When it comes to choosing between artificial turf and natural grass, there’s a lot to think about. Both options have good points, but they also come with some drawbacks.
We want to help you choose your yard or sports field best.
Artificial turf can last 15 to 20 years, while natural grass may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. This means you might save money in the long run with fake grass, even though it costs more at first. Natural grass needs more care, like watering and mowing, but it feels nice under your feet and helps keep your yard cool in summer.
We’ve put together this guide to compare artificial turf and natural grass.
As an experienced artificial turf installer, we want to give you all the facts you need to decide what’s best for your space whether it’s artificial turf or natural grass. We’ll look at things like cost, upkeep, and how each option affects the environment.
Overview of Artificial Turf and Natural Grass
Artificial turf and natural grass are two popular options for lawns and sports fields. We’ll compare these choices to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Natural grass is the traditional choice. It’s grown from seed or laid as sod. Many people love its natural look and feel underfoot.
Artificial turf is a synthetic option that mimics real grass. It’s made from plastic fibres and has come a long way in recent years. Some types now look very realistic.
Both options have their pros and cons for landscaping. Here’s a quick comparison:
Natural Grass
• Soft and cool to walk on
• Helps clean the air
• Needs regular mowing and watering
• Can get muddy or die in harsh weather
Artificial Turf
• Always looks neat and tidy
• No mowing or watering needed
• Can get hot in summer
• May not feel as nice underfoot
The choice often comes down to personal preference. Some love the look and feel of real grass, while others prefer the low maintenance of artificial turf.
We’ll dive deeper into the pros and cons of each option in the next sections. This will help you make the best choice for your yard or sports field.
Installation and Initial Costs
Setting up a new lawn involves some key steps and costs to consider. We’ll look at what’s needed for both artificial turf and natural grass and how the prices stack up.
Preparation and Requirements
For artificial turf, we need to start with a solid base. This means clearing the area, adding a layer of gravel, and making sure it’s flat. We might need to put in a drainage system too. For natural grass, we’ve got to prepare the soil by removing rocks and weeds. Then we add good-quality topsoil and make sure it’s level.
Artificial turf needs special materials like infill and shock pads. Natural grass needs grass seeds or sod, plus fertilizer to help it grow. Both types may need edging to keep things tidy.
Installation Costs Compared
Artificial turf usually costs more upfront. We’re looking at about $8 to $12 per square foot for materials and labour. Natural grass is cheaper to start, at around $1 to $2 per square foot for seeding or $2 to $5 for sod.
We also need to think about extras. For natural grass, we might want a sprinkler system. That can add $2,000 to $4,000 to our bill. Artificial turf doesn’t need this, which can save money in the long run.
Maintenance and Longevity
Artificial turf and natural grass have big differences in how much work they need and how long they last. These factors play a key role in choosing between them for homes and sports fields.
Regular Care and Upkeep
Natural grass needs lots of TLC. We have to mow it weekly in summer and less often in other seasons. It also needs regular watering, especially in dry spells. Fertilizing is important too, usually a few times a year.
Artificial turf is easier to care for. We don’t need to mow or water it. But it’s not totally hands-off. We should brush it now and then to keep the fibres upright. And we need to clean up leaves and debris.
For sports fields, natural grass needs extra work. We have to reseed worn areas and fix divots. Artificial turf just needs a good brushing after heavy use.
Durability and Lifespan
Natural grass can last 5-10 years with good care. But high-traffic areas might need reseeding or new sod sooner. Weather can also take a toll, causing bare patches or muddy spots.
Artificial turf typically lasts 15-20 years. It stands up better to heavy use and bad weather. But it can get worn down over time, especially in high-traffic spots.
The initial cost of artificial turf is higher. But we save money long-term on water, equipment, and labour. Natural grass has lower upfront costs but ongoing expenses for mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Sports fields often choose artificial turf for its durability. It can handle more games and practices without getting torn up. But some prefer the feel and look of real grass despite the extra work.
Environmental and Health Implications
Artificial turf and natural grass each have unique impacts on our environment and health. Let’s explore their eco-friendly features and effects on our well-being and local ecosystems.
Eco-Friendly Attributes
Artificial turf saves a lot of water. We don’t need to water it like real grass, which cuts down on our water bills. This is great for dry areas where water is scarce.
Natural grass helps clean the air and cools the area around it. It takes in carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen, which is good for the planet.
Fake turf doesn’t need mowing, so we use less gas and make less noise. But it’s made of plastic, which isn’t great for the earth.
Real grass needs regular care with fertilizers and pesticides. These can harm local plants and animals if we’re not careful.
Impacts on Health and Ecosystems
Playing on artificial turf can be tough on our bodies. It’s harder than grass, so it puts more stress on our knees, ankles, and backs when we run or stop quickly.
Natural grass fields are softer and cooler. They’re nicer to play on in hot weather and don’t get as hot as fake turf.
Fake turf can get very hot on sunny days. This makes it hard to play on and might even burn us if we’re not careful.
Real grass helps local bugs and small animals. It gives them a place to live and food to eat.
Artificial turf doesn’t support wildlife. It also doesn’t clean the air or help cool the area as real grass does.