Top 7 Mistakes When Choosing Artificial Turf For Lawns
24 April 2025
6 Mins Read
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If you are a homeowner looking for low-maintenance options, consider artificial turf lawns, which have been very popular lately!
You can achieve a clean look with a green lawn that remains consistent throughout the year. You don’t even have to fertilize or water it regularly.
However, there are certain mistakes that you must avoid to meet these needs. Are you aware of it yet?
In this article, we will discuss seven common mistakes that you should avoid when selecting artificial turf for your lawn.
What Is The Downside Of Artificial Turf For Lawns?
Although artificial turf for lawns does seem like a very favored option for homeowners, there are certain drawbacks.
While you are planning to get an artificial turf for lawns and researching it, I suggest that you take note of these drawbacks and plan accordingly.
Regular Cleaning
Although artificial grass reduces the requirement to mow and maintain, it does demand deep cleaning occasionally.
You have to check thoroughly for any dirt, debris, pine needles, leaves, and other deposits that might have accumulated on the turf surface.
Generally, if you regularize these deep cleanings, you will only need to schedule a few of them per year.
Pet Waste Cleanup
Artificial turf comprises plastic blades along with spaces in between. This prevents the pet waste from decomposing or being absorbed into the soil as it normally would.
If you have a pet, then any sort of waste disposal needs to be quick and manual. You always have to keep an eye on and remove the waste as soon as possible.
Heat Retention
Artificial Turf for lawns lacks an inbuilt cooking mechanism; additionally, it is made of materials such as polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene.
All these attributes contribute to the concern of the turf’s heat retention ability. During summer, it will become quite a headache.
Top 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Artificial Turf For Lawns
So, are you ready to learn about the top 7 mistakes that you always have to dodge when choosing artificial turf for lawns? Read on…
1. Ignoring The Turf’s Quality
One common mistake to avoid is selecting low-quality turf. Although it looks great in the store, it doesn’t hold up over time.
You can go for higher-quality turf, which is made from polyethylene or nylon, which are more durable and longer-lasting.
Moreover, cheaper options may appear attractive initially, but can quickly fade or deteriorate after exposure to the elements.
Ensure you select turf that is UV-resistant to prevent fading and damage from the sun.
2. Choosing The Wrong Pile Height
You must avoid the common mistake of choosing turf with the wrong pile height for your lawn. If the pile is too short, it may look too artificial and cheap.
On the other hand, if it’s too long, the turf may not lie flat, which can make it look untidy. The right pile height should match the natural grass that grows in the area.
You can choose a pile height between 1 and 2 inches, which is generally ideal for most residential lawns.
3. Overlooking The Infill Material
Do you know infill actually helps your blades? That too in two ways!
- Firstly, it helps to keep your blade in good shape!
- Secondly, it can give a more natural feel to your turf.
Using the wrong infill can cause the turf to become too hard or too soft.
Furthermore, you should take note that sand and rubber are two common types of infill, but the best option will depend on the area where the turf is going.
For example, if you expose the turf to a high volume of foot traffic, rubber infill may offer improved durability.
4. Not Considering Drainage Needs
If you install the turf without proper drainage, water can collect underneath. This will lead to an uneven surface or mold growth.
Therefore, you should choose a turf product with good drainage capabilities and ensure that the installation is done correctly, with proper base preparation and drainage systems.
For those in the area, artificial turf Dallas offers experts who can guide you through the right options for your lawn.
5. Forgetting About Safety and Environmental Impact
Using artificial turf has become more eco-friendly over the years, but not all turf options are created equal.
Some products are manufactured with harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment and human health.
Always ensure that you choose artificial turf that is free of bad substances like lead and BPA.
Furthermore, make sure that you always check if the turf is designed to remain cool and safe to walk on during the hottest days of the year.
6. Neglect Budgeting For Installation Costs
Are you just focusing on the cost of the turf and not on the installation at all? If it’s a yes, then stop! You’re doing the wrong thing.
A common mistake that most homeowners make is that they allocate a budget just for the turf, not for its installation.
While artificial turf can save money over time by reducing lawn maintenance costs, installation can be expensive.
The cost of installation depends on the
- Size of the lawn.
- The complexity of the design
- The turf quality.
Be sure to get a clear estimate of installation costs before making a final decision.
7. Skipping The Maintenance Plan
Here’s a little tip from my end: Regular cleaning can help to keep your turf clean.
There are two basic things that you have to do:
- Remove the waste regularly
- Hose it down periodically
This can help you keep it clean and fresh easily.
You will also need to change the oil every few years. This depends on the maintenance as well as the quality of the turf.
Furthermore, don’t overlook the long-term maintenance needs to ensure the turf remains in top condition for many years.
What Is The Lifespan Of An Artificial Turf?
The lifespan of artificial turf for lawns is generally 20-25 years; however, three primary factors significantly determine its longevity.
They are-
● Quality
Although you might have guessed it already, this point is often overlooked by many consumers. The quality of the turf plays a significant role in deciding its durability.
Always look for materials such as latex backing or polyurethane. Furthermore, turf with higher density and longer fibers is also recommended.
● Installation
When you check the turf base model, always look for features such as proper drainage and rainwater flow.
Also, make sure that the grass is attached to the surface of the turf properly. This will prevent complications such as the grass falling apart.
Finally, ensure that the base of the turf is more than 4” deep. This will prevent weeds from growing through the turf.
● Maintenance
Primarily, you need to do a lot to maintain the artificial turf. Simply address the points above and ensure regular deep cleaning sessions are maintained.
The Key To A Lasting, Beautiful Lawn!
I know many of you are looking for a lawn that stays lush green throughout the years. And the exciting part? You won’t even have to worry about maintaining it frequently.
This is why it becomes necessary to opt for high-quality artificial lawns that last long and are environmentally friendly.
But yes! It must stay within your budget, or it may become difficult for you to keep it tin op shape for the long run.
Trust me! This ain’t no rocket science! You just have to remember these tips in your mind when you are making the ultimate decision!
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