We bet you haven’t heard of people putting AstroTurf in their front yard, but there’s a whole culture out there that’s doing something along that line. So, if you are getting ready to move into a new home and the front yard is simply pristine, you may want to take a closer look. It could be synthetic!
A synthetic lawn is actually environmentally friendly because you won’t need to mow or fertilize it. If it gets dirty, just hose it down. But, are you really ready to move on to synthetic turf rather than that soft green grass we all know and love? We’re not sure if we are, either.
Your synthetic lawn will be made of plastic. Can you imagine that? There is actually a very small population out in the suburbs that have traded in their crabgrass and St. Augustine blends for an artificial lawn. Some of the more widely used varieties are known as ForeverLawn and Perfect Turf. The low-maintenance yard is more of a high-tech version of that green, grassy carpet people have used to cover concrete patios for years.
Producers of the synthetic grass varieties have taken the extra step to make it seem more real for homeowners. They’ve made the effort to make it a lot like the real thing. So, as you house hunt, a close look might not even give it away. Some synthetic lawns have multicolored blades, a lot of padding, and an overall even appearance.
Surprisingly, synthetic lawns have proven to be recession-proof as well as weatherproof. Whether or not you have the money later on to pay for extra watering and irrigation, fuel for the lawn mower, and other similar expenses won’t be an issue for you. Your lawn will always be green – even in the meanest of droughts!
But, if you’re moving into a new home and want to put in fake grass, the upfront cost should be something to consider. Unlike real lawns, the fake stuff will cost around $6,000 to $8,000 to install. That’s almost three times as much as live grass. But, over time, the savings will add up.
We do want to remind you that if you decide to move into the world of fake lawns, you do have your work cut out for you. Even if you don’t spend your time watering it and mowing it, you will still need to clean it. Consider animals – whether your own pets or not, they will be outside. And if they feel the need to use your lawn as the bathroom, you better have a hose handy.
What do you think about fake lawns? Some of us think it might be akin to covering your yard in a green layer of Velcro while others thinks it is beyond cool. Some homeowners associations simply don’t allow it while other communities are offering tax breaks for people who do. What kind of community do you live in?
Jon Huser
