Homeowners might consider using artificial turf to cut back on the maintenance of a traditional lawn (and the water bill). But is artificial grass a good idea for Sioux Falls residents? It depends.
While artificial grass can maintain its green color even during drought, it also has downsides, such as heating up in the sun and releasing potentially harmful chemicals. Let’s dive deeper into this matter so you can make the best choice for your lawn.
Sioux Falls Landscaping Standards
As a resident, it is important to know the City’s stance on the use of artificial turf. In Sioux Falls, the front yard setbacks must be made out of at least 90% living ground cover.
The use of artificial turf or artificial vegetation in front yard setbacks does not meet Sioux Falls’ city ordinance for minimum landscape standards. These standards aim to encourage the city development in a way that is:
- Environmentally sensitive
- Socially responsive
- Aesthetically pleasing
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
The debate surrounding artificial grass is a long one. While some argue that it’s practical since you won’t have problems with common lawn diseases in Sioux Falls or pests, others suggest that it releases harmful chemicals and isn’t an eco-friendly choice.
So that you can decide for yourself whether or not it is best to use artificial grass in Sioux Falls, here are some of the pros and cons of artificial grass:
Pros:
- Low-maintenance: Artificial turf requires no watering, fertilizing, overseeding, or other typical lawn care activities required for a traditional turf lawn.
- Green all year round: Because it is made of synthetic materials, artificial grass won’t go dormant and lose its vibrant green color.
- Saves water: Because you won’t need to water your lawn as often (only when it’s necessary to clean or cool down the artificial grass), you will save on your water bill.
- Durable: Although the installation can be costly, synthetic turf will last many years without generating other expenses.
Cons:
- Gets hot in the sun: While real vegetation has a cooling effect on hot days, artificial turf has the opposite effect and gets hot when exposed to the sun and high temperatures. Higher surface temps lead to higher air temps, which might mean spending more on cooling down the home with air conditioners and fans.
- Releases chemicals: The National Toxicology Program found that the crumb rubber used in synthetic turf releases chemicals under high temperatures that can potentially cause health issues. Some of those are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalates, which are carcinogens.
- Not environmentally friendly: Artificial turf is installed over compacted soil, which generates water runoff (since the soil won’t be able to absorb water) and favors soil erosion.
- Can accumulate bacteria: Pet waste and dirt can get stuck in artificial turf, so manufacturers recommend washing it every week to remove these contaminants.
Other Turf Alternatives
One of the core reasons homeowners opt for artificial turf is its practicality. If that is your goal, know that other low-maintenance grass alternatives can give you the same practicality while being more environmentally friendly than artificial turf:
- Native plants: Opting for native plants is a great alternative to grass. They require less water and have less of a need for pesticides and fertilizers. Mother Nature already did most of the work for you by perfectly adapting these plants to your local climate.
- Groundcover plants: Groundcover plants lie low instead of growing upwards. Plants such as creeping sedum and creeping thyme help control erosion and weeds while giving you a yard that won’t need to be mowed.
- Native grasses: Native grasses have deep root systems that create a hardy and drought-resistant lawn. And better yet, most native grasses are perennials and need minimal maintenance. To learn more about lawn care in your area, read our article on The Best Lawn Care Tips for Sioux Falls.
FAQ About Artificial Grass
Is it Cheaper to Lay Turf or Artificial Grass?
Laying turf is cheaper than installing artificial grass. The costs for artificial grass installation are much higher than for regular grass.
For a 500-square-foot lawn, homeowners can expect to pay approximately $6,375 for artificial grass installation. You can buy artificial grass directly from manufacturers and either get a pro to install it for you, or install it yourself.
The cost to install regular sod, on the other hand, goes from $860 to $1,750 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn — way cheaper than artificial grass. If you’re unsure about what grass to choose, take a look at our article on the Best Grass Seed for South Dakota.
Are Synthetic Lawns Worth it?
Installing a synthetic lawn is a personal decision, and while it might be worth it for some homeowners, others might argue that the cons outweigh the pros. While you might gain an aesthetically pleasing lawn all year, it is expensive to install and may pose a health risk due to the chemicals it releases.
What Chemicals Do Synthetic Grass Release?
Studies have identified phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in synthetic grass. However, the potential health implications derived from contact with synthetic turf are still unclear.
Find a Pro Near You
Whether you want to install an artificial grass lawn or just want to take care of your regular turf lawn, calling a lawn care pro in Sioux Falls is your best shot. A pro has the expertise to advise you and the tools to make your dream lawn a reality. Get in touch today.
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Main Image Credit: Adobe Stock
