Homeowners must find ways to handle the chores around their home while balancing other portions of their lives. One of the biggest time drains of owning a home is taking care of the lawn. Natural grass lawns are high maintenance and can require several hours of your time a week. Homeowners who are looking for convenience have options when it comes to lawn care. Artificial grass is low maintenance and can free up several hours of time each week that can be spent with family or other recreational activities.
No Yard Work
Artificial grass requires little care. There is no mowing, watering, trimming or weed eating. A large yard can take several hours to mow, trim and weed eat each week. Watering can also pose a problem for homeowners. In California, water restrictions are put in place whenever drought conditions occur. Water usage is prohibited for unnecessary activities such as washing cars, filling swimming pools and watering lawns. Artificial grass requires no water and will look vibrant and green no matter what weather conditions are present. Learn more about getting rid of the weeds (and most yard work) with an artificial grass lawn.
No Clean Up
With natural grass, every time the lawn is mowed or trimmed, clippings and weeds are produced. Lawn rakes are made to pick up grass clippings and other small forms of lawn debris, but the problem is what to do with them after they have been collected. Many cities and towns have public compost areas where homeowners can take their lawn waste. Mulching or cross cutting the grass can reduce the amount of clippings that are produced, but what is left behind eventually turns brown and becomes visible among the darker green blades of grass.
There is very little clean up when artificial turf has been installed. Although some small bits of lawn debris may be present, they are often blown there from neighboring properties. A few minutes a day picking up small twigs and leaves is a far cry from spending hours dealing with lawn clippings and pulled weeds.
Pollen may also accumulate on your yard which is easily cleaned by hosing off your yard.
No Chemicals
A natural grass lawn can require a variety of chemicals to keep it looking green, lush and full. A few include:
-
Fertilizers – Fertilizers are applied to provide the nutrients grass needs to grow and thrive. Extra amounts are added when new grass seed is broadcast so that the seed has more than enough nutrients to become established and take root.
-
Weedkillers – Weedkillers are used to get rid of unwanted weeds that can take hold and spread. Dandelion and crabgrass can take over a lawn in just a few weeks, crowding out grass and preventing seedlings from taking root.
-
Pesticides – With natural grass lawns, low areas can pool with water after a heavy rain. Standing water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Pesticides are used to control insect populations. With artificial turf, standing water is not a problem. Small channels are laid throughout the lawn so that any excess water can drain safely away.
Pet Waste
The best way to remove pet waste from your artificial turf is by simple picking it up with either a pooper scooper or a bag. Then all you need to do is hose down the area to wash away anything remaining.
Keeping blades upright
Overtime your artificial turf may start to lean over due to repeated activity on the lawn. No worries though because this is a simple fix. It is as easy as simply grooming your lawn by using a broom or handled brush to brush against the natural grain to make these blades stand up properly.
Homeowners who choose to install artificial grass will also reduce the overall cost of lawn care. Lawn mowers, trimmers, tillers and thatchers take money to operate. The cost of gas, oil and other accessories can add up over time. Along with the cost of caring for lawn equipment, no more money will be spent on grass seed or chemicals that are needed to keep the lawn full and lush.
Water is also an expense that will no longer have to be worried about. The cost of water usage over time can become quite expensive. When drought conditions are present, heavy fines can be levied against homeowners who disregard the town's water restrictions. In some cases, fines can be as much as $500 per day. Looking for ways to save water? Download our water conservation tips.
