Turf vs Grass: Pros and Cons

Turf is a novel solution for the right homeowner. Is that homeowner you? Compare the pros and cons listed below to decide.

Turf Pros

• ‍Zero maintenance: Save time by never having to mow, water, weed, fertilize, re-seed, or aerate your law. Save money by not spending it on supplies for all of the above.‍
• Green year round: Not only is turf maintenance free, it looks well-maintained year round, even in harsh weather.‍
• Extremely neat: The thickness of turf is perfectly uniform, all the time. Your lawn will look like its painstakingly maintained, without being maintained at all.‍
• Durable: Turf doesn’t get torn up or trampled by things like foot traffic, bikes, and golf carts. Even in the dead heat of summer or the rainy, mushy season, turf always looks good.
• Clean: Turf is clean. It doesn't stain clothes or light colored shoes.

Grass Pros

• ‍Lower up front cost: A natural lawn won’t cost as much to put in, particularly if you do it yourself. But keep in mind that the maintenance costs will soon negate your savings.‍
• Natural feel: Grass offers a comfortable, natural, feel for lounging in the summer, although whether this is preferable over the feel of turf is a matter of personal taste.‍
• Cooler than turf in summer: One sometimes overlooked aspect of grass lawns is that they actually have a natural cooling effect on your yard. In Western Washington, however, where summers are mild, this is only an advantage in the hottest part of the summer.‍
• Can be kept at different lengths: Should you want to, you can let it grow a bit longer or cut it really short.‍
• Reconfiguration is easier: Grass is something you can change the layout of at fairly low cost.

Who is turf ideal for?

While grass can achieve a highly aesthetic look, it requires a lot of maintenance. Turf provides a nice look year round, with zero work. Grass is subject to weather and erosion. It gets soggy in the winter, yellow in the summer. Grass lawns get torn up, stomped down, and thinned out over time, and require aerating and re-seeding. Of course, this isn’t a problem if you enjoy the work. But some people like to spend their time outside using the lawn, instead of maintaining it.

People who prefer turf tend to be those who are too busy for yardwork, or simply don’t enjoy it. If you want a highly usable and durable lawn, without the cost and time involved in maintaining it, turf is right for you. Those who are comfortable with the upfront cost will find that turf is the more cost-effective option in the long run.