Although taking care of your lawn is a healthy activity for your weekends, it’s not feasible for everyone. One simple way to avoid all that hard work is to switch to artificial turf. There are several reasons homeowners opt for artificial grass and consider it to be a great investment. It can last long, does not need a lot of maintenance, and look great all year round.
Unfortunately, knowing the benefits will not do for you. If you are seriously planning to install artificial turf in your home, you must know everything about it. It was once reserved for sports fields, mini-golf, and community homes. Modern turf is finding its way into residential buildings and hence homeowners must know how to use them.
In order to make the most of your investment, here is a brief guide with all the things you need to know about faux grass.
Lay Of the Land Does Not Matter
This is the primary reason for the popularity of artificial grass. You can have a lush green lawn to boost the curb appeal of your house without thinking about the lay of the land. It can be planted in areas where the natural grass will not grow or cannot be mowed. That includes all sorts of soil compositions and weirdly shaped places. You can install it in a teeny tiny lawn or create an expansive yard from artificial turf. It solely depends on your choice (and your budget limits!).
Determine The Purpose of Your Artificial Turf
Determine the purpose of your yard before you invest your money in artificial turf. The good news is that artificial turf comes in a myriad of styles, colors, and blade sizes. You can find an ideal fake grass patch for landscaping community areas, kids’ playgrounds, dog play areas, sports fields, balconies, decks, rooftops, and residential backyards.
Enlist your requirements and communicate with the best professionals in your area to find a suitable fit for your yard. With so many options, there is something for everyone.
Inquire About The Warranties
Just like any other synthetic product, artificial grass comes in different qualities. As durability and longevity are two of the most important factors, you must discuss them with the concerned professional.
The best companies will guide you about warranties and warn you against all the mistakes that can void those warranties. The superior qualities come with the best warranties but are prepared to pay the price for them. Whatever the terms and conditions may be, it is never a good idea to install artificial turf without any warranty.
Artificial Turf Is A Cost-Efficient Installation
If you considering artificial turf for your home, it’s natural to compare its cost with a natural lawn. Paying attention to the upfront cost can be misleading for you. The installation costs differ greatly and the artificial lawn is much more expensive. You have to look beyond what you are spending at this stage.
Consider the maintenance costs that come with a natural lawn. The costs of watering it and keeping it disease-free for a year can sum to a hefty amount! Artificial turf installation can take as much as $30 a square foot but it is a cost-efficient installation by all means.
It Requires Minimal Maintenance, But Not “No” Maintenance
Minimal maintenance is the most attractive thing about faux grass. But if you want to enjoy it for a long time, you have to stick to a maintenance schedule. With no maintenance, you will end up with a messy lawn a lot sooner than you expected. And your decision will no longer be a cost-efficient one.
Here are few tips you need to follow for cleaning artificial turf.
- Use a flexible lawn rake to remove the fallen debris and leaves
- You can wash the turf with a mixture of water and an all-purpose cleaner once a month
- Rinse each section of the turf with a long-handled brush to achieve a clean look
- Let it dry completely
Install The Right Infill for Best Results
Most of the maintenance tasks for artificial grass are to be taken care of during installation. You must apply an infill at the later stages of installation. It filters down into the turf, weighs it down, and makes the lawn looks better. The grass will also feel softer on your feet. Use safe ceramic coated sand products as an infill. If you are unsure which products to buy, hire the best turf installation services in your area.
Sunlight Can Melt It Down
There are boons and banes to the artificial grass as well. The biggest catch is that sunlight can melt it down. If you have south-facing windows that get full sun in summer, it may not be the best option for you. Or you have to cover the windows to minimize sunlight exposure.
With the improvement in technology, it is easier to find artificial turf that can withstand sunlight for long hours. Prefer the products that are covered by warranties.
Installation Can Be Tricky Around Seams
For most lawns, more than one roll of turf is required for complete coverage. And there will be places where those rolls meet. The hardest part of synthetic grass installation is to match the seams well. That’s the reason experts suggest against DIY installation. Find an experienced and well-reputed company for flawless lush green lawns.
The Color Can Fade
But what does not? The color of your artificial turf can fade over the years. Invest in top-quality products that can last for decades. If you are not following the manufacturer’s guidelines over the years, the color and texture can fade sooner. The natural lawns only look their best right after their installation whereas a faux one may last for years. Pick your favorite!
Ensure Proper Drainage for A Perfect Faux Lawn
One of the most important things to remember is the drainage. If you don’t want to risk the beauty and longevity of your faux lawn, do not allow water to be sitting under your lawns for days. It can damage the base material. Hire professional turf installation services to install a long-lasting drainage system underneath.
