Is Real Grass Or Turf Better
Unlike natural grass, artificial grass doesnt need much maintenance. The few maintenance items needed will be a rinse down to remove dust, periodic brushing/grooming, and raking large debris. Alongside the little maintenance needed, the best part of artificial grass is that it doesnt require watering.
Cost Of Artificial Grass By Turf Type
Artificial turf, also known as artificial grass, is made from nylon , polyethylene , or polypropylene to mimic various grass species, such as Bermuda grass, fescue, or zoysia. Some have a thatch layer to make it appear even more realistic. Some of the more expensive options have non-directional blades of grass, which make them very soft to the touch and more realistic. The higher quality of turf, the more your cost per square foot will be. One pro says the the cost per square foot of the different turfs he provides ranges from $6 to $10, depending on quality. Those prices do not include labor costs.
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The Area That Requires Coverage
The most important factor that influences the cost of fake grass installation is the area that needs to be covered. The cost may differ depending upon the shape and size of the area. For example, if the area is unevenly shaped, is round or has curved borders, the cost will differ. And as expected, you will need to spend more if the area is larger or more intricate. This is because you will need more material to cover it.
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How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Lawn
If you opt for natural grass for your lawn, dont forget to consider the ongoing costs of keeping it neat and healthy, like mowing. This could include the cost of buying a lawnmower and fuelling it, or arranging professional mowing services, which Airtasker estimates to cost $45-120 depending on the size of your lawn..
Also consider lawn fertiliser or weed killers you might need, as well as watering, bearing in mind that restrictions on when and how you can water your lawn could be in place depending on your location, either permanently or due to periods of drought. Aerating your lawn once or twice a year can also help promote growth of the grass, Lawn Solutions Australia says. However, on smaller lawns this may be done simply by prodding holes in the turf using a sturdy garden fork, so might not add to your maintenance costs.
Artificial grass typically requires less maintenance than a live lawn, but still needs attention. For example, artificial turf suppliers suggest it could be a good idea to regularly hose the grass to wash away dust and dirt, to remove tree litter such as leaves and sticks, and to use a stiff-brush broom to sweep in the opposite direction of the fibres to discourage flat patches.
Main image source: Borzywoj
Diy Artificial Turf Installation Vs Hiring A Pro
Should you hire a pro or DIY faux grass installation? Potential drainage problems and the mold and bacteria that can follow are your biggest concern when opting to DIY artificial grass.
For this reason, this isnt an ideal DIY project unless you have experience working with artificial turf. You’re already investing in the look of your new yard. Hiring an artificial grass installer to install it means fewer worries and headaches.
Pros have the necessary skills to ensure precise measurements, stellar installation, and proper drainage. Pros can also suggest the best type of turf for your needs, provide landscaping design plans, and clean up after themselves once the project is complete.
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Total Cost Of Artificial Grass Installation
In this guide, we have been assuming the middle to least expensive scenarios for all components involved in determining your turf installation price, with the exception of the crew. We went with a more experienced crew and we know a more experienced crew is always going to cost you more. We believe this is not the area to skimp on and you should always consider using the most experienced crew possible. This will be money well spent, guaranteed! Here is the breakdown of the total cost of a 1,000 square foot artificial turf installation:
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How To Clean Artificial Grass
- In the fall, use a leaf blower or a rake to gather fallen leaves.
- Give it an occasional spraying off with a hose to clean dust, grime, and pollen.
- Artificial grass power brooms range in price from $40 to $300.
- Artificial grass vacuums cost about $130 to $190.
- If pets use the artificial grass, it will need to be cleaned more often and disinfected as regularly as you think may be necessary. No special products are required, although they do exist. One such artificial grass cleaner is Simple Greens Outdoor Dog & Cat Odor Eliminator, which costs about $15 for a one-gallon jug, or try Microbe-Lifts Eliminate Outdoor Pet Odor & Stain Remover at $12/32 oz.
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Services Of An Artificial Turf Installer
The cost will also include the services of an artificial turf installer. TThe installers also charge differently. They will charge according to their expertise, knowledge and skills. So, when you are hiring them, please ensure they have the knowledge, and experience to do the job adequately. At DFW Turf Solutions, we have experienced artificial turf installers in Dallas, Texas. Our installation charges are fair and cost-effective.
So, the cost of installing artificial turf will vary depending upon your needs and the quality of installation desired.
