A surface consisting of synthetic fibers that is intended to resemble actual, natural grass is known as artificial turf, also referred to as artificial grass. It was initially utilized for athletic fields, but it is now utilized in a variety of locations, including backyards and lawns of homes. Turf may be a fantastic asset to pet owners, particularly those with dogs. But should you install some turf there instead of the natural grass in the backyard? Does it benefit your pet more? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial grass to help you decide whether to get some for your dog or stay away.
Negative Aspects Of Synthetic Grass
Simple to Maintain & Clean
One of the primary distinctions between turf and actual grass is this. Turf practically doesn’t need to be cleaned up or maintained, so you can hose it down or wash anything off its surface. Additionally, since turf does not absorb water on its surface, you won’t have to worry about muddy grass or muddy paw prints inside your home. Additionally, you won’t have to bathe your pet every time they enter the house from the backyard. The only upkeep required for artificial turf is selecting the proper infill. Make sure to select a non-toxic infill; once you do, additional maintenance is virtually nonexistent.
Includes No Pests
There are uncountable pests in natural grass. Since ants, fleas, ticks, and a variety of other pests breed in naturally grassy regions, a dog rolling around in the grass will unavoidably pick up a few pests here and there. This is not a problem with synthetic grass because pests avoid it in general, so your dog and home won’t be bothered by unwelcome pests.
There Are No Voids To Fill
Artificial grass is more resilient than natural grass. There is no need to be concerned about holes or ditches in your property any longer because dogs can’t dig through them and it discourages the behavior. It also exhibits little degradation with repeated usage, making it a lasting and robust choice.
Dogs Are Unable To Distinguish Between Different Objects
Pet owners worry that their dogs won’t behave in the same way on artificial lawn grass as they would on grass. Although a legitimate worry, it is unnecessary because contemporary synthetic surfaces are made to mimic the feel of real grass, which is soft and lush as a consequence. Since pets can’t tell the difference between the two, it’s a great substitute for real grass.
Simple To Use Year-Round
Artificial grass is resistant to any weather conditions, no matter what they are in your location. It won’t wilt or wither like natural grass, which needs a lot of care and maintenance. It also doesn’t need trimming, weeding, mud, dirt, or pesticides to keep its condition. Keep in mind that natural grass needs time to regenerate after the winter months or if your dog has done some rough house digging.
Negative Aspects Of Synthetic Grass
Artificial grass has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. Here are some drawbacks of having a turf lawn or backyard as opposed to one with real grass.
Resistance to Heat
Given that a lawn is exposed to sunlight for the majority of the day, unlike natural grass, a turfed lawn can become extremely hot and remain that way. Being sensitive to such high temperatures, your pet’s paws may also feel discomfort when walking on a very hot lawn.
Odour
Although artificial turf generally requires very little upkeep, you must be cautious of bad smells. Even though a lawn doesn’t appear to be all that dirty and doesn’t stain, if it is left untreated it will smell. It is advised to wash the turn once a week, especially if your pet uses it frequently. For those more offensive odors that won’t go away, a general cleaner or bleach may be used. As an alternative, using anti-odor grass is a smart move.
Price
The cost of an artificial grass like sports turf is high. The price may appear excessive depending on the kind and size of the area you want to grass. However, the minimal upkeep needed for it more than makes up for the greater initial cost you pay. Although it appears expensive in the short term, the purchase makes sense over the long term. Although natural grass may initially be less expensive, the long-term costs of weeding, building, and maintenance will make it more expensive.
Final Words
With a few exceptions, artificial grass is generally a more practical choice than real grass. Select the alternative that best satisfies your requirements, and if you decide to go with artificial grass, be sure to ask for a chemical-free, non-toxic lawn.
