Deep in the heart of Texas, we see drought-inducing heat waves that soar into humid triple digits, flash flooding that shuts down roads, and even the occasional winter frost. The extreme ups and downs can make it a challenge for San Antonio homeowners and property managers to maintain a healthy and well-kept lawn. With many environmental and economic concerns in mind, artificial grass is becoming an increasingly attractive solution for both commercial and residential properties alike. Here are some common questions as well as some factors to consider before choosing to replace their current lawn with synthetic grass.
Common Questions About Artificial Grass
What are important differences to look for in artificial turf products?
This is the most important question when starting your artificial grass research because not all turf grass is created equal. For us, we always use EasyTurf artificial grass in our installations because of its high quality. However, if you are comparing artificial turfs, we recommend comparing the following factors.
- The quality of the blade: touch and feel the grasses to make sure it meets your needs for quality, look, and softness.
- Synthetic turf standards: check if the turf meets the ISO 9001 quality as well as the Synthetic Turf Council guidelines.
- Environmental standards: if the environment is a major factor for you switching over, then check if the turf meets the ISO 14001 environmental standards.
- Research infills for turf grass: depending on your needs infill makes a big difference in quality. Some are more cushiony, better for the environment, better for drainage (important if you have a pet), and help increase the longevity of your investment.
- Customer reviews: read reviews on the artificial grasses to see how people like the turf and find other factors you may not have thought of yet.
What kind of maintenance does it require?
Synthetic turf doesn’t necessarily require maintenance but may need a quick clean up every once in awhile. If your lawn has trees, you may need a leaf blower during the fall. The perimeters of your lawn may require weed treatment to prevent weeds from growing around the yard. If you have a pet, it is a good idea to water down the sections every once in awhile to prevent a smell from forming.
How long does the artificial grass typically last?
How long artificial grass lasts depends on a couple of factors including infill, quality of the product, the amount of activity on the lawn, and installation. Ask each artificial turf manufacturer about their average artificial turf life. For example, we use EasyTurf. The turf is made to last 8-10 years with a lot of wear and tear and 20+ years in a residential lawn.
How does it affect my property value?
An artificial turf lawn typically improves the property value for homeowners because it looks great all year round. Potential buyers know that artificial turf is an investment up front but requires little maintenance in the long run. It becomes a win-win for them not to pay for an installation but receive the low maintenance benefits.
Is it important to hire someone to install it or can I do it myself?
Some homeowners are handy and able to take on an artificial turf installation. However, for the majority of homeowners, we suggest hiring a professional for the installation. Properly installing turf can help make your lawn look seamless and last longer. If you do choose to do the installation yourself, we still suggest talking to a professional for guidance.
Is there financing available?
A majority of artificial turf manufacturers and installers do provide financing. It is great to compare financing when looking for artificial turf. Sometimes the financing will cost as little as it cost to maintain your current lawn per month.
What should I look for in a warranty?
First, make sure there are warranties available for the synthetic turf. If they do offer warranties, we recommend looking for the following factors.
- How long is the warranty? Make sure it is at least 5-8 years.
- What is covered in the warranty? Fading, discoloration, installation problems?
- What is the claim limit? Make sure it covers your cost, especially for commercial jobs.
How long does an installation take?
Each installation is customized to a yard. Depending on the size of the job it can take anywhere between 1-14 days. For a more accurate timeline, we suggest setting up a free consultation with one of our experts.
Does the artificial turf fade?
Yes, all artificial turf does fade over time. However, quality of the grass makes a difference on how much and at what rate. Some synthetic turf has built in UV-protection to help with the fading.
What are the pros and cons of artificial grass for pets?
Overall, artificial turf is a great option if you have a pet. It’s easy to clean up waste, feels nice for them to walk on, no muddy paws, prevents holes and urine stains on the lawn. Again, quality of the artificial grass is important. Make sure the turf offers drainage so that urine doesn’t build up on the lawn. You may also want to avoid rubber as the infill otherwise your pet may track in a rubber smell. A downside of artificial turf is that it does become increasingly hot to walk on during the summer. We recommend spraying down the lawn with water every once in awhile to keep it cool during these times.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Grass
Your budget: If you are going to make an investment into artificial turf for your garden you want to make sure you are staying within your spending comfort level. Make sure and create a reasonable range of prices to help stick to your budget.
Durability and the warranty provided: Always ask about the durability of the grass you are researching and how long the warranty is to make sure you get the most bang for your grass buck.
How you use your garden: Are you going to play a game of soccer on your grass or have a relaxing summer picnic? How your garden is going to be used is crucial to what type of grass you choose.
Who uses your garden: Do you have young children or pets? If so, you should take that into consideration when choosing your grass for your kid friendly backyard.
How you want it to look: You should love the way your new grass looks and it should add to the overall aesthetics of your residence. Choosing samples of grass can help you decide what you want before buying.