K9 Artificial Grass Cost
Also made by ForeverLawn, K9 Grass artificial turf is $4.50 to $9.50 per square foot. K9 turf is a non-toxic, antimicrobial turf designed specifically for cats and dogs. It offers complete edge to edge drainage. It has a dense short blade structure and is cleaner and better smelling than many other artificial grasses options. It is easy to maintain and has a realistic look. A 10-year warranty is provided with K9 Grass artificial turf.
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Labor Cost To Install Artificial Grass
Lawn care professionals are the experts most commonly used to install artificial turf. The installation process takes from less than a day to three days, depending on the size of the project. The material costs make up more than half the cost, including the infill, base, and grass, and labor makes up the rest. Delivery is normally included in the pricing. For the installation of a 600 square foot artificial turf lawn, labor makes up about $1,000 to $3,500 of the total $3,000 to $7,500 cost.
Labor is generally charged by the square foot. Professional artificial grass companies will advise you on the best type of blades, drainage, foundation, infill, and brand for your needs. In addition, using a professional will ensure you have a warranty and someone to call on with problems or concerns.
Artificial turf is installed in several steps. The ground needs to be prepped and cleared before the base material of sand or crushed stone is placed on the lawn. The compactness varies based on need. After it has been compacted, weed block fabric is placed before the turf is put down. It is nailed into place before cutting and edging to offer a natural look. The grass blades are pulled upward, and the infill spread between to keep them in position. Then the grass is raked to settle the infill and make the grass look its best.
Reasons To Install Synthetic Grass
- There are fewer yearly costs related to yard care, such as mowing, seeding, fertilizing, or watering.
- Very little to no maintenance is needed to keep an artificial lawn looking new.
- Not many pests care to live in fake grass.
- Theres no need to mow, saving time and the cost of a lawnmower.
- Without the need to water, youll save good money on your water bill.
- Its not affected by drought.
- Todays artificial grass is a much better quality than in past years its much more realistic looking.
- It cleans up easily with a spray of water from the hose.
- Foam underlayment creates a soft ground for children.
- According to the Synthetic Turf Council, the rubber infill in artificial turf keeps 20 million tires out of landfills each year.
$1 per square foot
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Why Hire An Artificial Grass Installation Professional
Unlike sod, artificial turf is best installed by a professional, such as Install Turf AZ in Phoenix, Landscape Doctors in Glendale, Arizona, or Tru Turf in San Jose, California, due to the skill and expertise required for it to look natural. If youre tempted to take on this home improvement project yourself, know that its time-consuming and very physically demanding work that requires specialized tools for installation. You must remove existing grass or other landscaping and install an aggregate base, such as crushed rock, to allow proper water drainage through the turf. The turf must then be trimmed to the size of the site, making sure the grain of the turf is all facing in the same direction. Seams need to be carefully connected, and then the turf must be secured in place with long nails or landscape anchor pins. Like indoor carpeting, if this isnt done precisely, the turf may buckle or wrinkle and seams may show, ruining the natural effect you want the artificial lawn to have.
Cost Factors For Artificial Grass Lawns
Will the cost of artificial turf for your yard be closer to $7.00 per square foot or $18.00?
Right off the top, well say that jobs costing less than $8.00 or $9.00 per square foot are a rarity. If your landscape already consists of small stone, think Arizona, and your only major cost is the turf, then sure, 7 bucks is realistic.
In other places, if you want to go cheap minimal prep, low-cost artificial grass and no infill then youll get what you pay for, which will be a lawn that might look OK but wont be a pleasure to walk on and wont last more than a decade.
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Cost Of Artificial Grass Per Square Foot
Expect to pay on average $7 $15 per square foot for artificial grass installation projects under 1,500 square feet nationwide. As with many home improvement projects, the larger the scope, the smaller the cost per square foot for the goods and services. Thats why a major hotel in Las Vegas installing 780,000 square feet of turf will pay far less per square foot than a homeowner who wants 500 square feet installed in their side yard.
How Much Does Synthetic Grass Cost
An installer will consider a number of factors when they come to quote your job. This includes the size of the area, what type of pile you want and how much work the site needs before laying can begin. You can find everything from very short putting green turf to a luxurious multi-toned 40mm tall landscaping grade grass. The price of the grass will depend on its shape, density, colour and complexity.
You can expect to pay between:
- $50 and $75 per square metre for low to mid-priced synthetic grass to be installed
- $75 to $100 per square metre to supply and install more expensive grass, or for a more complex installation
For a comparison regular turf costs in the region of $25 to $35 per square metre, so it is significantly cheaper but expensive to maintain.
