In this guide, we will cover critical topics related to synthetic grass landscaping, including:
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The origin and history of synthetic grass
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Various kinds of artificial turfs
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The merits and demerits of using synthetic grass
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The average cost you can incur when you install artificial grass.
Overview of history synthetic grass
David Chaney, one of the core members of the NC State College of Textiles, championed the idea of pioneering artificial grass with a team of Research Triangle researchers in 1960. Five years later, with limited exposure of artificial grass to the public, Robert T. Wright, James M. Faria, and Donald L. Elbert co-invented the AstroTurf that has become the generic trademark for synthetic turfs.
History of Synthetic grass
By 2017, research indicated that people installed more than 45 million square feet of synthetic grass per year for personal and commercial use. With that, the practicality and quality of artificial grass align with natural grass, and in the future, it might overtake it.
Various types of artificial turfs
Polyethylene-based synthetic grass
Pros
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It needs little to no maintenance.
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It is best suited for athletics and sports activities, including golf, football, soccer, and baseball.
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It can be combined with nylon-based synthetic grass to form durable surfaces.
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It resembles natural grass because of its vibrant green colors.
Cons
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Softer in texture than other synthetic turfs
Nylon-based synthetic grass
Pros
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Nylon-based synthetic grass cannot lose its original shape even after using it for an extended period.
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Can withstand high temperatures
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It is strong and resilient
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Normally used as a secondary layer or putting more expensive kinds of turf
Cons
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Costly than other kinds of artificial turfs
Polypropylene-based synthetic grass
Pros
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It has a fine texture, making it the best for indoor use, including golf putting surface, decorative materials, and carpets.
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Lighter than other kinds of synthetic turfs
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The cheapest artificial turf
Cons
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Vulnerable to wears and damage due to over-use or exposure to high heat
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It is the least resilient and durable than other kinds of synthetic grass
From the above guide, you will notice that the best artificial grass with a mixture of different synthetic lawns results in a more comfortable and durable surface.
Pros and cons of synthetic grass
One of the questions that raise a debate among most athletes and homeowners includes asking themselves if synthetic grass is safe. In reality, synthetic grass is safe and does not pose any environmental or health concerns to the public.
Benefits of synthetic grass
It minimizes pollution and is environmental-friendly because of zero lawnmowers and pesticide usage. In addition, since artificial grass is not natural, it implies that insects and pests available in real grass turfs cannot live and produce within synthetic grass.
Also, weeds cannot develop in artificial turfs, meaning you will not be required to use weed killers and pesticides that contribute to pollution. Further, lawnmower fumes and fuels significantly contribute to the global emission of carbon dioxide, and more than 17 million gallons of fuel are used per year.
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Saves time due to limited upkeep and maintenance
You can keep synthetic turfs with minimal raking and rinsing using a small quantity of water. Unlike the natural grasses, you will not be required to undertake time-consuming activities such as weeding to maintain your lawn properly. You will also not be required to clean the turf every week. For instance, cleaning the grass once per month is adequate for you to maintain a clean surface.
It saves a lot of water and money.
Synthetic grass does not require water to keep it green and clean. As a result, you can save between 55 to 60 gallons of water per square foot every year as a homeowner. That means you can save between $200 to $300 per year in water bills.
Durable
As a homeowner, you might ask yourself how long the artificial turf will last. Surprisingly, synthetic turfs can last between 25 to 30 years and even up to 40 years if you maintain them properly.
Synthetic grass plays a critical role in protecting the surface of the Earth in numerous ways, including:
Water permeable
Synthetic grass has similar water permeability features to that of real grass. Therefore, you will not worry about water spots or puddles because of rain and other factors. Also, synthetic turf tends to dry faster than natural grass.
It always looks great.
Real grasses are challenging to maintain, resulting in discolorations and wilting. Therefore, they can be unpleasant to look at if you are a homeowner. Fortunately, synthetic turfs cannot die or turn yellow. That means your lawn will always look beautiful. Also, advancement in technology has continued to ensure the production of high-quality artificial turfs. Therefore, you should not be surprised that the grass in your local stadium, which feels and smells good, is artificial grass.
The cost of installing artificial grass
The average cost of installing synthetic grass per square meter in Australia ranges between $20 to 40 AUD.
Synthetic grass costs
If you own a synthetic turf, you can save approximately 8635 AUD within 15 years, compared to using natural grass. You should also remember that synthetic grass can last between 25 to 30 years. Therefore, you will be saving a considerable amount of money when you decide to use synthetic grass.
