Are
you looking for a way to have an almost instantly green lawn? These
days, quality artificial turf options are making more home and
business owners opt for a faux alternative to real lawns. But should
you join them? Or should you choose a sod lawn for that color boost
instead? Here are five reasons to choose sod over artificial turf.
1.
You Have to Maintain Both
Do
you want an option that doesn't require any work? The truth is that
there really is no way to make either sod or artificial turf into a
truly no-maintenance element.
Lawns
need to be mowed and watered. But fake grass will still get dirty and
need to be cleaned off and raked on a regular basis. It may develop a
smell if pets use it to do their business. Drainage may be an issue.
And leaves or natural debris that fall on turf will not naturally
compost into the ground as they would on a lawn.
2.
Artificial Turf Makes Things Hotter
Like
hardscape, artificial turf creates what is known as a heat island.
Heat islands are spaces in the landscape that are hotter than the
greenery around them. Due to the inorganic, rubber-based materials
involved, turf mats can be 20 degrees hotter than grass would
otherwise be.
This
can be a big difference in a landscape where kids or pets play —
and can possibly even be dangerous. The heat island also contributes
to the warming of your home as that heat reflects onto the structure.
3.
A Lawn Has a Longer Shelf Life
Sod
lawns take a bit of time to get started and integrate into the
existing landscape. But the result is a permanent fixture in your
yard. If you water, fertilize, and mow it, you'll likely have a lawn
that will continue for as long as you want it.
However,
artificial turf could need replacement in as little as 8
years
.
That's because this rubber mat will eventually wear out, get damaged,
or break. And its color will fade over time. If you have large
sections of artificial turf, this could be a significant regular
investment of money and time.
4.
Lawns Are Eco-Friendly
Are
you conscious of your effect on the environment? Then you may not be
happy with all the inorganic materials in your artificial lawn. There
are recycled elements, including the mat, but there are also
chemicals — such as latex, polyethylene, and acrylic — involved.
Most people who turn to artificial grass do so to save water, which
is commendable. But you will also still use water to keep the turf
clean.
If
you want an environmentally-friendly lawn instead, there are many
ways to do this with today's technology. Drip and spray irrigation
systems can be timed so as to avoid double-watering in the rainy
season and to target the water exactly where it's needed without
overflowing onto hardscape. Shade trees and aeration reduce
evaporation. And complementary landscape choices can reduce overall
water use.
5.
Real Looks Real
Modern
artificial grass can look very realistic from closer than ever
before. But it can still look artificial when you are within spitting
distance. For those who want to have the lush green look that comes
with something healthy and alive, there is no substitute for real
grass.
Even
if you opt for artificial turf for areas that are used less often or
seen primarily from a distance, the part of your lawn visitors
interact with deserves the look of living plants.
Want
to know more about the advantages of sod over artificial grass? Start
by consulting with the lawn experts at Novasack
Turf Farm
today.
Our pros will guide you through the choices available to meet
whatever challenge you face in your yard.
