5 Things to Know Before Buying Artificial Garden Grass

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Everyone is familiar with grass. 

It&#;s all around you, whether you&#;re at home, around town, or out in the wilderness. 

And while you might not understand the nuances of fescue versus Kentucky blue, you get the general gist of how to get grass to grow.

Artificial grass is another matter. 

If you&#;ve never had it installed, you may not know the terminology or specifications associated with it.

This makes it particularly challenging when you go shopping for synthetic grass products. 

You likely have a lot of questions you want to be answered before you&#;re ready to settle on a turf product. 

If the world of artificial grass is new to you, you&#;ve come to the right place. 

Here are the answers to the questions you should ask before buying turf or choosing an artificial grass company.  

33 Questions To Ask Before Buying Artificial Turf 

We get it&#;artificial grass is a brave new world with a language all its own. (What the heck is pile height anyway?) 

You naturally have questions about how artificial grass will work in your space. 

• Can my kids trash artificial grass? 
• Will it fit in my weirdly shaped lawn? 
• What happens when the dog has to &#;go&#; outside?

At Ideal Turf, we&#;ve been in the artificial grass business since , and we&#;ve heard it all.

We know the niche of artificial grass is a unique one, and you may not even know what questions to ask like, how it works, how it&#;s installed, and whether it makes sense for your yard. 

We&#;re committed to educating consumers to empower them to make the best decision possible when considering artificial grass for their home or business.

1. Is Artificial Grass Safe for the Environment? 

Many people are attracted to the low-maintenance profile of artificial grass, but they&#;re concerned about the environmental impact. 

Truth be told, fake grass used to be manufactured with damaging chemicals such as lead. 

These days, however, nearly all grass companies make products that are 100% lead-free, and they test for harmful chemicals like PFAS. 

Manufacturers are also getting more creative with ways to make artificial grass as &#;green&#; as the real stuff, using renewable materials such as soybeans and sugar cane fibers, as well as recycled ocean plastics. 

Additionally, there are numerous environmental benefits of artificial grass.

Fake grass drastically reduces the need for water. 

It doesn&#;t require chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides either, preventing these harmful chemicals from disrupting the ecosystem through lawn runoff. 

A synthetic lawn also eliminates the pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment (as well as the time and energy that lawn chores require). 

2. Does Artificial Grass Need Water?  

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the answer may surprise you. 

Obviously, your artificial grass does not need water to grow. 

That said, there are a few cases in which you may need or want to &#;water&#; your artificial lawn. 

• Rinse it off to remove dust and debris. Texas dust storms and autumn leaves can muck up your gorgeous, green lawn, but a quick spray-down every two weeks or so can solve those artificial grass problems easily.
• Hose down areas pets use. After removing any solid pet waste, it&#;s beneficial to spray the areas pets use for doing their business to remove any residual liquid waste, as well as the odor and bacteria that accompany it. 
• Spray hot, sunny areas to cool off artificial grass. In direct summer sun, fake grass can become a bit hot for bare feet or paws. A quick soak with the hose before you let children or pets play can cool things off.

3. Can I Use Artificial Grass Around Swimming Pools? 

Yes! 

Artificial grass works so well around swimming pools that it&#;s very common in both residential & commercial artificial turf applications.

Many homeowners enjoy the traction and aesthetic provided by artificial grass around swimming pools. 

It provides a green, realistic-looking, and slip-resistant pool area ground cover that won&#;t be damaged by heavy foot traffic or pool chemicals.

If you opt for fake grass around your pool, be sure to choose a variety with a fully permeable backing to allow splashed water to drain properly.

4. Can you Install Fake Grass on Concrete?  

Definitely.

Fake grass is extremely versatile, and it can even be installed on hard surfaces like a deck or patio. 

Installing synthetic grass on concrete is actually easier than installing it on dirt or soil, as the even surface eliminates a lot of the labor-intensive prep work that&#;s necessary for smoothing out the ground.

5. Is Artificial Grass Dog-Friendly? 

Artificial grass for dogs and pets has become increasingly popular in recent years. 

In fact, it&#;s the most popular turf application for residential properties that we install.

