Synthetic vs. Real Lawns Part II

Happy March from Desert Rose! This month's blog is the conclusion to our two-part blog. We started last month reviewing the differences between real and artificial lawns. In part two, we will be going over the pros and cons of a real, living lawn. Most of us remember the feeling of a childhood full of running around, wresting, or having picnics on the grass. Whether we sat with the grass between our toes or pulled at the blades and threw them in the air, it gave us a warm, happy feeling. A lot of people want their kids to experience that same feeling, or they want to have a lawn that way they can revisit that feeling of their childhood whenever they want. There have even been studies that show exposure to green nature, including lawns, can reduce stress, tension, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and peacefulness; the emotional benefits cannot be overstated.

Most people can find working in the yard therapeutic and calming, especially during these crazy times as it allows them to reconnect with nature. But as with anything to do with outdoor activities, it is a constant battle against Mother Nature. Disease and bugs can make your lawn look less than its best, not to mention moles, which can leave holes in your lawn that are not only unsightly but can be a serious tripping hazard. The moles will need to be trapped, the holes filled, and the grass replaced.

Unfortunately, the emotional benefits gained from lawn care can also lead to emotional frustration. When you work hard and try to do everything you can for that perfect lawn, insects, disease, drought, and weeds, can get in your way, which can be a very frustrating experience. Not to mention those pesky yellow spots and dead patches from Fido frequenting his favorite spots. Anyone who has ever had a lawn understands the significant amount of work it takes to keep it looking good, not to mention the expensive summer water bills and the winter watering that is needed every couple of weeks.

The cost of fertilizers, herbicides, a lawnmower, and all the other equipment needed for upkeep can seem like a never-ending bill, which is especially true if you decide to go with an irrigation system. However, an irrigation system for your lawn is one of the best things you can invest in. Consistent, even waterings with little to no effort from you not only prevent countless hours of moving a hose around but also mitigates over and under watering of certain spots in your lawn that are almost inevitable with hand watering. Depending on the size of your lawn and the number of zones needed, this can add a few to several thousands of dollars to the cost of maintaining a lawn. The initial cost of installation of sod is typically between $8-$10 a square foot, which is half the price of artificial grass. Just remember the cost savings in installation usually goes to lawn maintenance and care costs.

In the United States, lawns clear the air of about 12 million tons of dirt and dust. Grass also filters about 5% of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, releasing fresh oxygen for us to breathe. 2500 square feet of grass produces enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four. Lawns also help to cool the surrounding air through evaporation. The air above lawns stays up to 14 degrees cooler than the air above concrete. In last month's blog, we learned that artificial grass can be 37 degrees hotter than asphalt, which is up to 86 degrees higher than natural grass. So on those dog days of summer, you will find yourself hanging around your grass instead of fleeing from the searing heat of an artificial lawn.

We hope these last two blogs gave you some insight into the main differences between synthetic lawns and real lawns. If you are interested in adding a lawn to your yard give Desert Rose a call!