When it comes to your landscaping, you need to make choices that make the most sense for you and your needs. With this in mind, some people make the decision to change from normal grass to artificial grass. This grass doesn’t need water, fertilizer, and you never have to mow again. Plus, the artificial grass we use looks real enough to trick anyone looking at your yard. However, it’s important to explore both the benefits and the drawbacks of this landscaping option for your Calgary home.
Live Grass Drawbacks
While your soft, velvet lawn may look nice, they can cause some damage to the environment. Watering your lawn accounts for about 1/3rd of all residential water use, and they are a disaster in drier areas that see less rainfall. So many issues have arisen from natural grass that some areas of the world have begun putting restrictions on how much grass you can have for a new home or major remodel.
Artificial Turf Drawbacks
Artificial grass has come a long way over the years, and it looks as real as can be. However, when it comes to how it feels, it just does not compare to live grass. Also, it comes with its own environmental drawbacks. Artificial turf is petroleum-based, and it creates waste and pollution while it is being manufactured. It is not biodegradable, and even though it can last for up to a quarter of a century, it will eventually end up in a landfill. It can also absorb heat when in the direct sun, so this will make it unpleasant to walk on during a hot day.
Live Grass Benefits
Real lawns are lush, inviting, soft, and can be taken care of in an environmentally friendly way. In fact, some experts say you can use recycled laundry and shower water—known as greywater— to water the lawns instead of new water. There is no need to feel guilty over having live grass if you keep your options for care in mind.
Artificial Turf Benefits
The biggest benefits that come along with fake grass are how low-maintenance these spaces are, as well as how environmentally friendly they are. They need no watering, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, or anything else that comes with a real lawn. These turfs also can last upwards of 25 years, which means that it can cost a lot less than real turf over the long term. Also, these turfs are totally customizable. Do you want shorter-looking turf? How would you like it to be textured or colored? You can make these selections on your own. Also, you never have to worry about even the coldest of winter weather making your yard look bad!
Are There Other Options?
Yes, there are options that do not include either real turf or fake turf. Wood mulch, which you can find on children’s playgrounds, or decomposed granite are both good options if you are trying to find an option that will stand up to heavy foot traffic but also offer a gentle landing for your children’s play areas. Contact us to learn about either of these options.
Project Landscape Ltd.
If you are unsure what it is you want to do for your landscaping, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can take a look at your current landscaping and help you make the best decision for your Calgary home and your family. Also, we have barely covered the benefits and drawbacks of each type, so we would be happy to speak with you about which option will make the most sense for your needs. Reach out now and schedule your consultation. We look forward to working with you!