Dogs especially are murder on lawns, creating well-worn ruts and brown urine spots that are tough to get rid of. 

Artificial grass is perfect for building a dog run or creating a dog-friendly backyard that&#;s going to last for a long time. 

6. Will My Dog Damage Artificial Grass?  

The popularity of fake grass for dogs is due in large part to how easy it is to maintain and how durable it is. 

As long as you choose a quality product designed with pets in mind, artificial grass stands up to heavy foot/paw traffic, prevents dogs from digging, and won&#;t end up covered with brown dog urine spots.

The durability, low maintenance, and high ROI of manufactured grass is evident in its popularity amongst dog parks, veterinarians, and pet-care facilities.

7. How Do I Remove Pet Odor/Urine Smell from Artificial Grass? 

Dogs tend to pee in the same areas over and over, leading to a build-up of urine in the backing of the artificial turf. 

This accumulation of urine is a prime breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. 

The build-up is exacerbated by things like dog hair, leaves, dust, and other debris, as these prevent the turf from draining properly and give the bacteria more surfaces to cling to. 

To prevent pet odor on your artificial grass, clear the debris with a rake or a hose regularly. 

Remove solid waste from your yard promptly, and thoroughly spray down any &#;pet potty&#; areas with a hose at least once a week.

If the urine smell continues, you can buy a pet odor removal product that is specifically designed for artificial grass, or you can just sprinkle the offending areas with baking soda and rinse with vinegar and water.

If you know your pets will be using your artificial grass to do their business, look for turf products that have antimicrobial properties built-in, such as our Microbe-Safe&#; turf backing. 

These features do a lot to prevent pet odor before it happens.

If you aren&#;t sure where to begin, we put together a buyer&#;s guide to the best artificial grass for dogs.

8. Is Artificial Grass Safe for Children?  

Artificial grass has recently become popular in playgrounds and parks. 

As it&#;s so new, many parents wonder if this playing surface is safe for their kids. 

Unbeknownst to many, the pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers routinely used in natural grass lawns contain toxins and carcinogens that are harmful to children. 

Artificial grass needs none of these chemicals and is safe for children and pets, making it perfect for kid-friendly landscaping.

Modern artificial turf is manufactured without lead or other toxins (ask your artificial turf retailer if you have specific concerns).

It&#;s also hypo-allergenic, which makes outdoor play a lot more fun for kids with seasonal allergies. 

9. Is Artificial Grass Safer Than Natural Grass for Outdoor Play Areas? 

Artificial grass improves playground safety by providing a softer surface for trips and falls than natural grass does. 

You can enhance this benefit even more by placing a shock pad under the turf for greater cushion. 

It also negates the need to use polluting and potentially dangerous lawn care equipment in areas where children play.

10. Can You Install Artificial Grass on an Oddly Shaped Lawn?  

Whether your lawn is shaped like a square, circle, hexagon, or amoeba, you can install artificial grass on it! 

Synthetic turf is extremely versatile and can be installed on pretty much any shape you can imagine. 

Much like carpet, strips of fake grass can be cut to size then joined using joining tape and adhesive. 

Cutting and installing artificial grass in odd-shaped areas can be a bit tricky, so we recommend working with a professional turf installer to do this.

11. How Much Does it Cost to Install Artificial Grass? 

The cost of installing artificial grass varies significantly and is dependent upon a number of factors:

• Size of installation
• Amount of prep work involved
• Quality of product
• Site accessibility

On average, you can expect to pay $8-$20 per square foot. 

For more information on the costs of artificial grass, check out our Free Artificial Grass Cost Calculator.

12. What Financing Options Are Available?  

Installing artificial turf can be a large financial investment. 

While it will pay for itself in savings on water and maintenance over time, synthetic grass represents a high upfront cost. 

Each turf company offers different financing options, but most companies will finance 100% of the costs, including installation. 

Financing terms are usually for 18 to 84 months, with some companies offering an 18-month same-as-cash option.

Find out about Ideal Turf&#;s financing options here.

13. How Do I Choose Between Artificial Grass Products? 

This can be the most difficult part of the buying process, especially given the sheer number of options available in the turf industry. 

