Artificial Turf: Three Things to Know

Artificial turf can offer many advantages over natural grass, including water conservation, durability, longevity, consistency, no harmful chemical usage, and environmental benefits. If you’re considering installing artificial turf in your landscaping, three things to consider are its maintenance, costs, and health and environmental impact. Artificial Turf Maintenance One of the biggest advantages of artificial turf is its maintenance. It doesn’t require mowing, watering, or fertilizing, making it incredibly low-maintenance. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce the time and money spent on lawn maintenance. That said, despite not needing any major maintenance, artificial turf is designed to withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions. It remains green and lush all year long, regardless of climate, making it a reliable choice for locations with harsh weather or water restrictions. Some maintenance measures are necessary to keep the turf looking good and extend its lifespan, but they’re occasional. Ensure you remove debris like leaves, branches, and trash weekly to prevent matting and keep the turf looking clean. You can brush it with a medium, soft bristle brush once or twice weekly. It’s also important to rinse it with a hose twice per month to remove dust, dirt, pollen, and pet urine. You can also rinse pet waste to help it drain quickly and keep the turf from smelling. Otherwise, you simply want to address stains promptly, remove weeds as soon as they appear, and repair small rips or tears as soon as possible. However, all of these things are infrequent due to artificial turf’s durability. Installation & Costs of Artificial Turf The upfront cost of installing artificial turf can be significant compared to natural grass, but don’t let that overwhelm you. The process involves removing existing grass, preparing the ground, and installing the turf, which can be labor-intensive and expensive, which is the reason for a higher installation cost. But despite the initial expense, artificial turf can lead to long-term savings due to water conservation and minimal maintenance needs. It also eliminates the costs associated with fertilizers, pesticides, and regular lawn care services. Quite frankly, it’s worth paying the price to ensure your turf is installed correctly; there’s nothing worse than artificial turf with bumps, holes, weeds, an unnatural appearance, or unevenness. Environmental & Health Considerations of Artificial Turf It’s best to be aware of environmental and health considerations before installing anything in your yard. Luckily, artificial turf has had a great impact. Environmental Impact Artificial turf use has five beneficial environmental impacts: water conservation, reduced carbon emissions, fewer chemicals, reduced landfill waste, and rainwater collection. Water Conservation Artificial turf doesn’t need to be watered, which saves homeowners tens of thousands of gallons of water annually. Additionally, installing turf in a lighter color helps keep it cooler, reducing the need for additional water. Reduced Carbon Emissions Artificial turf also doesn’t require mowing with electric or fossil fuel mowers. Did you know that these mowers can produce air and noise pollution levels equivalent to running eleven cars at the same time? With artificial turf installation, you won’t have to worry about your carbon footprint. Fewer Chemicals Artificial turf doesn’t require the use of potentially harmful fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides like traditional grass. These chemicals are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment, but artificial turf doesn’t harm anyone or contribute to climate change because it requires no chemicals. Reduced Landfill Waste Grass clippings are one of the largest landfill components, but artificial turf doesn’t contribute any to the landfill. Additionally, some artificial grasses are 100% recyclable after use. Rainwater Collection Artificial turf makes rainwater harvesting methods easier, as it’s designed to drain water into the ground below, further enhancing water conservation efforts. Safety and Comfort Modern artificial turf is designed to be safe and comfortable for children and pets. High-quality turf is made from non-toxic materials and includes features such as antimicrobial properties and cushioned underlayers to reduce the risk of injuries. Its lack of mowing also contributes to better air quality and reduces exposure to bugs, allergens, and bacteria. Conclusion Artificial turf is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional grass. It is low maintenance and stays lush all year long. However, to make an informed decision, it’s important to consider the initial investment, environmental impact, and your household's specific needs. By weighing these factors, you can determine if artificial turf is the right choice for your lawn.