The summer of 2022 was one for the record books. Between the unmitigated heat and the dry-as-a-bone drought conditions, even metaphors that are blithely dispensed by TV meteorologists were inadequate. Was it a “scorcher,” a “sizzling cauldron,” or something much hotter and dryer? Whatever it was, it was miserable.
Many homeowners got an up-close-and-personal view of their yards - formerly lush and green - turning brown and dead. Years and years, along with thousands and thousands of dollars that were invested in those pastoral legacies of green grass vanished into dust. As these heat-stressed homeowners looked (in disbelief) at their water and maintenance bills, which had skyrocketed to record highs, the tipping point on the benefits versus the challenges of traditional lawns was reached and came crashing down.
As summer finally turned to fall, large numbers of homeowners saw the future, and it looked like artificial turf.
The GrassTex synthetic turf has proven to be an exceptional alternative to traditional natural grass lawns. The product has several style and length options, and a comprehensive overview is available here.
Economic Sustainability
Aside from the destruction of natural lawns by blistering sun and a dearth of adequate rainfall, there are many reasons for the rise in the popularity of synthetic turf. Ultimately, it comes down to two words: economic sustainability. Traditional lawns that must be planted, cultivated, fertilized, watered and constantly trimmed no longer make economic sense and most likely have not been viable for many years. Rates for water, cost of fuel for maintenance and labor expenses are at all-time highs. When these factors are compared to the up-front investment in synthetic turf, the ROI on a product like GrassTex, available from Acme Brick, is realized sooner than ever before.
Even those tastemakers on the evening news have taken notice of the advantages of synthetic turf for homes. In the Dallas/Fort Worth market, the message was not subtle: Reporter Alanna Quillen said, “If you’re tired of dealing with dead grass, mud when it rains and paying outrageous water bills, this might be the solution to your woes.”
When to Catch the Big, Green Wave
Many homeowners decide to switch from traditional grass lawns to synthetic turf during the fall and winter months. There are both practical and aesthetic reasons for this.
The maintenance personnel needed to install this turf, are maintaining traditional lawns during the spring and summer and come fall they are available for turf installation. Plus, the gorgeous, new turf is a stunning improvement over the old, dead grass found in winter lawns.
Once the installation occurs, big changes will become apparent immediately. As noted in this article, synthetic turf has never been tougher. According to Reggie Barnes of Acme Brick, Tile & Stone, today’s synthetic products, which are usually a combination of nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene, are made specifically for the home. They have better drainage, are built from highly durable materials, stay cooler in the sun, and remain in good condition for years.
Barnes added that products such as GrassTex use plastic polymers for grass blades that are woven into a permeable backing system made from plastics that are better bonded, stitched and seamed. These turfs also feature infill materials to keep the blades in position. The longer blades feel softer, and multiple blades woven together have a more grass-like feel. In most cases, the lawn is installed with a slight crown in the middle, as would be the case with natural grass.
Five Questions to Consider Before Installing Synthetic Turf
Homeowners who are frustrated with the expenses of traditional grass lawns are advised to discuss their objectives for the new synthetic turf with the experts at Acme Brick, Tile & Stone. Here are five questions the GrassTex product specialists suggest:
- What are the primary reasons for installing this turf? For example, if the homeowner wants to use it to reduce clean-up from pets and children, the best length for the artificial blades is 1.5 inches or shorter.
- Is the turf just being used for improving curb appeal of the home, or is it going to have heavier use from sports activities? This will suggest different types of GrassTex products
- How much foot traffic will the synthetic turf receive? Again, this will dictate the product type.
- In what part of the country is the home located? The geographic location will help the homeowner determine the most popular products for that area based on weather.
- What hue and blade length are most visually appealing to the homeowner?
Old habits die hard, even those that are expensive and fraught with aggravation. Is natural grass really worth the time and effort? More and more homeowners think not.
At Acme brick is only the beginning. If you’re thinking about home improvements, click here and get a little inspiration.