Artificial turf can be a convenient and ideal landscape solution for businesses and homeowners.
With notable innovations, artificial turf now comes in different textures and colors that replicate the feel and look of natural grass. But despite all studies and evidence tabled that prove artificial turf to be beneficial in multiple ways, there are still misconceptions floating around.
And sadly, many people keep falling for them, thus avoiding this low maintenance turf option. Luckily, the information below seeks to debunk the most common myths about artificial turf, so you can avoid falling for them. Hopefully, you will see artificial turf as a great lawn option by the end of this article.
1. Artificial Grass is Too Expensive
One common myth about artificial turf is that it is costly. While the initial cost can be high, it is cost-effective in the long run. Maintenance is cheap since no special treatments are needed to keep it looking good, unlike natural lawn, which requires fertilizers, grass feed, mowers, water, pesticides, etc.
Therefore, although it may be costly with initial installation costs included, artificial grass will give you value for your money and also save you from incurring extra maintenance costs in the long run. It is the best option for a low total cost of ownership.
2. All Artificial Turf are Similar
If you search for artificial grass, you will encounter different types of grass, meaning they vary. Turf differs mainly in method of installation, drainage system, and the overall aesthetic of texture, style, and color to meet different budget, location, and performance needs.
For instance, the type of artificial turf used for businesses and homes is different from that used on soccer fields.
3. It Is Bad for The Environment
Artificial grass is, in fact, more eco-friendly than natural grass in numerous ways.
For starters, artificial turf saves water since you do not have to water it. As a result, summer droughts should not be a concern anymore. It is only on rare occasions that you will have to water it, such as when you have to cool it down in the summer heat or get rid of waste and debris.
Second, it does not need fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides to keep it good-looking. These harmful chemicals can poison pets, children, and fish when they run off your lawn into the watershed.
Lastly, it is recyclable. Artificial turf is a long-term investment, and with highly sustainable products, they are guaranteed to last you at least eight years if well taken care of. At the end of its life, it can be repurposed into other products, preserving resources and reducing landfills.
4. Artificial Turf Needs No Maintenance
While many people assume that artificial grass does not need any maintenance, it does. But compared to all the hours you would spend edging, weeding, fertilizing, and mowing natural grass, maintaining an artificial turf will seem like nothing.
A few things you will need to do to maintain your artificial grass include:
- Removing debris: Like natural grass, you will have to remove leaves or twigs if they show up on your synthetic turf. Failure to do so attracts moss, bacteria, weed, and mildew.
- Rinsing: This is necessary if you have pets that often visit your lawn. Rinse the spots your pet uses to potty a few times a week to reduce bacteria and odor build-up.
- Raking: Even though the thatch and infill of artificial turf will help fibers stay upright, congested areas will require some little fluff with a power brush or rake once in a while to prevent matting.
- Refilling: You will need to replenish your infill (tiny beads of silica sand and other material) about once a year to keep your turf fibers lavish and prevent the grass from being damaged by harmful UV rays from the sun.
5. Artificial Grasses Are Only Used for Sporting Events and Activities
Apart from starting out on football pitches, you can use artificial turf almost anywhere nowadays, including your own backyard and commercial spaces.
With a range of colors, sizes, and styles to choose from, it is more versatile than natural grass. It tends to look great on roof terraces in the garden, balconies, gyms, offices, playgrounds, dog kennels, and pool areas.
6. Not Safe for Pets
While misconceptions state that artificial turf is not safe for pets, it is not the case. If anything, it is just as safe as natural grass. Homeowners cited providing a clean, safe, and low-maintenance environment as the most frequent reason they prefer installing pet-friendly artificial turf.
Pets like to play rough. As a result, they will create large patches and holes in natural grass. But since artificial grass lasts longer than natural grass, it will always look fantastic, no matter how often your pet rips about it.
Second, artificial turf is easy to clean. Unlike natural lawns, it hardly becomes muddy during winter. That means you do not have to worry about scrubbing off muddy paw prints.
Also, artificial grass is a safer alternative to natural grass because it does not contain harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, which may harm your pet if ingested.
7. It Looks Fake
When artificial turf first came into the market, it did not appear natural. But over the years, synthetic grass has significantly improved, providing an enhanced look and feel much like natural turf.
Today, manufacturers develop artificial grass using high-quality polymers, creating the most realistic-looking varieties. Some of them are manufactured to such a high degree that many people confuse artificial turf for genuine grass.
Is Artificial Grass Right for Me?
If you are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly turf that will guarantee you minimum maintenance and save you money, then artificial turf is ideal for you.
Ensure that you work with a certified and well-experienced synthetic grass specialist for a hassle-free and professional installation. Also, if you want to know more about artificial grass, you can always contact or visit a specialist for details and quotations.
We hope this article has cleared up any confusion that may be keeping you from installing artificial grass.
