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In recent years, artificial turf has emerged as a popular alternative to natural grass for a variety of applications. From residential lawns and dog runs to sports fields and commercial landscaping, it’s transforming landscapes across the country.
With its lush appearance, low maintenance requirements, and durability, artificial turf offers numerous benefits that appeal to homeowners, businesses, and sports facilities alike. However, like any landscaping option, artificial turf also comes with its own set of drawbacks and considerations.
As we delve into the pros and cons of artificial turf, we’ll provide valuable insights and considerations to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this landscaping option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of artificial turf to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s outdoor space, create a safe and durable play area for your children, or upgrade your sports facility, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your property.
This article delves deep into the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic grass. We’ll guide you through a balanced view to make an informed decision for your outdoor spaces.
PROS: Advantages of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf offers several compelling advantages that make it an attractive option for many homeowners and property managers. From its low maintenance requirements and safe environment for kids and pets to its ability to enhance curb appeal and increase home value, synthetic grass provides a range of benefits.
Its durability, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendly characteristics further add to its appeal, making it a versatile landscaping solution that conserves water and eliminates the need for pesticides.
Low Maintenance
One of the most often touted benefits of artificial turf is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t require mowing, watering, or fertilization.
This significantly reduces monthly water bills and the need for gas-powered landscaping equipment. Not having to use mowers and trimmers to maintain your lawn also helps to reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions.
Maintaining a natural grass lawn requires a significant investment of time and energy. By choosing artificial grass, you can spend the time saved doing whatever you like.
Artificial grass maintenance is simple and straightforward:
- Clear debris with a rake, broom, or leaf blower.
- Use a hose to clean dust, pollen, and pet urine.
- Brush turf with a stiff broom to keep it looking good.
Following these steps will keep your artificial grass lawn lush and beautiful year-round. You may also need to replenish the infill material periodically. The necessity of that depends on the amount of foot traffic and rainfall your installation experience.
Safe for Kids
Artificial turf provides a safe, durable surface for kids and pets to play on. Free from pesticides and fertilizers used in traditional lawn care, it eliminates the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
Synthetic grass also creates a more consistent surface for kids or pets to play on. You won’t have to worry about hidden or concealed tripping hazards.
Moreover, high-quality synthetic grass is designed to be non-abrasive. It can also include padding to reduce the risk of injuries from falls, ensuring a safer play environment.
According to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), nearly 70% of all playground injuries are due to falls. With kids being more prone to falls and injury on the playground, it’s essential to plan and prepare for potential falls.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) sets standards for playground safety as well as a host of other materials/products. Artificial turf on playgrounds can meet and exceed these strict standards.
One of the most convincing arguments for the safety and efficacy of artificial grass is its popularity with schools and childcare facilities. From playgrounds to daycares, artificial grass is an increasingly common ground cover.
Schools and daycares are responsible for the health and safety of the children in their care. They wouldn’t be installing artificial grass at so many facilities if they weren’t confident in its safety.
Improve Curb Appeal
Beyond its practical benefits, artificial turf offers versatile design possibilities. Available in various shades, lengths, and textures, it can be used to enhance just about any landscape.
Synthetic grass maintains a vibrant, lush green appearance year-round, enhancing your home’s curb appeal regardless of the season. One of the first things people notice about a property is a well-manicured lawn.
For those living in drought-prone regions, artificial grass is often the only way to have a lush green lawn. The water required to maintain a natural grass lawn simply isn’t available, so homeowners need to find alternatives.
The resilience of artificial grass in the face of whatever Mother Nature throws at it is impressive. A manufactured grass lawn won’t discolor, fade, flood, or die. You’re home will have a picture-perfect lawn 24/7/365.
This consistent beauty, devoid of brown spots or bare patches, will make your property stand out. It will also contribute to a positive neighborhood aesthetic.
Dog-Friendly
As with children, artificial turf provides a safe, durable surface for dogs to play on. The lack of chemicals and fertilizers certainly helps to eliminate the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
It also serves to protect dogs from themselves. Being unable to dig through a synthetic grass ground cover, dogs have one less potential avenue of escape.
Artificial grass can also withstand the constant abuse dished out by dogs. Compared to natural grass, this is especially evident in the lack of brown dog urine spots.
Your dog will also be protected from the bugs and pests found in natural grass lawns. Fleas, ticks, and other critters tend to avoid synthetic grass.
With artificial turf, you can enjoy a dog-friendly backyard free from random dead patches of grass scattered throughout your yard. An efficient, fully permeable backing will facilitate drainage and allow for the easy removal of pet waste.
Durable & Long-Lasting
Improvements to the materials and manufacturing technology for artificial grass have contributed significantly to its increased durability. Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and varying weather conditions, artificial turf retains its shape and color for years.
Natural grass doesn’t even come close in terms of durability. Highly susceptible to damage, natural grass tends to quickly develop dead patches.
