Have you ever dreamed of having the perfect grass, the one that all the neighbors envy? Where all the blades of grass are the same length and there are no dead brown spots?
Everyone wants a lawn like that, but it can be expensive and require a lot of work to maintain a high-quality natural lawn. The great news is that there’s an alternative – artificial turf – that requires very little work for the perfect lawn.
Artificial Grass vs. Natural Grass: Cost Comparison
The cost of artificial turf may not be what you expect. Read on to learn more.
Artificial turf typically requires a higher upfront investment than natural grass, but the total project cost depends on the turf system, site preparation, drainage requirements, installation complexity and local labor. Looking beyond the initial price can help you compare the long-term value of different landscaping options.
Installation Materials
The type of turf you choose, whether natural grass or synthetic lawn materials, will vary depending on your budget and maintenance preferences. The cost of artificial grass is significantly higher upfront compared to natural grass. Artificial turf systems require several synthetic components:
Synthetic turf installation also requires high-quality base materials beneath the fake grass to allow drainage. The turf material itself can range from $2-$7 per square foot depending on the realism and durability. All in all, the materials costs for artificial grass run $8-$20 per square foot installed.
The turf material itself may cost roughly $2–$8 per square foot, while professionally installed residential projects commonly fall within a broader range depending on the turf system, base preparation and project complexity. For an accurate project cost, a site-specific estimate is more useful than relying on a single per-square-foot figure.
For natural grass, the material costs are much lower – grass seed can cost as little as 50 cents per square foot. Sod ranges from 25 cents to $1 per square foot.
So the base materials for a natural lawn are quite cheap in comparison. However, the ongoing material costs for maintenance add up over time.
Labor Costs
Professional artificial turf installation involves more than simply rolling out the turf. Proper excavation, grading, base preparation, drainage planning, seaming, securing and infill all contribute to the finished system and can affect installation cost.
Installing artificial turf requires less intensive labor compared to laying natural sod. Artificial turf can often be installed by handy homeowners as a DIY project. The process involves:
- Clearing and leveling the installation area
- Compacting and grading a crushed stone base layer
- Unrolling the synthetic turf and securing the seams
- Spreading and raking the infill material
Although DIY installation may reduce labor costs on some projects, mistakes in grading, drainage, base preparation or seams can affect long-term performance. For a closer look at the process, see our artificial grass installation guide.
While physical labor is required, the process is straightforward without the need for advanced skills. Installation costs depend on whether you hire a professional turf installer or do it yourself.
Laying natural sod has more complex steps:
- Digging up and amending the topsoil
- Leveling the lawn area
- Rolling out sod strips in rows, ensuring seams line up
- Tamping down the sod so roots take hold
- Thoroughly watering the new sod daily
Proper sod installation requires careful prep work and technique to avoid patches and uneven areas. This typically requires hiring experienced landscaping crews, adding $1,000-$5,000 in labor costs for an average lawn. Ongoing mowing and maintenance could also require paid labor.
So while artificial turf has higher upfront material expenses, the ability to install it yourself without professional help means lower labor costs overall.
Environmental Expenses
Over time, natural grass lawns accrue major hidden costs to the environment. Maintaining healthy grass requires substantial water usage, fertilizers, and pesticides:
Artificial turf does not require routine irrigation for growth or regular fertilizer applications, although occasional rinsing, cleaning and maintenance may still be needed depending on how the area is used. This makes it more accurate to compare the ongoing requirements of the two systems rather than describing artificial grass as having “no ongoing environmental effect.”
- Watering – The average lawn needs 55 gallons of water per square foot annually. For a 5,000 sq ft lawn, that equates to over 270,000 gallons a year, even in rainy climates. This depletes groundwater reserves.
- Fertilizer – Synthetic fertilizers contain compounds like nitrogen and phosphorus that run off into waterways and cause algal blooms and ecosystem damage.
