You pour your morning coffee and proudly look out the kitchen window at the green grass covering your backyard domain. You can’t help but notice, with a sense of pride, that your lawn is a vibrant green compared to your neighbor’s. Now, look more closely. Is your backyard oasis the lush green of a traditional live lawn, or is it the bright cushion of synthetic turf? The choice is yours.
Backyard Turf vs Natural Grass
The idea of a “grassy lawn” has been idealized since the medieval days, and a green lawn with a white picket fence is synonymous with the idealized American Dream. Traditional live lawns remain a popular choice for homeowners looking to create their own backyard retreat.
Pros
Many people view traditional lawns as the “default” choice. Live grass is soft and natural underfoot, and creates a natural cooling effect in your backyard. Grass is also an important part of your backyard’s ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and groundwater replenishment.
Cons
Grass can lose its sustainable and environmentally friendly nature when it requires pesticides and harmful fertilizers. Live lawns also require water, which can be a problem in dry climates. Your lawn will change with the seasons and require more year-round maintenance to keep it looking lively.
Best For: Homeowners who prioritize the natural look and feel and who enjoy doing yard work.
Choosing Synthetic Turf
While many homeowners opt for a traditional lawn, there has been rising popularity over the last several decades to choose synthetic turf.
Pros
The most obvious advantages of a turf lawn are that it requires very little maintenance and remains green year-round. Synthetic turf is durable against weather and everyday use, and can significantly reduce your water usage.
Cons
Although synthetic turf can save you a significant amount of money over time, it is a higher upfront investment to install compared to a traditional lawn. In addition, turf can absorb more heat on sunny days.
Best For: Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, year-round green lawn that conserves water and stands up to heavy use.
Creative Ways to Customize Turf Lawns
Don’t just install synthetic turf; create a unique backyard escape for you and your family. Below are a few of our favorite ideas.
Backyard Putting Green
Are you a golf enthusiast, or a fan of adding some fun to your everyday space? A synthetic turf putting green adds leisure and luxury to your lawn. Personalize your design further by adding LED lights, a dual-purpose lawn games area, contoured ridges in your turf, or a miniature kids putting green.
Kids and Pets Play Areas
Let your kids play without fear of messing up the lawn or killing the grass. Synthetic turf is durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for kids and pets.
Outdoor Wellness Zone
Designate a corner of your turf lawn for an outdoor gym or cold plunge area. Turf is a soft surface perfect for rolling out a yoga mat or doing cardio.
Start Designing Your Lawn
Your dream backyard is only one conversation away. Whether you feel called to a traditional live lawn or want to explore your options with synthetic turf, the Grassroots team is here to make it happen. Request a project quote to get started.
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You step out of your back door, and are instantly transported into a secluded retreat designed for your comfort. The sound of running water soothes your mind as you head toward the cedar-plank sauna. A cool plunge pool is waiting for you after your sauna session, and you know you will feel stress-free by the
Imagine stepping outside your back door and finding your very own putting green, perfectly trimmed and ready for practice or play any time you like. For golf enthusiasts, or even families looking for a fun outdoor feature, backyard putting greens are becoming an increasingly popular addition. But are they really worth the investment? Let’s break
