A well-maintained lawn is a significant factor in a home’s curb appeal. However, achieving that perfect look can be costly and time-consuming.
Artificial turf is a great alternative. Here are a few reasons to consider installing it on your property:
Eco-Friendly
Grass lawns are often touted as eco-friendly, but many gardeners ask whether artificial turf is better for the environment. The answer is a resounding no! The monoculture grass lawn is a modern, artificial landscape that does significant harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Even when neatly mowed and watered, the pristine, manicured yards are far from sustainable!
Moreover, the production of synthetic turf could be more eco-friendly. It uses polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon plastics that require fossil fuels in the manufacturing process. These plastics can then break down under the sun, heat, and cold and leach harmful microplastics into the earth.
In contrast, a natural lawn requires watering and strains local water supplies, which is not only a significant strain on a community but also results in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic turf has no need for pesticides or herbicides, which can cause damage to the environment as well as health issues for pets and children.
No Mowing
A beautiful lawn is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal. However, it can be costly to maintain a lush landscape, especially with California’s drought conditions. The artificial turf installation Sacramento CA, offers a cost-effective alternative. It also reduces the need for watering and fertilizers, which harm the environment.
Turf is also pet-friendly and can be an excellent option for yards with gophers or earthworms that dig up grass. It can be custom-colored and even imprinted with a logo, making it a popular choice for sports fields, parks, hotels, and restaurants.
To prevent weeds from growing through your turf, install a fabric weed barrier beneath the surface. This is recommended unless pets use the area to do their business, which may not be ideal. You can also solarize the soil, which removes unwanted vegetation. Lastly, tamp down the soil using a hand tamper or a roller to ensure it is flat and free of bumps or dips.
Easy to Maintain
The best thing about a synthetic lawn is that you save a lot of water and money on your energy bills. However, it is still necessary to properly maintain your artificial turf to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Weeds often grow through the turf’s surface and can be prevented by installing a weed barrier layer before installation. You must also remove pet waste promptly before it can contaminate the turf and produce ammonia odors. If you have pets, use a paw protector to help protect your artificial grass from their claws.
Once you’ve laid your turf, compact the soil with a hand tamper or plate compactor for a smooth and even finish. You can also solarize the soil to remove stubborn weeds and grasses by covering it with a large black plastic tarp and baking it in the sun for a few days. Once you’ve done this, add infill to the turf and brush it using a hard-bristle push broom.
Long-Lasting
The savings in water bills and maintenance offset the initial turf installation cost. Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf maintains its luscious green color year-round, requiring little to no watering or fertilization.
Turf with a proper base model allows rainwater to pass through, preventing clogs and excess water build-up quickly. In addition, a pro will grade the base to ensure the artificial grass is evenly laid and doesn’t pool or sag.
Despite the apparent benefits of artificial turf, some experts question its long-term sustainability. According to Celia Connor, lecturer in Environmental and Agriculture at Charles Sturt University, there’s concern that turf could disrupt the complex ecosystem of soil. She explains that natural lawns provide a habitat and food source for insects, which may then transfer to surrounding plants and wildlife, as well as provide nutrient recycling for soil health. Moreover, turf that’s not installed correctly can also export microplastics into waterways.
