Grass Replacement for your Lawn
As a landowner, you may have experience with sod installation. Along the process comes the decision of whether you should use natural grass lawns or artificial lawns. For those who are new to turfs, this is for you. Listed are the advantages and disadvantages of both types of lawns.
You can never go wrong with going all-natural, which is probably why most homes adorn their place with a natural grass lawn. There are a lot of varieties available based on growth, blade, and nutrient requirements. A fake turf may look great in your garden. Thanks to the advances in technology, most artificial turfs look like real ones. It is even favored by many because of the uniform color and length. There are too many options for colors. If you want something unusual, you may choose artificial grass in the colors of pink and blue.
Cost
First, you have to consider the expenses of your sod installation and maintenance. With installation, you have to think of the materials, fees, and labor. Generally, a piece of fake grass is more expensive than real ones.
If you opt for natural sod installation, you have two options either sodding or seeding. Sodding is more expensive since it is pre-grown. If you want to cut back on costs, choose to plant seeds. For both options, you need to install a lawn irrigation system. If you are not familiar, you may consult with a professional installer. However, this may cost more and does not include the expenses for the sprinkler system.
For care and maintenance costs, a fake grass lawn is a winner. Since it only needs minimal care, it will not be heavy in your pockets. Natural grass may require more from you for it to grow. It can be hard to maintain it. You may ask for help from professionals. But of course, you can lessen the expenses if you will do it by yourself.
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Care
To ensure that your sod installation will last, you have to take care of it. Artificial grass lawns usually last about 25 years. It does not rely on much care and maintenance. You only have to water the lawn once dust or dirt settles on the top. You may do this once a month. The only material you will need is probably a hose. You may also brush the fake turf to restore its look. It is beneficial for turf placed in heavy traffic areas. If you have pets who trudge on your lawn, consider odor control.
A natural grass lawn may need more extensive care, such as fertilizing, watering, mowing, aeration, and weed control. Fertilizers are needed to provide nutrients to your soil and plants. It may also keep the weeds away. Usually, this is done four times a year. The schedule will depend on your lawn’s needs and the climate. Watering is also necessary. Established grass may require less water, while newly planted grass will need more. You also have to mow and remove clippings in your grass to ensure its growth. Doing the opposite will deprive nutrients to reach your plants. Lastly, aeration is also a must. It allows nutrients to penetrate the grassroots. It can be done twice a year.
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Environmental Impact
To decide on the grass for your sod installation, you can also consider its effect on the environment. Real grass needs fertilizer to thrive. This fertilizer may have harmful chemicals that may pose a risk to you and your family. On the other hand, the artificial lawn is relatively free from it. It is probably the reason why most public play areas use fake grass. If you and your family love to play in the grass, fake turf may be good for you. Of course, natural grass may not always be dangerous, especially if it is not exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Artificial grass only requires minimal watering. It helps save one of our essential natural resources, which is water. However, the manufacture and material of fake turfs may contribute to pollution. On the other hand, natural grass has numerous benefits for our environment. After all, it is a living thing. It benefits the ecosystem by supplying oxygen, absorbing heat, and filtering pollution. But like its artificial counterpart, it also has a disadvantage. The chemicals used with natural grass may damage water systems because of runoff.
There you have it! The grass is the main piece in your landscaping. It is only natural to take time to decide what to use. With what was listed in the article, hopefully, you can arrive at a decision easily.
My Landscapers has been doing sod installation throughout Toronto, Markham, Vaughan & Richmond Hill. Our professionals best materials and tools to help your lawn look lush, healthy & green. Request your FREE, no-obligation, detailed estimate today, and one of our landscaping experts will contact you.
