Have you ever thought, “I could have a really nice yard if only grass wasn’t so hard to grow”?
To stay green, lush, and healthy, lawn grasses need just enough (but not too much) water. Most don’t grow well in shade. They require frequent mowing. The grass can start to die if there’s lots of foot traffic or pets tearing up the lawn. Plus, you’ve got to deal with weed growth and fertilizing.
Sometimes lawns are just too much work, or grass simply doesn’t grow well in your yard. That’s why synthetic turf grass is fast becoming one of the hottest trends in landscaping. Here’s more info about why so many people are using synthetic turf, and how to use it in your yard.
How It Works
Modern synthetic turf looks a lot more realistic than the artificial grass that came out in the 1960s. Most older turfs were made from nylon, which didn’t feel soft and faded in sunlight. Today’s artificial grass is made from materials like polyethylene and other polymers that feel more like real leaves.
Modern artificial grass also includes additives to make the turf green, increase its resistance to UV light, and help it hold up to everyday wear-and-tear. The grass-like fibers are attached to a sturdy fabric backing that includes holes for drainage. You usually buy it in rolls like carpet.
Reasons To Love Synthetic Turf
There are a whole lot of reasons you might want to switch to artificial turf, especially if you have a hard time growing grass in your lawn. Here’s a list:
- No mowing
- No fertilizing
- No weeding
- No watering, except to occasionally wash it
- It’ll stay green all year
- Does not need sunlight
- Good quality artificial turf looks just like real grass
- Animal waste won’t discolor or damage your lawn
- You can choose color and grass length
- Doesn’t die from too much traffic
Synthetic Turf In Your Yard
If you’re thinking artificial turf sounds pretty good right now, there are a couple things to keep in mind. For one thing, artificial grass does feel different than real grass. It also makes a plastic rustling sound when you touch it, which some people don’t like.
The initial expense of getting artificial turf can be fairly high (about $1.50 to $5+ per square foot for the grass, depending on the quality). Also, it’s not easy to install artificial grass correctly, so you’ll probably want to pay for professional installation (typically an extra $3 to $5 per square foot). Remember, though, that in the long run you’ll save money by not mowing, fertilizing, or applying pesticides and weed killer. You’ll also cut-back on your water bill.
Cleaning artificial turf is pretty easy. Hose it off every once in a while with water, use gentle cleansers as needed, and brush it once a week using a tool like the bristle broom attachment for Stihl’s Yard Boss or Kombi Motors. You’ll also need a plastic-tine lawn rake or a leaf blower to get leaves and other debris off the lawn. You can pick up all the tools you need to take care of your artificial turf here at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower.
