Sod VS Artificial Turf?
A sod grass lawn has traditionally been the focus of most American yards, but homeowners now have options for their landscaping. Some are turning to artificial turf as an alternative to the traditional grass lawn after weighing the pros and cons for both. Here are some of the facts that may help as you make your decision.
Sod
Pros:
Sod costs less up front to install-from $0.40-$1.76 per square foot.
Sod provides a cool, soft place for kids and pets to play.
Cons:
Maintenance such as watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
Sod is prone to disease, pests, drought, and local watering restrictions.
Other hidden costs are irrigation systems, lawn equipment, or lawn care services.
50% of the typical household water use goes towards irrigation of sod grass lawns.
Artificial Turf
Pros:
Artificial turf pays for itself in about 2.5-6 years because it doesn’t require maintenance like watering, fertilizing, or mowing.
Turf has no hidden costs other than occasional cleaning.
Turf stays green, is safe for kids and pets, and usually lasts for 10-20 years depending on the product.
Cons:
Turf costs more to install up front-typically around $12.33 per square foot.
Because it’s made of man-made materials, it’s not part of the natural ecosystem of the soil underneath, impacting the health of the soil.
Artificial turf is not recyclable.