Thinking about switching to artificial grass for your lawn? It’s a smart investment, but there are important considerations to make before making the leap. From lifespan to safety for kids and pets, this guide breaks down the 10 Things to Know Before Buying Artificial Grass.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about this versatile and low-maintenance solution.
Here’s the preview of this article:
- What is the expected life?
- Is artificial grass safe for my kids?
- Will the artificial grass mold?
- How do I clean my artificial lawn?
- Does artificial grass get really hot?
- Will rain impact my artificial lawn?
- Are artificial lawns pet friendly?
- How much does an artificial lawn cost?
- How much water is saved by using artificial grass?
- How does the replacement cost at the end of my lawn’s useful life compare to the original installation cost?
1. What is the expected life?
The expected life of artificial turf is a function of the quality of the product, the intended use/application, and the amount of direct sunlight the artificial turf will be exposed to.
- Better quality yarns and backings will result in a longer useful life.
- Less traffic will result in a longer useful life (think sports field vs. a typical front yard).
- Less direct sunlight will result in a longer useful life.
The combination of the above would result in a range of 8 to 10 years on the low end and 15 to 20 years on the high end. Learn how to extend the lifespan of your artificial grass with expert tips on quality, usage, sunlight exposure, and maintenance for long-lasting results.
Be sure to select the right product for your budget, intended use, and application, and the amount of direct sunlight your artificial lawn will be exposed to. Learn more about professional artificial grass installation services to ensure optimal performance.
2. Is artificial grass safe for my kids?
Absolutely. Most (if not all) latest generation artificial grasses are lead-safe, PFAS-free, non-toxic, and low maintenance. If in doubt, ask your supplier for a copy of their testing (double-check that it comes from a domestic laboratory).
This article “Guide to Choosing Child-Safe Artificial Grass” offers valuable tips on selecting safe, non-toxic, and durable artificial grass for children’s play areas. It includes expert advice on safety standards, cushioning, drainage, and maintenance to help parents create secure and fun outdoor spaces.
A synthetic lawn can help to reduce allergies (related to grasses) and reduce the itchiness that can sometimes happen when kids play on natural lawns.
In addition, with the right installation method and system for your application, there can be fewer injuries from slips, trips, and falls.
Additionally, with the use of artificial grass, you significantly cut down on the use and harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. Explore our artificial grass solutions for families to create a kid-friendly lawn.
3. Will the artificial grass mold?
Mold and mildew are not generally an issue. With proper installation and drainage, rain and moisture are migrated away from the grass in a way similar to natural lawns. The turf backing is perforated to allow for water to drain.
This article explores the components of artificial turf, potential chemical exposures, and health considerations, offering a balanced view on safety. If you’re considering DIY installation, check out our DIY resources for artificial turf to ensure proper drainage techniques.
Explore the “Guide to Mold-Resistant Artificial Grass”. This comprehensive blog covers everything you need to know about the benefits, installation tips, and maintenance strategies for mold-resistant artificial grass, helping you achieve a clean, long-lasting, and low-maintenance lawn. Perfect for homeowners and businesses in damp climates.
4. How do I clean my artificial lawn?
You can use a leaf blower or stiff-bristled push broom for occasional cleaning, and if you live in an area where it doesn’t rain very often, it is recommended that you hose down the lawn periodically to remove dust.
For lightly soiled areas (e.g., pets), you can use an enzymatic cleaner (or similar) on a periodic basis.
There are also “Artificial Turf Rakes” on the market – similar to “shag carpet” rakes that can help not only remove yard debris but also help combat wear patterns. For professional maintenance tips, visit our artificial lawn care guide.
This comprehensive guide explores effective tips, tools, and techniques for maintaining artificial grass. Covering everything from stain removal to addressing drainage issues, for more insights, visit the original blog post at The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Artificial Grass.
5. Does artificial grass get really hot?
Check out our White Paper on Artificial Grass & Temperature.
