Xeriscaping your yard is a great alternative option to landscaping in Las Vegas. It provides the same aesthetically pleasing effect to lawns without too much maintenance.
Benefits of Installing an Artificial Turf
Installing artificial turf has far more benefits than you could think of. Imagine your yard in its pristine condition even in a couple of years. It’s ideal in places where drought is a common problem. You won’t be worried about violating restrictions on water usage…
Here are some more benefits that will help you decide to install artificial turf in your yard.
Economical
Unlike natural grass, artificial turf does not require too much water to survive. Although they need a small amount of water to maintain moisture. They generally reduce monthly water bill expenses. Also, artificial turf does not need mowing, weeding, or trimming. This can reduce energy consumption which can result in savings on your electric bill.
Environment-Friendly
Pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxic chemicals are needed to maintain a pest-free lawn as well as to produce healthy grass. This isn’t a problem with artificial turf. Your kids and pets can safely play outside without fear of the dangers that may be caused by toxic agents.
Some artificial turf even has an anti-bacterial component in them to avoid the spread of germs and bacteria.
Pest-Free Lawn
Worry less about insects, mites, worms, and other pests that may infest your lawn. You can only have that in natural grass. Pests don’t thrive on synthetic grass. They need soil to feed, lay eggs, and live. Your regular appointments with a pest control officer will definitely be put to stop which means good news. The extra savings from it may be put into some other expenses.
Low Maintenance
Artificial turf installation may cost you money initially. But it’s an investment considering the savings you can generate from its low maintenance. It does not wither like natural grass when exposed to sunlight. With proper care, it is guaranteed to last longer and you wouldn’t have to worry about spending a lot of time trimming and pruning.
Artificial Turf Issues and Concerns
While artificial turf installation poses many benefits; it’s important to know and understand its drawbacks. They are few and manageable but it pays to be informed before making the next big step.
Expensive Installation
Artificial turf installation can result in low maintenance and cost in the long run. However, its installation is another story. The cost of installation can be expensive especially if you are particular about the quality of the turf material. Also, you might have to consider the budget to hire a professional installer if you want quality output.
Heat Absorption
There are far lesser drawbacks than benefits in installing artificial turf on your lawn. The obvious disadvantage is the amount of heat that it absorbs. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf cannot reflect heat on hot and sunny days. This can be a challenge if you are residing in desert-like areas such as Nevada. But like any other problem, there is a solution to that.
Ways How to Keep Your Artificial Turf Cooler
You might think of your lawn as a place where your kids can play outdoors comfortably. But the thought of extreme heat during day time or summer will make it uncomfortable for them to stay outside; let alone play in the yard. Read along to know the ways and means of how you can keep your artificial turf cooler.
Use Some Shade
Shades prevent an area or ground from absorbing too much heat from the sun. Our mobility in outdoor activities becomes limited when we are experiencing very hot temperatures. But just like water quenching our thirst, shades provide us quick relief from discomfort.
Trees
It helps if you have trees planted in an area alongside your lawn to provide shade from extreme heat. Trees have the ability to give off cool and fresh air naturally. Plants and trees in your outdoor space will make you enjoy your artificial turf better.
Canopy
Trees may not be ideal to be placed at the center of your outdoor space. But a fabric covering built on a metal structure firmly installed on the ground will do the trick. You can have an instant picnic in your lawn area where you can bond with your family and friends without worrying about hurting your skin from the heat.
Other Sunshades
Awnings, umbrellas, and cloth shades are as useful as a canopy. The idea is to create a shade that will reduce the heat your artificial turf will have to absorb. Also, these sunshade materials will help you appreciate your outdoor space no matter how hot the weather is.
Grass Color and Infill Matters
Light colored synthetic grass is preferred over darker ones. It helps keep down the temperature that is being absorbed. In deciding on an infill material, non-rubber infills are better than rubber. Additionally, your artificial turf installation team can recommend scientifically developed cooling technologies that can dramatically reduce the temperature absorbed by artificial turf.
Install Misting or Sprinkler System
Water is the most common coolant. It is readily available and the best element to add moisture to your synthetic grass. Water your lawns using a misting or sprinkler system and regulate the supply of water that comes out. You can also use a hose if you don’t have a misting or sprinkler system installed. Just be aware of the watering days schedule for Nevada homeowners.
Biodiversity Suppression
Installing artificial turf might be eco-friendly in some ways. It eliminates the use of pesticides and insecticides. But it does not allow other species to survive since it is made of inorganic material. The conservation of various species preserves biodiversity and creates a balance in our ecosystem. We are in a way suppressing that balance because of the installation of non-organic material.
Biodiversity Preservation in Our Own Yard
There is still hope to preserve the life of species that can give balance to our ecosystem. We can still opt to install artificial grass and at the same time care about the environment through this idea.
Adding Green on Some Areas
Planting trees, shrubs, or flowers on the side of your lawn or other areas of your yard can create a habitat for wildlife. Some species play an important role in plant growth through the nutrients they give to the soil. Plants and soil also provide food and shelter to these species. This creates a balance in the system. Planting trees or shrubs not only adds to the aesthetic but also fosters an eco-friendly landscape.
