Landscaping is a broad category which includes dozens of services.
Maintaining a beautiful lawn is a common goal for homeowners in Bloomington, IN, but choosing between real grass and artificial turf can be challenging.
Each option presents unique maintenance requirements, benefits, and challenges. At Bloomington Lawn Care, we aim to provide clear, expert advice to help you make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and environmental values.
As one of the largest landscaping companies in the Bloomington area, few others are more credible to talk about the landscaping needs of Bloomington homeowners.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between maintaining real grass and artificial turf, using practical examples to highlight the implications of each choice.
Installation and Establishment
When considering real grass, the process of installation typically involves either seeding or laying sod. For instance, a homeowner in Bloomington who opted for seeding found it to be a more cost-effective solution, but it required months of careful attention, including daily watering, to ensure the grass established itself.
In contrast, their neighbor chose sod, which provided an instant lawn but came with a higher upfront cost. Sod installation demands multiple waterings per day for the first few weeks, as the roots need time to embed themselves in the soil.
On the other hand, artificial turf offers a completely different experience. One Bloomington family who installed artificial turf was thrilled with how quickly the process was completed. After the initial installation, which included laying a proper foundation and ensuring adequate drainage, they were able to use their lawn immediately without worrying about watering or waiting for grass to grow.
The instant gratification and low-maintenance appeal made artificial turf an attractive option for their busy lifestyle.
This has led to the creation of many artificial turf companies, like our friends at EternaTurf in Louisville who’ve grown to 5 national locations on turf installs alone.
Watering Needs
Real grass demands regular watering, especially during Bloomington’s hot, dry summers. For example, a local resident who takes pride in their Kentucky bluegrass lawn spends time every morning during the summer months ensuring it gets the 1 to 1.5 inches of water it needs each week.
They installed an irrigation system to manage this task more efficiently, but the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance added to the overall expense of keeping their lawn lush and green.
In contrast, a homeowner with artificial turf experiences significant water savings. They never have to worry about setting timers or adjusting sprinklers. Instead, their only watering task involves occasionally rinsing off the turf to remove dust and debris, especially after a dusty day or a gathering that might leave residues on the surface.
This reduced water usage is not only easier on the environment but also results in lower utility bills.
Watering is arguably one of the most labor-intensive aspects of maintaining a real grass lawn, especially during Bloomington’s sweltering summer months. A homeowner who takes pride in their meticulously maintained bluegrass lawn finds that keeping it hydrated is a full-time job during the summer.
Despite having an automated sprinkler system, they regularly check soil moisture levels and adjust watering schedules to avoid over- or under-watering, both of which can cause problems like root rot or drought stress. The challenge is further compounded by Bloomington’s occasional water restrictions, requiring even more careful management.
The owners of an artificial turf lawn enjoy the benefits of a low-water landscape. Their only concern when it comes to watering is occasionally hosing down the turf to keep it clean, which is especially helpful after the family dog has been playing on it.
This occasional rinse, as opposed to daily or weekly watering, drastically reduces their water usage and utility bills, making artificial turf an appealing choice in a region where water conservation is becoming increasingly important.
Mowing and Trimming
For those with real grass, mowing is a weekly ritual during the growing season. Take, for example, a family with a large yard in Bloomington. They spend their Saturday mornings mowing, trimming, and edging to maintain a tidy appearance. They have invested in a high-quality lawn mower and trimmer, and they appreciate the satisfaction that comes from seeing a freshly cut lawn. However, they also acknowledge that this chore requires time, effort, and resources. To keep that real lawn feel, many decide on hiring us for lawn mowing in Bloomington.
On the flip side, another local homeowner who chose artificial turf enjoys the luxury of a lawn that never grows. Without the need to mow, they’ve freed up time for other activities and no longer need to store or maintain lawn equipment.
Occasionally, they brush the turf to keep the blades upright and ensure it looks as good as new, but this minimal effort is a far cry from the hours spent on real grass.
Weed Control
Weed control is a major concern for those maintaining real grass. A Bloomington resident who loves their natural lawn spends considerable time each season battling weeds. They apply pre-emergent herbicides in the spring and carefully pull weeds by hand throughout the year to prevent them from overtaking their lawn.
Despite their best efforts, they occasionally find unsightly patches that require extra attention.
In contrast, a homeowner with artificial turf enjoys a nearly weed-free lawn. While they occasionally have to deal with a stray weed or two around the edges, the overall effort is minimal.
With a weed barrier installed beneath the turf, the chances of weed growth are significantly reduced, allowing them to enjoy a pristine lawn with far less effort.
That’s not to say that turf doesn’t have its own problems, as many homeowners enjoy the feeling of stepping on real grass in their home and enjoy the routine of maintaining it.
Fertilization and Soil Health
Fertilization is a crucial part of maintaining a real grass lawn. For example, a homeowner with a tall fescue lawn in Bloomington applies fertilizer multiple times a year to keep their grass healthy and vibrant. They also regularly aerate the soil to prevent compaction and ensure that nutrients reach the roots. While they take pride in the lush, green results, they recognize that this maintenance requires ongoing investment in both time and money.
In contrast, a neighbor with artificial turf doesn’t have to worry about fertilization or soil health. Since the turf is not rooted in the soil, there’s no need for fertilizing, aerating, or amending the soil. This simplicity appeals to those who prefer a low-maintenance solution, freeing them from the recurring tasks associated with real grass.
Even for SOD installation, soil health continues to be a troublesome problem for many homeowners in Bloomington.
Durability and Longevity
Real grass lawns, while beautiful, can suffer from wear and tear. A family in Bloomington who hosts frequent outdoor gatherings finds that high-traffic areas of their lawn, such as the path leading to the barbecue pit, often become worn and patchy.
They need to oversee and provide extra care to these areas to keep their lawn looking its best. Although real grass has the ability to self-repair, this process can be slow and requires patience and ongoing attention.
In contrast, a homeowner with artificial turf enjoys a lawn that remains pristine regardless of foot traffic. Their children and pets can play to their hearts’ content without causing damage.
Artificial turf’s durability makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, and it can last up to 15-20 years with minimal upkeep, providing long-term value.
Environmental Considerations
The environmental impact of your lawn choice is also significant. Real grass offers benefits like carbon sequestration and providing a habitat for local wildlife. However, the need for regular watering, fertilizers, and pesticides can offset these benefits.
For example, a Bloomington resident who is conscious of their environmental footprint takes extra care to use organic fertilizers and minimize water usage, but they still recognize the ongoing environmental costs.
Meanwhile, a homeowner with artificial turf appreciates the water savings and reduced chemical usage. However, they are also aware that artificial turf, made from synthetic materials, can contribute to plastic waste and may become hot during the summer months, affecting its usability.
They weigh these factors carefully when considering the long-term environmental impact of their lawn.
Which is better?
There is no “better” here as homeowners in Bloomington and around the country have different needs and wants. For example, if you love the smell of fresh grass than a real lawn is for you.
But if you just want grass for the aesthetics elements, there’s no harm in artificial grass turf either.
If you’re in the Bloomington area and need any landscaping work, please feel free to call us at (812) 345-5694 for more information.
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