100% Natural Facts on Artificial Turf

Landscaping is all about life, right? So we bring in plants and help them grow. Well, our readers are smart enough to know that landscaping is also about hardscaping and outdoor living. But what about when you want the easy maintenance of hardscaping combined with the appearance of living plants? You’ve got two choices. You can mix and match or replace your lawn with artificial turf. Recently artificial grass has caught on, and with a changing climate, rising energy costs, and sometimes droughts or water shortages, it’s not difficult to see why. So today, we’ll get into all the benefits of replacing your Austin lawn with something that stays green without water!

Who Loves Lawns (Woohoo!) Who Love Lawn Care (Chirp)

Americans love their lawns. They’re a symbol of the American dream. Some of us even lowkey compete with our neighbors to see who can have the best lawn on the block. And while some people may enjoy lawn mowing and other lawn maintenance tasks, for most homeowners, it’s just another chore that takes them away from time with their families. Or it’s a monthly expense to pay someone else to maintain. So why not keep your green while keeping your lawn green?

Where Did Lawns Come From?

Lawns have been around for centuries. Some historians believe they originated in early Persia though the modern form of the lawn appears to have come from England. Lawns were yet another way for the gilded class to show off. In fairness, it wasn’t all for show. They also enjoyed playing games on it, in much the same way we enjoy entertaining in the yard today. Lawns emigrated to the US along with Europeans in the 1700s. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that they became more popular. Then, they took off with the spread of suburbia in the previous century, becoming what we think of them as today.

Problems With Lawns

While we may love the look of lawns, they’re not all fine and dandy! The use of chemicals to treat our lawns can end up in our runoff, and they often require the clearing of more beneficial and local plants. Many people are rethinking the lawn because of its environmental impact, especially as water can be better used elsewhere.

Benefits of Artificial Turf

For those who love the look of a lawn but want to do things differently, artificial turf is a very viable option. No longer just the stuff of backlots and football stadiums, turf is spreading in popularity, especially in desert areas.

Environmentally Sound Decision

One of the main reasons that artificial turf is spreading in popularity is Americans increased understanding of their effect on the environment. Turf makes sense with a warming client and the constant concern about our effect on wildlife. When you install turf, you eliminate the need for a mower (a notoriously gas-guzzling vehicle) and lawn treatments. You also don’t need to water your lawn any longer. That water instead can be diverted to plants that provide more environmental benefits, like trees that produce more shade and oxygen.

Save Money

Outdoor water usage is estimated to be 30 to 70 percent of total household water usage. Of that, the majority (up to 60 percent) goes to our thirsty lawns. So if you don’t like your water bill, one of the best ways to cut into it is by no longer watering a lawn! Add to that the maintenance costs of mowing, weeding, and lawn treatments, and the grass is looking greener in more ways than one.

And So Easy!

Finally, if you want easy maintenance, you can’t beat something that’s not alive. While any hardscaping or manufactured material doesn’t need the care to stay alive, only artificial turf emulates the look of a natural lawn. To maintain your turf, you only need to collect debris from it, occasionally brush it, and hose it down when it gets dirty. Then, if it stains, you can treat it the same way you would fabric.

Artificial Grass Installation

While maintaining artificial grass is easy, installing it takes an expert. At Southern Love, we professionally install your artificial turf, considering water runoff and the other plants in your landscape. It’s not a DIY project, so hire the pros! If you’ve been thinking about trying artificial grass on your property but are unsure if it’s for you, call up Southern Love. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. And if you’ve already decided you want astroturf, let’s play ball!