The stuff they make now looks so realistic. No mowing, and no water needed. I think for the initial cost, it seems more than worth it.
We looked into it and had several landscapers advise against it for us. We have a dog and they said that the artificial turf gets a smell from dog urine inadequately draining/filtering away.
I checked into it awhile back with my HOA. They said it was not acceptable under the bylaws. Ironically about the same time some homeowner in Houston put artificial turf in his front yard, without checking with his HOA first, and they sued him for noncompliance. He spent a considerable sum to put it in and the lawsuit made the local news.
Thanks Sideman and Airtorn. After reading your comments, I don't think I will go with the turf, tempting as it may be.
There is a business near us that has it. We have lived here 3 years, I have no idea how old it is, but it looks like garbage. I'd ask to see examples of someone that has had it for a real length of time (5+ years) instead of the new "just installed" stuff.
Yeah, I talked to a guy down the street, and he said he has had nothing but problems with the turf. I think I will stick with natural grass. Plus, the dogs love it!
I'm very seriously considering just paving my entire front lawn. I could always paint it green so that you can't tell from aerial photos. Oh, and the pool is about an inch away from becoming my subterranean man-cave (just drain it, stick an air hockey table in there and slap a roof in it. Done). I hate things that require constant maintenance (that aren't my children).
I know that you're all just glued to your televisions watching the Womens World Cup :sigh1: (the US beat Nigeria, btw) but one of the big debates/scandals/complaints is that FIFA allowed Canada to schedule every single match in a stadium with artificial turf. The result? Lots and lots of leg/hip/elbow burns. Every time someone hits the turf they get burned and sliding tackles come with a big price. It has been so bad that FIFA has already admitted their mistake and vowed to never schedule matches on artificial turf ever again. The moral of the story? Artificial turf may look nice but be careful with your kids. They're going to get hurt on turf.
Yeah, I have room for a pool in my backyard, but I opted for a low maintenance Jacuzzi instead. Relaxing and versatile. You can take a dip whether it is winter or summer. I like being nice and warm inside the Jacuzzi, then watch it rain outside. I know, I am weird. As far as grass, I don't mess with. My gardener takes care of it. One of my few luxuries.
Neuhaus, you crack me up. Aerial photo aesthetics. I'll have to put that on my list of things to make brain space for.
I lived in Palm Desert, CA, for over a decade. Artificial turf looks terrible after a few years and needs to be replaced. We used rocks together with desert plants.
