Turf Wars: Artificial Turf, Sod, or Natural Grown Grass?
A new lawn enhances the overall landscape of your home and yard, elevating the presentation of the exterior. Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for and your space, certain types of lawns will be more beneficial to work with. With so many options to choose from, this blog will help to narrow down which choices of grass to explore.
Choosing the Right Green
The key to a lush, green lawn has pros and cons, which factor in budget, maintenance, personal preference, and time allotted. Ask yourself what style you prefer when looking through portfolios of all grass choices—for example, if you have a garden, a naturally grown lawn may appeal to the overall look. Artificial turf could be a great choice if you have a large space and intend to add features or entertain in that yard.Before consulting a contractor or professional services, consider the space and dimensions you must work with. Figure out if you will be tending to your front and back yard or just one.
Artificial Turf: Modern Landscaping
A man-made surface that mimics the look of natural grass, artificial turf is commonly used for sporting areas/fields and commercial and residential lawns. In modern landscaping and design, artificial turf installs have been supplemented for backyard design and limitless home solutions. The biggest advantage of using artificial turf is that it requires little maintenance as it does not need typical lawn maintenance and upkeep.Homeowners can say goodbye to watering the lawn and sprinkler systems daily, saving them money annually. Arguably one of the best advantages of artificial grass is that it is extremely durable and won’t appear dirty or flimsy even after months of constant use (which is why it is suitable for sporting needs). Without the concern for consistent upkeep and water conservation, artificial grass can also be customized to match the color and texture of your previous lawn to keep its authenticity.
Natural Grass: Traditional with Consistent Upkeep
Nothing beats the smell and feel of traditional, natural-grown grass—most homes feature natural-grown grass, a popular choice for homeowners who don’t wish to start over and create a new lawn. Well-kept lawns add charm and aesthetics to a landscape that can be hard to replicate but require more tasking. Much like taking care of a plant, routine watering, fertilizer, and pest control are an example of some of those tasks.For those who travel constantly or have less time to tend to their lawn, there may be better solutions than natural-grown grass, especially during inclement weather. Discoloration and patchy grass are common occurrences if your lawn is overwatering, in a drought, or attacked by pests in the soil.
Sod: The In-Between
Sod installations are a great alternative to artificial turf and natural grass for those who want the benefits of both options. The pre-grown grass and soil rolls (or squares) are harvested off-site and delivered for residential and commercial use. This “instant lawn” can be used to rectify balding patches in the lawn or blend into landscape designs that require a little extra square footage.Sod already had established roots for growing, taking the time out of growing a natural lawn. Sod is great for those who want that instant curb appeal due to selling a home or recently moving into one. The high-quality grass is healthy and long-lasting, beating out the effects of erosion and weeds while looking amazing. A disadvantage to using sod may be the maintenance needed during the beginning of a sod installation—the labor-intensive procedure includes leveling and grading the lawn and routine watering.
The Perfect Green For Your Lifestyle
When it comes to choosing the best grass solutions, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of these choices, depending on your preference for the look of your home. A few factors to remember are:
Budget
Lifestyle (time that can be spent catering to your lawn)
Durability and longevity of grass
If you prefer low-maintenance
Feel and usage of lawn
The Best Landscaping Solutions with Southern Love
Consider Southern Love for all your landscaping and artificial turf or sod installation needs this summer. Our team of professionals ensures that your satisfaction is our top priority, no matter what services you may need!