How Does Artificial Grass Compare with a Traditional Sod Lawn?

Artificial grass from SYNLawn Alabama can be a wonderful addition to any residential or commercial property in Birmingham, AL and other Alabama communities. Traditional sod lawns are still incredibly popular and widely used. However, an artificial grass lawn can be much more cost-effective and low maintenance than traditional sod. This blog will compare both options to help you make an informed decision on the type of lawn that best suits your home or business!

Artificial Grass Vs. Traditional Sod Lawn

Choosing the kind of grass that works best for your lawn is no simple task. For many, the choice is usually between natural or artificial. However, understanding the differences can make it easier for a person to decide.

As you weigh both lawn options, the following factors can help you narrow down the results to the type of green surface that best suits your needs:

Assess the Cost of Installation

Typically, artificial grass requires more upfront investment to install than traditional sod lawns. However, natural grass lawns almost always end up costing more over time. This is largely due to the constant time and money required to maintain traditional sod lawns. 

Other factors can also play a role in determining the costs of lawn installation, such as the size of the area requiring installation. With either option, it will cost more for larger spaces. However, this can add a higher initial labor cost when installing synthetic turf. 

Overall, when considering natural and artificial grass, one must consider the initial costs as well as the maintenance and operational costs. These include watering, weeding, re-seeding, fertilizing, and so on. Maintenance costs like these typically make natural grass lawns more expensive in the long run. Therefore, if investing in an artificial grass lawn is within your budget, it is a much more cost-effective option because it is likely to be less expensive than traditional sod over time. 

Consider the Long-Term Maintenance

Another factor when considering natural or artificial grass from SYNLawn Alabama is maintenance. Almost always, traditional sod requires more time and energy to maintain than synthetic turf. Natural grass requires watering, re-seeding, mowing, and fertilizing to keep it full and green throughout its lifetime. In some cases, you may need to replace your grass in the summer and winter, which can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. 

If you don’t have the time, energy, or ability to maintain natural grass and all the hassles it entails, then you are better off with artificial grass from SYNLawn Alabama. Our synthetic turf requires little maintenance during its lifetime. Typically, artificial grass only requires a quick, easy cleaning every so often to maintain its attractive appearance. 

Front yard with artificial grass installed

Think About Health & Safety

Health and safety are also vital considerations when choosing between traditional sod and artificial grass. Unfortunately, natural grass often develops divots and holes. These can be a threat to the safety of people walking or running on a lawn. For those with pets and small children, holes or divots in traditional sod can lead to injuries like a sprained ankle. 

Natural grass also commonly attracts insects and pests, such as bees, rodents, and snakes. The presence of these pests can be a potential danger to anyone enjoying a natural grass lawn. Plus, some people and pets are allergic to natural grass!

Artificial grass landscaping from SYNLawn Alabama is a much safer alternative to a traditional sod lawn. First, its synthetic nature will not affect people with natural grass allergies. Second, it will make it much more durable. This helps to prevent holes, divots, and tears, making synthetic turf a much safer surface for anyone to run and play on. Many artificial grass products also have the option to make the turf even safer by adding extra padding underneath. Fortunately, it is also rare to see insects and other pests infiltrate artificial grass since it is not ideal for their nesting. 

Explore Environmental Concerns

Many assume that a traditional sod lawn is more environmentally friendly than a lawn made of synthetic materials. However, this is typically untrue. Although natural grass can reduce the number of air pollutants and replenish oxygen levels, it requires an abundance of water to stay alive and maintain its full, green appearance. In addition, natural grass lawns rely on fertilizers and pesticides, which can negatively impact the environment.

With an artificial grass lawn, there is no need to constantly water it to maintain its appearance. Synthetic turf only needs occasional watering to help it cool down during the summer or to keep it clean. Additionally, there is no need to use fertilizers and pesticides on artificial grass, which can help keep soil and surrounding wildlife healthier. As a bonus, when the lifespan of synthetic turf comes to an end, it can be recycled to reduce material waste.

Factor in Aesthetics

The aesthetics of a lawn is one of the primary reasons a person will install grass of any kind outdoors. Therefore, how traditional sod and artificial grass look is another critical factor one must keep in mind. While sod can stay green for extended periods of time, its aesthetics are hard to maintain, especially throughout the year. During winter, lush and green natural lawns turn brown. They will also turn brown if not watered properly. 

Artificial grass from SYNLawn Alabama is far less demanding. Beautifully trimmed and green synthetic grass remains in that condition without regard for watering or Alabama weather. Check out our gallery to see for yourself!

Contact Us to Learn More About Artificial Grass

Although natural grass can be a good option for some homes and businesses in Birmingham, Alabama with dedicated lawn care, artificial grass from SYNLawn Alabama is the clear winner in all manner of comparisons. Our synthetic turf is cost-effective, low maintenance, safer, more environmentally friendly, and stunningly full and green. Contact us today to learn more about all that artificial grass offers or place an order!