Choosing between artificial grass and sod is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Here are some key considerations to help you make the right choice:
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining the best choice for your new lawn. If you’re someone who enjoys gardening and finds joy in regular lawn maintenance, a sod lawn might be a good fit. The process of maintaining your lawn can be therapeutic for some, providing a sense of accomplishment and a connection to nature.
On the other hand, if you lead a busy lifestyle with little time to spare for lawn care, artificial grass could be the better option. With minimal maintenance requirements, artificial grass allows you to enjoy a beautiful lawn without the time commitment. It’s also a great choice for those who travel frequently or have physical limitations that make lawn care difficult.
Climate
Your local climate and water restrictions can also influence your decision. Real grass requires a substantial amount of water to stay green and healthy. It can also struggle in harsh weather conditions, becoming brown and patchy in extreme heat or cold. If you live in a drought-prone area or a place with water restrictions, artificial grass might be more practical. It remains green and lush regardless of the weather, without requiring water. This can be a significant advantage in preserving local water resources and complying with local regulations.
Artificial grass lawns have a lower water consumption compared to sod, making them a more environmentally friendly option in areas prone to drought or where water conservation is a priority. However, there are potential concerns about landfill waste at the end of its lifespan for some artificial turf products. While most artificial grass is designed to last for more than a decade, it will eventually need to be replaced and the old material will need to be disposed of, potentially contributing to landfill waste. However, many manufacturers are now producing recyclable artificial grass products to mitigate this issue.
Benefits
Artificial grass lawns offer several benefits. They provide a year-round green lawn, regardless of weather conditions. Their low maintenance requirements free up time for homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space rather than spending time on lawn care. Additionally, artificial grass lawns have improved durability, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or pet owners. They are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy use without showing signs of damage. Also, Artificial grass can be installed in areas where natural grass might not grow well, such as shaded areas, rooftops, or indoor spaces, providing more versatility in landscape design.
While artificial grass lawns are an attractive option, it’s important to note that they come with a higher initial cost compared to sod. This cost is attributed to the materials used – high-quality synthetic fibers designed to mimic the look and feel of real grass and the complexity of the installation process. While it’s possible to install artificial grass yourself, professional installation is often recommended to ensure optimal results, and longevity of the lawn, and to take full advantage of the warranty that comes with most artificial grass products.
Low Maintenance
One of the main advantages of artificial grass lawns is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike sod lawns, they don’t require mowing, watering, fertilizing, or weed control. This can result in significant savings in terms of time, money, and resources. However, they do require occasional cleaning to remove debris and dust, and infill replacement to keep them looking their best and to ensure their longevity. Despite these tasks, the overall maintenance required for artificial grass lawns is significantly less compared to sod lawns.
One of the main advantages of choosing sod is its relative affordability compared to artificial turf installation. While the upfront cost of sod might be higher than seeding a lawn from scratch, it’s generally less expensive than artificial grass installation. Planting grass seed can be a cost-effective alternative for those considering more budget-friendly DIY options, though it requires more time and effort. On the other hand, professional sod installation ensures a well-laid lawn, free from gaps and weeds, right from the start.
Maintenance Needs
Maintaining a sod lawn requires a significant time commitment. Regular upkeep including mowing, watering, fertilizing, weed control, and aeration are all part of the package. Depending on the type of grass and the season, you might need to mow your lawn once a week or every other week. Weeds will need to be checked and removed regularly, and aeration is typically done once a year. Additionally, homeowners should factor in the cost of a lawnmower, fertilizers, weed killers, and potentially a sprinkler system. Despite these requirements, many find the process of tending to their lawn a rewarding experience.
Artificial grass installation is not always a straightforward process. Depending on the shape and size of your space, you may need to cut and shape the turf to ensure it fits perfectly. This could be the case if your space has curved edges, unusual angles, or if it’s divided into different sections.
Cutting and shaping the turf can lead to some wastage. For instance, if you have to cut a circular area out of a square piece of turf, you’ll be left with some leftover material that might not be usable elsewhere.
To account for such scenarios, it’s a good idea to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. This buffer ensures you won’t run out of material in case of any miscalculations or unexpected challenges during the installation process. It’s a small step that can save you from a lot of stress and help keep your project on track.
If your space is not a perfect circle or rectangle (for example, it’s an “L” shape or a circle with a section cut out), it can be a bit more challenging to measure. But here’s how you can do it:
Divide Your Space: Try to divide your space into regular shapes like rectangles, squares, triangles, and circles. Each of these shapes has a straightforward formula for calculating area.
Measure Each Division: Measure the necessary dimensions for each division. For rectangles and squares, measure the length and width. For triangles, measure the base and height. For circles and semi-circles, measure the radius (half the diameter).
Calculate the Area of Each Division: Use the appropriate formula to calculate the area of each division. Add up these areas to get the total square footage of your space.
Accurate measurement is crucial when planning for artificial grass installation. Here are some reasons why:
Avoid Unnecessary Expenses: Overestimating the amount of artificial grass you need could result in unnecessary expenses. You don’t want to end up paying for more grass than you need.
Prevent Incomplete Projects: On the other hand, underestimating could leave you with an incomplete project. It’s frustrating to run out of material midway through installation.
Better Price Comparison: Knowing the exact square footage of your space can help you better compare prices and options when shopping for artificial grass products. It allows you to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
Efficient Installation Process: Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast taking on the installation process yourself or considering professional installation, having a clear idea of the amount of artificial grass required can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Optimal Use of Space: Accurate measurement ensures that every square foot of your space is optimally used. This is especially important for complex landscapes with unique shapes.
Ensure that all drainage systems, including weep holes and pipes, are functioning correctly. Clear any blockages that could cause water to build up behind the wall. Proper drainage maintenance is essential to preventing water pressure from compromising the wall’s structure.
Repairing Damage
If you notice any structural issues, such as cracking or movement, it’s essential to repair them promptly. This might involve injecting cracks with epoxy or adding additional reinforcements. For more significant issues, consult a structural engineer to assess the situation and recommend solutions.
Retaining walls can be built in different ways according to the needs and conditions and choosing the right type of wall is the first step in your retaining wall design process. Here are the most common types:
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity retaining walls are the walls that solely rely on their weight to resist and hold back the soil. In general, this type of retaining wall is constructed using a variety of materials, including natural stone and concrete blocks. They can even be gabion walls filled with rock or other heavy materials. The primary design principle for these types of walls is to counterbalance the retaining soil pressure through sheer weight. This is what makes them suitable for lower heights and areas where space isn’t a constraint.
When making a large purchase, the savvy consumer will consider the cost of the product + the cost of maintenance. With an artificial grass lawn installed by Feildmasters, turf repairs will not be something you frequently need to worry about. In addition, purchasing high-quality artificial grass means fewer maintenance costs down the road. Unlike a natural lawn, which requires weekly maintenance, synthetic grass can go a whole season with nothing more than the odd sweeping.
