Transform Your Outdoor Areas With Artificial Turf
Discover all the different types of materials available for artificial turf. Learn more about the benefits and installation of artificial turf.
One of the best parts of owning a home is having a yard. Decorating your yard is an excellent way to distinguish your house from the rest of the neighborhood. A well-maintained yard can also increase the overall value of your home. While there are many advantages to having a yard, it can also be a headache. Taking care of your yard, especially in a larger home, takes a great deal of time and energy. It is easy for a yard to get out of hand, going from the pride of your home to a source of shame.
Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your yard without taking all your time and energy. A common method is installing artificial turf, more commonly known as astro turf. There are several types of artificial turf available, each made with different materials. The type of material, manufacturer and the overall size of your yard both impact the price. The grass itself typically ranges between $5 and $20 per square foot, with an additional $12 to $15 for installation.
Benefits of Installing Artificial Turf
There are many practical benefits to installing artificial turf in your yard. The first is astro turf does not require any water. This is especially helpful if you live in a drier climate where there is minimal rain. The only time you need water with artificial turf is for cleaning purposes. Even in this instance, all it takes is a small amount of water to get rid of dirt.
Artificial turf is not only easier to maintain, but it is safer for families. Allergies are less of a concern with fake grass. Astro turf does not need any weed killers, pesticides or other fertilizers to grow, making it much safer for children. Because of the safety benefits, many cities use astro turf in place of natural grass.
Astro turf is low maintenance, requiring only minimal upkeep. Because the grass never blows, you do not need to worry about mowing or trimming it. Cleaning is much easier as well. In most cases, all you need is a leaf blower to clear off whatever organic material is in the grass. Otherwise, a few minutes with a hose is enough to keep the grass clean. There is also no need to worry about weeds or other unwanted plant life growing in the artificial grass.
Types of Artificial Turf
The biggest decision you must make is which type of material to use for your artificial turf. Each material has different advantages, as well as costs. If you are concerned with strength and durability, nylon is the best material to use. Nylon has a stiff texture, which makes it hard to damage. It is one of the most expensive artificial turfs, but it is built to last a life time.
Polyethylene turf is the most common type of artificial grass. It has a bright green color, making it the best choice to mimic natural grass. It has a soft texture as well, making it comfortable to walk across. It is normally combined with a nylon thatch, which increases the cost, but gives the grass much more durability. These blends are most commonly used on athletic fields.
In terms of pricing, polypropylene is the least expensive artificial turf. Unfortunately, this is also considered the weakest material. It looks good in a yard, but it will become worn down if you or your family constantly walks on it. It also does not stand up well to warmer temperatures. The heat causes the grass to warp. It is commonly used as a decorative piece, placed away from areas where you or your family normally walk.
Home Depot
Home Depot is an excellent company to hire for artificial turf installation. Many customers choose Home Depot because they have a wide range of artificial grass to choose from. The company provides a free consultation, assessing your yard and working within your budget to pick the best material to use for your artificial turf. You have access to a wide range of samples, and all the measuring is done by professionals. Home Depot always includes cleanup and removing existing materials as part of the cost. They can also install up to 700 square feet each day, weather permitting.
The Grounds Guys
The Grounds Guys started off as a small landscaping company in the 80’s, but quickly grew to become one of the largest landscapers in both the United States and Canada. They are members of many professional landscaping groups, including the National Association of Landscape and Professionals (NALP). Despite their large size, the Grounds Guys prides itself on customer service, working directly with clients to explore all the options and choose the best artificial turf.
EasyTurf
EasyTurf prides itself on using top of the line materials, promising artificial turf that can last for 15 to 20 years. EasyTurf has multiple packages available. The basic packages are intended for residential homes, but there are specialized packages intended for pet owners, as well as athletes who want to set up a field in their backyard. There are also larger packages available for larger yards or commercial use.
