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Go Green By Faking It With Artificial Grass

By
Mortgage and Lending with The Michael Haigh Team NMLS# 200819

Go Green By Faking It With Artificial TurfThe summer heat is starting to take its toll on you and your thirsty lawn. Homeowners spend hundreds of dollars every summer striving to grow healthy grass and keep it green.

If you're sick of trying to maintain a manicured lawn, then you can go green another way. Install artificial turf.

The Grass is Always Greener

Today's artificial grass is made out of polypropylene, nylon, or polyethylene threads that are sewn into a mesh backing that allows for water drainage. This is then usually laid on top of compacted gravel and tied down at the perimeter.

Modern artificial lawns can mimic many varietals of grass and some even have a thatch layer to give it a more realistic look.

Sick Of Maintenance

Homeowners have many reasons for wanting to be free of their demanding lawns, such as high summer water bills and the constant use of pesticides. With a fake lawn, you won't have to water, which is especially good for high-heat areas, you won't have to mow and you can quit worrying about how the weather will affect it.

Considering The Costs

While installing artificial grass can cost a bit up front, it'll be maintenance free for the next 15 to 20 years. You won't have to worry about water bills, purchasing grass seed, buying fertilizer or getting gas for the lawnmower, which can add up to a couple hundred dollars every year.

Potential Drawbacks

While a maintenance-free yard does have some appeal, there are a few drawbacks to take into consideration. Fake lawns don't absorb pet waste, so you have to hose them off regularly.

They can also heat up in direct sunlight. Planting shade trees will help with this issue. And, artificial lawns cannot be recycled, which is an issue that the industry is looking to remedy.

Saving water and reducing the use of pesticides is great for the environment. However, you have to like the look of artificial grass and make sure you're ready for the investment.

If you've been considering going green by switching to year-round green grass, talk with a local installer for grass options and cost comparisons.

 

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Comments (3)

Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Michael - you are a guy after my husband's heart! We're not in a drought situation - finally this year - but his idea of a perfect 'lawn' are the seashells on his beloved Sanibel Island! Actually, it isn't a bad idea - and of course would take care of the pesky armadillos that dig up lawns around here looking for their grubs!

Jul 05, 2013 06:33 AM
Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Michael, I live in the California Desert, and water tolerant landscapes are becoming more and more prevalent here.  The artificial turf today are so beautiful, and you will be hard pressed to notice a difference between real and not real.

Jul 05, 2013 07:00 AM
Michael Haigh
The Michael Haigh Team - Rocklin, CA
Production Manager/Top Producing Sr. Loan Officer

Yes, there are a lot of benefits to artificial turf, definitely. The upfront cost is a mild deterant for some but the long term benefits are high! I see it like a fake christmas tree - some people just say that it won't work for them, but other have been doing it for years. As for my experience, the fake trees work for many years, come out of the box looking great, and are easier to decorate. But, there's nothing like the smell of fresh pine tree and the memories of the kids hauling the dead tree to the street in January. 

I'm obviously torn! 

All the best!

Jul 08, 2013 05:14 AM