A well-kept lawn not only adds aesthetic value to a home but also has the potential to increase its real estate value. However, we know that achieving a well-groomed lawn is no walk in the park. From seeding the grass to watering it and then constant lawn mowing; all these constitute a huge responsibility for the homeowner. For this reason, more homeowners are opting for artificial turf.
As great as the idea of artificial turf is, there are a few factors that must be considered. It wouldn’t do for any homeowner to just buy the first product that catches their fancy. They must look out for the one that is most beneficial and offers the best value for money.
In this article, we will give you a brief guide on how to choose the best turf for your yard. Please read on for more details.
Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Turf for You
There are many factors to consider as you go shopping for artificial grass. One of the most key factors is specificity; where do you want this grass and for what purpose? Is it for your home, a business environment, or a sports venue? Of course, we know there are many more places that may require this artificial grass but for the sake of this article, we would concentrate on artificial turf for homes.
So as a homeowner, the following are factors to consider as you shop for this important part of your home:-
Expected Traffic on the Lawn
The above refers to how many people would step on the grass regularly. A family with young children should expect heavier traffic than a home with 2 retirees. The number of children also matters in addition to the social life of the family- do they entertain visitors a lot or not?
If you have growing kids, you can expect that they will want to play in the garden or outdoors more than teenagers. This is actually why families with growing kids do better with artificial lawns. Check out this article for more details on that.
For families that entertain a lot, you’d also expect heavy traffic. This brings us to the next point which is durability.
Durability
Following from the above point, heavy traffic means that you should consider a product that would withstand constant foot traffic. Look out for an artificial lawn that is made with long-lasting materials. Also, consider the fibers that are used and the surface into which they are sewn.
A mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene is a good combination. The pile should be shorter and thicker to withstand the anticipated foot traffic. But if you do not anticipate heavy foot traffic, you can go for longer blades with the right mix of straight and curled monofilaments. This will give you a more natural look and feel.
Exposure to Sunlight
The place where the lawn will be laid is also an important consideration vis a vis its exposure to sunlight. Is your garden or yard directly exposed to sunlight or is there some form of shade? One thing that would affect the durability of your turf is sunlight. That is why it is important to choose top quality materials.
You need to ensure that your preferred product is UV-stabilized. With such a product, you are assured of long years of use without degradation no matter the amount of direct sunlight to which it is exposed. One feature to look out for to assure you that the artificial turf will not degrade even under the hottest sunlight is compliance with international standards. Look out for certificate(s) of compliance.
How Safe is the Artificial Grass?
Many arguments abound over the issue of the safety of fake grass. The truth of the matter is that there are some of these products that are not safe for pets and kids. But that is because of the quality of materials used.
Ensure that you check and be sure that all materials used are nontoxic and that all safety features are in place.
Also Read: The Incredible Benefits of Hiring Lawn Care Services to Mow Your Grass
Appearance
Just as natural grass has varieties in the shade of green, so does its artificial variant. When shopping for artificial turf, select the one with the color that is closest to the color of grass in your locality. That way your lawn will not scream ‘FAKE’ from a distance.
A lawn that looks full and lush will also look realistic. Features that contribute to this realistic look include the thatch, pile height, density, and infill. The installation of the grass also contributes to how natural it will look. If you want to install a fake turf in a small area in your home and you want to DIY, you can check out this post: https://www.pinterest.com/
Conclusion
The benefits of installing fake grass are many but may be ruined by buying the wrong product. We have shared some factors to consider before you go shopping. We believe that these factors if properly taken into consideration will help you make an informed decision.