Turf is quickly becoming one of the most popular home additions in 2023. With more and more homeowners looking for ways to create functional exterior space, turf is a great way to ensure aesthetics while reducing the cost of home maintenance.
If you’re curious about synthetic turf and what it can bring to the table for your Pacific Northwest property, these are some points to consider.
How Much Drainage Does Your Lawn Need
There is no denying that the Pacific Northwest will have more rainy days than most parts of the country. And since one of the main things grass does is keep your soil in place, ensuring adequate landscape drainage should be a top priority when installing turf.
Always plan drainage ahead of replacing live grass when landscaping in Washington. Outdoor drainage grates, deep-rooted plants and trees, and land level can help keep your lawn dry.
If you want to boost your lawn’s draining capabilities, take the time to build a rain garden. This can be a small or large area of your property where you plant native species of trees, shrubs, flowers, succulents, or other plants that are deep-rooted and able to divert water down and away from the surface.
What Type of Turf Does Your Lawn Need?
Although some may assume all artificial turf is the same, there’s a large difference between the turf of the past and the type you can see in modern days. Synthetic turf is far more natural-looking, longer lasting, and softer to the touch. It comes in countless styles and colors.
Beyond that, turf also has options for everything from homes with pets to those who want a lawn green enough to leave golf courses envious and everyone in between. Consider your daily needs and use your property when picking your style.
How Will This Impact Your Property’s Value
Turf has the potential to increase the value of a Pacific Northwest property. It will require less mowing, aerating, and edging than a traditional grass lawn, with the lower maintenance a significant calling card to prospective buyers. It also eliminates the chances of tracking mud or other moist lawn debris into the home. A well-maintained property with turf can increase your value by ten to fifteen percent and grow interest from buyers because they know how expensive keeping up a grass lawn can be.
As a result, getting gorgeous turf could save you a lot of money throughout the years.
How Long Does Turf Last For?
Synthetic turf can last for 20 years with some basic care. In areas of your property that see heavy use, from pets or sports, you may need earlier replacement, but the care for it is what makes the difference. If you rinse, rake, and remove debris from the surface regularly, you won’t have to worry.
“Artificial turf is a smart investment for your outdoor spaces, as it offers a low-maintenance and durable solution that can last for up to 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance. Not only does it save time and money on lawn maintenance, but it also enhances the beauty and functionality of your landscape for years to come.” – Richard Callahan, El Paso Artificial Turf.
This is most important during the rainy season in Washington or when leaves are shedding. Generally, a rake or broom can be enough to help keep it clean. If you have a larger property with lots of trees, you may want to invest in a leaf blower, but this is a small cost compared to the price of traditional lawn care.
How Much Time and Money Could You Save
To maintain the average live-grass lawn, you need a lawnmower, an electric trimmer, leaf blowers, shovels, aerators, rakes, and so much more. You could even have to deal with pests that like to live in grass, like mosquitoes, ants, and other insects. Over time this can cost you a lot of time and money that you might not be willing to give up.
If you’re tired of devoting an entire day of your weekend to lawn care each summer, it’s time to consider a switch to turf.
Does Turf Work With Your Current Lawn Features
What lawn features do you currently have? If you have ground pavers because you like to divide your yard up, you might worry about how they’ll work with synthetic turf, but there’s no need to stress! Turf plays well with pavers and other lawn features and will still look great regardless of what you pair it with. In fact, this is actually a great way to add dimension and depth to your turf.
How Much Land Do You Need to Cover
Your budget will change dramatically depending on how much land you need to cover. The perk of having a lot of ground is when you install turf, there will be far less space you’ll need to grow grass and pour money into keeping it alive.
Many homes in the Pacific Northwest feature modern variations of a crush and run gravel driveway to prevent precipitation runoff from concrete surfaces. This will typically extend a few feet on either side of the driveway footprint, creating a sort of drainage basin that further reduces the amount of area in which you need to apply turf.
Your Property Should Be Carefully Thought Out
Whether you’re getting turf to save money or guarantee consistent aesthetics, it’s a great decision for many homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re considering the pros and cons of a turf installation for your new build, contact Urban NW Homes for a consultation today!