A testament to the durability of artificial grass is its use in high-traffic areas like sports fields, playgrounds, and pet areas. In those same environments, natural grass requires massive amounts of water, as well as fertilizers and pesticides.
If you’re looking for a ground cover that will stand the test of time, artificial grass is an excellent option. Once properly installed, it will maintain its aesthetic beauty for years if not decades.
Increase Property Value
Having more free time to spend with friends, family, or doing whatever you’d prefer is a major benefit of artificial grass for homeowners. The benefits aren’t only measured in time, as investing in artificial turf can increase your property value.
Potential homebuyers appreciate the aesthetic appeal and reduced maintenance effort, making it a lucrative feature during the sale. In fact, homeowners with better curb appeal have a 7% higher property value than comparable homes in the area.
The value of artificial grass isn’t just in the better curb appeal. Quality turf products can last upwards of 20+ years. That’s several decades that the home’s owner won’t have to worry about the costs associated with a traditional natural grass lawn.
An increasingly popular feature of backyards with artificial turf is custom golf greens. An artificial grass putting green in your backyard becomes a very unique feature. It’s a landscaping additional that can help your home stand out significantly in a competitive real estate market.
Eco-Friendly
The term “Eco-Friendly” is generally used to describe something that isn’t harmful to the environment. An eco-friendly product is one that has a lower environmental impact than conventional alternatives.
In this case, we’re comparing artificial grass vs. natural grass in terms of environmental impact. Synthetic grass is made of plastic, so how could it possibly be better for the environment than natural grass?
On the surface, it seems obvious that ‘natural grass’ would be a more sustainable landscaping solution. However, when taking into account the environmental consequences of maintaining a lush green natural grass lawn, the picture becomes a little more clear.
Real grass requires regular watering to stay green and healthy-looking. This is a major problem in arid climates and drought-prone regions of the country.
On the other hand, artificial turf needs very little to no watering. It was designed to endure dry conditions and keep looking good without constant watering.
The millions of gallons of water wasted on natural grass lawns is only part of the problem. Chemicals can be used to make natural grass more resilient. The chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on millions of lawns each year are not good for local ecosystems.
Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. leach into the soil where they can make their way to underground water sources. Most of the chemicals are simply washed away during rainfall or when watering your lawn.
Synthetic grass removes the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides commonly used on real grass lawns. By not using these chemicals, artificial turf lowers the risk of water pollution and supports a safer environment for wildlife, pets, and people.
Additionally, a secondary benefit of not needing landscaping equipment to maintain your lawn means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA estimates that gas-powered lawnmowers account for 5% of total air pollution in the United States, with higher contributions in urban areas.
Switching to a synthetic grass lawn can help lower your overall carbon footprint.
The future looks bright for artificial grass as well, as manufacturers are working hard to improve manufacturing processes. In addition, the use of more recycled materials and bio-based turf systems will further minimize its environmental impact.
Versatility
The versatility of artificial turf extends beyond traditional lawns. One of the reasons artificial grass has become so popular among homeowners is its versatility.
Variations in design, colors, features, and styles mean that there’s a turf product for just about any application. A fantastic alternative to natural grass, it can be installed just about anywhere you can imagine.
One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass over real grass is its versatility in residential and commercial settings.
Below is a list of the most common residential applications of artificial grass:
- Lawns & Landscapes
- Dog Runs & Pet Areas
- Backyard Putting Greens
- Children’s Play Areas
- Decks, Patios, & Outdoor Living Spaces
- Pool Decks & Around Swimming Pools
- Home Gyms & Workout Areas
- Indoor Golf Greens
Now, let’s look at the most common commercial applications of artificial grass:
- Sports Fields & Athletic Facilities
- Dog Parks & Doggy Daycares
- Playgrounds & Daycares
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Rooftops, Balconies, Terraces, Etc.
- Office Buildings & Commercial Spaces
- Apartments & Condos
- Golf Courses, Driving Ranges & Practice Facilities
Faux grass offers green solutions in spaces where natural grass would be impractical.
Conserves Water
Water conservation is a critical benefit of artificial turf. In the U.S., residential landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly 9 Billion gallons of water each day!
In regions prone to drought, replacing natural grass with synthetic can lead to significant water savings.
The Texas Water Development Board found that replacing real grass with fake grass can reduce outdoor water usage by up to 70%. Considering that it’s almost impossible to maintain a lush, vibrant green lawn in some areas, why waste water, energy, and time trying?
Watering an average-sized lawn in the U.S. for 20 minutes a day for 7 days is equivalent to running the shower for 4 days straight. Put another way, it’s 800+ showers worth of water.
For the average family, that’s equal to 1 year’s worth of showers. Even with the most efficient sprinkler system watering your lawn, up to 50% of the water used outdoors is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff.
