Lawn management has long been a staple of homeownership. Maintaining a clean and tidy lawn enhances your property’s curb appeal and helps you get the most out of outdoor spaces. Landscaping remains a lucrative industry because taking care of a lawn is tedious work that costs time and money. However, what if there were a way to experience the benefits of a clean and tidy lawn without dealing with the costly maintenance?
Artificial turf has become a popular option for climates like North Texas because it has a visual appeal of natural grass without a high level of upkeep. At Artificial Turf Technicians, our team not only installs, cleans, and repairs synthetic grass but also breaks down what works best for homes in Denton, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW Metroplex. This article will walk you through the pros and cons of artificial turf and natural grass, but if you need more direct answers, don’t hesitate to contact our team for a free consultation at 940-980-9810!
Why North Texas Homeowners Are Rethinking Their Lawns
As Texas weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable, homeowners will have to make tough decisions. Hotter summers require more watering and a careful eye to maintain a proper natural lawn. More watering means:
- Spending more on utilities.
- Bigger strain on the environment.
- Even less water during drought periods.
- More time in the heat.
For those with allergies or other chronic conditions, extended time in extreme heat and pollen-rich areas can not only be an annoyance but also a potential safety hazard. As a result, many North Texas homeowners are beginning to wonder if traditional lawn management can fit into their current lifestyles.
Artificial Turf: Built for North Texas Heat & Busy Lifestyles
Artificial turf or synthetic grass has become the most common alternative to traditional natural grass lawns. For those living a more modern lifestyle in areas with extreme heat, like North Texas, artificial turf offers a variety of benefits. Artificial turf is low-maintenance and extremely durable with front-loaded costs.
Low maintenance
Artificial turf eliminates the most common task associated with lawn management. It doesn’t need to be watered, drastically lowering water bills. It also doesn’t require cutting, edging, or fertilizing, so you can enjoy your lawn’s appeal and functionality without any of the busy work.
Durability
Anyone accustomed to a Texas summer knows how devastating the effects of extreme heat are on grass. Even with excess water and attention, a natural lawn will still brown and wilt, taking away from its visual appeal. Artificial turf maintains its quality even in the blistering heat. This means you and your family can enjoy the aesthetic and functionality of your lawn year-round. Its durability also ensures no risk of a grass fire, even in extreme drought conditions.
Upfront Costs
Although installing artificial turf costs more than a traditional lawn at first, the long-term savings can’t be overstated. Not spending money on watering, cutting, seeding, or any other lawn maintenance goes a long way. Since they last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, who can be upset with at least a decade’s worth of savings?
Although they come with a long list of benefits, you still need a reliable installation to truly reap those benefits. At Artificial Turf Technicians, our team has years of experience with not only installing artificial turf, but also with meeting the specific needs of homes across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding areas. If you want a reliable installation team or just a free consultation, contact us today at 940-980-9810!
Natural Grass: Classic Appeal with Environmental Benefits
Tidy natural lawns have been a staple of traditional American homes for generations. They offer a clean and tidy appeal to your property while providing various environmental benefits, many of which go unseen. The main one is positive effects on your microclimate. A healthy microclimate is essential for absorbing heat, leading to a much-needed cooling effect in your outdoor spaces.
Natural grass also plays a vital role in water drainage. Effective soil will soak up excess water, helping limit runoff. Natural grass is relatively cheap to install and doesn’t take too much time.
Perhaps the most important benefit is that natural grass supports local biodiversity. Many homeowners enjoy their yards because they allow them to safely connect with nature. Natural grass helps support natural pollinators that stimulate your garden and local wildlife.
Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Long-Term Investment
The cost of installation and upkeep is one of the biggest differences between natural grass and artificial turf. Both prices are mainly determined by the amount of square feet you need and labor costs.
Artificial turf is typically more expensive to buy and install. Most homeowners are replacing their old natural lawn with artificial turf, which can make labor more expensive. On average, artificial turf costs typically between $9 to $20 per square foot, plus materials. Although this adds to a bigger upfront cost than a traditional lawn, once installed, you will need very little time and money to upkeep.
Natural grass is the most affordable option to buy and install. On average, natural grass costs about $0.50 to $3 per square foot and is even cheaper to install. Although its upfront cost is extremely affordable, it comes with a lifelong commitment to maintenance that not everyone is ready for.
Environmental Impact in Denton, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW Metroplex.
Although artificial turf comes with a variety of personal benefits, it’s important to mention its potential environmental impact. Depending on what materials are used to make it, the most common one being plastic, artificial turf contaminates runoff water with harmful PFAS—substances that can harm you and local wildlife.
Turf also doesn’t have the cooling effects of natural grass, causing it to drastically store and release heat when it’s cool, increasing temperatures in your microclimate. Finally, since there’s no natural soil involved with artificial turf, it can’t sustain or cultivate natural habitats, creating dead zones for local flora and fauna.
For the climates of Denton, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW Metroplex, these increases in temperatures (especially in summer months) can make your outdoor spaces a heat safety risk and make it harder for local wildlife to flourish.
Which Option Fits Your North Texas Property?
Deciding on the best option for you comes down to your budget and personal lifestyle. If you can afford the upfront costs and don’t enjoy or have the time to spend on maintaining a proper lawn, artificial turf may be the way to go. If you enjoy spending time with nature and don’t mind the upkeep, traditional natural lawns remain a solid choice.
Get Expert Advice from Artificial Turf Technicians
If you’re still on the fence about whether synthetic grass is right for you, we encourage you to contact our team today. Our team has years of experience installing various kinds of artificial turf across Denton, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW Metroplex. But you don’t have to take our word for it—see what our existing customers have to say about our services.
We are available 24/7 and take pride in helping our community understand their lawn management options, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us at 940-980-9810 today and schedule your free consultation!
FAQs:
Depending on the size of your lawn, you can save over 50,000 gallons of water per year.
Yes! Artificial turf and grass are safe for children as they are:
– Non-toxic
– Hypoallergenic
– Low maintenance
– Don’t have to be treated with chemicals
Although it is possible to install turf over existing concrete or natural grass, it’s not generally recommended.
Artificial turf can last anywhere from 8 to 20 years in North Texas.
Yes, natural grass has a cooling effect not found with turf.
