7 Things to Consider Before Getting Artificial Grass

Thinking of getting artificial grass for your home? A faux lawn is actually a pretty great way to boost curb appeal and lower your exterior maintenance costs, but you’ll want to keep a couple of key considerations in mind before you rip out your grass and swap in some synthetic turf.

There are a number of big reasons behind the increased interest in artificial grass, including growing consumer awareness over water conservation and the heavy toll that traditional lawn maintenance takes on our global water supply. In Southwestern states, where arid conditions and consistent warm temperatures require lots of annual yard maintenance, outdoor water use accounts for a striking 60% of all residential water use. And in states like California, many towns have taken steps to limit lawn watering, restricting residents to certain days and prohibiting watering within 48 hours after rainfall.

Of course, maybe it’s not water usage that’s having you reconsider a grass lawn. Many people choose to go the faux route because artificial grass doesn’t require nearly as much regular care as regular grass, nor does it come with some of grass’s more pesky traits—like weeds, bugs, and dirt. Still, there are some drawbacks to be aware of too, especially if you’re not looking to spend big on the highest quality synthetic turf available.

So, what should you keep in mind? Here are seven things to know about artificial grass as you decide whether or not it’s the right choice for your home.

It’s safer than you might think

It looks better—and more real—than ever before

It’s not totally maintenance free

It’s pricier than sod, but cheaper over time

It can positively affect your home value

It’s actually good for the environment

It has lots of benefits if you have pets

Artificial Grass vs. Real Grass: Which is Better?

There’s no easy answer to this one, since it really depends on your preferences and your budget. Some cases where artificial grass might be the better choice are if you live in an arid and hot state where grass has a difficult time thriving or in a state that regularly faces drought. It can also be a great choice if you don’t have a lot of time (or desire) to devote to lawn maintenance and would prefer something that looks nice without all of the work that it takes to keep it that way.

Still, real grass has its benefits too, including the ability to improve air quality and increase community appeal. It’s also a lot more affordable to have installed, and while it’s not impervious to the elements, it doesn’t necessarily have the limited lifespan that fake grass does.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a faux lawn or a real lawn is the right choice for your home. We recommend that you consider all of the factors above, and if you do decide that artificial grass is right for you, do plenty of research before deciding on a company and the specifics of the turf that you choose—including material, color, and durability.