What are the disadvantages of grass?

The idea of putting away the mower forever sounds appealing, but synthetic grass comes with its own set of problems. Artificial grass is often touted for hot climates with low rainfall where grass struggles to grow without lots of watering. Before you tear up your existing lawn, understand the potential drawbacks of the synthetic grass.

Cost

A synthetic lawn is expensive to install. Costs include grass removal, ground preparation and materials. Artificial turf systems come with the option of drainage systems and irrigation to control the temperature of the grass, which increase the cost. The artificial grass costs from $8 to $14 per square foot, noted Mark Radeke of Easy Turf in a 2010 article featured on KPBS, a public radio station in San Diego, California. If you have a large yard, the overall cost of the project adds up quickly.

Temperature

Real grass has a cooling effect when the air temperature is high. Artificial grass lacks this cooling quality. The grass itself may become hotter than the air and can make the surrounding air feel hotter. A hidden water system can keep the synthetic grass cooler to the touch so it feels more comfortable on your feet. The material used as padding beneath the synthetic grass affects the temperature. Special products in the padding keep grass temperatures lower. A light color in the artificial grass blades is another way to cool the lawn.

Runoff

Real grass and natural landscaping materials allow rainwater to seep down into the soil. Synthetic turf is typically designed to allow water to soak through, but it may not allow all rainwater to seep down into the soil, especially if the soil underneath becomes compacted. The storm water runoff carries debris into the storm sewers, where water sources can become polluted.

Materials

You may have concerns about the material used to make synthetic grass. Real grass is a living ground cover that produces oxygen as it grows. The environmental impact of artificial grass varies. The padding is often made of recycled tires, which keeps them out of the landfill, but the petroleum-based artificial grass materials are far from natural. Research about the safety of using this artificial materials on the lawn is limited, so it's up to you to decide for yourself if the grass is a healthy option for covering the yard. Padding material not made from rubber is available if you have concerns about covering your lawn in the material.

Upkeep

You won't have to mow anymore, but your synthetic grass still requires care to keep it looking attractive. You need to sweep or spray the grass to remove debris that falls onto the surface. Sanitation of the lawn is also a concern. Everything from blood to your dog's poop contaminate the artificial grass. While contaminants rinse off real grass, synthetic grass doesn't have the same trait. You will need to clean up any messes that could potentially be a health hazard.

Want a new lawn but looking to save money? When it comes to choosing to establish a lawn with grass seed vs. sod, many people choose to seed because it’s cheaper, initially. However, growing grass from seed is not as simple as it sounds.

There’s a lot of misconceptions about planting grass seed and caring for newly planted lawns. If not done correctly or maintained well, not only will your yard look bad, but it could cost you more money down the road.

Although both new lawn options, sod or seed, have their pros and cons, we’re going to share three disadvantages of planting grass seed. From timing to aftercare, learn why seeding isn’t always the best or cheapest option.

Disadvantage #1: Sowing Your Lawn from Seed is a Slow Process

Did you know that it could take up to 12 months before your lawn is fully established from planting grass seed?

Sowing a lawn from seed takes far longer than installing turfgrass sod. With proper installation and care, sod typically takes only 8-12 weeks to take root and fully establish itself to the point where the lawn becomes usable.

After planting your grass seed, it can take up to four weeks for germination, depending on the weather or other conditions. In cooler weather, germination goes even slower. What’s worse is that not all the grass seed may germinate, so you’ll find bare patches where you’ll need to seed again.

In this case reseeding, or overseeding your lawn might be necessary, which will also cost more money. This, of course, is not an issue with turfgrass sod since it’s fully developed before installation for an immediate lush, green lawn.

Disadvantage #2: Planting a New Lawn from Seed is Prone to Weeds & Animal Issues

Did you know that weed seeds are spread by the wind and in bird droppings? Weeds are a significant issue with newly planted lawns. Bare soil is the ultimate place for weed seeds to settle in and germinate. Eventually, if left unmanaged, weeds will take over the area before your grass seed ever has a chance to begin growing.  Weather and time of year are critical factors to successful seeding.  The optimum time to seed in our upstate New York area is August through mid-September.

Another issue you’ll face is animals, especially birds because they love to eat grass seed! You’ll see them happily roaming the area you seeded and chow down. Even neighborhood cats will destroy your newly planted lawn using it as a giant litter box. This means that you will need to find a way to protect it from your local critters.

Protecting your newly seeded lawn could also create more of an expense. You may require fencing or netting to keep out animals and down the road, and herbicides for weed control.

Disadvantage #3: Growing a Lawn from Seed Takes a Lot of Hard Work & Time

Planting grass seed is messy and challenging work. From tilling and raking to leveling and watering, plan on getting dirty and sweaty! That’s just half of it. Once planted, your newly seeded lawn will require a lot of care and maintenance during its growth. As mentioned above, growing a pleasing lawn from seed can take up to a year.

You’ll also need to consider the cost of inputs and equipment for seeding and maintaining the grass as it grows. Grass seed is the less expensive option upfront often creates more expenses down the line.

Installing turfgrass sod is faster, easier, less messy, and provides you with an instant, beautiful lush lawn. It may cost more in the short term but what it saves you in time, labor and inputs is worth every penny.

Sod is one of the most environmentally responsible materials you can add to your home or business. Healthy turfgrass controls erosion, decreases runoff, restores soil quality, purifies air and groundwater, and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. It also reduces dust and noise, adds visual appeal, and increases property values.

Saratoga Sod Farm is a proud grower, supplier, and installer of natural turfgrass sod to commercial and residential clients in NY & throughout the Northeast. Get in touch with us today regarding pricing, installation services, or any questions about sod!

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