Different turf products are best suited to certain applications, and all come with different specifications, durability, and features. 

To find out which products would best suit your location, we recommend speaking with a turf design and installation expert for specific recommendations. 

If you are looking to familiarize yourself with the industry&#;s lingo and offerings, please check out our buyer&#;s guide to the best artificial grass. 

14. How Does Artificial Grass Drain Water & Pet Urine?  

Liquid passes through artificial grass and its backing and drains away through the sub-base beneath. 

Different products offer two main varieties of backing: fully permeable and hole-punched. 

Synthetic turf with permeable backing is best suited for areas where quick drainage is essential, such as under downspouts, areas where pets will urinate, and low spots that are prone to collect water. 

Top-rated synthetic grass with fully permeable backing can drain away up to 1,500+ inches of water per hour.

Hole-punched backing is adequate for installations that will see only moderate rainfall. 

This kind of turf drains at an average rate of 50 &#; 500 inches of water per hour. 

To learn more about how artificial grass drains water & pet urine, visit our turf drainage page.

15. How Much Maintenance Does Fake Grass Require? 

Not much.

Maintaining fake grass is a cakewalk compared to natural grass maintenance, which requires a significant amount of time, effort, and money.

Fake grass is not maintenance-free, however. 

To keep your lawn looking its best, plan on removing solid debris (leaves, branches, solid pet waste) once a week or so. 

Spraying it off with a hose twice a month will rinse off any pet urine and dust that might accumulate on the fibers. 

To prevent matting and lengthen the life of your artificial grass, have it brushed with a power broom once a year. 

Depending on the foot traffic to your yard, you may also need to replenish the infill about once a year. 

Keeping your fake grass well supplied with infill helps the fibers stand up straighter and protects the grass&#;s backing from sun damage.

16. Is Artificial Turf Easy to Clean?  

A rinse with the hose is great for routine, weekly cleaning of your synthetic turf, but occasionally your yard may need a more thorough, heavy-duty clean. 

You can purchase an antimicrobial, deodorizing cleaner designed for artificial grass (such as Simple Green or Turf Renu), or opt for more natural cleansers such as baking soda and vinegar. 

Do NOT attempt to vacuum your artificial grass if it has infill; this will ruin your vacuum very quickly. 

Goto Lvyi to know more.

17. Will Artificial Grass Stain or Fade? 

Cheap, low-quality artificial grass products will stain easily and will fade quickly in the sun. 

High-quality turf products include UV inhibitors that are added to the fibers to prevent fading, keeping your grass green for years to come.

While a very small amount of fading can still occur over a long period of time, reputable companies will offer a warranty that covers potential fading.

18. How Hot Does Artificial Grass Get in the Summer?  

The summer sun in Texas tends to make pretty much everything hot, and synthetic grass is no exception. 

That said, we provide a simple and affordable solution that will keep your fake grass 30° &#; 50°F cooler through the process of evaporative cooling. 

We offer T°Cool® Infill, which traps moisture and slowly releases it, cooling the turf.

This is especially advantageous for homeowners with children or pets that like to play outdoors in bare feet.

19. What is Infill?  

Infill is small particles that are poured over and tamped down into the artificial grass. 

It sits between the blades, keeping them upright and supported when they&#;re walked on giving your artificial grass a springy, soft feel.

The weight of the infill acts as a ballast and prevents the turf from shifting around or buckling. 

Additionally, infill shields the turf&#;s backing from the sun&#;s damaging UV rays. 

There is a wide variety of infill options available that are made from different materials: silica sand, crumb rubber, zeolite (a moisture-absorbing volcanic material), walnut hulls, acrylic-coated sand, and more.

Each has pros and cons and is suited for different situations. 

Zeolite, for instance, is best for pet turf as it traps odor-causing ammonia in pet urine.

20. Will it Reduce Pests Like Bugs & Rodents? 

When you replace real grass with fake grass, you remove the food sources and hiding places of bugs and rodents.

The quick drainage of artificial grass takes care of muddy puddles, eliminating any spots where mosquitoes can breed.

While fake grass won&#;t eliminate all bugs completely, homeowners with a synthetic lawn will have fewer troubles with insects, ticks, and other unwanted pests.

