Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf and Natural Turf for Landscaping
11 May 2020Artificial turf has becoming more and more popular for being a sustainable option because it reduces the need for water, water, fertilizer, and continuous mowing maintenance. Plus, the newest generation of artificial turf often looks good enough to fool us into thinking it’s real. However, some still think that natural turf is a better option since they are a beautiful, emotional thing, like a pool, and it has an emotional value. It makes a garden look beautiful and serene. Besides, it might be better to grow something, rather than smother the living soil beneath it. Below are the pros and cons of artificial and natural turf for landscaping so you yourself could choose which one works for you.
Artificial Turf Advantages
Water conservation – Artificial turf makes it easy to comply, dramatically reducing water usage without sacrificing aesthetic standards set by homeowners’ associations. Conserving water is not only eco-friendly, it’s budget-friendly, in a big way.
Toxicity, Allergens and Chemicals – No poisonous materials are used in the manufacture of artificial turf. Also, artificial turf doesn’t grow. So goodbye, grass pollen, hello enjoying your yard, no matter the season. Aside from that, artificial turf requires no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers to remain beautiful and bug-free. That’s safer for your family, and safer for the environment.
Durability – The materials used in making artificial turf are extremely durable, able to withstand almost any type of torture. Dig-proof for dogs and varmints, exceptionally stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and it won’t fray at the edges.
Artificial Turf Disadvantages
Surface Heat – Artificial turf holds more heat than natural grass, so it can feel warm to the touch. Some types of infill can also raise the surface temperature. Artificial turf does not flame up, but it can melt if something such as a hot charcoal falls on it or under intense reflected sunlight from a window. However, fake grass can be repaired.
Odour Build-up – Like natural grass, if you don’t clean up messes on artificial turf, they will fester. Certain types of infill are prone to holding odours, too.
Natural Turf Advantages
Natural turf is a beautiful detail in your exterior living space landscaping. They are self-sanitising as it looks, feels, and smells natural. There are also a variety of lawn options with mowing and maintenance. Unlike artificial turf, natural turf stays cool to touch in hot weather and has a softer impact on people. They are a low-cost maintenance or installation and it benefits the environment by producing oxygen, storing carbon, improving soils and filtering air and water, cools the neighbourhood.
Natural Turf Disadvantages
Although natural turf is as serene and beautiful as ever it requires mowing, fertilisation and other maintenance. It can also die or become damaged under certain environmental conditions or heavy usage. Lastly, it can get muddy and torn up after rain and activity
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