It is also important to distinguish between artificial lawns (which are usually installed with 1 to 2 lbs per sq ft of a sand-like infill) and a sports field (which may be installed with up to 5 lbs per sq ft of black crumb rubber).
Synthetic grass in direct sunlight does get warmer than a natural lawn in direct sunlight (in the shade you will not notice any temperature difference other than that which may be created by moisture retention).
In practice, though, we have found when the artificial grass is uncomfortably hot, it would normally be warm enough outside that it is not actually impacting the degree to which children are playing on the artificial grass – because in both cases, the kids would be doing something other than rolling around on the lawn.
You can combat uncomfortable temperatures by sprinkling the area with water – the cooling effect of the water and the effect of transpiration as the water evaporates will help to keep the turf at a comfortable temperature.
This blog explores the common concern of artificial grass heating up in sunny conditions. It provides insights into why artificial grass retains heat, the challenges it poses, and practical solutions to manage temperatures for safer and more comfortable outdoor spaces.
6. Will rain impact my artificial lawn?
Synthetic grass is fine to use in any type of climate or region. Inclement weather that drops a lot of rain and moisture is not a problem because the artificial grass will have a permeable backing to allow water to flow out properly.
In fact, if you live in an area where it rains more often, you’ll have the added benefit of reduced maintenance when it comes to cleaning and hosing down the lawn to remove dust. Learn more about rain-resistant artificial grass systems for optimal drainage.
7. Are artificial lawns pet friendly?
Yes – most artificial grasses are pet-friendly.
With proper installation of a pet system, and selection of an artificial turf product that will help you to balance function and aesthetics, your pets are free to roam and play as they normally would.
It is important to make sure your installer uses a pet-friendly (anti-microbial) infill and be aware that you will need to periodically apply an enzymatic cleaner (or equivalent) that will help to combat the ammonia buildup in pet urine.
A typical pet system might include:
- A pet-friendly turf designed to balance aesthetics and function.
- A coated infill product that will help to break down the ammonia buildup.
- A drainage mat to allow for higher drainage rates and improve the effectiveness of “flushing” out your system.
- An enzymatic cleaner that you will apply periodically.
Generally speaking, shorter pile grasses are better for pets – easier to clean and more resistant to matting/wear patterns. Check out our pet-friendly artificial grass solutions for a perfect fit.
8. How much does an artificial lawn cost?
The cost of a turn-key solution can be affected by a variety of factors, including:
- The selected artificial grass.
- The installation methodology.
- The amount of sub-base preparation that needs to be done (depth of excavation, amount of roots, access to the work area, etc.).
- The amount and type of infill required for your project.
- The location of your project (labor rates in San Jose, California are different than labor rates in El Paso, TX; dump fees also vary by location, etc.).
Bob Vila’s guide reviews top artificial grass products, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, aiding readers in making informed purchasing decisions
Generally speaking, artificial grass will have a payback period of 4 to 8 years. For pricing and expert advice, reach out to our artificial grass installation services.
9. How much water is saved by using artificial grass?
This will vary by region and climate, but a good rule of thumb is 37 gallons per sq ft per year – so for a typical 1000 sq ft lawn, you would on average save 37,000 gallons of water annually and over a half million gallons of water throughout the life of an installation.
10. How does the replacement cost at the end of my lawn’s useful life compare to the original installation cost?
The replacement cost (ignoring the effects of inflation over the course of 15 years) would be 60% to 70% of the original installation cost (so 30% to 40% cheaper) because the replacement is much like replacing carpet with significantly less work required for sub-base preparation.
This means the ROI on the replacement is even better.
Conclusion
Artificial grass offers a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional lawns, but understanding its benefits and challenges is essential before purchasing. From its lifespan and cost savings to the safety of kids and pets, these 10 Things to Know Before Buying Artificial Grass will help you make an informed decision.
Start your journey today to enjoy a beautiful, hassle-free lawn with the help of our artificial grass services.
