Everything You Need to Know about Artificial Turf: Cost, Installation, and Care
Every homeowner dreams of having a beautiful yard that stays green and looks riveting throughout the year. However, it isn’t always possible to put the required amount of time, effort, and resources into achieving this. Further, not everyone has the right kind of environmental or climatic conditions to maintain a stunning yard. Fortunately, using artificial turf for landscape has made things convenient.
Made with modern technology and superior-quality materials, artificial turf looks like real grass, is practical and easy to maintain, and is highly durable. What’s more? It can be used indoors and outdoors. In other words, it’s the best solution not only for your yard but also for your balcony and terrace.
If you’re sold on the idea of using artificial turf on your property, you need to know about what it is, how it is installed, how much it costs, and its maintenance. Read on to learn more.
1. What Is Artificial Turf? What Is It Made Of?
Artificial turf is synthetic grass that serves as a durable and low-maintenance alternative to real grass. It can withstand all climatic conditions as it’s resistant to heat, frost, and the harsh UV rays of the sun. This also means its stunning color doesn’t fade easily.
You can use artificial turf for landscape in yards, sports fields, gyms, pet-care centers, playgrounds, and even your home’s terrace and balcony. It usually comes in tiles, rolls, and dugs.
Synthetic grass is commonly made of nylon or plastic fibers like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Nylon is a popular choice because it is highly durable. But it may not be suitable for outdoor use because it can fade in direct sunlight.
- Polypropylene comes in at a close second. While it isn’t as durable as nylon, it doesn’t fade under sunlight and is softer, which makes it less abrasive compared to nylon.
- Polyethylene grass is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it both eco-friendly and affordable. It doesn’t fade in direct sunlight. It is also the softest turf and needs a high face weight to withstand more traffic.
2. Why Install Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass has been gaining popularity because it looks and feels like the real thing. Add to that durability and robustness, and you have a turf that can be used anywhere without any worry. Let’s check out a few other benefits of installing artificial grass.
- No need to water: Artificial grass doesn’t need water to stay lush and green. So, you can avoid huge water bills and the muddy spots that appear after watering your lawn.
- Always looks healthy: With artificial grass, you can bid adieu to the ugly brown spots and seasonal dead patches or wilting/withering. Your turf will look green and healthy all year round.
- Bye-bye mowing: When we say artificial grass is low-maintenance, we mean it. It doesn’t need any mowing.
- Keeps pests out: Outdoor pests, bugs, and other creepy crawlies prefer real grass over its artificial counterpart.
- Looks like real grass: The look and the texture of artificial grass closely resemble real grass. It’s hard to tell it apart from the real thing.
- Pets love it: Artificial grass is pet-friendly and child-friendly as it is made from non-toxic materials.
- Helps save money: While the initial costs of getting artificial grass may be higher than natural grass, you’ll save a whole lot of time, money, and effort over the years.
3. How to Install Artificial Turf?
One of the most common things on any homeowner’s mind is how to install artificial turf. If you’re curious on how our professionals go about the process, we can tell you.
First, we make sure we have the required tools and materials, like a shovel, an ace, a scalpel, a pickaxe, tape, and so on. Next, we figure out the length, width, and height of the area where the grass is to be laid.
Here’s how to install artificial turf.
- Remove existing materials, such as weeds, stones, or anything else on the surface. You’ll also need to look out for any pipes, electric wiring, and so on below the surface, so professionals can put any necessary precautions in place so they aren’t harmed.
- Cover any sprinklers (at the pipe level) that are not to be used to prevent any leakage.
- If required, relocate sprinklers or modify existing irrigation lines. We may have to add drainage where necessary. Backfill and mark the location of unused sprinklers to deter depressions or sunken spots.
- If you’re laying the turf over the ground, spread out weed fabric first. To install it over concrete, add turf padding to ensure comfort and safety.
- Lay the turf over the determined area. If professionals need to use more than one roll, staple/tape/glue the edges together. Trim the outer edges and secure them with nails or glue.
- Finally, add infill over the surface to weigh it down. Rake the surface so the grass stands up and looks natural.
4. How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?
The cost of installing artificial grass depends on several factors, including the material used, the quantity needed, the labor involved, and preparation/clean-up costs.
Yes, installation usually comes at a higher cost ($5 to $20 per square foot) compared to a natural sod, but once it is laid, you’ll barely have to spend anything on it for the next 15 to 20 years.
Natural grass demands tremendous expenses, effort, and upkeep after installation – you’ll have to water, fertilize, and mow it. So do keep this in mind when considering how much artificial turf costs.
5. How to Clean Artificial Turf?
Artificial grass is easy to maintain. Here’s how to clean artificial turf:
- Clean common stains and spills immediately with mild detergent-water solutions. For tougher stains, adding a few drops of ammonia will help.
- Pick up pet excrements right away, and hose down the area thoroughly.
- Use a soft, non-metal rake to clean the grass and keep the blades standing up for a realistic look.
- Wash down the turf at regular intervals to get rid of accumulated dirt and debris. You may also use a leaf blower for this.
Contact Pioneer Landscape Centers for Artificial Turf
As people learn more and more about artificial grass, they understand that it is indeed a more convenient, durable, and affordable alternative to natural grass. From installation and expenses to its benefits and maintenance, knowing about these aspects will help you make the right decision.
Since 1968, Pioneer Landscape Centers have been the go-to for landscape and hardscape supplies in Arizona and Colorado. We’re committed to helping you procure the landscaping products you need while providing the most seamless customer experience. Contact us today to know more about our product range and options for your yard.