SHOULD I REPLACE MY GRASS WITH ASTROTURF?

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who prefer hardcopy novels over e-readers and vinyl over iTunes. For the purists out there, artificial grass will never make the cut. But, overlooking any subjective feelings on this matter, could installing artificial grass have any effect on the resale value of a property?

In general, artificial grass usually has a more positive than negative effect, especially since a well-laid piece of Astroturf has that bright sheen of synthetic green that lifts a garden and creates an enticing space for potential buyers. However, there will always be some who simply don’t like the synthetic aspect of having Astroturf.

A Brief History
First developed in the 1960s as an alternative solution to sports fields, nobody initially anticipated that the material would be advanced to the point where homeowners would want it installed in their own backyards. But, the material is far removed from the hard nylon fibres of its birth and has since grown into a viable rival to the plush surface of Mother Nature’s green grass.

Over the last ten years, artificial grass has peaked in popularity owing to the quality of the material. Many manufacturers quote a life span of over 25 years on their product. One of the only real negatives of Astroturf over grass is that, no matter how much the material is developed, it will always be synthetic and there will always be those who dislike it for that very reason.

If you’re not sure whether to install artificial lawn on your property, here are some points to help you decide:

Environmental Impact
Artificial lawns are not biodegradable and will end up in landfill at the end of its 25 year life span. However, not all artificial lawns are created equally. Responsible homeowners should only consider options that are made from recycled materials and can themselves be recycled.     

But, especially in areas prone to drought, artificial lawns can be an environmentally responsible option that can add value to a home. A well-grown, well-maintained garden of grass always looks best. The worst thing for sellers is to have a garden filled with brown sandy patches. Artificial grass that has been well-maintained does not need to be watered and will look good no matter the season.  

Counting up the Costs
While it might be costlier to install artificial lawn over grass, the long-term costs of maintaining a real lawn will quickly add up to make the initial costs of Astroturf worthwhile. The challenges and costs of keeping a garden looking good, especially when the family has dogs, is something homeowners need to consider when weighing up their options.   

Practicality of the Material
You will have to consider how you are going to be using the space to decide if installing artificial grass will add value to how you enjoy your own home. If you have children who want to use the space to play games, then Astroturf would make more sense than paving if you have a shady space where grass struggles to grow. If you compare Astroturf to grass, however, it’s a different conversation. Astroturf can get much warmer than grass, so it might not be the best fit for sunny spaces.

Advice sourced from Grant Gavin, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Panache.