Synthetic grass was introduced in the 1960’s and has become increasingly popular ever since. Used primarily for sports facilities at first, its practical purposes soon made it a choice for residential, commercial, and recreational use.
Most people love synthetic grass for its greatest benefit: low maintenance. For those unfamiliar with the product, there can be some confusion over its price, upkeep, and other factors. Here are several of the questions customers ask before they decide if artificial grass is right for them.
Does synthetic grass lower my home’s value?
- California has suffered through long periods of drought and since synthetic grass doesn’t require water, it’s seen as environmentally friendly and cost-saving.
- Newer versions of the product look remarkably real, and they look good all year long.
- Though many people enjoy taking care of their yard, times have changed, and people now often pay someone else to do it. There’s a lot to be said for a home landscape that doesn’t have high maintenance costs.
How long does artificial grass last?
The short answer is about 15 to 20 years. The longer answer is, you guessed it, it depends on things like which grass and infill you select and who installs it.
Synthetic grass comes in many varieties and the one you pick should match your needs. That means if your yard gets a lot of kid and pet activity, but you choose a less sturdy product, its life will probably be shorter. Choose the right grass and infill and it will last its full life expectancy.
Do all synthetic grass lawns have seams?
You’ve probably seen some other peoples’ artificial lawns that had lines or ridges running through the grass. That is not an inherent characteristic of synthetic grass. What causes it is imprecise seaming.
Seams occur where two pieces of artificial grass are joined together. If the two pieces even slightly overlap or are too far part by a fraction of an inch, you’ll see visible lines. While it would be convenient to be able to buy one big piece that precisely fills the area you have in mind, synthetic grass comes in big rolls that require cutting so seaming is necessary.
One of the best reasons for hiring an experienced, professional installer is to avoid visible seams.
Does artificial grass require a lot of maintenance work?
From roofs to gutters and siding, there’s maintenance involved with all exterior home features! So while it’s definitely easier to take care of artificial grass than it is natural grass, there’s still some maintenance involved.
- Periodic brushing returns the grass to its like-new stat. If you want a bit of a workout, use a push broom. A power broom makes the work go a lot quicker. A brushing once every few months should work. Some people get by with once a year. Don’t use a rake for this task as it can damage the grass blades.
- Cleaning is a bigger concern for pet owners, but all synthetic grass looks better if its occasionally cleaned with some soap and water. Frequency is up to you.
- Weeding is sometimes necessary, but nowhere as frequently as with natural grass. To keep them to a minimum, a weed barrier can be installed that blocks plant growth. You may notice the occasional weed popping out around the lawn’s border, but for most people weeding is a thing of the past.
To make sure you only do minimum maintenance, choose the product that’s right for your application, make sure the area where the grass is installed drains completely, and talk to your installer about a weed barrier.
How much does synthetic grass cost?
It’s true that synthetic grass is more expensive to install than sod, but if you consider what you save in watering, fertilizing, mowing, and weed control, you’ll find an artificial lawn can pay for itself in just a few years. What about installation and other costs? Depending on the type of grass you choose and how much area you need to cover, the total cost including installation can be anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot.
Does artificial grass fade over time?
Quality grasses have UV inhibitors built into the product and most manufacturers offer long-term warranties.
Doesn’t the grass get really, really hot?
Synthetic grass does absorb and transfer more heat than natural grass but features like subsurface cooling systems can substantially reduce the heat they give off. Lighter color grasses and infill are cooler, too. For areas in the yard that see intense heat, shade trees or other sun blocking products can keep the grass cooler while offering you relief from the heat.
Is Synthetic Grass Right for You?
Perhaps the most important thing to consider as you make up your mind is that not all synthetic grasses are created equal. Product quality and professional installation ultimately determine what your lawn looks like, how well it performs, and how many years it lasts. If you’re concerned about cost, remember that superior products come with excellent warranties that ensure you get your money’s worth, a fact which should bring you peace of mind over making the investment.
If you have more questions or concerns, let us know! Our synthetic grass experts are here to help you make the right decision and choose the best products. They’ll also explain how easy it is to keep your synthetic grass clean and attractive while bringing your family years of enjoyment.
While you’re here, don’t forget to take a look at this installation we recently completed. You’ll see for yourself how beautiful and realistic looking artificial grass can be when installed at your Sonoma County area home!