Is Artificial Grass in Huntington Beach Worth The Investment?
Are you sick of yard care and looking for other options? Maybe you have come across artificial grass, not sure if turf can both increase property value while limiting maintenance headaches. Whichever, we are here to help you thoroughly examine when artificial grass will be worth the investment and when it won’t be.
Synthetic Grass Benefits
Artificial grass isn’t perfect, but it has many benefits that property owners find outweigh any disadvantages. Here are the most common benefits people love.
Saves Time & Money
It is no secret that fake grass can save you time, money, and effort on lawn maintenance. This is one of the biggest reasons both homeowners and commercial property owners turn to synthetic grass as an alternative to natural grass. Regualr grass has to have work all year depending on where you are. From weeding to watering to mowing, grass can be a major time suck and cost thousands of dollars yearly to maintain. After your upfront investment, artificial grass maintenance frees up a lot of money and time.
Reduces Water Bills
The EPA says the run-of-the-mill American family goes through 320 gallons of water each day, and approximately 30% is used outdoors. More than half of that outdoor water goes toward watering grass and plants. Nationally, landscape irrigation accounts for nearly 1/3 of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. That’s a lot of water! Artificial turf will slash water usage substantially.
Durable & Long-Lasting
Among the top features of artificial grass is its durability and longevity. A lot of turf manufacturers have been working for decades to develop long-lasting products. Edges will look crisp over the years with very little fraying, and the grass won’t fade from the sun or matte down from heavy foot traffic. When investigating artificial grass manufacturers, make sure you search for those that have been around a while and also offer a good warranty.
Increases Property Value
Artificial turf will increase any property value, so you will regain some of the installation costs invested in synthetic grass in the form of equity. One example, a low-maintenance, crisp, clean, beautiful property can add up to 10% value to your equity. Choosing synthetic grass also gives an extra perk at sale time because the ease of upkeep is very attractive.
Creates Dog-Friendly Yard
Organic grass does not withstand the damage that dogs can cause in a yard. From brown spots where they pee to digging holes to tracking mud into the house, there is a lot of wear and tear and extra work dogs can cause. However, artificial grass can transform dogs’ spaces and they will last for many years with minimal maintenance work. There is also pet-specific turf available that offers antimicrobial agents and is designed for ideal drainage.
Artificial Grass Disadvantages
So you can make an informed decision regarding buying turf, we want to provide you with the full picture of artificial grass. While it has many perks, there are some disadvantages to fake grass.
Installation Cost
Artificial grass is a long-term investment, which means it has an initially higher cost than conventional landscaping. As an example, for a 1,200 sq. ft. artificial grass installation area, you are looking at a price of $9,600-$14,400 for your initial expense. Conversely, organic grass would be around $7,500 to install. We encourage you to check out our life cycle cost analysis to understand estimated turf costs. The higher initial cost of artificial grass should be viewed as an investment because it will pay for itself over time — in as little as 1.5 years in some applications!
Can Get Hot
When artificial turf is exposed to the sun for the larger part of the day, it can get quite hot on in the summer. If you’re in a place with a lot of sun, we strongly encourage you to think about our innovative technology, HydroChill™. We apply this patented precoat to the sand infill. It’s been developed and vetted through years of research in both a laboratory and a real-world setting. Depending on local conditions, it is activated by adding moisture and can offer significant cooling for days.
Infill Needs Replenishing
Infill is needed to weigh down the turf and keep it in place while making the grass fibers hold their look and feel. Although this won’t need to be done frequently, it will have to be replaced a few times during the life of the artificial turf. Though replacing the infill can be done as a DIY project, we hope you leave it to professionals for the best results.
When Is Installing Artificial Grass Worth The Investment?
Most of the time, artificial turf is the ideal solution. Check out a few of the best reasons to make the change to synthetic grass.
If You Need Low-Maintenance
Resale of residential homes with artificial grass to retirees, the mobility limited, or just plain busy people will be a big appeal. Even if you are interested in installing fake grass at a property you own, you’ll save maintenance costs by switching to synthetic grass.
If You Live in Drought Prone Areas
Water consumption is a major problem in some parts of the nation. Sometimes when in droughts, cities often require you to use less water. One of the first measures they take is to have you stop watering the lawn. Your grass may die, and bringing it back to life is hard.
When You Want to Increase Property Value
If you’re looking to have increased property value, synthetic grass is a perfect option. Thanks to its always trimmed aesthetic and the value of the turf itself, both commercial property owners and homeowners can benefit from getting rid of regular sod.
If Your Neighbors Have It
When you drive down your street, do you see any homes or buildings that have artificial grass? If so, choosing synthetic grass can be well worth it, so you’re not the only property with lackluster grass. On the other hand, getting a conventional lawn to look as good as a synthetic lawn is nearly impossible, so join them if you can’t beat them!
To Get Better Space Usability
If you’re working with a small space, artificial grass can enhance the area without the extra work of maintenance. Synthetic turf is great for pet areas, play areas, poolsides, or everywhere else that takes a regular beating from foot traffic.
When Is Installing Artificial Grass NOT Worth The Investment?
There are a few cases where installing a synthetic lawn might not work. Let us explore these situations below.
You Enjoy Outdoor Work
Many people find working outside to be worthwhile — even therapeutic. Some enjoy the exercise from landscaping. If you’re among this group, you should definitely keep natural grass! Or consider only putting synthetic grass in areas that are difficult to maintain.
Can’t Afford It Now
Artificial turf will be lower cost over time, but if you can’t make the initial investment now, it’s wise to continue saving. You may find financing is offered for turf projects, but you need to consider whether you need to make the switch now or wait until you can make the total investment upfront.
Your HOA or City Doesn’t Allow It
Artificial grass will help curb appeal and housing prices but not all homeowner associations or city ordinances let you install synthetic grass. So make sure you check the rules and regulations in your area prior to installation of the artificial turf.
Planning to Move Soon
If you do not expect to stay in your home or office building for the next couple of years, Installing artificial grass may not make sense. It takes time for the synthetic turf to recoup your initial investment. So, if going to move in the next few years, you should hold off installing turf now and install your grass on your new property.
Ready to Invest in Artificial Turf?
If you’re ready to get synthetic turf for your property, we are ready to help! Contact us today for free samples and consultation.