Is Artificial Grass in Sarasota Worth The Investment?

April 04, 2022

Are you sick of yard maintenance and looking for alternatives? Maybe you’ve considered artificial grass, not sure if turf can increase property value and eliminate maintenance struggles. Either way, we’re here to help you investigate when artificial grass is worth the investment and when not.

 

Synthetic Grass Benefits

Artificial grass isn’t perfect, but it has many benefits that property owners feel outweigh any disadvantages. Check out the most common benefits people love.

Saves Time & Money

It isn’t a secret that fake grass can save you on lawn care. This is a primary reason both homeowners and commercial property owners go with synthetic grass as an alternative. Natural grass needs maintenance all year long in some places. From mowing to weeding to watering, grass can be a major time suck and cost thousands of dollars year over year to take care of. After your initial investment, artificial grass maintenance saves you a lot of money and time.

Reduces Water Bills

According to the EPA, the average American family uses 320 gallons of water per day, and roughly 30% is used outdoors. Better than half of that outdoor water goes toward lawn and garden watering. Nationally, landscape irrigation takes up almost one-third of all residential water use, which is nearly 9 billion gallons each day. That is a lot of water! Artificial turf will reduce water usage substantially.

Durable & Long-Lasting

One of the best features of artificial grass is how durable and long it lasts. Many turf manufacturers have been developing long-lasting products for decades. Edges will continue to look sharp for years with very little fraying, and the grass won’t fade from the sun or matte down with heavy foot traffic. When investigating artificial grass manufacturers, be sure to look for ones that have been around a while and also offer a good warranty.

Increases Property Value

Artificial turf will increase any property’s value, so you will regain some of the installation costs invested in synthetic grass in the form of equity. As an example, a beautiful, crisp, clean, low-maintenance property can increase around 10% value to a property’s equity. Choosing synthetic grass also gives an extra benefit at sale time because the easy upkeep is very attractive.

Creates Dog-Friendly Yard

Traditional grass does not do well to handle the damage that dogs can cause in a yard. From dead spots from their urine to digging holes to tracking mud into the house, there’s a lot of damage and extra work dogs can cause. However, synthetic grass can transform dogs' spaces and they’ll last for many years with virtually no work. There is also pet-specific turf available that has antimicrobial agents and is designed for optimal drainage.

 

Artificial Grass Disadvantages

So you can make an informed decision regarding purchasing turf, we want to provide you with the full picture of artificial grass. Although it has many benefits, there are some disadvantages to fake grass.

Installation Cost

Artificial grass is an investment, which means it costs more upfront than natural 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 investment. Conversely, traditional grass is around $7,500 to install. We suggest you review our life cycle cost analysis to understand projected turf costs. The higher initial expense 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 circumstances!

Can Get Hot

When artificial turf is baked under the sun for the larger part of the day, it can get really hot on during the summer. If you’re in a region with a lot of sun, we strongly encourage you to experience 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, HydroChill™ is activated by moisture and can give significant cooling for days.

Infill Needs Replenishing

Infill is needed to weigh down the turf and hold it in place while helping the grass fibers keep their look and feel. Although this will not need to be done often, it will have to be replaced a few times through the life of the artificial turf. Though replacing the infill can be done as a DIY project, we hope you use the pros for optimal results.

 

When Is Installing Artificial Grass Worth The Investment?

Most of the time, artificial turf is the ideal answer. Take a look at the most important reasons to switch to synthetic grass.

If You Need Low-Maintenance

Resale of residential homes that have installed artificial grass to grandparents, the mobility limited, or just plain busy people will be a big appeal. So, if you’re considering installing fake grass at a property you own, you’ll have lower maintenance costs by making the switch to synthetic grass.

If You Live in Drought Prone Areas

Water consumption is a issue in some areas of the country. Sometimes when in droughts, cities regularly make you lessen your water usage. One of the first things they enforce is to make 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 freshly maintained look and the value of the turf itself, both commercial property owners and homeowners can benefit from getting rid of old-fashioned sod.

If Your Neighbors Have It

Driving down your street, do you see a few homes or buildings that are sporting artificial grass? If so, synthetic turf might be well worth it, so you aren’t the only home with lackluster grass. On the other hand, getting a natural lawn to look as attractive as a synthetic lawn is almost impossible, so if yo can’t beat them, join them!

To Get Better Space Usability

If you are working with a small space, artificial grass can enhance the area without the added work of maintenance. Synthetic turf is great for dog parks, play areas, poolsides, or anywhere else that has to deal with heavy foot traffic.

 

When Is Installing Artificial Grass NOT Worth The Investment?

There are some situations where choosing a synthetic lawn might not be the right choice. Please explore these situations now.

You Enjoy Outdoor Work

Many people find yard work to be worthwhile — even therapeutic. Many enjoy the exercise they get from landscaping. If you are part of this group, you should undoubtedly keep natural grass! Or consider just putting synthetic grass in areas that are difficult to maintain.

Can’t Afford It Now

Artificial turf will be less expensive over time, but if you’re struggling afford the upfront investment just yet, it is smart to continue saving. You may find financing is offered for turf projects, but you should consider whether you have to make the switch now or wait until you can pay the entire investment upfront.

Your HOA or City Doesn’t Allow It

Artificial grass will improve curb appeal and housing prices. Still, not all homeowner associations or city ordinances let you install synthetic grass. So ensure you check with rules and regulations in your area prior to installing the artificial turf.

Planning to Move Soon

If you aren’t planning to stay in your home or office building for the next several years, investing in artificial grass might not make sense. It takes time for the synthetic turf to pay back your initial investment. So, if going to be moving in the near future, 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 buy synthetic turf for your property, we are available to help! Contact us today for free samples and consultation.