21. Will Weeds Grow Through My Artificial Lawn?  

It is possible for weeds to make their way through the drainage holes of turf products with a hole-punched backing, but it&#;s not very common. 

Hole-punched turf is usually installed with a weed barrier to help prevent this, but some weeds are exceptionally stubborn and will find a way.

As with a natural lawn, if you spot a tenacious weed or two poking through, simply pull them out and throw them away.

22. How Long Does it Take to Install Artificial Grass? 

The length of the artificial turf installation process will vary depending upon several factors: the area of the installation, the prep work needed to flatten the lawn, the site&#;s location, accessibility, etc. 

On average, most residential projects can be completed in 1-3 days.

23. Are all Turf Installations Pretty Much the Same?  

Turf installations are far from a one-size-fits-all commodity. 

The quality of the installation is very important for aesthetics and longevity. 

Small nuances such as how the sub-base is compacted, how the edges are addressed, how the turf is secured, and most importantly how the seams are put together will impact the beauty and durability of the synthetic lawn for years to come. 

Inexperienced crews will leave noticeable seams, which are not aesthetically pleasing and will continue to open up over time. 

DIYers without the proper training are prone to making mistakes, such as leaving small rocks under the turf or wrinkles that may hide for a while but will show up eventually.

If you choose to install artificial grass in your yard, we recommend hiring a professional crew with the proper experience to get the job done right.

24. Can I DIY Install Artificial Grass? 

Yes, you can DIY install artificial grass, but we do not recommend it. 

Installing artificial grass requires a lot of prep work and specialized tools as well as several people to handle the heavy rolls of turf. 

Fake grass is expensive, and a miscut or poor installation can cost you more than hiring an experienced crew would.

With a professional & trustworthy turf installer, you can rest assured that your faux grass was installed right and will last for years to come. 

25. How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?  

The life expectancy of modern artificial grass is about 15 to 25 years. 

How long your artificial grass lasts will depend largely on the quality of turf product you choose, how well it&#;s installed, and how well it&#;s cared for.

To maximize the lifespan of your grass, take care to hose it down to remove dust or pet urine, power brush it periodically, and keep the grass supplied with infill.

26. What Type of Warranty Does Artificial Grass Come With? 

There&#;s a lot of variability in the warranties offered by turf manufacturers, and the length of the warranty is usually indicative of the quality of the product. 

Here at Ideal Turf, our turf products come with a 1-year installation warranty and a manufacturers&#; warranty that ranges from 8 &#; 20 years.

27. Where is Your Turf Made?  

At Ideal Turf, we only use turf products that are manufactured in the United States. 

This ensures the highest quality materials and standards of testing for toxins like PFAs, so your turf is safe for your family.

28. How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Ideal Turf has been in business since .

Since then we&#;ve expanded from serving the DFW area to installing artificial grass throughout Texas and now in Oklahoma too! 

Below is a list of the areas we serve:

29. How Many Installations Have You Completed?  

Ideal Turf has been one of the leading artificial turf installers in Texas for several years.

In that time, we&#;ve completed hundreds of artificial grass installations for any application you can think of. 

From artificial grass lawns & landscapes, backyard putting greens, bocce ball courts, commercial spaces, offices, and sports fields&#;we&#;ve seen it all!

30. Do you Have Your Own Team of Installers? 

We know how crucial the installation process is to a beautiful, long-lasting lawn, so have our own highly experienced, professional, and trustworthy teams of installers.

Our installation technicians have been trained in our proprietary turf installation techniques that we&#;ve been working with for years. 

They&#;re masters of the craft and will ensure your new artificial lawn looks nothing short of amazing.

31. Will Installing Artificial Grass Increase my Property Value? 

A common artificial grass misconception is that it will decrease your home&#;s value.

That couldn&#;t be further from the truth.

One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass is that swapping out your natural grass for fake grass will boost your home&#;s value, both actual and perceived. 

Since it looks green and gorgeous whatever the weather, artificial grass will give you unmatched curb appeal. 

On average, homes with great curb appeal sell for 7% more than those without. 

Whether you&#;re selling your house soon or just hedging your bets, a synthetic lawn will make your home more valuable.

