A lush, green lawn is a goal many homeowners strive for. Synthetic turf often enters the conversation when weighing options for achieving a green lawn. Continual lawn upkeep can feel like a chore, but is synthetic turf the best long-term option? It’s gained a reputation for being low-maintenance, but are the trade-offs worth it?
Let’s learn more. We’ve laid out the pros and cons of both options to show why professionally cared for natural grass is (in most cases) the most sustainable and cost-effective choice for your home.
Synthetic Turf
Pros
No Mowing or Watering: “Low Maintenance” is one of, if not the most common, selling points for synthetic turf. Turf doesn’t grow. If there are concerns over water allocation, not having to water a lawn can save time and money. By nature of being fake, the usual lawn maintenance tasks are removed.
Green Year-Round: Turf is manufactured to be perfectly green. It will not die off in the winter or sport brown patches from the summer heat. For homeowners searching for a neat look, turd appears to be a perfect choice.
Durable: Good quality turf can handle activity without turning into a muddy mess. With sufficient investment, a synthetic turf lawn will handle any activity that happens to be thrown its way.
Cons
Upfront Cost: Synthetic turf isn’t cheap, and neither is its installation. Where it will vary based on complexity, installing turf can range from $15 to $20 per square foot when all costs are taken into account. In Minnesota, the average lawn size is 19,145 square feet. Across the nation, lawn sizes average around 10,000 square feet. If we multiply this number by $15, we’re looking at $150,000 just on installation! There are indeed savings in long-term upkeep, but the initial investment is significant.
Low Maintenance isn’t No Maintenance: Turf still requires regular care. It must be cleaned regularly to remove leaves, dust, and pet waste. In addition, synthetic turf should be brushed weekly to keep its fibers positioned properly. Treatments to avoid bacterial buildup are also recommended.
Heat Retention: Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf holds heat. If precautions are not taken, temperatures can become unsafe on sunny days. On 90°F days, turf is known to reach above 140°F. Ouch!
Environmental Impact: The majority of synthetic turf is made of non-biodegradable plastic. Plastic offers no environmental benefits, and at the end of its 10 to 20-year lifespan, it ends up in a landfill.
Natural Grass
Pros
Low Lifetime Cost: Ongoing maintenance is needed, but it’s also required for synthetic turf. Natural grass will not need replacing, and can last indefinitely. Professional care can prolong this life while still costing less than the initial installation of synthetic turf.
Natural Look: An obvious one, but the look, feel, and scent of real natural grass cannot be replicated. The changing of grass through the seasons is beautiful and cannot be replicated by synthetic turf. Appealing and relaxing, a natural outdoor space adds value to a home.
Provides Comfort: Grass stays cool, and so do its surroundings! The air above grass is up to 15°F cooler compared to concrete or asphalt. This offers kids and pets a safe, cushioned surface to play on.
Good for the Environment: Natural grass will improve soil health. Grass, like all plants, also filters carbon dioxide from the air, filters rainwater, and contributes to the local ecosystem.
Cons
Required Maintenance (link to Low-Maintenance Lawn Care Strategies blog): It’s the big one; grass lawns need repeated care. Mowing, watering, fertilizing—the work needed to keep a lawn looking great can seem overwhelming.
Seasonal Changes: Both a pro and a con, natural grass is a living plant. Therefore, it will go dormant in the winter or develop brown spots in extreme weather. Many homeowners appreciate the visuals, but some would prefer green grass year-round.
Water Consumption: Plants need water. In drought-prone areas, this can be a major sacrifice. Measures can be taken in lawn care to reduce the amount of water required, such as drought-tolerant grasses and smart irrigation systems.
Professionally Maintained Natural Grass Comes Out On Top
Taking into account all factors, the pros of turf are outshone by its cons and the benefits of natural grass. Natural grass will never be green year-round, but it also will never reach dangerously high temperatures or be thrown into a landfill in 20 years. The largest con for natural grass is maintenance, which synthetic turf still requires. If maintenance is weighing you down, look into professional care before leaping into synthetic turf.
Modern lawn care solutions can make your lawn look as lush and green as turf, all natural! Working with lawn care professionals to reduce the maintenance demands of your lawn will lead to a better experience overall. Beautiful, green lawns are not unattainable. They just take a bit of work.
The best lawn care services
Ehlinger Lawn Service offers weekly lawn mowing services at affordable prices. Our team works to help homeowners enjoy natural grass lawns without worrying about upkeep. If you’re torn between turf and grass, give us a call. Every property is different, and we’d be happy to talk with you about your options. Call us today for a free lawn analysis!
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