- Pesticides – Chemical weed and insect controls also contain toxic substances that leach into soils and groundwater supplies.
- Equipment emissions – Gas mowers and other lawn tools emit air pollutants over their lifetime.
- Waste – Grass clippings add to landfill waste if not composted.
Artificial grass has no ongoing environmental effect. It eliminates all water use, chemical applications, emissions, and waste versus natural grass care.
From a cost perspective, any potential future regulations on lawn chemicals or water use would drive up the maintenance costs of natural grass. Artificial turf avoids these hidden environmental expenses.
Lawn Maintenance
Caring for a natural grass lawn requires significant time and costs compared to an artificial one:
Artificial grass requires less routine lawn care than natural grass, but it is not maintenance-free. Periodic debris removal, brushing, rinsing and attention to high-use or pet areas can help maintain its appearance and performance. Learn more about artificial turf maintenance.
- Mowing – Grass grows up to 6 inches per month in peak season. Weekly or bi-weekly mowing is needed to maintain an attractive lawn. Mowing costs can exceed $1,000 annually if outsourcing the work.
- Watering – During hot and dry periods, lawns may need to be watered 2-3 times per week. Installation of irrigation systems can cost $2,000 or more.
- Aeration – Core aeration should be done 1-2 times per year to improve nutrient delivery. Aeration services average $200 per treatment.
- Overseeding – Bare and thin areas need re-seeding every 2-3 years. Grass seed costs add up, along with labor for prep and planting.
- Fertilizer – Applying synthetic or organic fertilizers 2-4 times per year maintains color and growth. Products can cost $30 or more per application.
For artificial grass, maintenance costs are near zero. Other than occasional rinsing with a hose, no ongoing care is required. The materials are designed to maintain their appearance for over a decade. This provides major cost savings compared to natural grass care.
Repairs and Replacement
The lifespan and repair needs of artificial turf vary based on product quality, installation, traffic, climate and maintenance. Proper base preparation and drainage can play an important role in long-term performance, so the lowest upfront quote does not necessarily provide the best overall value.
When comparing artificial turf costs, consider the complete system—including turf quality, base preparation, drainage, installation workmanship and warranty—not simply the material price per square foot.
Natural grass requires periodic patching and re-seeding of worn or bare areas every 2-5 years. Fully replacing the lawn may be needed every 10-15 years as the soil becomes less fertile.
Quality artificial turf is engineered to last up to 15 years with proper base prep. Repairs are minimal – a seam re-gluing or infill topping off every few years. Though artificial turf cost is higher initially, the fact it may need only one replacement over the lifespan of natural grass makes it a smarter long-term investment.
Innovative Landscaping: 10 Smart Ways to Use Artificial Grass
Artificial grass offers a versatile, low-maintenance alternative for transforming outdoor spaces. Here are 10 creative ideas to utilize for your home landscaping.
1. Use Artificial Grass in Hard-to-Grow Areas
Using artificial grass in places where natural grass struggles to grow, like heavily shaded areas or sloped sections of the yard, allows you to have a lush green lawn without the hassle. Artificial grass thrives in all conditions and never needs watering or mowing. Install it on the shady side of the house or a steep hill for hassle-free greenery.
2. Line Walkways and Patios
Lining walkways and patios with artificial turf creates clean, defined edges and prevents weeds from encroaching on hardscapes. It also helps limit dirt and mud from being tracked onto paths. Choose a short-pile artificial grass that mimics a manicured lawn.
For more ideas, explore artificial grass for patios.
3. Create a Pet-Friendly Yard
For pet owners, artificial grass is a dream come true. It won’t get muddy, stained, or worn down from animal traffic. Make a designated potty area with artificial grass for easy cleanup. You can also install artificial turf throughout the backyard for a comfortable play surface for dogs.
If the yard will primarily be used by dogs, explore artificial grass for pets to understand pet-specific turf and drainage considerations.
