Many factors determine the cost of synthetic grass. The type of turf, face weight and blade shape all influence the price.
For example, artificial costs more than real grass. However, it’s more durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It also has the advantage of not requiring a sprinkler system.
Cost of Installation
In the beginning, artificial grass costs significantly more than sod, but it’s important to remember that this is a one-time cost. The upfront costs are subsidized by the savings in maintenance and water expenses over time. In fact, within seven years, you should recoup the initial installation costs of your turf.
Artificial grass is made from polyethylene or nylon woven into a mesh and then layered with an infill system that contains silica sand, rubber crumb, recycled tires, or other fillers for durability and cushioning. This infill also keeps the synthetic grass looking its best and helps with drainage.
If you live in an area with a lot of shade, Raboine recommends regularly removing debris from your fake lawn, like leaves, sticks, and acorns, to prevent the grass from becoming matted down and creating an unsightly tripping hazard. This is a task that can easily be done with a blower or vacuum cleaner and will help keep your lawn looking its best all season long.
Another benefit of having artificial grass is that it doesn’t need mowing. This saves time, and reduces the number of emissions from lawn mowers, which can emit as much as 11 cars running for one hour. It also means you won’t have to use harmful chemicals on your yard to maintain the lush, green look that many homeowners desire.
In addition to reducing the need for lawn mowing, artificial grass can also save you thousands of gallons of water per year. Some communities even offer rebates to homeowners who remove their traditional lawn and replace it with water-efficient landscaping, including synthetic turf. This is a great way to save money and do something good for your community!
Cost of Maintenance
Unlike real grass, artificial turf does not require water to stay green. It also does not require fertilizers or pesticides. This can save you a lot of money over time. It is worth noting that even though you may spend less on upfront costs for a fake lawn, you will have to pay for weed control on a regular basis. This can cost between $50 and $70 per application.
Choosing the right synthetic grass is very important to ensure its longevity. Make sure it has a polyurethane backing and a UV protectant coating. This will prevent the grass from fading and becoming discolored. You should also make sure that it is lead free. It is a good idea to buy the artificial grass from a company that makes their products in America.
If you have a lot of shade trees in your yard, then you will need to remove the leaves, sticks and acorns on a regular basis. You can do this by using a leaf blower or a shop vacuum. It is also a good idea to remove the debris before winter.
Synthetic grass requires very little maintenance other than rinsing it every one or two weeks to get rid of dust and pet urine. It is a good idea to use a non-toxic, biodegradable detergent that is phosphate free. This will ensure that the dirt does not seep into the groundwater system and affect other natural resources.
Artificial grass is becoming more and more popular for residential yards. It is a great alternative to real grass because it does not require water or chemicals. The cost of the initial install can be expensive, but it will ultimately pay for itself over a few years. In addition to saving money on water, fertilizers and pesticides, homeowners will also save on the cost of a lawn mower and landscaping services.
Cost of Water
A beautiful lawn is one of the main reasons people choose to landscape their homes. However, keeping grass healthy can be expensive. This is especially true if you live in an area with limited water supplies. In this case, it may make more sense to switch to artificial grass. It can be less expensive than maintaining a natural grass lawn and it will save you money in the long run by reducing your water bill.
Regardless of where you live, a well-maintained artificial turf lawn can look just as nice as a natural grass lawn. There are several factors that affect the cost of installing and maintaining a synthetic yard, including the type of grass, the soil, turf brand, labor prices, installation location, grass blade shape, base material, weed barrier, irrigation, and more. Many websites have a helpful cost calculator to help homeowners estimate the costs of their project.
Artificial grass typically consists of polyethylene or nylon woven into a mesh and then filled with silica sand, rubber crumbs, or recycled tires to add durability. Grass that uses more silica or crumb rubber will usually be more expensive than others. Some synthetic turfs use UV-resistant protectant to keep the grass from fading in harsh sunlight.
Artificial grass does not require mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. However, it can be hot in direct sunlight and does not feel as natural as real grass. It can also become damaged by things like snow, pet urine, and excess water. If you want to keep some natural plants or trees in your yard, consider using retaining walls to create raised flower beds. This can be done for both decorative and functional purposes, depending on the design of your yard.
Cost of Fertilizers and Pesticides
Artificial grass can save homeowners money on maintenance costs because it doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides. This eliminates the need to buy these products and use them on your lawn, which reduces the risk of environmental harm. Some types of synthetic turf are also resistant to common plant diseases, so you can save on the cost of fungicides.
The initial installation of artificial grass can be more expensive than sod, but it’s a one-time investment that yields years of maintenance-free use. If you choose a high-quality product and get professional installation, it can be cost-effective compared to a natural grass lawn.
Homeowners can also save money by installing other landscape features with their artificial turf project. For instance, you may want to lay down a weed barrier and 3/8 inch road base before installing the fake grass. This can add an extra $1 to $2 per square foot to your overall project price.
Some synthetic grasses also come in a variety of colors and textures to mimic the look of different types of natural grass. You can purchase grass that has a dark green color and longer blades to look more realistic, but this type of turf will be more expensive.
Another factor to consider is the cost of aerating the soil beneath your artificial turf. This process involves poking holes in the ground to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Aerating the soil under your artificial turf can be done in place of mowing and will save you $50 to $100 per year in lawn care costs. Some local governments offer rebates for homeowners who replace their natural grass with drought-resistant landscaping, such as artificial turf.
Cost of Lawn Care
A well-manicured lawn is an attractive feature on any home, but it can take a lot of work to keep the turf healthy. Mowing, aerating, seeding, fertilizing, weed control and pest management all add up to expensive labor and chemical costs. Artificial grass is an attractive alternative, providing a low-maintenance landscape that eliminates the need for chemicals and equipment.
In addition to saving time, water and money on maintenance, homeowners who choose artificial turf can reduce their environmental impact. Because synthetic grass doesn’t need water, it uses less energy than a sprinkler system to run.
Another benefit of choosing synthetic grass is the elimination of toxic chemicals. While a natural lawn needs a variety of fertilizers and herbicides, synthetic turf only requires occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris from the surface. This helps homeowners avoid the cupboard-full of hazardous chemicals that traditional lawns require, as well as the associated environmental and health risks.
Artificial grass also doesn’t require lawn care equipment, including mowers, weed whackers and leaf blowers. In addition to the initial cost of purchasing these tools, they also produce pollution and consume gasoline. Eliminating these tools and related expenses can help a homeowner save significant money and space in the garage, as well as save on operating and replacement costs.
Although there are upfront costs involved with the installation of an artificial turf lawn, a professional landscaping pro will give you an accurate estimate for the project. The area will need to be prepped before the turf can be laid, which includes removing rocks, trees and other landscaping, excavating and backfilling, and a weed barrier and crushed rock base. Some landscaping pros include this in the overall cost of the job, while others may charge a fee for debris removal separately.
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