Environmental Impacts of Artificial Grass

While lawns are great for the environment and offer psychological benefits to homeowners, they also require much skill and effort to maintain. The growing season, drought conditions, insect pressures, and soil health issues can be formidable opponents. If you live in Melbourne, Australia, you may be considering an artificial grass installation for your home lawn. 

Synthetic turf is made of heat-resistant plastic fibers stitched to a solid backing. It replaces natural grass in areas where it is not growing. Originally, artificial turf was used as a replacement for sports fields. However, technology has made it far more durable and attractive than ever. Today, the most sophisticated models even come with shock-absorbing pads, which help prevent injuries and ensure that you can play hard and long on your new artificial turf.

The initial investment is the only drawback to installingfake grass in Melbourne. You will pay between $5 and $20 per square foot for it, but you can enjoy a free lawn for 15 to 25 years! To compare, the cost of professionally-layed sod can range anywhere from 14 cents to 60 cents per square foot, and you have to keep moving and fertilizing it. The total cost of maintenance is so high that it takes seven years to recoup the initial investment. But if you stay with your artificial grass for seven or more years, you will be saving money each year.

While artificial turf is popular among homeowners, you should be aware that it is not made of the same material as natural grass. The yarn type distinguishes its characteristics. Different types of yarn have other properties. Nylon is an excellent choice for beautiful lawns, but it is not suitable for areas with pets. Polypropylene is more rugged but is not ideal for children or pets. Meanwhile, polyethene is a middle ground between the two, balancing toughness with aesthetics.

When installing artificial grass, you need to make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. You need to lay the artificial grass in the same direction on all sides, including the edges and the ceiling. If you have multiple floors, you will need to install the artificial turf in the same direction for everyone. The grass must be installed the same way, and the rolls should be oriented in the same direction. You can cut the grass rolls after the materials have dried.

While there are many advantages to installing artificial grass near you, the initial cost is high. You should consider the maintenance cost before making the final decision. Unlike real grass, artificial turf has no maintenance costs, and you can even save a lot of money over time. You will not have to spend a lot of money on watering, fertilizing, or watering. You can also get rebates from the Las Vegas Valley Water District for installing water-efficient landscaping.

Read the infographic below from Easy Turf that provides more information about artificial grass and its effects on the environment: