Lawns & Artificial Turf
Is real grass, artificial turf, or ecolawn best for you? Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner looking to enhance your outdoor space, choosing the right type of turf can make a big difference for both aesthetic and maintenance. Let’s delve into the unique characteristics and benefits of each!
Get Your Landscaping Quote
Re-envision or refresh your landscape with a lawn to make an accessible space for the whole family. Whether you prefer natural or artificial turf, our team will precisely install your new lawn—no matter the size—to create a beautiful and precisely-laid field of green.
If you’re still deciding and need help choosing between artificial and real turf lawns, we detail the differences and benefits below.
Real Turf Lawns
Real turf lawns use living grass plants to create a soft lawn that requires watering, fertilizing, and mowing. They offer a natural and organic-looking appeal to outdoor spaces. Here are the key aspects to consider:
- Aesthetics & Feel: Real turf provides a lush and vibrant look to your lawn. Its natural color and soft texture create a visually appealing and inviting atmosphere.
- Environmental Benefits: Real turf lawns contribute to environmental sustainability in several ways. They help in the absorption of rainwater, prevent soil erosion, and promote oxygen production through photosynthesis. If you have an ecolawn that has small flowers, like clover, it also helps support pollinators.
- Cooling Effect: Real turf has a cooling effect on the surrounding area, reducing the heat island effect and providing a comfortable outdoor environment during hot summer months.
- Natural Habitat: Real turf lawns can support biodiversity by providing a habitat for insects, birds, and small animals.
Pros of Real Turf Lawns
- Natural beauty, aesthetic appeal, texture, and softness
- Environmental benefits (water absorption, oxygen production)
- Cooling effect on the surrounding area
- Support for biodiversity
Cons of Real Turf Lawns
- Regular maintenance required to maintain appearance (watering, mowing, fertilizing)
- It’s quite obvious when lawns are underwatered or overgrown
- Vulnerable to pests, diseases, and weeds
- Water consumption can be high, particularly in dry regions
Artificial Turf Lawns
Artificial turf is usually made with nylon or polyethylene and similar materials, shaped and colored like grass and attached to a backing that somewhat mimics ‘soil’ or ground. It has gained popularity as a low-maintenance alternative to real turf lawns. Let’s explore its unique characteristics:
- Low Maintenance: One of the primary advantages of artificial turf is its minimal maintenance requirements. It eliminates the need for watering, mowing, weeding, and fertilizing, saving you time and effort.
- Durability: Artificial turf is very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for sports fields or high-activity areas.
- All-Weather Use: Unlike real turf, artificial turf can be used year-round without concerns about weather conditions. It is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and is not affected by drought or heavy rain.
- Cost Efficiency: Although the initial investment is often higher, artificial turf can save money in the long run. It eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance, reducing water bills and the cost of fertilizers and pesticides.
Pros of Artificial Turf Lawns
- Low-maintenance and time-saving
- High durability; suitable for high-traffic areas
- All-weather usability
- Cost-effective in the long term
- Always green!
Cons of Artificial Turf Lawns
- Lack of fully natural aesthetic
- Larger upfront investment compared to real grass
- Can become hot during peak sun exposure
- Limited environmental benefits compared to real turf
- Not biodegradable
Ultimately, the decision between artificial and real turf depends on your priorities. If you value a natural and organic look with environmental benefits and are willing to invest time and effort into maintenance, real turf is a great choice. However, if you prefer low maintenance, durability, and cost savings in the long run, artificial turf may be the better option for your landscape.
Golf Putting Greens
If you’d like a personal putting green in your backyard, we can make that dream a reality! We’ll design and install a putting green so you and your friends can practice in your own private yard where it’s always tee time!
Putting greens typically use artificial turf to avoid routine the mowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and aerating that golf courses perform. We can install either real or artificial turf to suit your preferences, and our landscape designers will work with you to create a space that keeps your game sharp and turns your yard into a destination.
Ecolawns
If you’re interested in a real turf lawn, you may consider an ecolawn, which offers a more wild-looking but low-maintenance and environmentally friendly option. Here are some key differences between traditional lawns and ecolawns:
- Plant Selection: Ecolawns utilize a combination of drought-tolerant grasses, groundcovers, and native plants that require less water and care.
- Water Efficiency: Ecolawns are designed to reduce water consumption because they are often composed of plant species that are more resilient to droughts.
- Biodiversity & Ecological Benefits: Ecolawns promote biodiversity by using a variety of plants that attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
- Reduced Chemical Use: Ecolawns are designed to be more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical treatments.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ecolawns embrace a more natural, sometimes wild, and diverse appearance.
Choosing between a traditional lawn and an ecolawn depends on your preferences and the specific goals of your landscape. Ask your landscape designer for what best suits your vision.
