Why Natural Sod is a Better Alternative to Artificial Turf

If you are one of those homeowners, who is tired of constantly mowing and watering your lawns, you may have entertained the idea of switching to artificial turf. Yet, although artificial turf may seem low maintenance at first, the drawbacks associated with artificial turf —and the advantages of natural sod—may surprise you.

While artificial turf requires no watering, fertilization or mowing, it must still be raked and swept to lift flat spots and must also be hosed off periodically to clear debris and watered to cool it down in hot temps. And while the casual passer-by may think artificial turf looks like a “real” lawn, many people have trouble getting past the “feel” of fake grass. Artificial turf simply does not feel the same as real grass, and tends to make a rustling sound when walked on. Artificial turf costs significantly more than traditional sod, plus requires considerable preparation. In order to install artificial turf, the old yard must be dug up, a layer of sand must be placed and leveled, and then a layer of rubber pellets must be laid down prior to installation of the turf (These rubber pellets are currently raising red flags for potential health concerns.

A natural sod lawn acts as a filter for water runoff and builds topsoil, while artificial turf increases runoff, particularly if a drainage system is not properly installed and managed. While natural grass has a cooling effect, reducing indoor temperatures by 10 degrees or more, synthetic grass absorbs heat, resulting in additional air conditioning needs. Artificial turf is non-biodegradable, meaning it could sit in a landfill indefinitely. There is no question of biodegradability with a sod lawn, and, in fact, grass clippings make excellent compost.

Artificial turf must also be replaced every 8-10 years, and damaged surfaces require repair by an outside contractor. The surface of artificial turf also requires disinfecting against mold and bacterial growth. Sod has been developed for greater durability under heavy traffic conditions, naturally re-growing and repairing itself.

A sod lawn generates oxygen and absorbs air pollutants, while artificial turf does not. A sod lawn is associated with a more “giving” playing surface for children’s play and sports, while the harder artificial turf surface can result in injury and potential burns during sports or play. Further, an artificial turf-playing surface can be abrasive, leading to injuries, which are difficult to heal, particularly when harmful bacteria are present.

When you compare the pros and cons of a natural sod lawn vs. an artificial turf lawn, the clear winner is natural sod for those who desire a lush, beautiful green lawn. Whether picnicking on your natural sod lawn, playing games, visiting with friends, or curling up with a good book, your natural sod lawn will provide you with comfort and pleasure for a long, long time.

We have made ordering sod really easy by creating easy steps to figure out the size of your lawn and a great calculator to figure out exactly how much sod you will need and what it will cost. Head to www.OrderSodNow.com or call 905-389-1315 for more info.