Don’t get deceived by greener grass on the other side—your neighbors might install artificial grass on their lawn. Artificial turf is considered the best solution for lush green, maintenance-free lawn. Unlike natural grass that requires regular mowing, synthetic grass frees you from this job.
Are you interested to install synthetic turf on your yard? Before rushing to the store, you’d better learn more about its types, pros and cons, how to install it on dirt area, how long last, and also cost. Read on and find the answers.
What Is Artificial Grass?
Synthetic grass is a surface made of synthetic fibers that resemble natural grass. It is often used in sport arenas like stadium and football field, but it’s also installed in public places like amusement parks. Over time, people also use this kind of grass on residential lawn.
Faux grass has green blades consisting of polyethylene material, a form of plastic commonly used in plastic bags and bottles. Polyethylene is heated along with UV resistant additives and artificial coloring to make it look like living grass.
Types of Artificial Turf
Based on the material, there are three types of synthetic grass: polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene. Each type comes with different characteristics. Before you make a decision, it becomes essential to take a closer look at each of them. So you can determine which one of these types of artificial grass is right for your needs.
1. Polyethylene Articial Grass
Polyethylene is the most popular among homeowners. This type of artificial turf not only looks natural with green colors but it also has lots of textures. It also feels soft and cozy when you’re stepping on it, making it a great option if you live with kids and pets. Not to mention it offers a good drainage.
Compared to other types of faux grass, this material is rather expensive. If your budget allows you to spend more money, polyethylene artificial turf is worth purchasing. Depending on the brand, its price range between $2.55 to $5.00 per square foot.
2. Polypropylene Artificial Grass
If you have a tight budget then polypropylene can be your best option. This type of faux grass is ideal for business in that it is available in a variety of styles. With plenty of choices on the market, feel free to pick a surface that matches other elements.
However, polypropylene grass isn’t suitable for outdoor use. It isn’t very durable and it has a low melting point, which means it’s more prone to damage. When it comes to price, polypropylene falls somewhere between $1.90 to $5.75 per square foot.
3. Nylon Artificial Grass
If you’re concerned about durability then nylon is your best choice. Nylon artificial grass is able to withstand extreme temperatures as well as excessive weight, while keeping its good shape. That’s why it becomes everyone’s favorite, either for private residence or commercial area.
Despite its durability, nylon isn’t ideal for a large area. One of the main reasons is that nylon turf is relatively pricey, not to mention the pile can be very stiff. Depending on the products, the price of nylon synthetic grass ranges from $5.05 to $5.83 per square foot.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
Artificial turf is incredibly amazing for it can turn your dirt lawn into a lush green area. However, they have a few drawbacks that are worth considering. Take a closer look at the following pros and cons before having one.
Synthetic grass pros:
- Look green all year long
- No cutting or mowing
- No pesticides
- No watering
- No patchy spots
- Easy to install
Synthetic grass cons:
- Can be costly
- Need replacement after few years
- Require maintenance to sweep dust buildup
- Small elements can be harmful
How to Install Artificial Grass on Dirt
Installing artificial turf requires several steps: pre-installation, area preparation, lay the base, and synthetic grass attachment. Here’s the detailed information about artificial grass installation on dirt.
1. Pre-installation
The very first step to install an artificial turf is check for potential hazards. You may find water pipes or electrical lines under the surface. It’s important to protect these installations so they won’t get damaged when you try to secure the edge of synthetic grass.
2. Area Preparation
Preparing the area includes getting rid of weeds, removing the top layer of soil, and plan the drainage. If you have an issue with gophers, installing a gopher wire becomes necessary. This will keep gophers out of side.
3. Lay the Base
The next step is laying your base. You can choose from stone, crushed rock, gravel, or decomposed granite. Atop the first base, spread sharp sand about 10 to 15mm to make the first base firmer. Sprinkle the area with water and compact the stones.
4. Grass Attachment
Now that everything is ready, attach your artificial turf. Roll the turf outside and roll it back in. Seam the surface together and apply pressure. It’s also necessary to cut unwanted turf edges.
Installing artificial grass on your lawn can be the best solution to decorate your outdoor settings. With so many options out there, you can pick the right type of synthetic grass that meets your needs and budgets.
How to Maintain and Clean Artificial Grass
By choosing artificial grass to beautify your lawn and garden, you still need to keep clean these faux grass. Moreover, if you have pets, you’ll need to maintain and clean regularly your turf and artificial grass more often.
You should rinse the artificial grass by using a garden hose every so often, at least once a week. If you have a lot of synthetic grass, a battery-powered hand held leaf blower should be fine.
For your artificial grass to look its best, brush or rake the grass regularly in the opposite direction of the artificial fibre by using a large broom or brush that has plastic, synthetic bristles. This will prevent the garden from getting flattened and keep the blades in the upright position.
How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?
These artificial grasses are not long-lived materials.
The first factor that can be damaged is the more you use it, so the more wear it will experience.
The solution for this issue is you can prolong the life of your artificial turf by repairing and maintenance. As long as you take care of your faux turf, it can last for years, even up to 15 years.
This means the answer to how long does artificial grass last, can range from 7 to 15 years. For instance, if you use it on a swimming pool or football field, it won’t last as long as it will in your lawn because the difference of wearing and maintenance will be as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Artificial Grass?
The cost to install artificial grass is varying. Of course, the price will depend on the size of your project, types of artificial grass, and any related prep work that’s required.
Different installers and manufacturers offer varying degrees of quality, which can play a big role in the cost to install it.
They calculate and charge at a price per square foot, and for an average price of $13 or even more. If you compare it with grass sod, then it is extremely expensive because the grass only costs about $1 per square foot on average. However, you have to prepare for the cost and amount of time to maintain your new grass, which is much higher than artificial grass.