Deciding whether you’d want artificial or real grass in your yard can be daunting and challenging. For years now, people have been debating which option is better for their home, but safe for the environment. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t know which way to go, we have a comprehensive guide that will help you decide between the two. Check out all the benefits of artificial and real grass, and choose the right one for your lawn.
Artificial Grass
Environmental impact
One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass is that it doesn’t require watering. According to many reports, watering the lawn takes up to one-third of all residential water use. That’s more than harmful for the planet. Saving as much water as possible will be of the essence in the future. That’s why you should strongly consider artificial grass for the lawns. On the flip side, the manufacturing of artificial lawns is a very big pollutant, and it isn’t always biodegradable.
Maintenance options
Artificial grass benefit number two is maintenance. When you get an artificial lawn, you won’t have to invest time and energy into regular mowing, aerating, weeding, watering, edging, or fertilizing. If all you need is your turf to look velvety green and as natural as possible, synthetic turf will be perfect. All you’ll need to do, from time to time, is raked or blow it, spray for weeds, and repair, in case of damage. Also, if you live in an area where it’s hard to water, and the weight of live grass is too much for the turf, artificial grass will be a lifesaver. Besides, it’s also a super easily cleanable area for pets.
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Life span
Life span is another reason an artificial turf is a good option for your backyard. Not only is it very durable, but it will last for at least a decade. The life expectancy of artificial turf is between 10 and 25 years, depending on the foot traffic. In the long run, it’s a less costly alternative to real turf when you count in its life span.
Aesthetic value
Even artificial grass can look lush and green and offer all the aesthetically pleasing effects you need. You can find synthetic turf in a full spectrum of blade lengths, colors, and textures. You’d be surprised at how many people believed that they were walking on real grass when, instead, it was the new generation of synthetic grass.
Cost issues
When it comes to the matter of the cost, it’s a deal-breaker for many. When you calculate all the money that you’d need for professional installation and the rest of the upfront costs, you may immediately turn the other way. However, you will be paying for quality, after all. Furthermore, you’ll be saving on water, gasoline, and other lawn care items that will require constant investment if you chose real grass.
Safety concerns
The aspect of safety is another reason many people choose artificial grass. If you have kids and pets, this will be a good option for areas where they play. With fake grass, you won’t ever have to use harmful chemicals, so your little ones will be safe and sound while playing in the area.
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Real Grass
Environmental impact
When speaking of the environmental impact of real grass, we can’t avoid mentioning that it benefits our environment greatly. Real grass contributes to the ecosystem because it offers oxygen galore. Real grass also filters pollution and absorbs heat. On the flip side, we have the pollution coming from the lawnmower. An hour of lawn mowing pollutes the air as much as a 100-mile car trip does. Real grass can wreak havoc on the environment when it comes to dry climates. All the machinery used to maintain it while mowing, blowing, and trimming with gas and electric-powered tools, pollutes much more than the grass can supply us with the oxygen. If you use fertilizers on grass, the chemicals pollute the groundwater too.
Maintenance options
Mowing, watering, and fertilizing are just some of the necessary tasks you’ll have if you decide to have a real grass lawn in your home. This is also the time when you’ll need to invest in a high-quality hose reel to help you stay on top of your watering game and never have your water hose tangle and create a mess in the yard. Regular watering and mowing can be good for your health because it will offer you extra physical activity and help you stay in shape. Also, children will love running on real grass as it doesn’t heat up that much when it’s under direct sunlight.
Life span
Unless it’s being watered, fertilized, and fed regularly, your real grass won’t last for long. On top of that, if the ground you’re growing grass on isn’t suitable for grass, you may end up with dry patches or simply empty spots where there’s no grass whatsoever.
Aesthetic value
There is something comforting about a living lawn. A lawn is a beautiful, emotional aspect of your home and, as such, has a tremendous emotional value. The real grass adds something special to your garden and makes it look beautiful and serene. Furthermore, whoever walks in your backyard will find the lawn looking very rich and inviting.
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Cost issues
There are two options for having a natural grass lawn – through sodding or seeding. Sodding is pre-grown, so it has a higher cost. You’ll need an irrigation system for either of the options, which can cost up to $2,000, depending on the size of your yard. Add the costs of the sod installation to it, and that’s an additional $3,500. The total installation cost for installing sod with a sprinkler system will cost $5,500.
Safety concerns
A real lawn is a safe option if it hasn’t been exposed to toxins. Pests can be a hassle too. Grubs below the soil can destroy grassroots, and voles and gophers can destroy the grass and cause soil to collapse in on tunnels.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been debating what to do about your lawn, hopefully, we’ve made the process a bit easier. With all the previously mentioned benefits and drawbacks, you’ll be able to choose between artificial and real grass and make your yard look fabulous.
