How much can you save per year by using synthetic turf over sodded or seeded grass?
While some may find the initial purchase of synthetic turf to be on the high side, it is important to note the return on investment is significantly larger than that of seeded or sodded grass. While it is true that grass seed/sod have a low price tag when compared to the installation of artificial turf, when the long term care of both types of lawns are scrutinized, synthetic turf is the clear money saving option.
For comparative purposes, we will analyze 1000 square feet of synthetic turf and 1000 square feet of sod application lawn. At the average price of $2.00 psf, the initial investment for the sod lawn comes to a modest $2,000.00. Now it is time to factor in the care and maintenance. The cost of watering a sod lawn fluctuates with the season, climate and price of water. Using an underground sprinkler system vs. a sprayer that is hooked up to your garden hose will also affect this price. When mapping out your lawn care costs for sod, estimate your lawn’s water usage using mid-summer water consumption and fees as your guide. Next, add in the annual cost of fertilizer. You can expect to fertilize a sod lawn at least twice a year. Leave yourself a healthy contingency for unforeseen additional costs. These costs may include irrigation breakdown, an outbreak of dandelions or insect pests, spot repair due to dead or brown patches, etc.
Compare the ongoing, difficult to estimate costs of natural lawn care with those of synthetic turf. Artificial turf costs approximately $9.00 psf to install; you can expect an initial investment of $9,000.00. However, you do not need to make allowances for water consumption. Not only will this save you a significant amount of money, you will also be conserving a very important yet dwindling natural resource – water. Your artificial lawn will never need fertilizing or require pesticides. In fact, the only fixed cost you need to budget for after installing your artificial turf is an annual disinfectant and power wash, which is approximately $350.00.
Over a 12 year span, it is estimated that the consumer can save an average of $19,000.00 by simply choosing synthetic turf over seed/sod lawns. The savings of artificial turf do not just stop at the monetary. In addition to saving thousands of dollars, you can also save your sanity by having a place to relax in that does not require additional cutting, trimming, fertilizing and weeding!
If you are looking to save money on lawn care, it is clear that installing an artificial lawn is the best long term option. The savings realized by having a waterless lawn system that is not prone to outbreaks of weeds, mushrooms or insect pestilence, are significant. Why spend thousands of dollars every year on your lawn when a perfectly trimmed, soft to the touch alternative is waiting for you?
The initial investment for synthetic turf may be larger than that of seed/sod lawns, however, that money is quickly recouped as the days and years of maintenance-free lawn care roll by like a soft, summer day.
