Is Artificial Grass Worth It? Here's What We Think


Is Artificial Grass Worth It?

Faux grass lawns beautify your property without requiring as much maintenance as their natural counterparts, but is artificial grass worth it?

You probably want a lush green lawn in your balcony or backyard that looks great all year round. Artificial grass is a perfect way to achieve this goal with a minimum of effort. However, there are some factors that need to be taken into consideration before you decide to go ahead and install fake grass.

We will take a look at the pros and cons of artificial grass, and then you can decide whether it is worth your time and money. Let's find out if it's the right option for you!

Is Artificial Grass Worth It?

When choosing between an artificial or a real lawn, the choice is clear-cut.

If you live in an area with harsh climates or soil conditions where grass can not thrive, artificial grass is the ideal option for you.

If you are the type of person who has a busy schedule but would like to have the luxury of a green lawn without having to spend hours mowing, raking and watering, then artificial grass will give you exactly that.

While artificial turf can be expensive initially, it will pay for itself over the long term by reducing your water bills and fertiliser costs. Not to mention the time and energy it will save you.

If properly maintained and used correctly, good quality artificial grass can last between 15 to 20 years and is an extremely cost-effective long-term solution over the real lawn which requires constant care.

Undoubtedly, it is a worthwhile investment that essentially pays for itself in half that time.

The Pros Of Artificial Grass

Artificial grass lawn has become a popular choice for homeowners who love lush green lawns but lack the time to keep them healthy and fresh. If you’re interested in the look of faux grass, here are some benefits of having an artificial grass lawn over a real grass lawn:

  • It saves you time and energy. Faux grass doesn’t require as much upkeep as a real grass lawn. You won’t need to mow, weed or trim your artificial grass lawn.
  • It saves you money in the long run. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered or fertilised like real grass. This could save you on water bills and fertiliser costs.
  • It is eco-friendly. As your artificial grass lawn doesn't require fertilisers, pesticides or running toxic pollutant-generating lawnmowers, it’s more environmentally friendly than real grass lawns.
  • Durability and longevity. Compared to real grass, artificial turf lasts much longer. They can endure heavy foot traffic, weather extremes, and high temperatures much better than real grass.
  • It can be used indoors, such as on patios, balconies, decks and terraces.

Although artificial grass requires less maintenance, they do still require upkeep to keep them looking its best.

Periodic cleaning is important to prevent dirt buildup, and if you have kids or pets who make a mess, you’ll want to clean it more often. When maintained properly, a lush green artificial lawn will last for years.

The Cons Of Artificial Grass

Is Artificial Grass Worth It?
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With artificial grass, you can create a luscious, realistic-looking lawn that is low-maintenance, durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective. But you should be aware of some of the disadvantages of this type of lawn before you take the leap.

  • It is expensive. The upfront cost for installing artificial grass is high. The average cost to install artificial grass is around $13 per square foot.
  • It isn't real. Artificial grass lacks the natural, fresh-cut smell that real grass has, which is considered a drawback by some.
  • It gets hot in extreme heat. Artificial grass is made of PE material, which absorbs heat. This can cause discomfort when you walk barefoot on it.

Types Of Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is available in different types ranging in density and realism. So when wondering, "Is artificial grass worth it?", this is yet another consideration. There are some that are better suited to aesthetic applications, while there are others that are better suited to durability applications. For example, a golf turf should be more durable, and a landscape turf is supposed to be more aesthetically pleasing.

Here are the different types of artificial grass.

Polypropylene

  • Least expensive.
  • Relatively less durable. Susceptible to UV degradation and can fade in colour.
  • Best suited for landscaping small areas like balconies or decks.

Polyethylene

  • Most realistic-looking artificial grass.
  • Softer than nylon and more durable than polypropylene.
  • Ideal for front and backyard applications. It offers a combination of softness, realism and affordability.

Nylon

  • Super durable and extremely resilient.
  • Lowest-maintenance choice. Also the most expensive artificial grass.
  • Best suited for high foot traffic areas like a golf course or football turf.

When considering installing artificial grass, it is important to choose the type that works the best with your natural environment, and that suits your application. Polyethylene is the choice of most people as it offers durability and looks very real.

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