In modern times, the pros and cons of artificial turf versus live lawn has been an ongoing debate.
Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision for which one to choose depends on several factors such as cost, maintenance, and overall aesthetic.
In this article, we will discuss the various pros and cons of artificial turf versus live lawn to help you make the best decision for your home.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf
Advantages
There is a growing trend to replace live lawns with artificial turf. On the plus side, installing artificial turf has some major advantages, not least the fact that it is much a much lower maintenance option. Below we will go over the major benefits of artificial turf.
Long Lasting
Artificial turf lasts much longer than real grass. Whereas natural grass needs regular mowing and fertilizing in order to stay looking its best, artificial turf requires almost no maintenance at all. In fact, it is estimated that artificial turf will last up to 20 years with minimal upkeep, whereas with regular maintenance real grass may only last a few years before it needs replacing.
Low Maintenance
Installing synthetic turf requires only minimal upkeep. Most people opt for a one-time installation and rarely have to worry about it again in terms of maintenance. No mowing, pruning or fertilising is required – all you need to do is periodically remove debris, such as leaves or twigs.
Environmentally Friendly
Artificial turf is extremely environmentally friendly. Since it does not require mowing, it results in a drastic reduction in carbon emissions. It also requires no water or fertilizer, so there is no risk of runoff polluting local waterways. Last but not least, it does not require any toxic pesticides or herbicides, meaning you can rest easy knowing you’re helping to keep the environment safe and healthy.
Cost-Effective
Installing artificial turf can be very cost-effective in the long run. Not only are there no ongoing costs associated with the upkeep, but you can also save money on water and fertilizer bills. In fact, it is estimated that the installation of artificial turf can save up to 70% on water and 75% on fertilizer bills in the long run.
Looks Natural
Modern artificial turf looks extremely natural and realistic. Gone are the days of bright green plastic-looking blades of grass; today’s artificial turf looks and feels remarkably like real grass. Whether you’re looking for a natural-looking playing surface or simply want to spruce up your backyard, artificial turf will do the job perfectly.
Disadvantages
There are certainly some cons to artificial turf that should be taken into consideration before deciding on this option over installing a real, live lawn. Weighing the pros and cons of artificial turf is the best way to get a good idea of what this grass-free solution really has to offer.
One of the major disadvantages of artificial turf is its initial cost. Installation costs can range from $8 to $20 per square foot, not to mention the cost of purchasing the turf itself. Of course, the savings in water and other lawn care upkeep may help justify the expense, but it is still a significant outlay of cash compared to traditional lawns. Furthermore, installation of artificial turf usually requires some specific expertise, which can further increase overall installation costs.
Another con to artificial turf is the environmental factor. Although it may reduce water consumption when compared to live lawns, artificial turf is not necessarily “green” or environmentally friendly. Depending on the type of turf or materials used, these products may contain toxins, chemicals or heavy metals, or require excessive energy for production – all of which could have a negative environmental impact if not responsibly sourced or disposed of.
Long-term comfort is yet another con to keep in mind when considering artificial turf. Many people who opt for this grass-free solution may find that it can become quite uncomfortable to walk on or play on over time, and it may heat up significantly in sunny weather. Research has shown that synthetic grass can measure up to 20 degrees hotter than a real lawn during summer months, making it unbearable for some people.
Finally, there’s the issue of surface drainage. Artificial turf is made with a plastic backing, which can limit its drainage effectiveness and make it difficult to remove snow or rainfall. This can sometimes lead to standing water, which could be a breeding ground for bacteria and other unwanted critters.
Pros and Cons of Live Lawn
Advantages
Pros and Cons of Live Lawn – Advantages
When you’re considering your options for a lawn, there are a few advantages that a live lawn has over a synthetic turf lawn.
- The first and most obvious benefit of a live lawn is the aesthetic appeal it provides. Live grass is lush and inviting, while artificial turf can be eye-catching but lacks that natural feel of real grass.
- Natural grass also helps to improve the air quality by trapping dust particles, releasing oxygen and minimizing air pollution.
- Live lawns also provide buffer zones against soil erosion and flooding. The roots of the grass help to strengthen the soil, which reduces the amount of soil runoff and makes it easier for water to be filtered into underground aquifers.
- A live lawn can also reduce noise pollution, as it absorbs soundwaves better than artificial turf. This makes it a great option for reducing noise pollution in urban areas.
- Finally, a live lawn can provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. This may not sound like a big deal to some people, but it’s good for the environment.
So, while there are some definite benefits to having a live lawn over an artificial one, it’s important to keep in mind that there are also some drawbacks. We’ll explore those next.
Disadvantages
Live lawns have their share of disadvantages too. Here are the top cons of having a live lawn:
- The effort. Even though there’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with having a luscious lawn, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to maintain one. This means fertilizing and watering regularly, as well as mowing and weeding.
- The cost. The cost of fertilizer, grass seed, and special lawn care products can add up over time. In addition, you may need to hire a gardener, or pay extra for professional lawn care services.
- The time. Keeping up with things like weeding and mowing can be time-consuming. This can be especially true if you have a large yard – which, of course, means more grass to take care of.
- The weather. Depending on where you live, extreme weather can have an effect on your live lawn. From icy winters to blistering summer heat, the weather can take its toll on grass and make it difficult to keep up with day-to-day maintenance.
- The pests. Nobody likes dealing with pests, but they can be especially troublesome when it comes to live lawns. From weeds to insects, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure your grass stays healthy in the face of these invaders.
Overall, having a live lawn has its advantages, but with everything that goes into maintaining it – the costs, the effort, and the time – the cons may outweigh the pros. That’s why artificial turf may be a great option if you want to cut down on the amount of work involved in keeping your lawn looking its best.
Time to Decide: Artificial Turf or a Live Lawn?
It’s always a hard choice when it comes to your garden’s greenery: artificial turf or a live lawn? As any homeowner knows, having and maintaining either of these options can be costly, high maintenance and require regular attention to keep looking pristine. There are many pros and cons to both having artificial turf and keeping a live lawn, so how do you decide?
At the end of the day, the choice between artificial turf and a live lawn should come down to your personal preference and needs. An artificial turf may look great all year round, but a live lawn definitely has its own charm and appeals to a lot of people. It all comes down to you and your budget, as well as the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put in it. Whichever one you choose, make sure it best matches your garden and lifestyle.