Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular alternative to natural grass lawns in recent years. Homeowners are turning to synthetic turf for its low maintenance requirements, durability, and water conservation benefits. Knowing how to choose the right turf for high-traffic spaces or decorative areas is important. So, before installing artificial grass in your backyard, it’s important to carefully consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks. This definitive guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know when deciding if artificial turf is right for your backyard and patio.

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Key Points

• Artificial grass provides major water savings, eliminating the need for irrigation. This makes it ideal for drought-prone areas.
• Synthetic lawns require almost no maintenance besides occasional cleaning. There’s no need for mowing, fertilizing, aerating or weeding.
• Durability is a big plus. Artificial turf stands up well to heavy use and extreme weather ranging from UV rays to freezing temperatures.
• While artificial grass avoids the use of pesticides and fertilizer, its petroleum-based materials aren’t biodegradable and can contribute to landfill waste.
• Artificial lawns provide a consistent green, lush look year-round. But the synthetic materials can get hot in sunny, hot conditions.

What Is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is a surfacing material designed to replicate the appearance and performance of natural grass while overcoming some of its drawbacks. There are a few different components that make up a synthetic grass system:

Grass Blades: The synthetic blades that make up the visible grass are commonly made from polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon. These are materials chosen for their ability to closely mimic the texture and color of real grass blades. The blades are tufted into the backing to create the illusion of a continuous lawn.

Infill Material: Artificial lawns contain infill material located below the grass blades. It’s composed of materials like silica sand, crumb rubber from recycled tires, Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or coated sand. Infill provides weight, stability and support to the turf blades. It also keeps the blades upright.

Backing/Base: The underside of the artificial grass system has a backing made from materials like polyurethane or latex. This provides durability and stability. An additional porous backing allows drainage.

Sub-base: An aggregate base is installed below the turf system to allow for drainage. This crushed stone layer may also contain a shock pad for additional cushioning.

Advantages of Artificial Grass

There are many compelling reasons to consider installing synthetic turf in your backyard. Here are some of the main benefits:

Dramatic Water Savings

One of the biggest advantages of artificial lawns is that they require no irrigation. Natural grass lawns need about 1 inch of water per week to stay lush and healthy during the growing season. With synthetic turf, all of this watering becomes unnecessary. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing a typical suburban lawn with artificial grass can save households around 22,000 gallons of water per year. In drought-prone areas like the Southwest, the savings are even greater. Artificial grass provides a high-quality landscape option without straining water resources.

Low Maintenance

Maintaining a thriving natural lawn takes regular effort. Mowing, aerating, fertilizing, seeding, weed control and pest management all require dedication to keep grass looking its best. Installing artificial turf essentially eliminates all of these labors. Synthetic lawns are unaffected by weeds, don’t require feeding and retain their fresh appearance without mowing. The only necessary upkeep is occasional cleaning to remove dirt, debris and other deposits. For busy homeowners, artificial grass offers an appealing no-hassle alternative.

Consistent Green Look

Natural grass lawns go through seasonal color changes. In freezing winters or hot, dry summers they can lose their lush green luster. Synthetic grass maintains its vibrant color and thickness year-round since it’s not vulnerable to these environmental stresses. Artificial lawns offer a permanently uniform landscape.

Durability

Natural grass is easily susceptible to damage. Heavy foot traffic can quickly lead to worn patches, especially in play areas. Artificial grass is specifically engineered with durability in mind. The synthetic blades easily bounce back and retain their shape even after repeated activity. Artificial lawns stand up well to pets, children playing and athletic activity. They even handle occasional vehicle parking without damage. Harsh weather including UV rays, heavy rain and freeze/thaw cycles don’t faze synthetic materials. Artificial grass handles the rigors of backyard use that would destroy natural turf.

Pet and Kid-Friendly

Pets and children can be tough on lawns. Active kids playing combined with pet urine and digging can quickly damage the lawn. Synthetic grass solutions overcome these issues. Their durable blades resist activity while the porous backing and infill allow liquids to drain through. This eliminates urine stains or puddles. Some pet waste cleanup is still required, but the turf won’t show dug out holes or worn tracks. Synthetic lawns better withstand active outdoor family lifestyles.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

Since artificial lawns don’t require any trimming, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, they provide environmental advantages over natural grass. The EPA estimates that a gas-powered lawn mower produces emissions equivalent to over 11 cars per hour. Trimming, weed whacking and blowers also generate substantial emissions over the course of a year. Installing synthetic turf eliminates all this regular equipment usage and its attendant pollution. There’s also no chemical runoff to worry about with artificial solutions.

