Sometimes It’s Ok to be Fake. Here’s why Landscaping with Artificial Turf is The New Trend.

 

If you remember the artificial turf from many decades ago, you might think of that rough, textured plastic or a bright green turf that didn’t look realistic. On top of that, it was expensive, so the average home or business owner simply didn’t install it.

Artificial turf isn’t the same as it used to be. Today, it looks like the real thing, but it’s less work to maintain, uses less water and stays green all year.

Who uses artificial grass and why is it a great alternative to natural grass?

Synthetic turf is often thought of as the product used for sports arenas, but today it is a particularly natural replacement at:

• Dog parks
• Putting greens
• Community green spaces
• Bocce ball courts
• Backyards
• Daycare Centers/Playgrounds

People choose artificial turf for all kinds of reasons, but some of the most important reasons to consider it include:

• It looks great all year long
• Has low maintenance needs
• Lasts between up to 20 years, even  in high-traffic areas
• Doesn’t need to be irrigated
• Easy to maintain

“We’ve seen a definite increase in artificial turf use”, said Kevin Narveson, EarthWorks Division Manager. Today, around 60% of our clients have turf installed somewhere on their property. We recently provided a quote for a property manager who wishes to have artificial turf installed at their property. The project is estimated to cost $500,000. Because of artificial turf’s low maintenance and durability the business owner will have an excellent return on investment over the next three to five years saving on maintenance and water costs over natural grass that will help pay for the installation completely. Even after the project is paid for, their savings will continue to compound each year.

What are the benefits?

Artificial turf has several  benefits that you shouldn’t overlook, we have compiled a list of some of the most beneficial ones:

No More Mowing: One of the best benefits is that artificial turf doesn’t need to be cut. it stays the same length all year, always looking its best.

Variety of Colors and Styles: It is available in any color to match any design ideas you have, from standard green to any color of the rainbow, and can even be imprinted with a design or logo.

People Friendly: Grass allergies are very common amongst people so artificial turf is a great alternative to reduce suffering. Turf is also inherently clean, it won’t get muddy or dirty, making it a great solution for pets and children.

Saves on Water: With the heat of the Texas sun, natural grass requires frequent watering, increasing your monthly water bills and stress on the environment, especially during the height of the summer. Artificial grass does require some watering but only if you need to wash away odors, at a dog park, for example.

Pesticide-free: Artificial grass is free of pesticides and other harsh chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those with other allergies. 

Low Maintenance: It comes at a low cost compared to the maintenance and upkeep required with traditional grass landscaping. It only needs to be maintained every five years with the reapplication of infill and power brushing to freshen it up.

What are the downsides?

While there are some downsides, artificial turf has many benefits that outweigh them. It’s important to think carefully about what you envision for your property so that you can make the right choice. A few things that should be considered include:

Magnification of Heat From Windows: Did you know that heat reflection from the magnification of the sun from windows can reach levels high enough to cook a chicken? Nylon turf can handle heat up to 450 degrees so when assessing a property for turf installation we are sure to inspect the area for the best installation layout.

Sharp Edges: The “grass” blades are synthetic, so they are more likely to cause “turf burns,” or small lesions and cuts from sliding.

Runoff: Real grass can reduce runoff as it can absorb rainwater, artificial grass cannot.

Soil Remediation: Artificial turf does degrade the soil, so if you want to go back to traditional grass in the future, you’ll likely need soil remediation.

Contact EarthWorks to see if artificial grass is right for you

If you’re interested in finding out more about artificial grass, we’d love to talk to you about its benefits and if it’s right for your property. We’re here to help!