The Synthetic Turf Council published a press release on Feb 1, 2011, in which the author stated:
“According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over one-third of residential water is used for lawn irrigation nationwide, totaling more than 4 billion gallons of water a day. The Southern Nevada Water Authority also estimates that every square foot of grass replaced with synthetic turf saves an additional 55 gallons of water per year. Therefore, an average lawn of 1,800 square feet will save 99,000 gallons of water a year if landscaped with synthetic turf – about 70% of a homeowner’s water bill, or up to $500.”
With artificial turf’s lifespan extending up to 20+ years, homeowners could potentially save 1.1 Million gallons of water over the turf’s lifetime.
CONS: Disadvantages of Artificial Turf
Despite its many advantages, artificial turf also has its drawbacks that should be carefully considered before making a decision. Factors such as the high initial installation cost, heat retention during summer months, and challenges associated with disposal and recycling can present significant hurdles for some homeowners and businesses.
Understanding these limitations is crucial for making an informed choice about whether artificial turf is the right fit for your specific needs and circumstances. We’re here to provide all of the information that you need in order to make the most informed decision possible.
High Installation Cost
One of, if not the biggest disadvantage of artificial grass is the initial cost of installation. A professional artificial grass installation costs significantly more than that of natural grass.
For artificial grass to perform at its best and to maintain a beautiful aesthetic, a professional installation is highly recommended. The upfront investment isn’t just for the cost of the material but also preparation and installation.
Installing synthetic turf requires more than just purchasing a roll of turf and laying on top of the existing ground cover. The installation process requires the use of specialized equipment like Bobcat’s, sod cutters, plate compactors, etc.
This equipment isn’t just expensive to rent, but necessitates some specialized skills that your average homeowner simply doesn’t possess. Beyond the cost of the necessary equipment, the knowledge, skills, and experience of professional installers often prove invaluable.
Although the initial investment in artificial grass may be significant, it’s important to keep in mind the savings you’ll enjoy in water and maintenance costs. While it’s different for every homeowner, you can expect to see an ROI from investing in artificial grass in 4 to 7 years.
If you’re interested in exploring the costs of artificial grass, check out our cost calculators.
Hot During Summer
Artificial turf can become significantly hotter than natural grass under direct sunlight. Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf doesn’t have water circulating through it to cool itself through evapotranspiration.
The relatively dark colors of artificial grass make it susceptible to absorbing and retaining heat. Even with darker colors, its relative temperature is still much cooler than other common backyard features like paving stones, decking, and concrete.
It’s important to note that the ‘Heat Issue’ with artificial turf is a comfort issue more than a safety concern. The increased temperature is at ground and knee level, with surface heat dissipating as it rises to chest and head levels.
High surface temperatures are more of an inconvenience and can be combatted pretty easily. If your turf will be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, don’t walk on it barefoot during these times.
Additionally, you can give your turf a quick spray with a garden hose to dramatically lower the surface temperature. Manufacturers are also working on materials and additives that can help to combat the ‘Heat Issue.’
Disposal & Recycling
End-of-life disposal and recycling of artificial turf present environmental concerns. The synthetic materials, primarily plastic, are not biodegradable, posing challenges for recycling and contributing to landfill waste.
Turf Manufacturers are actively exploring sustainable materials and practices to minimize the environmental impact of artificial turf. This includes the use of recycled materials in turf construction and developing eco-friendly maintenance practices.
Manufacturers will increasingly use recycled materials in the production of artificial turf, including recycled plastics and rubber. This not only reduces waste but also decreases the demand for new raw materials, contributing to a circular economy.
Efforts to design turf components that are easily recyclable at the end of their lifespan will become more prevalent. This ensures that old turf can be repurposed into new products, reducing waste in landfills.
Efforts are underway to improve recyclability and reduce the environmental footprint of synthetic grass products. One company leading the charge in this area is SYNLawn.
SYNLawn’s focus on innovation and R&D has led to advancements in plant-based materials. Today, the majority of petroleum-based oils have been replaced with natural products like soybean oil.
Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual actions to embrace a holistic approach. The company considers the entire lifecycle of its products, from manufacturing and installation to the eventual disposal.
Wrapping Up Our List of Artificial Grass Pros & Cons
Choosing artificial turf involves weighing its considerable advantages against potential disadvantages. Its low maintenance, durability, and water conservation benefits make it an attractive option for many.
Concerns about installation costs, heat retention, and environmental impact require careful consideration. Ultimately, the decision to opt for artificial turf should align with your specific needs, priorities, and long-term landscaping goals.
As synthetic grass technology continues to advance, the number of pros and cons is likely to increase. This makes it essential to stay informed and choose the best artificial grass for your unique space.
If you’re interested in learning more about artificial grass, then you’ve come to the right place. The Turf Network is not only a directory of artificial turf companies in the U.S., but an artificial turf information hub.
We’re proudly 100% independent and are not beholden to any artificial turf installer, turf supplier, or turf manufacturer. Our aim is to educate consumers about all things artificial grass. We want to empower you with the information needed to make the best and most informed decision for you, your family, and pets.
Meet the Expert:
Kevin Sullivan
