Artificial Grass vs Natural Grass

Is artificial grass better than natural grass?

It depends on what you want from the yard. Artificial grass needs no mowing, watering or fertilizer and stays green all year, but it costs more up front, gets hot in direct sun and does not repair itself. A natural lawn is cooler underfoot and regrows when worn, but needs regular water, mowing and feeding.

Does artificial grass cost more than sod?

Up front, yes. Artificial Grass & Landscaping does not sell sod, so this page does not quote its price. Artificial turf alone is $1.49 to $3.19 per square foot cut to length, or from $0.99 as a full roll (4-roll minimum). The difference is what follows: a natural lawn keeps costing water, mowing and fertilizer every year, and artificial grass does not.

Every turf and size: artificial grass cost and the Installation Cost Calculator. We provide contractors: installation is done by independent, third-party contractors, not by Artificial Grass & Landscaping staff. Contractor services are available within 40 miles of the Rancho Cordova warehouse; further out, contact us first.

How much upkeep does artificial grass need compared with a lawn?

Much less, but not none. Artificial grass needs a rinse every week or two, a brush with a stiff broom about once a month, leaves cleared and infill topped up where blades lie flat. There is no mowing, watering to keep it alive, fertilizing or reseeding, which a natural lawn needs all season.

• Rinse it down every week or two, and right away where pets go.
• Brush the blades upright with a stiff (not wire) broom every month or so, more often where people walk most.
• Clear leaves and debris with a leaf blower or a plastic rake.
• Top up infill where the blades start to lie flat or the backing shows.
• Keep grills, fire pits and cigarettes off it, and watch for strong window reflections, which can overheat the fibres.

The full routine, with pets, stains and weeds: artificial grass maintenance.

Does artificial grass get hotter than natural grass?

Yes. Artificial turf in direct sun gets hotter than a natural lawn, which is cooled by the water in it. Rinsing the turf cools it down, shade helps, and turf with heat-reflective pigments runs cooler. Reflected sun from Low-E windows can even melt the fibers, and that damage is not covered by the warranty.

Turf made to run cooler: TurfCool. Keep grills, fire pits and cigarettes off artificial grass.

Does artificial grass save water?

Yes. Artificial grass needs no irrigation to stay green, only an occasional rinse to clean it, where a natural lawn needs regular watering through the dry months. Cap or move the sprinklers in the turf area before it goes down, and keep watering the planting beds around it.

More on water and the environment: eco-friendly artificial grass.

Is artificial grass or natural grass better with dogs?

Artificial grass does not dig up into mud or wear into bare patches where dogs run, but it needs rinsing where they go, straight away in summer. Pick up solid waste, rinse the spot and use a 50/50 vinegar and water mix for odors. Infill with an antimicrobial coating helps stop bacteria, mold and mildew growing.

Choosing turf for dogs: best artificial turf for dogs.

How long does artificial grass last compared with a lawn?

Artificial Grass & Landscaping warrants its turf against UV degradation and excessive fading for 15 years, prorated at 6.67% a year. How long a lawn lasts in practice depends on use, installation and care. A natural lawn is a living plant: it lasts as long as it is watered, mowed and fed.

Year-by-year warranty and repairs: how long artificial grass lasts.

Questions and answers