Synthetic grass is an excellent choice because it comes with numerous benefits.
It can significantly improve the appearance of your yard, replace damaged or muddy grass, and enhance the curb appeal of your home while increasing its resale value.
So, if you are thinking about switching over to synthetic grass, Houston Texas has plenty of homes that have already made the switch comfortably.
Keep reading to understand all about synthetic grass and why you should install it on your property.
Table of contents
What Is Synthetic Grass?
Synthetic grass, also known as artificial turf, is a type of grass made from synthetic materials. It looks and feels like real grass. Synthetic grass is often used in sports arenas and fields and on residential lawns.
The grass is composed of synthetic fibers that are tufted into a backing. The backing is then glued to a drainage layer. Some of the most common areas where you can install synthetic grass include:
- Yards
- Patios
- Decks
- Pool Areas
- Playgrounds
- Sports Fields
That said, here are 5 reasons why you should consider synthetic grass.
1. Less Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of synthetic grass is that it requires less maintenance than traditional grass. You won’t have to water it, mow it, or fertilize it. You can clean the synthetic grass with ease by brushing off the dirt and debris off the grass or using a hose or a power washer. You can also use a mild soap if there are any tough stains.
Also, since you won’t be watering the grass, you won’t have to worry about your water bill going up. It’s especially beneficial if you live in an area with drought conditions.
2. Greener Grass
Synthetic grass always looks green and lush. It will never be yellow or brown from drought or heat stress. The blades of synthetic grass are made from materials that resist UV rays so that the grass will stay green all year long.
The grass will also stay green even if it receives a lot of traffic. It’s because the grass fibers are strong and durable.
3. Easier Dog Poop Pickup
If you have pets, you know that picking up dog poop can be painful. However, you won’t have to worry about this anymore with synthetic grass. It’s much easier to pick up dog poop on synthetic grass because the blades of grass are spaced out. There’s less area for the poop to get stuck in.
Moreover, the synthetic grass is also porous, so the urine will drain through the turf and into the ground. It prevents any bad smells from forming.
4. Allergen Free – Pet Friendly
Another benefit of synthetic grass is that it’s hypoallergenic. It means that it’s unlikely to cause allergies in people or pets. The grass is made of materials that are non-toxic and don’t pose any danger to your pets.
Traditional grass is one of the most common allergies, but you won’t have to worry about this anymore with synthetic grass. Pets also love synthetic grass because it’s soft and comfortable. The fur doesn’t get matted down as it does with traditional grass.
5. Durable and Long Lasting
Synthetic grass is very durable and long-lasting. It can last for up to 20 years if well installed and maintained. It means that you won’t have to replace the grass very often. It’s also easy to repair if it ever gets damaged.
Its durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas such as playgrounds, dog parks, and sports arenas.
What to Consider When Choosing Synthetic Grass
Now that you know some of the benefits of synthetic grass, you may be wondering how to choose the right type of grass for your needs. Here are some things to consider when choosing synthetic grass:
The Type of Infill
There are two types of infill for synthetic grass – sand and rubber. Sand is the most common type of infill because it’s affordable and easy to install. Rubber is more expensive, but it’s more comfortable and durable.
The Pile Height
The pile height is the height of the blades of grass. The higher the pile height, the more expensive the grass will be. However, the taller the grass, the more realistic it will look.
The Gauge
The gauge is the spacing between the synthetic grass fibers. The lower the gauge, the closer together the fibers will be spaced. The higher the gauge, the less dense the grass will be.
The Fiber Type
There are two types of synthetic grass fibers – polyethylene and nylon. Polyethylene is the most common type of fiber because it’s durable and affordable. Nylon is more expensive, but it’s also more realistic looking.
The Synthetic Grass Backing
The backing is what holds the synthetic grass fibers in place. The most common type of backing is polyurethane. This type of backing is durable and easy to work with. However, it’s not as strong as other types of backing, such as latex.
How to Install Synthetic Grass
Installing synthetic grass is a fairly easy process. However, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that the grass is installed properly.
1. Prepare the Area
The first thing you need to do is prepare the area where the grass will be installed. You need to remove any existing grass, weeds, or debris. It would help if you also made sure that the area is level.
If you’re installing the grass on soil, you need to make sure that the soil is compacted. It will help prevent the grass from shifting or moving once it’s installed.
2. Install a Weed Barrier
Once the area is prepared, you need to install a weed barrier. It will help to prevent weeds from growing up through the synthetic grass. When choosing a weed barrier, make sure to choose one made of a durable material such as landscape fabric.
3. Install the Synthetic Grass
The next step is to install the synthetic grass. It can be done by rolling out the turf and cutting it to fit the area. Once the turf is in place, you need to secure it. You can do this by using landscape staples or nails.
4. Install the Infill
After the turf is installed, you need to install the infill. It’s what gives the grass its weight and stability. The most common type of infill is sand. However, you can also use a rubber crumb or shredded tires.
5. Brush the Grass
Once the infill is installed, you need to brush the grass. It will help spread the infill evenly and help make the grass stand up. A power broom or a stiff-bristled brush can be used for this step.
6. Add a Lawn Edging
If you want, you can also add lawn edging. It will help to give the area a clean, finished look. Edging can be made of plastic, metal, or stone. It’s important to choose an edging that’s durable and weather resistant.
Tips for Maintaining Synthetic Grass
- Brush the grass regularly. Brushing the grass will help keep the grass looking fresh and also help to prevent debris from building up.
- Rinse the grass with a hose regularly. Rinsing removes any dirt or debris that’s accumulated on the grass.
- Remove any pet waste from the grass regularly. Pet waste can cause bacteria to build up, which can be harmful to your pets.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on the grass. Harsh chemicals can damage the grass and also be harmful to your pets.
Negative Aspects of Synthetic Grass
While synthetic grass has many benefits, there are also some negative aspects. Here are some of the most common negative aspects of synthetic grass:
• The grass can be hot: If the weather is hot, the grass can get very hot. It can be uncomfortable for your feet and also for your pets.
• It can get slippery after a heavy downpour: When the grass is wet, it can be slippery and can be dangerous, especially for children and seniors. But so can traditional grass, moreso when there’s mud involved.
• It may harbor bacteria. If the grass isn’t cleaned properly, it can harbor bacteria. As such, it can be harmful to your health and your pets.
To Sum It Up
If you’re on the fence about switching over to synthetic grass, we hope this article has helped sway you. There are so many benefits from making the switch, from decreased water usage to a reduced carbon footprint. Not to mention, synthetic grass is just plain fun and easy to maintain.
If you’re concerned about whether it’s affordable, the cost of synthetic grass varies depending on the quality of the grass and the amount you need. However, it’s generally more affordable than real grass.
That said, you can DIY the installation but such a job is better left to the professionals like Go-turf. A company providing such service should have the right experience, tools, and expertise to do a quality job that will show for years to come.