While you can theoretically buy synthetic grass and lay it yourself, a DIY installation is likely to look disappointing. In order to last, the grass should be professionally installed to ensure it stays in place.
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How To Install Artificial Grass
Installing artificial grass is labor intensive, but if youd like to try it, here are some basic instructions:
How Long Does Artificial Turf Really Last
With the proper care and maintenance, artificial grass has an approximate lifespan of twenty years. However, this number fluctuates depending on the quality of the artificial turf. Synthetic turfs artificial grass selection is designed to last and is constructed and installed with quality and care in mind.
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How Much Money Do I Save With Artificial Grass
Weve already answered the important question of, How much does artificial grass cost?, so lets now focus on the flip side, How much money will artificial grass help me save?
Making the switch to artificial grass may seem expensive at first glance, but when you take into account the wide range of costs associated with keeping up a healthy natural lawn, you might be pleasantly surprised.
With the initial expenses and annual maintenance, a 2,500 square foot natural grass lawn will cost a total of $39,475 after 15 years.
Because turf maintenance is practically non-existent, a 2,500 square foot artificial grass lawn will only need the infill replenished and a power-brushing for annual maintenance.
Depending on the size of your turf installation, it will pay for itself in three to five years.
Unit Costs: How Pros Price
Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.
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How To Hire An Artificial Grass Installation Pro
- Read online reviews: Look for pros who have earned good feedback from their customers.
- Get a free estimate: Ask 2-3 pros for quotes for your project, and compare not just the costs but what goes into them.
- Take reviews and company reputation into account: Make sure youre choosing the best pro for your project, not just the lowest bid.
- Sign a contract: Make sure your contract clearly outlines details of the job, including prep work to be done, square footage, type and brand of turf, and project costs.
Where To Buy Artificial Turf & Installation In North Dallas
While you can find many artificial turf installation supplies at your local home improvement store, we would recommend looking for a local Dallas landscaping company who installs artificial turf. These companies would likely have all of the necessary supplies for your turf installation and assist with any new home landscaping at your North Dallas home as well.
If you prefer to hire a professional to do the installation for you, we recommend contacting Main Street Lawn Care and Landscaping as we can purchase commercial grade turf and install it for you with a warranty.
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Doesnt Fake Grass Get Hot
Fake lawns can get warmer than natural grass on hot days. However, there are ways to manage this. Most people with synthetic lawns say that hot temperatures dont keep them from enjoying the grass.
If you are looking into artificial turf and are concerned that this may be an issue for you, there are several steps you can take to help to make sure your lawn can be used comfortably.
- Choose A Lighter Color Of Grass
- Choose a Lighter Color Of Infill
- Avoid Rubber Infills
- Rinse Your Synthetic Lawn To Quickly Cool It.
Artificial Grass Pile Height
The height of your artificial grass varies just like the height of a lawn. For example, an artificial grass putting green needs to be much shorter in pile than the height of a lawn. Pile heights vary and can be trimmed after installation.
Twenty millimeters of free pile height, or pile that extends above the infill, is considered standard. However, a lot of the pile height depends on the base you use. The harder the base, the higher the pile needs to be to create a cushion. Some bases are made of rough crushed stone, while others are made of more finely crushed material. Rough material is harder to walk on, so a softer, higher pile of 60 millimeters makes more sense.
In terms of cost, higher piles typically cost about $1 to $2 per square foot more on average than those with lower piles. The biggest driving cost, however, is still density and face weight rather than height.
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How Much Does It Cost To Install Artificial Grass
Artificial grass installation costs can vary depending on multiple factors. For instance, are you installing yourself or hiring a contractor? Artificial turf installations can absolutely be done as a DIY project, and youll save a lot of money that way. However, while the process is pretty straightforward, it is quite labor-intensive, too. So, its best to dedicate a few days to the task and recruit some help if you can.
On average, a Purchase Green DIY artificial grass project will cost between $3 $6 per square foot, inclusive of turf and all accessories necessary to complete an installation .
On the other hand, turnkey installation rates have a much broader range that is heavily dependent on the region youre located and the type of application youre installing . Labor rates can also increase due to the removal of rocks and roots, or installing around them or even from limited site accessibility that prolonged the installation. Typically, turnkey installation services for most residential application types fall somewhere between $7 $14 per square foot.
Moreover, premium products and a premium installation method will also impact the total cost, which was the case for the Gosselins. Jim and Morgan opted for a premium turf , a premium infill , and a premium installation method with perimeter edging . In the end, the Gosselins total investment for their 800 square foot front yard turf installation was just under $11,000.