooth as natural grass. This can be an issue for those who enjoy spending time outside on their lawn.
Now that you know the pros and cons of artificial grass, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. What would you choose if you were at your local home improvement store and you sod or artificial grass?
Is Artificial Grass More Expensive Than Sod?
The initial cost of artificial grass is higher than natural sod or seed. You can expect to pay about $5 to $20 per square foot for artificial grass and only 14 to 60 cents per square foot for sod. Sure, that’s cheap compared to quality artificial grass; however, when you factor in the long-term costs of watering, fertilizing, mowing, and re-sodding or reseeding a natural lawn, synthetic grass is more cost-effective long term. Is artificial grass easier to maintain than natural grass?
Is Artificial Grass Easier to Maintain Than Natural Grass?
Yes, artificial turf requires very little maintenance compared to natural turfgrass. You’ll never have to mow it, water it, fertilize it, or reseed it. Here’s a general maintenance list that most homeowners get by with:
- Brush away any debris that may have fallen on it
- Hose it down occasionally to keep it clean (although most types of artificial turf are mold-, mildew-, and bacteria-resistant).
- Remove any weeds that may pop up (occasional weeding is necessary, but nothing to the extent of natural grass.
Do You Have Artificial Grass Needs in Phoenix?
Artificial turf is a great way to have a beautiful lawn without all the hassle of natural grass. If you’re looking for artificial grass in Phoenix, Synthetic Grass Warehouse is your best bet. With a wide variety of artificial turf products to choose from, we’re sure to have the perfect turf for your needs.
We supply high-quality turf products to our partners and customers in the artificial turf industry and have a vast network of artificial grass installers in Phoenix. So when it comes to artificial grass, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our synthetic turf products or to find an artificial grass installer in Phoenix.
