Is Synthetic Grass Right For Your Home? Weighing The Pros And Cons

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Synthetic turf is most commonly used to cover flooring surfaces at sporting fields, gyms, and fitness centers and is quickly becoming more desirable for residential use nationwide. Like any flooring, there are pros and cons of residential synthetic grass installation.

The Pros of Artificial Grass

Artificial turf has numerous desirable features that natural grass cannot offer. Here are some of the top reasons homeowners are choosing artificial grass.

Turf Is Durable, Requires No Chemicals, and Reduces Water Use

Synthetic grass requires no watering to stay green. Switching from natural to artificial lawn covering can reduce water bills by 70 percent, according to the Synthetic Turf Council. Artificial grass never requires the use of harmful chemicals because weeds cannot penetrate the covering.

These lawns are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and seasonal weather changes. Due to perforated holes, pet urine flows through to the ground beneath, and feces are easy to remove. Owners can hose those areas if needed to eliminate residual smells. These aspects make artificial turf lawns very eco-friendly.

Minimal Maintenance and Upkeep

Choosing artificial grass equates to little to no maintenance. No more days of weed whacking, mowing, killing weeds, or dealing with holes that pups often dig. Simply rinsing away any mud from foot traffic or pet waste is all that may be required occasionally. Furthermore, the lawn will look polished and pristine all year long.

Potential Artificial Grass Cons

Despite the perks of artificial turf for landscaped lawns, there are some possible cons. However, not everyone will need to worry about certain drawbacks.

Synthetic Turf Gets Hotter in the Sunlight

This product is popular in desert environments where grass struggles to grow and thrive, especially during summer. Because artificial grass gets significantly hotter in direct sunlight, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Those who have plentiful sunlight or reside in warmer states may miss the cooling feeling of dew-laden grass. Fortunately, some brands have the technology to keep turf cooler than standard options.

Is Fake Grass Toxic to Pets and Humans?

That depends on the type of turf used and the contents it contains. Most synthetic grass consists primarily of polyethylene, which grocery bags, toys, and numerous household products also contain. Polypropylene is commonly another ingredient utilized in everyday products. Nylon is in the mix for heat resistance.

So, is artificial turf toxic? Generally, no, but avoiding toxicity requires buying a high-quality product.

Consider Residential Synthetic Grass Installation

Laying synthetic turf is more challenging than rolling sod, clump planting, or dispersing seedlings. It's best to have a professional perform the installation, even if it costs extra.

Contact a professional for more info


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