Types of Artificial Turfs
There are three types of artificial turf if we are talking about the material that it is made of. They vary in quality and cost efficiency. It’s useful to know which of these types would you like to be in your yard. It helps to determine your needs as well as the features that you would like to incorporate into your lawn.
Nylon Turf
This type of artificial turf will best suit you if budget is not an issue. It is by far the strongest and most durable artificial turf among the three. It can withstand extreme heat which is ideal for desert-like places like Nevada. It can be installed in high-traffic areas in your yard as it does not wear out easily.
Polyethylene Turf
This type of turf looks more like authentic grass than Nylon turf. It also feels less stiff and more comfortable on your feet. Also, Polyethylene is cheaper although not as durable as Nylon. But it has been proven to last long through proper maintenance. Additionally, polyethylene is a non-porous material and is easier to clean.
Polypropylene Turf
The cheapest but the least durable artificial turf material is Polypropylene. This type is ideal for homeowners who are on a tight budget. This synthetic grass is not recommended for places like Nevada, as it cannot withstand prolonged heat exposure.
It may seem to be the most cost-efficient type but in the long run it can cost you more than Nylon and Polyethylene.
Why Install Artificial Turf in Las Vegas
One of the challenges that the state of Nevada has to deal with is water scarcity. Water conservation efforts have been introduced to address this problem. Homeowners are encouraged to adapt to water-smart landscaping strategies. Lawn grasses are to be removed by 2027 and replaced with artificial turf.
Replacing Lawn Grasses With Desert-Friendly Landscape
Convert your lawn grasses with an eco-friendly alternative that can provide the same amount of curb appeal. Natural grasses require a lot of watering to maintain. It will be difficult to meet the standard set by the Nevada state for its water conservation efforts. Perhaps it is time to remove those natural grasses and replace them with artificial ones.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, lawns consume 3 trillion gallons of water per year, 200 million gallons of gas for mowing, and 70 million pounds of pesticides. That is why the replacement of natural grasses with artificial turf is one of the many alternatives.
The Perfect Artificial Turf for Your Las Vegas Home
You can actually choose what type of synthetic grass will you consider in your home. It can be Nylon, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, or a combination of any of it. But first, you need to know your actual home need.
Durability
The first factor that you should consider when installing artificial turf is quality. Remember that synthetic grass has many uses. If you intend to use it in high activity areas of your home then go for a much more durable material like Nylon or Polyethylene. Also, denser turfs are generally more durable and provide a more natural grass look for your lawn.
Exposure
Take note of how hot or cool the weather can get in your area. In Nevada, the highest temperature recorded was 130° F (54.44° C). This can get your synthetic grass superheated and unsafe to play on. The solution is choosing an infill that can help absorb extreme heat. You can ask your professional installer for infills that have cooling technologies to eliminate this problem.
Cost
Artificial turf installation can be expensive especially if you are going for the durable ones. Still, it is wiser to spend on quality work but with long-term savings. In fact, installing high-standard artificial grass can add value to your home.
Aesthetic
Choose a turf that has the closest color to that of natural grass. Although there are different species of grasses. And if you have installed one, keep it well-maintained using a rake or broom to preserve its pristine condition. Also, taller pile heights are best for less-traffic lawn areas as they make your landscape look prettier. Shorter pile heights can be installed in areas where people will be present frequently.
Comfort
Artificial turfs are made up of blades that mirror grasses. These are cushioned with thatches for that added springy feel to your feet. Quality synthetic grasses won’t hurt your soles over those that are less costly. If you picture your lawn to be a place where your kids and pets can play; then consider turfs with softer grass blades. Also, it would cause less of a worry if your grass has anti-microbial features that go with them.
Drainage
Artificial turfs must have a built-in drainage system to make sure that substances do not remain on their base. Retained substances can build up molds and bacteria and can cause an unpleasant odor. This can make your lawn unsafe for kids and pets. It can also result in an unpleasant yard instead of adding curb appeal. Make sure that you check on this very important feature before you decide on its purchase.
Hiring a Professional
Having a green lawn is one of the best attractions of a home. The lush green look turfed in all the right places keeps everything look neat and tidy. Additionally, it creates a fresh ambiance and an illusion that one is close to nature despite living in an urban community.
An impeccable turf installation can only be made by a professional. Landscape Creations has been providing quality services to Nevada residences since 1995. They are experts in turf installation methods and can guarantee a high satisfaction rate to their clients. They also provide artificial turf maintenance services to keep your lawn always in its perfect condition.
Conclusion
Beautifying your home can be as simple as having an aesthetically-pleasing grass on your lawns. An equally attractive idea is the installation of artificial turf. Synthetic grass can even outstand natural grass in terms of physical appearance as well as durability.
There are a variety of options for your synthetic grass. The best deal is that you have an opportunity to choose what suits your need. It helps to know the basic features of these artificial turfs in order to choose the best and the most cost-efficient type. Lastly, a good turf has efficient drainage in them with an added micro-bacterial component as a bonus.