Disadvantages of Artificial Grass

While artificial grass offers many benefits, it also comes with some potential drawbacks, depending on your needs and expectations.

Heat Retention

Unlike natural lawn grass, synthetic turf is unable to naturally cool itself through evapotranspiration. As a result, it absorbs sunlight and heat instead of dissipating it. On hot sunny days, the surface temperature of synthetic lawns can get significantly hotter compared to real grass. This may make synthetic turf uncomfortable for bare feet or activity during the hottest conditions. However, proper installation and infill selection can help mitigate this issue.

Regular Cleaning

While artificial grass escapes mowing and other maintenance, it does require occasional deep cleaning. The main task is to remove accumulated debris, dirt, leaves, pine needles and other deposits from the turf surface and ensure even distribution of infill material. For most homeowners, a few deep cleanings per year are sufficient to keep the lawn looking tidy.

Pet Waste Cleanup

Since artificial grass consists of plastic blades with space between, pet waste cannot decompose and be absorbed as it does in soil. Any solid or liquid pet excrement sitting on the surface needs prompt manual removal. This is essential for cleanliness and to prevent odor issues. Some pet owners find the cleanup requirement more inconvenient than disposing of waste in natural lawn areas.

Less Natural Feel

High-quality, third-generation synthetic grass mimics real grass very convincingly in terms of appearance. However, some differences in texture and response remain. Underfoot, artificial turf generally provides more spring and less natural variability compared to real lawns. Synthetic blades also tend to be stiffer and cooler to the touch than living grass. While modern artificial solutions are highly realistic, some homeowners still perceive the feel as awkwardly synthetic.

Non-Biodegradable Materials

Most artificial grass components contain plastics, synthetics and rubber that won’t decompose. At the end of its lifespan, when replaced, the used turf will end up in landfills. Some manufacturers have implemented recycling programs to help reclaim these materials. But ultimately, synthetic turf contributes to solid waste in a way that natural grass growth and clipping breakdown doesn’t.

Drainage Considerations

Artificial lawns won’t absorb water. Instead, rainfall drains vertically through the system. While the materials used provide excellent drainage, proper installation is still key. The sub-base and grading must have sufficient slope and preparation to channel away excess water and avoid pooling or runoff issues. Proper drainage planning and execution helps avoid problems.

Cost Considerations

For homeowners debating between natural grass and synthetic turf, the cost differences are often a key factor. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Installation: Artificial grass carries a higher initial installation cost, with professional installation averaging $6 – $20 per square foot, depending on materials and site conditions. But this one-time investment yields years of near maintenance-free use.
• Maintenance: Natural lawns require regular costs for needs like mowing/trimming, fertilizer, seed and chemical treatments which add up significantly over time. Synthetic lawns essentially eliminate these recurring costs.
• Durability: The average lifespan of a quality artificial lawn is 15-25 years before replacement becomes necessary. Natural grass requires re-seeding and continual repair to maintain quality over the years.
• Water: The natural gas or electric costs of watering real grass creates monthly expenditure. Synthetic lawns require no water usage.

In most cases, the return on investment and ongoing savings from reduced water and maintenance costs offset the higher initial price of quality synthetic grass within 3-7 years. And homeowners gain the added bonus of convenience from slashing lawn care labor.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the chief advantages of artificial turf is the minimal required maintenance compared to traditional lawns. But synthetic grass does still require occasional care and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Here are the key maintenance tasks recommended:

• Routine Upkeep: Use a stiff natural bristle broom to lightly brush the synthetic blades as needed. This helps clean off dust and debris while lifting the blades.
• Deep Cleaning: More thorough deep cleaning 2-3 times per year keeps the lawn tidy. Use a wet vacuum system that sprays and extracts soiled water in one pass. Rinse thoroughly.
• Infill Management: Check that infill levels remain uniform and filled occasionally. Rake and groom materials if needed. Top off low areas.
• Weed Control: No herbicides needed! Weeds can’t grow through the backing. Keep an eye out for any that are established along edges or seams.
• Pet Waste: Promptly pick up all solid pet waste. Blot urine stains with an absorbent towel to soak urine from the blades. Rinse the area to prevent odor.

With just periodic cleaning and infill management, homeowners can keep their synthetic lawn looking great year-round.

Installation Process

Proper installation is essential for your artificial grass to look its best and deliver years of performance. Here’s an overview of the key steps:

Site Preparation: The area must be leveled and cleared of all vegetation, roots and rocks. Address any drainage issues.

Sub-base Installation: A porous aggregate base is compacted and leveled to promote drainage. Often, a shock pad is added for extra cushioning.

Turf Unrolling: The synthetic grass rolls are unrolled across the prepared base and cut to fit the specific area and shape.

