Artificial Grass - The Pros and Cons (2024)

Artificial Grass - The Pros and Cons (1)

Despite the initial high installation cost, artificial grass lawns offer significant advantages over natural grass lawns. Below is a comparison of the top pros and cons of artificial grass, highlighting why the industry continues to expand annually.

On average, a household can save more than 50 gallons of water annually for each square foot of artificial grass installed. In regions susceptible to drought, water restrictions often include bans on traditional lawn watering. Additionally, water companies may provide a rebate of up to $1 per square foot to encourage the use of artificial grass.

ProsCons
Nearly maintenance freeHigh installation cost
Almost pest freeHigh cost to replace
No watering, mowing, or lawn maintenanceCan absorb heat in high summer temperatures
Can increase the value of a home when used in a well-designed landscapeWith cheaper brands, turf sometimes doesn’t feel like real grass underfoot
Resists stains from salt water and chlorinated poolsCould experience fading if placed near windows

Why Homeowners Install Artificial Grass

Common Disadvantages of Artificial Grass

  • The initial cost of installing is high compared to laying sod in your lawn.
  • Real grass lawns stay “cool”, while artificial grass can absorb heat and gets hotter in the summer months; unless the proper cooling infill is used, such as PureZEO Pro Artificial Turf Infill from Bella Turf.
  • Depending on the quality you purchase, you could experience problems with fading or wear patterns in the fabric. However, Bella Turf Artificial Grass comes with a 10 year landscape grass warranty.
  • Some cheaper artificial grass brands look fake.
  • Synthetic grass cannot be recycled.
  • Some homeowners’ associations and city municipalities have a ban on fake grass.
  • It can’t easily absorb and break down pet urine. With artificial grass and pets, you must use a turf deodorizer, such as Bella Turf’s very own product: Turf Renew.
  • You still have to blow off debris and leaves, and hose off any pet waste. View our Artificial Grass Maintenance Guide.

Summary

Both artificial grassand a real grass lawn have their upsides, but for some individuals artificial grass may provide enough benefits to be worth considering.

Artificial Grass has been carefully developed over the years to be superior to real grass lawn, and if you can afford the luxury of artificial grass, it is definitely worth considering.

The time savings and added enjoyment from your care-free lawn might just earn you that extra time with the family you’ve been missing out on.

If you have any further questions about artificial grass, leave us a message and we’d be happy to help out.

Artificial Grass - The Pros and Cons (2024)

FAQs

Artificial Grass - The Pros and Cons? ›

Heat hazard.

The heat-absorbing properties of an artificial field make it too hot to play on in extremely warm weather. On a 98-degree day, the temperature on the turf could rise to more than 120 degrees.

What is the downside of artificial grass? ›

Heat hazard.

The heat-absorbing properties of an artificial field make it too hot to play on in extremely warm weather. On a 98-degree day, the temperature on the turf could rise to more than 120 degrees.

Is it worth it to buy fake grass? ›

Synthetic lawns require almost no maintenance besides occasional cleaning. There's no need for mowing, fertilizing, aerating or weeding. Durability is a big plus. Artificial turf stands up well to heavy use and extreme weather ranging from UV rays to freezing temperatures.

How long will artificial grass last? ›

A good synthetic grass lawn can last 15-20 years. Between that and the fact that sports arenas use them because they can withstand a lot of wear and take little to no maintenance, it's clear why more and more home and business owners are making the switch for their own outdoor spaces.

What's better than artificial grass? ›

Natural grass has the potential to last forever

If you enjoy spending weekends in the garden and taking care of your outdoor areas, then a natural lawn is a great option for you. With a natural lawn, what you put in is what you get. A well-maintained natural lawn has the potential to last for many years.

What is the problem with artificial grass? ›

It restricts access to natural materials like leaf litter and grass clippings – essential for feeding soil organisms like worms and microscopic animals and keeping the soil healthy. Artificial grass reaches significantly greater temperatures than those reached by natural grass under the same weather conditions.

What are the health issues with artificial grass? ›

Carcinogens including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Latex and other rubbers which can cause allergic reactions. Phthalates which have adverse effects on the reproductive organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. Crumb rubber can degrade from weather and microbes, producing new chemicals.

Is artificial grass hard to maintain? ›

Minimum upkeep

Your yard will look great all year long with minimum effort on your part, as artificial grass doesn't need watering and requires very little upkeep. There is no irrigation needed, no mowing and no fertilizers.

Does fake grass grow mold? ›

Improper Installation of Artificial Grass

Improper drainage is the main cause of virtually all mold or mildew you'll experience with synthetic grass, and unfortunately, this problem can begin as early as the initial installation.

Is it a good idea to put artificial grass in the backyard? ›

Artificial grass isn't green forever

But eventually, those artificial lawns do degrade. The average lifespan of artificial turf is about 10 years. That means unlike other landscaping costs, your upfront investment will depreciate over time.

What should you not do with artificial grass? ›

Artificial Grass Do's and Don'ts
  • Leave or use plastic pools on the grass.
  • Cover grass with tarps.
  • Use barbeques or grills on your grass.
  • Use firepits on your grass.
  • Leave metal tools on your grass.
  • Place recently used power tools or tools with engines on your grass.
  • Place glass tables on your grass.

How often should you water artificial grass? ›

Because artificial turf is made of synthetic materials, it does not need to be watered at all, except when the homeowner decides to occasionally rinse it off.

Does artificial grass turn yellow? ›

Unlike natural grass which can turn yellow during certain seasons or under specific conditions, artificial grass stays green and vibrant all year round. Whether it's scorching summer heat or freezing winter temperatures, your artificial lawn will maintain its lush appearance.

What are the negatives of artificial grass? ›

Top 10 problems with artificial grass
  • Cost. ...
  • It is not as soft as you think. ...
  • Surface Heat. ...
  • Forgetting about weed growth. ...
  • You will still need to maintain it. ...
  • Drainage issues. ...
  • Lifting Edges. ...
  • Materials used.
Feb 24, 2020

How much does the best artificial grass cost? ›

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between $2 and $20 per square foot for artificial turf installation with the average cost being $12.5 per square foot.

Does artificial grass get hot in the sun? ›

When the summer heat is on, artificial grass will heat up more than natural grass and maintain a higher temperature. As with decking or patios exposed to direct sunlight, fake turf temperature can rise quickly and will not have the natural cooling effect we may be used to from a real grass lawn.

Does artificial grass cause drainage problems? ›

All good quality artificial grass should allow water to drain if correctly installed. But cheaper grass, poor installation procedures, the wrong base layer, clay-based soils, a concrete base or other issues can create severe drainage challenges.

Is artificial grass high maintenance? ›

Artificial grass is extremely low maintenance, but performing occasional TLC will help you maximize the lifespan of your turf installation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5926

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.