You want a beautiful, lush, natural-looking lawn, but you don’t want to constantly spend time, money, and energy with all the mowing, watering, and treatments. And you ALSO want your lawn to be organic and eco-friendly. You’re one tough customer, but there is a solution you should consider: artificial grass. True, there is no fully organic artificial turf on the market today (all modern fake grass is made from synthetic materials). But you can find artificial turf that looks and feels natural, and has many of the perks of an organic lawn.
So, what are those eco-friendly features of artificial turf, and how do you choose the best organic looking artificial turf?
Organic-Looking Artificial Turf Overview
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- Look for realistic features like varied blade colors, shapes, and thatch layers
- Understand (and choose) eco-friendly benefits of artificial grass
- Evaluate durability, drainage, and maintenance requirements
- Compare samples in your yard to find the best match for your space
What Makes Artificial Grass Look Organic?
Getting that perfect organic artificial turf look is primarily about … well … knowing what aspects of the fake grass that helps it look and feel natural. Artificial turf has come a long way since the days of that stiff, bright green carpet-like stuff. Modern, high-quality organic-looking artificial turf can really surprise folks, and here’s why.
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- Varied blade colors: Just like real grass, the best artificial turf uses a mix of different shades of green, and sometimes even brown, to create a more natural appearance. No more radioactive green lawns!
- Realistic blade shapes: Look for grass with a variety of blade shapes and sizes (because nature rarely does uniformity). Some of the best options use a combination of straight and curled fibers to mimic the natural variations in real grass.
- Thatch layer: A good organic-looking turf will include a thatch layer – that’s the brownish layer at the base of the grass blades. This adds depth and realism to the overall look.
- Varied pile height: Real grass doesn’t grow at exactly the same height, so your turf should mimic this? The best options have slight variations in pile height for a more natural appearance.
How Can Artificial Grass be Healthy and Eco-Friendly?
Maybe you’re wondering if artificial grass can actually function like organic grass. Well, turf might surprise you. One of the most common ways many lawns deviate (dramatically) from being organic is the amount of chemicals used in fertilizers, treatments, pest control, and weed control solutions. Artificial grass doesn’t even need fertilizers or grass treatments.
And while well-installed synthetic turf is naturally less susceptible to buggies and weeds, they can show up. So once you find your preferred organic pest or weed control, you shouldn’t need to purchase it very often. That sounds like you’re saving time, money, and effort right there!
Plus, if you are mostly looking for eco-friendly options, artificial grass uses far less water than a natural lawn. That lowers your monthly bill, but it also creates less strain on areas experiencing water scarcity.
Choosing the Right Turf for Your Needs
Now that we know what makes artificial grass look (and act) organic, you just need to know how to choose the right one for your specific situation. Fake grass is definitely not one-size-fits-all.
Consider Your Usage
Start off by understanding how you’ll be using your new ‘organic’ artificial grass lawn. Are you looking for a lush, green space for the kids to play on? Or maybe you need a durable surface for your furry friends. Here are some things to consider:
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- High traffic areas: For spaces intended for kids, pets, or entertainment, look for a turf with a shorter pile height (around 1-1.5 inches) and higher face weight for better durability.
- Decorative spaces: If your lawn won’t see much foot traffic, you can go for a longer pile height (1.5-2 inches) for a lusher look.
- Pet-friendly options: Got pets? Excellent drainage and antimicrobial properties (to handle those little “accidents”) are a must. You definitely don’t want pooling water or lingering odors.
Climate Considerations
Many of you have learned a thing or two about extreme weather. The Artificial Turf Supply team has your back, and your organic artificial turf needs to, as well. So, keep a few things in mind when thinking about what Mother Nature can do.
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- Hot climates: Many artificial grass options have cooling technology to prevent it from getting too hot underfoot. Some can even be up to 50°F cooler than standard artificial grass!
- Rainy areas: Puddles and moisture lead to warping, mold, and mildew. Ensure your turf has excellent drainage capabilities, so your artificical grass lasts that much longer.
- Sunny spots: Choose a UV-resistant option to prevent fading and maintain that natural look for years to come.
Installation and Maintenance
If you want organic-looking artificial turf that lasts, you have to make sure your lawn is installed correctly. There are so many ways an artificial grass install can go sideways. Professional installation is simply the way to go because any good installer knows what they are doing (and will guarantee their work).
For those of you ready to talk to professionals with decades of experience, the Artificial Turf Supply team is just a phone call away: (866) 677-9405
And use our free artificial grass quote tool to start planning your lawn’s budget.
As for synthetic turf maintenance, it’s a breeze compared to the real stuff. Forget about mowing, watering, and fertilizing! Just give it a quick rinse now and then, brush it occasionally to keep the blades upright, and remove any debris.
The Proof is in the Samples
Pro tip time: never buy artificial turf without seeing and feeling samples first. Artificial Turf Supply makes receiving free samples a breeze. You should take advantage of this! Toss those samples in your yard at different times of day to see how they look under changing lighting conditions. Walk on them barefoot. Let Fido sniff it out. Just make sure you really get a feel for which option suits you best.
Organic Artificial Turf Today!
Choosing the best organic-looking artificial turf doesn’t have to be a headache, but it can certainly give you a headache-free lawn. Just know what your lawn plans are, pay attention to those little details that create a natural grass look, and request samples to try before you buy.
If you still have questions, give our team a call: (866) 677-9405