Seam Joining: Adhesive secures the edges and seams between turf strips to form a continuous surface.

Securing Perimeter: The perimeter edge is secured in a trench or using nails and adhesive. Drainage outlets are included.

Infill Application: Once laid, the required infill material is added and brushed between the blades to provide stability and a natural look.

Grooming: The synthetic blades are brushed upward and the infill is smoothed into place across the entire surface.

With quality preparation and workmanship, you can expect your new synthetic lawn to deliver lasting performance and great aesthetics.

Durability

If you want a lawn that can withstand the rigors of pets, kids and active use, artificial grass is up to the task. The durability of quality synthetic turf outperforms natural grass. Here’s how it stands up to wear and tear:

• Foot Traffic: Synthetic blades bounce back from compression even after heavy activity from children playing or sports games. No worn paths develop.
• Digging: Dogs digging or clawing at the lawn won’t affect synthetic turf. The holes fill right back in without lasting damage.
• Extreme Weather: Scorching sun, downpours, and freeze/thaw conditions don’t faze artificial materials that retain their appearance and performance.
• Stains: Dirt, mud, food and drink spills, pet waste and other stains clean up without leaving permanent discoloration on artificial grass blades.
• Fading: Synthetic blades are UV-stabilized to prevent sun-induced fading. Their color remains vibrant for years.
• Pests: No need for pesticides. Bugs, grubs and other lawn pests don’t affect artificial turf. Weeds also can’t take root.

With proper installation and regular cleaning, you can expect years of enduring performance from quality artificial grass.

Environmental Impact

Synthetic lawn materials offer environmental trade-offs compared to natural grass. When weighing your options, here are some considerations:

Water Conservation

Eliminating irrigation needs provides major water savings, especially in drought zones. This benefits environmental aquifers and watersheds.

No Pesticides or Fertilizers

Artificial turf avoids any chemical usage that could leach into groundwater and create runoff.

No Mowing or Equipment Emissions

The lack of regular mowing, trimming and blowing avoids air pollution emissions from gas-powered equipment.

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Lack of Biodegradability

Most synthetic grass components won’t break down when discarded. This contributes to landfill waste unless recycled.

Limits Natural Habitat

Synthetic lawns provide no ecological habitat, food sources or oxygen generation compared to living grass.

Heat Retention

Synthetic turf absorbs more heat than natural lawns, creating an urban heat island effect.

Overall, artificial grass offers compelling environmental benefits regarding water use and pollution. But tradeoffs like waste and heat retention merit consideration of long-term impacts.

Comparison to Natural Grass

To help decide between real and synthetic varieties, here’s an overview of how the two stack up:

Both options have their advantages. But for most homeowners seeking an attractive, low-maintenance landscape, artificial grass proves superior in convenience, cost savings and durability.

Artificial Turf Alternatives

If you decide artificial grass isn’t for you, there are other alternatives to natural lawns to consider:

Native Grasses or Clover

Native grasses and clover varieties require less water than conventional turf grasses. They offer a natural look while conserving resources.

Rock Gardens and Hardscaping

Gravel, stone, pebbles, walkways and other inorganic materials cut down on maintenance. They withstand local climate variations well.

Drought-Tolerant Plants

Specially bred plants like succulents and shrubs thrive on little water once established. They provide appealing greenery suited for the environment.

Vegetable Gardens

Expanding garden beds offer fresh food production and new ways to enjoy your yard with less required maintenance.

Mulch Groundcover

Mulched areas control weeds, retain soil moisture and add organic matter back to the earth while requiring minimal work.

Conclusion

Artificial grass offers an attractive, low-maintenance alternative for your backyard and patio area. The advantages in convenience, water savings, and durability make it a top choice for many homeowners. However, it comes with environmental tradeoffs to consider regarding biodegradability and heat retention compared to living lawns.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons against your specific climate, lifestyle, maintenance preferences and sustainability goals. Quality installation and materials are also paramount to gaining the benefits. With proper expectations and execution, artificial grass can provide a lush backyard patio oasis for years to come. Use this guide to make the landscape decision that best fits your needs!

Faux foliage or the real deal? Which plants are best for the workplace?

October 19, Kate Higham

When curating the perfect workspace, many people opt for plants. 

Besides delivering a touch of green that softens the hard lines and strong lights in modern interiors, indoor plants can transform a lifeless, dull space into a great place to work. 

The question is – can you still get the same effect with artificial greenery? In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of both real and artificial plants to help you find the best fit for your workplace. 

Real vs Artificial Plants: Weighing your options

Understanding which plant qualities are most important to you before weighing the benefits of artificial plants vs real plants can help clarify your choice. 