32. Can I use a Grill on Artificial Grass?  

While synthetic grass won&#;t burst into flames from a hot ember landing on it, it will still melt under too much heat. 

Burning embers or hot surfaces can leave marks on your lawn, which may require repair. 

Because of this potential damage, you should not set portable or tabletop barbecue grills directly on your lawn. 

If you&#;re a dedicated outdoor chef who wants to have your grill and your fake grass too, opt for a gas-powered grill. 

Gas grills allow you to avoid lit charcoal or burning wood from falling onto your grass. 

A safer option would be to use your grill on a paving stone or concrete patio or create a dedicated gravel area for grilling.

33. Can I Park Cars on my Artificial Lawn?  

Regularly parking cars on a synthetic lawn can cause damage over time, artificial grass products are not designed for the weight or friction of cars. 

Automobiles, boats, and other heavy equipment can cause damage to the grass fibers or issues from gas or oil leaks. 

That said, artificial grass can be used for driveways and parking areas, but consider the following before using turf for this purpose:

• Ask your turf installer to ensure the sub-base is appropriate for heavy traffic
• Get recommendations for the best type and quality of fake grass for this application 
• Discuss possible alternatives [i.e., a combination of paving stones & artificial grass)

Wrapping Up the 33 Questions You Should Ask Before Buying Turf

At Ideal Turf, we know the niche of artificial grass is a unique one, and our customers may not have all the answers&#;or even know what questions to ask! 

There are a lot of specifics to understand about artificial grass, and the first step to creating a flawless, maintenance-free lawn is to educate yourself on the many features and options available. 

We&#;re committed to educating consumers to empower them to make the best decision possible when considering artificial grass for their home or business.

We&#;ve done our best to answer all the most frequently asked questions about artificial turf installation, but if we didn&#;t address yours, please give us a call. 

We are happy to give you all the information you need about products, features, installation, financing, and more.

We have artificial turf products for every situation, free quotes, and world-class customer support.

Let&#;s get an expert on your side to help you put together the perfect installation plan. 

We have teams of the best artificial grass installers located throughout Texas and in Oklahoma. 

At Ideal Turf, we truly believe artificial grass is worth the money, and we are happy to help you explore this decision by answering any questions you have.

Get your FREE Artificial Grass Design & Installation Estimate by clicking &#;GET A QUOTE&#; button or feel free to give us a call at 800-204-.

Thinking of getting artificial grass for your home? A faux lawn is actually a pretty great way to boost curb appeal and lower your exterior maintenance costs, but you&#;ll want to keep a couple of key considerations in mind before you rip out your grass and swap in some synthetic turf.

There are a number of big reasons behind the increased interest in artificial grass, including growing consumer awareness over water conservation and the heavy toll that traditional lawn maintenance takes on our global water supply. In Southwestern states, where arid conditions and consistent warm temperatures require lots of annual yard maintenance, outdoor water use accounts for a striking 60% of all residential water use. And in states like California, many towns have taken steps to limit lawn watering, restricting residents to certain days and prohibiting watering within 48 hours after rainfall.

Of course, maybe it&#;s not water usage that&#;s having you reconsider a grass lawn. Many people choose to go the faux route because artificial grass doesn&#;t require nearly as much regular care as regular grass, nor does it come with some of grass&#;s more pesky traits&#;like weeds, bugs, and dirt. Still, there are some drawbacks to be aware of too, especially if you&#;re not looking to spend big on the highest quality synthetic turf available.

So, what should you keep in mind? Here are seven things to know about artificial grass as you decide whether or not it&#;s the right choice for your home.

1. It&#;s safer than you might think
   

   Early residential artificial grass was made with toxic substances in the infill (the material between the blades), including lead. You almost certainly don&#;t need to worry about having toxins or lead in your synthetic turf anymore, but it&#;s still good practice to talk to the company you&#;re purchasing from and ask them about it directly, just to be sure.

   On the bright side, in addition to ensuring that you purchase artificial grass that is toxin- and lead-free, you also save yourself from the possible dangers of the sorts of toxic chemicals that are often used on real lawns, such as fertilizer and herbicides.

