Why Choose Artificial Turf in AZ Arizona’s homeowners love the look and feel of a lush green lawn. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to keep that look with natural grass with the climate and periods of drought. More and more residents are turning to artificial turf for Arizona homes.
Advances in technology have made it a great option that’s not just for ballparks and putting greens anymore. Here are nine reasons Arizona homeowners are saying goodbye to grass seed and sod and instead choosing turf for their lawns.
What Is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf, also called artificial grass, is made to look and feel like natural grass; however, it’s made from synthetic materials such as polyethylene found in plastic bottles or bags. The polyethylene comes in pellets, which are melted and blended with coloring and UV-resistant additives.
Artificial turf has a thatch layer made from polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon that supports the blades, so they can bounce back from trampling. A tufting machine inserts artificial grass blades into the thatch layer in rows to anchor them securely for long useful life.
Synthetic turf is an ideal solution for people who love the look of natural grass, but due to personal or environmental factors, they cannot maintain a traditional lawn.
1. Low Maintenance Grass
With artificial grass, maintenance is limited to occasional raking to “fluff” it back up and hosing it off once a month, or more often if you have pets. With no mowing or watering or weeding to do, you have more time to enjoy your lawn. Even if your family spends many hours running and playing on your artificial grass, it bounces back with very little work on your part.
2. Water Conservation
In the United States, we waste over 4 billion gallons of water each year by watering lawns and landscaping features. With artificial turf, there’s no watering or irrigation required, so you’re saving thousands of gallons of this precious resource every year. Given the Arizona climate, this is an incredibly important point for local homeowners.
3. Cost-Effective Landscape
While it may be more expensive to install on the front end, you’ll quickly recoup your investment in artificial turf and save money over the long term. Here are a few of the reduced costs you may realize.
- You won’t need a mower that requires gas, oil, blades, and other maintenance.
- You won’t have to pay a lawn service to keep the grass mowed. Whereas you could spend thousands on sodding, planting, and tending to natural grass only to have it die from a turn of bad weather, once your artificial grass is installed, it stays green and beautiful for years to come.
- Since you don’t have to water artificial turf, you may see your household utility bills go down if you get water from a municipal water source.
- Your city or other local government may offer tax incentives for installing artificial grass to encourage water conservation.
4. Long Useful Life
Unlike natural grass, artificial turf won’t wear down in spots or become threadbare in patches, even if it’s wet for a long time. Turf holds up well, even under the demands of a home with children and pets. Most artificial lawns can last 20 years easily, and minimal routine maintenance can extend that significantly.
5. Environmental Consciousness
Artificial grass is friendlier to the planet than maintaining a natural grass lawn. Here are a few of the advantages to the environment.
- It requires no pesticides or fertilizers that eventually end up in the water supply and harm wildlife and pets.
- In the United States, we use hundreds of millions of gasoline gallons every year to run lawnmowers and other lawn equipment. Since artificial turf requires no mowing or trimming, you’re not using gas and oil that send contaminants into the air.
- The backing material underneath artificial grass is made of soy-based polymers and recycled fabrics that break down over time so that they won’t sit in a landfill for generations.
6. Grass All Year-Round
The Arizona heat and regular droughts are the biggest threats to a natural grass lawn. Artificial turf handles extremes in temperature, torrential downpours, and droughts with no trouble at all. Year-round, you’ll have a verdant, green lawn that you can enjoy without worrying about the ups and downs in the weather.
7. Creative Landscaping
You choose precisely what you want your lawn to look like with artificial grass, from the particular shade of green you want to the blades’ height. Here are some ideas of some unique ways to use it around your home.
- Trim around sidewalks, patios, and other fixtures to create a showplace right in your backyard.
- Brilliant green sections of grass up against colorful concrete pavers are a delightful way to add personality to your lawn.
- You can even put artificial turf over the top of old patio concrete or pavers you no longer want to see.
- Artificial grass is an excellent option around a pool as well, since it’s less slippery than concrete.
- If your home is designed with seating on the roof, add some artificial turf for an improved aesthetic.
- Use artificial grass to add a putting green for backyard fun and enhanced golf skills.
8. Increase Arizona Property Value
Artificial turf enhances the curb appeal of your home, and realtors and potential buyers understand the investment you put in by replacing the natural grass. Some experts say that curb appeal can increase your home’s value by up to 7 percent. Using turf in unconventional ways, such as a putting green, around a pool, or in a pattern with pavers, adds even more appeal to potential buyers. However, one thing to note is that some homeowners’ associations require natural grass lawns, so you should check HOA rules before you begin your project.
9. Pet-Friendly Chemical Free Grass
With no pesticides or chemicals needed, artificial turf is safe for pets and cleans up quickly. Your dog can chase a ball, and your cat can laze in the sun on your artificial turf without any danger to its health. Also, you don’t have to worry about your pup finding a muddy hole to roll in and bringing it into your house. Your installation expert can give you tips on how to best remove pet waste from your particular brand of lawn materials, but for most, a rinse with clean water will keep the turf looking and smelling fresh.
Switch Natural Grass to Artificial Turf in AZ
Turf installation is not a do-it-yourself kind of task because it requires some specific tools, machinery, and skills. On such a significant investment, you want to know that the work is done right. At Mesquite Landscaping, our team of knowledgeable, trained professionals can answer all your questions about making the switch from natural grass to artificial turf. Contact us today to set up a time for your free consultation. We’ll give you options you might not even know are possible and help you make the best choice for your home and your family’s lifestyle.
Shutterstock Image /Christopher Babcock