Factors to consider before installing artificial grass
Lawn-care enthusiasts may bristle at the notion of installing artificial grass on their property, but many homeowners are turning to artificial grass for their homes. Men and women without a preference one way or the other might want to consider a variety of factors before installing artificial grass on their property or sticking with natural grass. Cost: The cost of artificial turf is perhaps the biggest factor for many homeowners. The initial cost
of artificial turf is considerably more than the cost of seed to grow or refurbish a natural lawn. And while artificial turf, once installed, will not require the services of a professional landscaper, saving homeowners money during the warmer months, homeowners might still want to hire a professional landscaper to tend to their trees, shrubs, gardens and other plants around the property. In addition, homeowners should consider if the presence of artificial turf may increase or lower their property value when they hope to resell the home. Appearance: Artificial grass won’t wilt or burn under the hot summer sun, giving it a distinct advantage over natural grass, especially in regions where drought and/or extreme heat are par for the course. But homeowners who prefer the look, feel and smell of natural grass might find that artificial grass’ flawless appearance is not worth sacrificing the sensory benefits of natural grass. Maintenance: Once installed, artificial turf is essentially maintenance-free. Homeowners won’t need to fertilize or mow the grass, spend time
watering it or inspect it for signs of deterioration or disease. Homeowners who do not enjoy spending weekend afternoons tending to their lawns might find artificial turf is their ideal surface. Usage: When the dog days of summer arrive, artificial turf can get very hot. Kids and pets who love to play in the yard might find artificial turf is very uncomfortable when the mercury rises, while natural grass does not heat up as much, making it a safer option for families who spend ample time playing in the yard. Environmental impact: Artificial turf and natural grass can both have adverse effects on the environment. Artificial turf is often manufactured with potentially harmful chemicals while equally harmful pesticides are commonly used to maintain natural grass. Neither is ideal for the environment, but there are chemical-free ways to maintain natural grass, likely making natural grass a more attractive option for homeowners hoping to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Spring Home & Garden
11