Factors you may consider include budget, available light, office design, space and layout. 

Let’s dive into each type individually.

Image: Artificial Plant Installation at The Ink Factory, Dublin

Artificial Plants 

Artificial plants have come a long way. 

With the right supplier, faux plants can be high-quality replicas of their living, breathing counterparts, which often look so lifelike you need to touch them to tell if they are real or not!

But are they right for you and your workspace? Let’s explore their pros and cons. 

✔️ The Pros 

• Unlimited creative options: We can source an extensive range of products across various budgets, planters, sizes, species, and much more. Allowing you to get super creative with your indoor plant decor and utilise plants in countless ways, like hanging them upside down or in inaccessible hard-to-reach locations.
• Longer-lasting: Artificial plants are always in season, regardless of the style. While living plants will undoubtedly lose foliage and colour over time and will eventually need replacing, a fake plant can last for years, making considerable savings over time.
• Low-zero maintenance: Skip the management of pruning wilted blossoms or cleaning up dropped leaves. Aside from a bit of occasional dusting, your artificial plant won’t require any maintenance. You won’t have to think about checking the soil, fertilisation, or pruning. Being able to skip these steps can save you time and money. 
• No risks: While some live indoor plants, such as peace lily plants, can be toxic to pets and small children, faux plants do not have any toxicity risks.
• Flexible placement: Your artificial plant doesn’t need to be in a prime location to thrive. No matter the lighting or temperature, a fake plant will not wilt or shrivel up. Whether you place your faux plant front and centre on your windowsill or in the coldest, darkest corner of your house, it will continue to look as spry as the day you bought it. Artificial potted plants are also far more resilient than real plants, especially in high-traffic reception areas or hallways.

✖️ The Cons 

• Prone to fading: Depending on where your artificial plants are placed, the leaves can fade over time due to extensive light/sun exposure. 
• Dust-prone: Faux pants tend to be dust collectors, with dust sticking to the plastic leaves.
• No health benefits: Unlike their natural counterparts, faux plants don’t offer all those feel-good health benefits.
• Environmentally unfriendly: Many artificial plants are made with plastic, meaning they are Non-biodegradable and will eventually become landfill. 

Image: Living wall installation at Etsy Dublin HQ

Real Plants 

If artificial plants look like the real thing, can be placed in any location, and require very little maintenance, why would anyone choose live plants for an office? 

In short: for their health benefits: 

✔️ The Pros 

• Improved indoor air humidity: Plants release approx 79% of the water they take in. Grouping several plants in one spot can increase the room’s humidity, which can help prevent dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs. 
• Many real plants are natural air purifiers. Plants absorb toxins and purify the air, removing harmful VOCs such as benzene, formaldehyde and xylene found in indoor office environments. NASA research suggests that potted plants remove impurities from the air, which is particularly important for anyone living in cities with more chemicals and pollution in the air!
• Easier to clean: Dust does not stick to foliage. Often, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep your plant looking happy & healthy. 
• Noise reduction: According to studies, workers lose as much as 86 minutes daily due to noise distractions. Plants have the power to reduce noise by absorbing noise vibrations through their leaves. In many incidents, the careful positioning of plants around the edges of office spaces can significantly reduce (up to 60%) noise and reduce common distractions caused by chatter & video calls. 
• Boost productivity: Research shows that people who work with plants in the room have a higher productivity level and take fewer sick days than those who work without plants. Another study found that students worked 12% faster and were significantly less stressed when a plant was nearby.
• Reduce stress levels: Studies found that having plants in your house or office can make you feel more soothed, comfortable, and natural.
• Therapeutic effects: Working with plants can increase feelings of well-being among people with mental health conditions. Specifically, horticultural therapy may benefit those with anxiety, depression, and dementia.

✖️ The Cons 

• Real plants require regular maintenance such as watering, fertilising and pruning (our team will take care of this for you!)
• Without a proper care routine in place, indoor plants can sometimes become unhealthy or pest-infested. 
• Unhealthy, dead or dying plants can have a demoralising effect on employees (again, if you hire Plant Store to maintain your plants, we will make sure this never happens!)

Which plants are best for my office? 

Whether you pick artificial or real plants, both will make a great impact on your workspace. With the right collection of plants, you can inspire creativity and productivity to build a stronger workforce. 

If you’re looking to make your office greener – with real or artificial plants – Plant Store Ireland is here to help. We specialise in tailored indoor planting schemes, and with decades of experience, we can help with your green office needs. 

Reach out to our team today at:

For more information, please visit Artificial Ficus Microcarpa In Pot.

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