Asked on Feb 04, 2014

Artificial turf or real grass?

Max Schau
by Max Schau
I am thinking about redoing my front lawn and I want opinions on which one should I get? I've heard that both artificial and real turf have their advantages and disadvantages but I wanted to get an opinion from a real person.
  8 answers
  • Opal Opal on Feb 05, 2014
    Depends on what you want from your yard. If it is for looks only and little to no use, maybe I would do artificial turf. If you have pets I hear the latest is "pet turf", the benefit being no mud and pests, but what about "clean up". If you want less to mow and water I can relate but I would go with more garden/plant area or patio/rock area and less to mow/water. To me, fake always looks fake and does not get better with age. Imagine ripping it out in 5 years after it fades, gets broken and wears out. Grass you just level with dirt and throw on more seeds and water once in a while. I would go with real grass. I was just reading that artificial is good for 8-10 years. Maybe try a smaller section and take up golf as a partial commitment.
    • Global Syn-Turf Global Syn-Turf on Jan 20, 2015
      @Opal "Clean up" consists of as little as hosing the grass down or using Simple Green degreaser if necessary.
  • Elizabeth Sagarminaga Elizabeth Sagarminaga on Feb 05, 2014
    I prefer green grass to artifical turf anyday unless you have a large yard and no time at all to maintain the lawn. Else, you could make a style statement with your lawn. It would act as a stress buster. You could get some exercise. It would give you time to think. You could bond with children looking after the lawn. To me, the advantages are endless.
  • Columbine Landscaping Columbine Landscaping on Feb 05, 2014
    If the area for artificial turf is out in the open, without many plants or trees to shed leaf litter on it, it will be easier to maintain. When faux lawns (my client calls his the "fawn") collect leaf litter, it can then :decompose into the blades and create a growing medium. Then you may get weeds germinating there, and you will either have to grub them out, or use weed killer (yuck, and environmentally irresponsible).
  • Lou Lou on Feb 06, 2014
    I would suggest you consult a professional artifical turf contractor. Properly installing artifical turf is the key to its look, feel and longevity. Not as simple as many may think. Good luck!
    • Global Syn-Turf Global Syn-Turf on Jan 20, 2015
      @Lou I second that suggestion. Proper installation will prevent weed growth and minimize unforeseen problems.
  • Max Schau Max Schau on Feb 10, 2014
    Thank you all! You can check the link to my blog in my description to find a summary of what you all here said. I appreciate everyone's help! :)
  • Global Syn-Turf Global Syn-Turf on Jan 06, 2015
    @Max Schau The primary benefits of installing artificial grass are that it (1) saves money on lawn maintenance, (2) saves time on lawn maintenance, (3) is green all year round, (4) conserves the environment by not requiring environmentally harmful substances such as pesticides and fertilizers, (5) is child- and pet-friendly. For more information, visit www.globalsynturf.com.
  • Alys Alys on Jan 07, 2015
    One of the disadvantages is how hot the surface is in the summer months. Our neighbors installed it a few years ago, and say it is too hot to walk on (nearly 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature). One thing to consider is an alternative to lawn (native grasses, ground cover, or a zen garden).
    • See 2 previous
    • Global Syn-Turf Global Syn-Turf on Feb 13, 2015
      @Alys, artificial grass doesn't demand water (unless it gets too hot). Also, some homeowners like to engage in outdoor activities with their families, like playing catch with their son or frisbee with their dog; such family activities are not possible on a yard covered with xeriscape or groundcover. Thus, artificial grass can be viewed as a compromise between real grass and lawn alternatives (e.g. xeriscaping, native plants, groundcover) in that it doesn't require an excessive amount of water like real grass does, but yet retains all of the functionalities of real grass, which lawn alternatives lack. Hope that helps!
  • Betty Johnson Betty Johnson on Sep 29, 2015
    There are a lot of factors that go into which one you'd choose. Have you been around artificial turf very often? It does have a different feel to it, but if you are in a place that doesn't have much water, it could make things a lot easier on you. I'd talk to a professional and see what they thing about your options. http://www.associatedturf.com.au/turf-varieties