It’s amazing how dramatically and quickly a bright green, meticulously manicured lawn can elevate a home. If you’ve ever experienced a yard overgrown with tall blades and mangled weeds, you know how striking the difference is. Synthetic or real, the grass outside your house covers a lot of ground (literally), so it has the ability to make your yard feel neat and orderly or unkempt and chaotic. For your family, your neighbors, your future visitors, and yourself, a spick-and-span outdoor space is a lot more enjoyable than a disorderly one.
Maintaining a pristine lawn that’s made of natural grass, however, is no easy feat. If you’re tired of mowing your lawn every week or sick of tackling brown patches every summer, you might be wondering if making the switch to artificial turf is a smarter choice. Since turf looks vibrant any time of year and doesn’t require much maintenance, it might seem like a no-brainer, but the decision isn’t as simple as you’d think. To settle the turf vs. grass debate and help you select the right material you and your lawn, we consulted Tom Smith, the owner of Desert Designer Landscape and Development in Tempe, Arizona. Keep scrolling for the real dirt on each option, including the pros and cons of each.
Artificial Turf Pros
If you’re tired of mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn, artificial grass might seem like a dream come true. On many levels, it is! “The three biggest advantages to installing artificial grass are saving money on your water bill, eliminating yard maintenance, and never worrying about grass dying,” Smith notes. Here are the biggest pros of a turf lawn:
It’s Cost-Effective Over Time
When compared to the maintenance costs of natural grass, turf is more affordable in the long run. “You’re not buying fertilizer or gas for your mower, and you’re not dealing with lousy soil or pests,” Smith says. Over time, these savings really add up, making artificial grass a smart long-term investment.
It’s Low-Maintenance
Unlike grass, turf stays green and manicured with minimal effort and throughout every season. With turf, you don’t have to mow, water, or feed your lawn or deal with sparse spots and brown patches during certain times of year. Instead, you can maintain its lovely, lush look with low-stress, less frequent cleaning.
It’s Long-Lasting
Turf is a durable material that can withstand heavy use and any type of weather. It looks the same in the winter and summer and no matter how often you trot across it. Proper care also helps it last longer. “If you maintain it properly, it will hit the 20-year mark,” Smith says.
It Conserves Water
Turf is a clear winner when it comes to water conservation. While this is a universal eco-friendly benefit, for homeowners in drought-prone areas, reducing water usage is especially impactful. “In Arizona, where I work, water is a precious resource, so limiting water usage is a huge benefit,” he says.
Artificial Turf Cons
While there are so many glorious advantages of a turf lawn, there are downsides, too. Read on for the top concerns of a turf lawn:
It’s Expensive Up Front
Installing turf is expensive, and although the upfront costs will pay off over time, it takes a while to see the financial benefits. “It usually takes three to six years to pay off the installation costs, depending on your water usage,” Smith explains.
It Traps Heat
Many homeowners assume artificial grass stays cool in the summer, but that’s not actually the case. “People think artificial grass feels like natural grass in the heat, but it’s more like carpet or concrete,” Smith points out. On hot days, artificial grass can get uncomfortably warm, so if your kids or pets are about to play on it, you’ll need to cool it off with the hose.
It Requires Consistent Cleaning
Even though you won’t need a lawn mower to maintain a turf lawn, you’ll still have to clean it regularly. “If you have pets, hose it down once a week,” Smith advices. “If not, once a month is fine.” Since turf traps odors, you might need to upgrade your cleaning regimen by adding an artificial grass cleaner or a vinegar-and-water mix. Fallen leaves and branches can still end up on your turf yard, so regularly raking or brushing it is also important. To avoid bigger issues in the long run, Smith recommends hiring a professional cleaner once a year.
It Isn’t Biodegradable
Once your turf fades after a decade or two and the time has come to replace it, your old turf will likely end up in a landfill, according to Smith. While some manufacturers are working toward more sustainable options, turf isn’t biodegradable, which means it sticks around long after its lifespan.
Real Grass Pros
On the other hand, you can’t beat the look, feel, and smell of real grass. There’s a reason why it’s been the go-to choice for generations! Read on for some of the biggest perks of real grass:
It’s Naturally Beautiful
The obvious benefit of real grass is, of course, its natural beauty. There’s nothing like the lush look of a freshly cut lawn—or the smell, for that matter. Not to mention, the fresh, soft blades make outdoor picnics and backyard hangouts feel more complete.
It Stays Cool
When fresh grass is baking in the sun, unlike turf, it maintains a cool temperature. If you have kids or dogs who play outside a lot, grass is a more comfortable option in the warmer months.
The Installation Is Less Expensive
While turf costs an arm and a leg to install, the upfront costs of grass are a lot more affordable. All you need is some nutrient-rich soil, a little grass seed, a watering hose, and you’re all set.
It Can Boost Your Yard’s Ecosystem
Real grass isn’t just beautiful—it can also strengthen the ecosystem of your yard. It helps absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and improve air quality by trapping dust and pollutants.
Real Grass Cons
You can’t argue with the timeless beauty of real grass, but maintaining its vibrant, orderly look comes with some costs. Keep scrolling to learn about the cons of grass:
It’s High-Maintenance
All that beauty comes with maintenance like regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and occasional reseeding. Not only is the upkeep labor-intensive, but it can also be costly—especially in drier climates.
It’s Unpredictable
Natural lawns can be unpredictable and prone to weeds, brown patches, and wear and tear. They also require different care throughout the year. Depending on your climate, you may only get to experience a picturesque lawn for a season or two.
It Can Hurt The Environment
Although grass is a natural, living thing, the amount of water, gas, and electricity it needs to stay in tip-top shape isn’t necessarily good for the environment (of course, this varies depending on the household). Plus, fertilizing your grass releases chemicals in the ground and air.
Turf vs. Grass: Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, choosing between turf and grass depends on your lifestyle and how much time and money you’re willing to invest in your yard. Turf offers a low-maintenance, water-saving solution that stays green year-round, but it does come with higher upfront costs and potential environmental concerns. Grass might be more cost-effective to install and looks gorgeous when it’s green, but maintaining it is more intensive and time-consuming. As Smith puts it, “Artificial grass is about long-term savings and convenience. If you’re ready for that trade-off, it’s a great option.” But if you’re moving in a few years, you might not get enough return on your investment to justify the upfront cost. “Think long-term before you commit,” Smith advises.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
