Is Artificial Grass in Pittsburgh Worth The Investment?

Are you fed up with yard maintenance and trying to find an answer? Maybe you’ve stumbled onto artificial grass, unsure if it can increase property value while reducing maintenance headaches. Whichever, we are here to help you thoroughly examine when artificial grass will be worth the investment and when it might not be.

Synthetic Grass Benefits

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

Saves Time & Money

It is no secret that fake grass can save you on lawn upkeep. In fact, this is one of the common reasons both homeowners and commercial property owners turn to synthetic grass as an alternative to traditional grass. Organic grass requires upkeep all year in some locations. From weeding to watering to mowing, grass can waste a lot of time and cost a lot of money yearly to care for. After your upfront investment, artificial grass maintenance saves you a lot of money and time.

Reduces Water Bills

The EPA says the average American family utilizes 320 gallons of water every day, and about 30% goes to outdoor uses. More than half of that outdoor water goes toward lawn and garden watering. Nationally, landscape irrigation accounts for nearly 1/3 of all residential water use, totaling almost 9 billion gallons every day. That’s a lot of water! Artificial turf will cut water usage significantly.

Durable & Long-Lasting

One of the favorite features of artificial grass is how durable and long it lasts. A lot of turf manufacturers have been working for decades to develop long-lasting products. The edges will look clean for years with minimal fraying, and the grass won’t fade in the sun or pad down from heavy foot traffic. When investigating artificial grass manufacturers, make sure you search for ones that have been in business for a while and also offer a good warranty.

Increases Property Value

Artificial turf will improve any property value, so you will regain some of the initial costs invested in synthetic grass as equity. As an example, a crisp, clean, beautiful, low-maintenance property can add around 10% value to your property’s equity. Installing synthetic grass also provides an extra bonus at sale time because the no-fuss upkeep is very attractive.

Creates Dog-Friendly Yard

Conventional grass doesn’t handle the damage that dogs inflict on a yard. From brown spots where they pee to digging holes to tracking mud into the house, there’s a lot of damage and extra effort dogs can cause. However, artificial grass can transform dogs' spaces that will last for many years with minimal maintenance. There is even pet-specific turf on the market that includes antimicrobial agents and is designed to optimize drainage.

Artificial Grass Disadvantages

In order make an informed decision regarding purchasing turf, we want to give you the full picture of artificial grass. Despite its many benefits, there are a few disadvantages to fake grass.

Installation Cost

Artificial grass is an investment, which means it initally has a higher cost than natural landscaping. One example, for a 1,200 sq. ft. area installation of artificial grass, you are looking at a price range of $9,600-$14,400 for the startup expense. Alternatively, organic grass is around $7,500 to install. We recommend you check out our life cycle cost analysis to understand projected turf costs. The higher setup cost of artificial grass should be viewed as an investment because it pays for itself over time — in only 1.5 years in some cases!

Can Get Hot

When artificial turf sits in the sun for the better part of the day, it can get really hot on summer days. If you are in a location with a lot of sun, we strongly recommend you experience our innovative technology, HydroChill™. This patented precoat is applied to the sand infill. It has been developed and vetted through years of research in both a laboratory and a real-world setting. Depending on conditions, it’s activated when moisture is added and can offer substantial cooling for days.

Infill Needs Replenishing

Infill is needed to weigh the turf down and hold it in place while making the grass fibers maintain their look and feel. Although this doesn’t need to be done often, it will have to be replaced several times during the life of the artificial turf. Though replacing the infill can be done as a DIY project, we recommend you leave it to the pros for the best results.

So, When Is Installing Artificial Grass Worth The Investment?

In most cases, artificial turf is the perfect answer. Take a look at a few of the best reasons to make the change to synthetic grass.

If You Need Low-Maintenance

Resale of residential homes with artificial grass to retirees, people with disabilities, or busy people will be a big appeal. So, if you’re interested in installing fake grass your property, you’ll pay less in maintenance costs by switching to synthetic grass.

If You Live in Drought Prone Areas

A big issue in some parts of the nation is water consumption. Sometimes when in droughts, cities often force you to reduce your water use. One of the first measures they take is to make you stop watering your lawn. Over time, grass may die, and reviving it is difficult.

When You Want to Increase Property Value

If you’re looking to have increased property value, synthetic grass is a fantastic choice. Thanks to its always trimmed appearance and the value of the turf itself, both homeowners and commercial property owners can benefit from replacing old-fashioned sod.

If Your Neighbors Have It

Driving down your street, do you pass a few homes or buildings that have artificial grass? If so, choosing artificial turf might be worth it, so you are not the only one with lackluster grass. Then again, getting a conventional lawn to look as attractive as a synthetic lawn is basically impossible, so if yo can’t beat them, join them!

To Get Better Space Usability

If you are stuck with a small space, artificial grass can improve the area without the added work of maintenance. Synthetic turf is great for dog areas, play areas, poolsides, or everywhere else with heavy foot traffic.

When Is Installing Artificial Grass NOT Worth The Investment?

There are some circumstances where installing a synthetic lawn might not work. Let us explore these situations below.

You Enjoy Outdoor Work

A lot of people find working in the yard to be worthwhile — even therapeutic. Some people like the exercise they get from landscaping. If you are in this group, you should undoubtedly keep natural grass! Or consider only installing synthetic grass in problematic areas.

Can’t Afford It Now

Artificial turf will be lower cost longterm, but if you are struggling handle the upfront investment now, it is wise to continue saving. Occasionally financing is offered for turf projects, but you have to consider whether you have to make the decision now or wait until you can pay the total expense upfront.

Your HOA or City Doesn’t Allow It

Artificial grass will improve curb appeal and housing prices. Still, not all HOAs or city ordinances allow synthetic grass. So make sure you check with rules and regulations in your area before installation of the artificial turf.

Planning to Move Soon

If you don’t plan to stay in your home or office building over the next several years, Choosing artificial grass may not make sense. It takes years for the synthetic turf to give you back your initial investment. So, if going to be moving soon, you should probably wait to install your grass on your new property.

Ready to Invest in Artificial Turf?

If you are ready to buy synthetic turf for your property, we are ready to help! Contact us today for free samples and consultation.