Every now and again we like to update our Alair Homes Houston blog readers on trends we are seeing in the new custom homes and remodeling jobs we are working on. Many times, these trends are focused on the construction, design or floor plan of the home, but this time we are going to venture outside…to the backyard! An aspect of landscaping design that is becoming more and more popular with our clients, especially here is Houston, is artificial turf grass.
Here are just a few highlights about this landscaping material to keep in mind when considering your backyard design.
Yes, it Really Does Look and Feel Real!
We know, the first thing you may think of if you are a longtime Texan is the fake looking “AstroTurf” of days past that felt like a plastic carpet. But don’t! Turf has really come a long way! It’s available in many different lengths and blade types, mimicking real grass very nicely, and it is actually quite soft to the touch.
Low Maintenance & Green Year-Round
Who loves mowing the grass week after week in the blazing hot Houston weather? How about those huge water bills from running your sprinklers day and night to keep it looking healthy? Chinch bugs? Fungus rot? You get the picture. Turf eliminates those issues and requires very little maintenance. A good pass over with a leaf blower will be needed occasionally, along with a recommended yearly power brushing/washing. Pet owners may also choose to hose the yard down monthly with water or a sanitizing agent to ensure bacteria is eliminated.
Consider the Size of Your Space
If you have a small yard, turf may be a great option for you. But, it is more expensive than live pallets of grass or seed, and installation is higher as well, running anywhere from $5-20 per sq ft. A large yard of turf could be cost prohibitive. But if your space is limited, turf will definitely pay for itself over time with the savings in maintenance since turf lasts anywhere from 15-25 years.
Expert Installation is Necessary
While it may be tempting to take on a small yard turf installation yourself, we highly recommend using an expert installation company to ensure the job is done right and is backed up with a labor warranty. The turf should have the correct permeable layer of material underneath and the proper drainage to ensure you don’t end up with standing water. Also, the turf must be correctly measured and secured to avoid the edges coming up over time.
Drawbacks
As with any home building decision, you should consider the drawbacks of any material choice. In this case, the main downside besides cost is that turf absorbs heat. It can get very hot to the touch in full sun. It’s best for shaded, partial sun, or morning sun areas.
We hope this has been a helpful overview. We are excited about our current project with market partner Helm’s Landscaping Design where our clients chose artificial turf (photos above). They will be “living better” this summer with a maintenance free lawn! As always, if we can be of further help to you at any point in your home building journey, please give us a call!