Why Are People Switching to Artificial Turf?
If you golf, you have seen it at driving ranges. If one of your children plays soccer, you have seen it at outdoor recreational complexes. Even many retirement communities have installed it throughout their properties. The “it” is called artificial turf. Unlike unsightly weeds that take over a lawn, this addition to your home and business is a welcome sight for landscapers throughout the world.
What Is Artificial Turf?
Artificial grass has come a long way since the surface was first introduced for commercial purposes back in the 1960s. It covers nearly 50 million acres in the United States at an astounding value of $40 billion.
The best part is synthetic grass is not just an amenity used to form the surface of a putting green at your local public golf course. It can increase the value of a home up to 13 percent, which partly answers the question, “Why are people switching to artificial turf.”
The versatile surface consists of manufactured fibers that look like authentic grass. Typically colored a rich green, it comes in a wide variety of pile heights to match the purpose of installation.
Why You Should Consider Artificial Turf
Increasing the value of your commercial or residential property is just one of several reasons to install synthetic grass. Artificial turf, which can appear to mimic the texture of fescue, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass, offers several additional benefits for property owners.
Always Green
Yes, artificial turf remains green whether you live in an arid or humid climate.
The true green benefit of the surface regards the environment. You no longer have to use toxic chemicals to enhance the appearance of your lawn. Also, the lack of mowing reduces the amount of yard waste.
No More Watering
We are entering an era where water has become about as precious of a commodity as crude oil, especially if you live in the western region of the United States. In fact, watering a lawn costs an average of nearly $200 per month for every acre that you saturate.
Artificial turf helps replenish water in the ecosystem, while saving property owners a considerable amount of money.
Sneeze-Free Zone
What is one of the major contributors to seasonal allergies? It is natural grass.
Although installing synthetic turf does not negate the impact of flowering trees, plants, and bushes, it does decrease the level of allergens in the atmosphere.
Tough Enough
One of the most important reasons why artificial grass has become a hit is because the surface can withstand just about any type of abuse. Dogs cannot dig it up, children cannot get it smeared on their clothes, and adults cannot displace it by hitting an approach shot to a green.
Synthetic grass can handle everything done to it and then some.
Best Artificial Turf
Now that you know why artificial grass makes sense, let’s see which types of the synthetic surface works best for different circumstances.
Overall Best Artificial Turf
For the best synthetic surface for just about any purpose, you cannot go wrong installing the Petgrow PG1-4 Artificial Grass Rug.
Costing $148.90 for every 65 square feet, the polypropylene surface consists of a pile that averages more than 1.37 inches per blade. The different patterns of blade shapes make this synthetic surface look like the real thing, which makes it perfect for homeowners that want to eliminate mowing from the weekly chore list.
Best for the Budget
With a soft feel that reminds you of walking on natural grass in your socks, the Petgrow Deluxe Realistic Artificial Grass Turf does wonder for the family budget at $150.95.
At 36 square feet, this synthetic grass can be easily cut up to install it in small, hard-to-reach places of your property. Plus, drainage holes and a rubber support system make it easy to clean for long-lasting use.
Best for the Garden
If you were asked to name one area of your property where artificial grass would not thrive, your answer would probably be inside and surrounding a garden. However, the SunVilla Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass/Turf works great for covering the surfaces between flower beds. Instead of spending time maintaining grass around your garden, you can make tending to the plants and flowers inside of it a full-time gardening job.
For 70 square feet, you pay only $182 to install this type of synthetic grass.
Best for the Backyard
Super-soft blades make LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass ideal for backyards that see a lot of foot traffic. Four color tones reflect the appearance of many types of natural grass. Moreover, drainage is made easy with a perforated back, which keeps the surface relatively dry for users that enjoy highly active outdoor lifestyles.
73 square feet of LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass sets you back just $182.99.
Best for Kids
Soft enough to absorb a pounding and durable enough to provide support, the iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Turf Area Rug is a huge hit at home and daycare centers. The high-performance drainage system not only removes excess moisture, but also takes with it the dirt and grime that leave kids looking a bit rough under the collar.
A six by six-foot section of this synthetic turf costs $54.
Best for the Balcony
If you live in a high-rise, then the Petgrow Synthetic Artificial Grass Turf is your best option for a balcony surface. Easy to install, this artificial turf prevents the growth of harmful mold at an affordable price of $70.42 for every five by eight-foot section.
Better yet, a short pile of half an inch withstands the impacts of constant foot traffic.
The Bottom Line
Artificial turf is no longer an amenity that does nothing more than pique the curiosity of guests. The surface helps the environment, while reducing the cost of maintaining a verdant-looking lawn.
Consult with a contractor to ensure you install synthetic grass quickly, without spending more money than you have planned for your property maintenance budget.