4. Use in Kids’ Play Areas
Artificial grass creates a soft, realistic surface for kids to play on. It provides a cushioned landing for play equipment like swings or slides. It also doesn’t get muddy or hold standing water like real grass. Use it to cover all or part of your play area for clean, all-weather play.
5. Line Garden Beds and Tree Rings
Placing artificial grass around garden beds or tree rings gives a tidy, finished look. It prevents weeds and eliminates the need to mulch or add edging. The artificial turf will neatly frame plants and trees while adding greenery to tie the area together. Choose a style and color to coordinate with your beds.
6. Accent Hardscapes and Rock Gardens
Adding patches of artificial turf to complement hardscapes and rock gardens infuses more color and softens the look. For example, placing artificial grass under or next to a decorative bench, winding through stone paths, or mixed in with gravel creates visual interest.
7. Line Planter Boxes
Lining planter boxes with artificial turf keeps soil and mulch contained. It will cascade over the edges for a finished look. Use it to edge vegetable garden boxes, potted plants, or anywhere else soil can spill out. The turf also prevents weed growth between planters.
8. Create a Putting Green
For golf enthusiasts, installing an artificial putting green is easy with turf. Choose a short-pile turf designed specifically for putting to get an authentic roll and feel. Build your own putting green in the yard for practice any time or make a miniature golf course for family fun.
9. Replace Grass Around Pool
The area around in-ground and above-ground pools often suffers from lackluster grass. Replace it with artificial turf for lush, maintenance-free greenery that provides cushioning and withstands plenty of foot traffic. Use turf designed for pool surrounds that drains well and inhibits bacterial growth.
Explore artificial grass for pool areas when selecting turf specifically for this application.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)
How much does artificial turf cost on average?
The average cost of artificial turf ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the quality of the turf, installation complexity, and location. Higher-end turf designed for heavy foot traffic or sports fields will generally cost more.
What is the cost of artificial turf for a backyard?
The artificial turf for a backyard typically runs between $7 to $15 per square foot, including materials and installation. The total cost depends on yard size, ground preparation, and whether you choose premium or budget turf.
How much does 1000 sq ft of artificial grass cost?
The 1000 sq ft artificial grass cost can range from $7,000 to $15,000 with installation. If you’re considering DIY installation, material-only prices may be significantly lower, usually between $2,000 and $5,000.
What is the cheapest way to lay artificial grass?
The cheapest way to lay artificial grass is to handle the installation yourself by preparing the ground, adding a compacted base, and rolling out the turf. This eliminates artificial grass labor costs, but requires time, tools, and effort to ensure proper installation.
How much does it cost to change grass to turf?
The cost to change grass to turf ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on how much excavation and site preparation are needed. Removing old sod, levelling the ground, and installing proper drainage can add to the cost.
What is the cost of turf per square foot?
On average, turf by square foot costs between $2 and $8 for materials alone. When factoring in professional installation, the artificial grass cost per foot increases to $7–$20.
How much does an artificial turf field cost?
A full-sized artificial turf field costs can range from $500,000 to over $1 million. This includes excavation, drainage systems, base materials, and professional synthetic turf field installation costs.
How much is artificial turf for a small yard or garden?
For smaller spaces, such as a garden or an artificial grass yard, costs can range from $1,500 to $ 5,000, depending on size and turf quality. Using an artificial lawn cost calculator can help estimate your exact project price.
What factors affect artificial grass installation costs?
The main factors influencing artificial grass installation costs include yard size, base preparation, edging, drainage, and the type of turf selected. Complex landscaping layouts or sloped yards typically increase the overall cost.
Is artificial turf worth the cost in the long run?
Yes, while the artificial turf lawn cost is higher upfront, it often pays off over time by eliminating expenses for mowing, watering, fertilizing, and reseeding. To back this long-term value, most turf products include an 8–15 year warranty, reinforcing durability and consumer trust. Many homeowners find the investment worthwhile due to low maintenance and year-round greenery.
