The use of artificial grass in the front lawn of homes has been growing in popularity. Artificial grass is also called AstroTurf or artificial turf. AstroTurf is the brand name given by the Monsanto company. It is created using synthetic fibers of different lengths and blade shapes to create the effect of grass. The pattern formation of the blades and the shape carry different properties. Usually, you should take it into the account when choosing the type of artificial grass for your front yard. It can help when you are trying to find artificial grass front yard ideas for your home. The way the blades look often plays a role in the design, you will choose.
What Makes The Front Yard Different?
The front lawn of your house is the first thing that people see when they pull into your driveway or approach your front door. In most residential neighborhoods, homeowners put much pride in the appearance of their front lawn. For this reason alone, these lawns are often decorated with lawn ornaments such as wrought iron gates, birdbaths, and plastic flamingoes. It is even possible to find a random garden gnome or two.
Comparison of Artificial Grass Lawns Vs. Natural Grass Lawns
Converting to a yard made from a synthetic fiber can cost more initially. But often it pays off quickly due to the easy maintenance and upkeep. To compare artificial grass front lawns to naturally growing grass lawns, some people can’t even tell the difference even though one of them is artificial. Many people use the artificial grass front yard ideas and make them look just like natural grass, making the investment well worth it.
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Visual Comparison
- Natural Grass. Natural grass can vary in color appearance. If well maintained, it can be thick and vibrant. If cut too short, weeds can begin to appear. After that thick thatch can form, making the yard look ill or discolored.
- Artificial Grass. Artificial grass takes the most vibrant appearance of natural grass and brings it to life using artificial materials. Unlike natural grass, the artificial grass maintains the same length all year long. A weed barrier stops weeds from forming through the layers of the artificial turf. Even in the shade or against pre-existing landscaping, artificial grass can fit into any front yard landscape.
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Installation Cost Comparison
- Natural Grass. Its transplantation conducted using a product called sod or with standard grass seed. The cost to install sod can vary in price. The sod itself can cost $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. The total cost is calculated based on the following factors. The amount of sod needed the yard size, and the labor required for the installation. The average sod installation runs between $1,000 and $3,000.
- Artificial Grass. The installation of artificial grass can range from $6 to $20 per square foot installed. It is determined on the materials used and the size of the yard. The average cost for artificial grass installation can range from $3,000 to $7,000. Once installed, the artificial grass front yard ideas that you had for your home will require little to no extra money.
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Maintenance Comparison
- Natural Grass. The maintenance of natural grass is an ongoing process. The cycle is watering, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and it repeats. A lot of time and effort goes into maintaining a natural lawn. If you pay to have someone else take care of your lawn, you could be looking at thousands of dollars a year just in landscaping.
- Artificial Grass. Artificial grass has easy maintenance. Weekly “watering” to help reduce any dust or dirt that may accumulate and the occasional brushing is all it takes to maintain the artificial grass you install. You can expect your grass to last close to 20 years, if not longer if it is maintained properly.
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Longterm Savings Comparison
- Natural Grass. There are no longterm savings to keeping a natural yard. You will always need to maintain it or pay someone else to. A natural lawn to look pristine all the time requires time, money, and a green thumb.
- Artificial Grass. The money you would be paying to maintain your natural lawn each month becomes money in your pocket once you pay for the initial artificial grass installation. You will be saving thousands of dollars in the future, making the switch.
Creating Small Front Garden Ideas with Artificial Grass
Your front yard and garden can be works of art using artificial grass. Paired with items like borders and pavers, a front lawn can be transformed from boring into the most beautiful lawn on the block. Explore some of the ways you can use artificial grass front yard ideas to spruce up your home.
- Recreate the traditional asphalt driveway using driveway pavers and a scalloped border. This creation will pair nicely with a lush dark green artificial grass lawn and landscaped trees bordered with the same scalloped border. Although simple, the elegant contrast between light stones, dark border, and lush green grass.
- Raised wooden gardens and flower beds are currently in fashion. Adding them on top of a freshly installed artificial lawn ensures that the proper drainage occurs. Neatly placed stepping stones in an artificial lawn can be a good idea as well. It can create an adventurous feel as you follow the pathway from the front of your home to the back without interruption.
- In dryer climates, front lawns are often replaced with small patches of artificial grass and surrounded by pea gravel or other fine stones. These types of stone yards are often bordered with a plastic style border. Various designs can be made using the artificial grass to give off the ambiance the homeowner desires.
- For a truly out of this world front yard design, if your climate permits, introducing a koi pond among your front yard can be a show-stopping attraction in your neighborhood, creating a mote effect with your front door and steps, a small bridge can be formed instead of the traditional steps. Under this bridge is the pond formed by a wooden framed border with artificial grass in varying colors of green. Along the border are stepping stones to allow passersby the ability to admire the koi below your front door.
- For a more traditional feel, many homeowners will replace their front yards with artificial grass and put lawn ornaments with landscaping around them. The landscaping often consists of traditional style borders with mulch neatly surrounding the base.
Bringing Your Artificial Grass Front Yard Ideas to Life
Artificial grass lawns are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to their low maintenance care regimen. When creating your front lawn with artificial grass, your only limit is your imagination. If you want contemporary, create something contemporary. If you want something that draws focus to your home, create a yard with character. The point is, no matter what kind of front yard you want, a professional artificial grass contractor can help make your dream come true.