2. It looks better&#;and more real&#;than ever before
   

   Faux grass has come a long way, and high-quality artificial turf no longer has the plasticky qualities or super unnatural coloring that many people associate with it. It&#;s not going to be indistinguishable from a real lawn when someone is looking at it closely, but you could probably fool someone who&#;s just driving by.

3. It&#;s not totally maintenance free
   

   Sure, you won&#;t have to worry about watering, mowing, or weeding, but that doesn&#;t mean that you&#;re totally off the hook when it comes to lawn maintenance. You&#;ll need to deal with stains if and when they occur (think grease from the barbecue grill or a spilled beverage), as well as rake the blades to keep them from getting matted down with wear. You&#;ll also want to tackle leaves right away, since otherwise they can get ground down into the turf which makes them harder to remove later on. With proper care, your artificial lawn can look great for about 15 to 20 years, so it&#;s worth putting in the work.

4. It&#;s pricier than sod, but cheaper over time
   

   It costs about $12.50 per foot to install artificial grass versus $0.40 per foot for sod, according to HomeAdvisor. For a 500 square foot yard, that comes out to $6,250 for the fake lawn and just $200 for the real one. Pricey, right?

   Where you recoup those costs is in maintenance over time. You&#;ll save money on water, fertilizer, and lawn services, and should even out around seven years or so. Think of it like putting in a composite deck instead of a cedar one&#;you&#;ll definitely pay more up front, but you won&#;t have to worry about regular and costly maintenance year after year.

5. It can positively affect your home value
   

   While it&#;s tough to find concrete information on how artificial grass affects your resale value, there&#;s plenty of evidence that it can, particularly if you live somewhere dry and hot where lawn maintenance tends to be a pain. If you purchase cheap artificial turf however, or if it readily stands out as fake in a neighborhood where everyone else has lush natural lawns, it could work against you.

   If you&#;re worried about it, it might be worth talking to a local real estate agent, who may be able to provide you with some information on how artificial lawns tend to play out in your neighborhood when it comes to resale value. In general though, the prettier your exterior, the more that buyers are willing to pay, so a great looking artificial lawn could be worth it when you go to sell.

6. It&#;s actually good for the environment
   

   Grass is natural and the fake stuff isn&#;t, so you might think that the former is de facto more environmentally friendly than the latter. But natural lawns aren&#;t as &#;green&#; as people tend to assume that they are, mostly due to their high water requirements and the toxic substances that people use in their care.

   On the flip side, not only does artificial grass not have those concerns but there is also a growing interest and investment in sustainable infill materials like cork, coconut fiber, and sand. Look into these options for the most environmentally-friendly turf options and you&#;ll have a lawn that you can really feel good about.

7. It has lots of benefits if you have pets
   

   Your lawn might be the place that you relax, host BBQs, and let your kids run rampant, but for your pup, it&#;s mostly just one big bathroom. While dealing with pet waste is always going to require some work on your part, artificial grass does make it easier. It&#;s highly drainable and super easy to keep clean, and there&#;s no need to worry about dog urine leaving dead patches of grass behind. In addition to picking up solid waste, hose off your turf regularly to clear away anything that hasn&#;t totally drained away.

Artificial Grass vs. Real Grass: Which is Better?

There&#;s no easy answer to this one, since it really depends on your preferences and your budget. Some cases where artificial grass might be the better choice are if you live in an arid and hot state where grass has a difficult time thriving or in a state that regularly faces drought. It can also be a great choice if you don&#;t have a lot of time (or desire) to devote to lawn maintenance and would prefer something that looks nice without all of the work that it takes to keep it that way.

Still, real grass has its benefits too, including the ability to improve air quality and increase community appeal. It&#;s also a lot more affordable to have installed, and while it&#;s not impervious to the elements, it doesn&#;t necessarily have the limited lifespan that fake grass does.

Ultimately, it&#;s up to you to decide whether a faux lawn or a real lawn is the right choice for your home. We recommend that you consider all of the factors above, and if you do decide that artificial grass is right for you, do plenty of research before deciding on a company and the specifics of the turf that you choose&#;including material, color, and durability.

For more information, please visit Artificial Garden Grass.