Artificial Grass Next to Real Grass Installation and Maintenance

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A man sits on artificial grass holding a basketball, dressed in casual attire and looking thoughtfully away.
Credit: pexels.com, A man sits on artificial grass holding a basketball, dressed in casual attire and looking thoughtfully away.

Installing artificial grass next to real grass can be a bit tricky, but with the right knowledge, you can achieve a seamless look.

Artificial grass can be installed up to 1 inch away from the real grass to prevent damage to the underlying soil.

The key to a successful installation is to ensure the artificial grass is properly secured to the ground to prevent shifting or movement over time.

Proper drainage is crucial when installing artificial grass next to real grass, as water can accumulate and damage the underlying soil.

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Benefits

Artificial grass next to real grass offers several benefits, including a striking contrast between the two types of grass that adds aesthetic appeal to any outdoor space.

This integration creates a cohesive and natural landscape, perfect for high-traffic areas or regions with extreme temperatures. Artificial turf can withstand heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions, making it ideal for regions with extreme temperatures.

Credit: youtube.com, Artificial Grass vs Real Grass: Which is Better?

Replacing portions of natural grass with synthetic turf can help conserve water and reduce water bills in areas with droughts or water restrictions. This can be especially beneficial for commercial properties with large outdoor areas that require constant maintenance.

Artificial turf maintenance is practically non-existent, which means less time spent mowing and less pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment.

Synthetic turf requires only the occasional spray down, rather than gallons and gallons of water each week. This is great for water conservation as well as your water bill!

Natural grass has several environmental benefits, including participating in producing oxygen for the atmosphere and taking up CO2 and other pollutants. Its roots hold the soil in place, preventing erosion.

Here are some key benefits of artificial grass next to real grass:

  • Aesthetic appeal with a striking contrast between the two types of grass
  • Cohesive and natural landscape with proper installation
  • Water conservation and reduced water bills in drought-prone areas
  • Low maintenance and reduced pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment
  • Environmental benefits of natural grass, including oxygen production and soil erosion prevention

Installation and Maintenance

Installing artificial turf next to real grass requires some extra consideration. Installing artificial turf next to natural grass uses the same process, but a key recommendation is to separate the two with a border or edging to protect the synthetic turf during maintenance of the natural counterpart, such as mowing or weeding.

Credit: youtube.com, Artificial Grass Maintenance: Complete Guide with Pros & Cons

Maintenance of artificial turf is incredibly easy and low-maintenance, with no mud or mess to clean up. No post-activity clean-ups or worrying about mud traipsed indoors means you can enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle.

The cost of maintaining a natural grass lawn is staggering, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 per visit for mowing and edging. Assuming a price of $30 per visit, mowing and edging alone will cost $780 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for a small, 1,000-square-foot lawn:

  • Mowing/edging – $780 annually
  • Spring/fall cleanup – $100
  • Fertilizing – $80
  • Aeration – $70
  • Weed abatement – $35
  • Sprinkler repair – $180
  • Leaf cleanup – $190
  • Watering – $567 (623 gallons per week for 1,000 square feet for 6 months)

Installing Next to Grass

Installing next to grass requires some extra consideration. You'll want to separate the artificial turf from the natural grass with a border or edging to protect the synthetic turf during maintenance of the natural counterpart.

This is especially important when mowing the natural grass, as stray blades can damage the artificial turf. A border will keep the two types of grass separate and prevent any potential damage.

It's also worth noting that a border or edging will make it easier to maintain both types of grass, as you'll be able to focus on one area at a time. This can save you time and effort in the long run.

Here's an interesting read: Artificial Grass Border Ideas

Maintenance

An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI). This image represents ethics research understanding human involvement in data labelling. It was created by Ariel Lu as part of the...
Credit: pexels.com, An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI). This image represents ethics research understanding human involvement in data labelling. It was created by Ariel Lu as part of the...

Maintenance can be a significant concern for homeowners, especially those with pets or kids who love to play outside. Artificial turf is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance outdoor environment.

One of the most satisfying traits of artificial turf is its cleanliness, eliminating mud and mess. No more worrying about post-activity clean-ups or mud traipsed indoors.

Natural grass, on the other hand, requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This includes weekly cutting for at least 6 months out of the year, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 per visit for mowing and edging.

Assuming a price of $30 per visit, mowing and edging alone will cost $780 annually. This is just one of the many expenses associated with maintaining a natural lawn.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your natural lawn each year:

  • Mowing/edging – $780 annually
  • Spring/fall cleanup – $100
  • Fertilizing – $80
  • Aeration – $70
  • Weed abatement – $35
  • Sprinkler repair – $180
  • Leaf cleanup – $190
  • Watering – $567 (623 gallons per week for 1,000 square feet for 6 months)

All these expenses add up to a whopping $2,002 per year, or $50,050 over 25 years.

Design and Aesthetics

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Most people want a smooth, green, beautiful lawn to walk, play, and relax on. This desire for aesthetics is a key consideration when deciding between artificial grass and natural grass.

Artificial grass can mimic the look and feel of natural grass, with many modern options featuring a soft, lush texture. However, achieving a lovely lawn of either type requires regular maintenance.

Natural grass, on the other hand, needs to be regularly mowed, watered, and fertilized to keep it looking its best.

Expand your knowledge: Natural Artificial Grass

The Flexibility of Having

Having artificial grass next to real grass offers a unique versatility, allowing you to create a diverse and functional outdoor space.

You can use real grass areas for gardens or natural spaces, promoting biodiversity and a sense of connection to nature. This is perfect for areas where you want to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Artificial turf, on the other hand, can host high-traffic areas or provide a putting green for golf enthusiasts. It's also great for areas where you want to minimize maintenance.

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A Golf Ball on the Artificial Turf Grass
Credit: pexels.com, A Golf Ball on the Artificial Turf Grass

Using artificial grass for pet-friendly and child-safe areas is also a great idea. This type of grass often comes with odour-neutralising technology and excellent drainage capacity to ensure it remains safe and hygienic.

For example, some artificial grass products have shockpads underlay to cushion falls, making them a much safer play space for young children.

Borders & Edging

Choosing a suitable edging material is a great way to add a decorative touch to your lawn design. Pavers, timber, or durable plastics can frame the meeting point of different types of grass, creating a clean and defined look.

Pavers, in particular, are a popular choice for edging because they're easy to install and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

A separator between the two types of grass is also functional, as it helps prevent real-grass from encroaching on the artificial surface.

Aesthetics

Most people want a smooth, green, beautiful lawn to walk, play, and relax on.

A vibrant night event with people gathered on artificial grass under a modern structure.
Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant night event with people gathered on artificial grass under a modern structure.

Natural grass requires regular maintenance to achieve a lovely appearance, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

A fake grass lawn, on the other hand, requires little to no maintenance, allowing for a beautiful and lush appearance with minimal effort.

The work it takes to achieve a lovely lawn of each type is a significant consideration for homeowners.

Broaden your view: Artificial Grass Upkeep

Pet Zones

Artificial turf's improved drainage makes cleaning up after pets a breeze. You can easily hose it down and have it dry in no time.

Pet owners know that accidents can happen, and with artificial turf, you don't have to worry about staining or killing the grass. This is especially true for pet zones, where accidents are more likely to occur.

Artificial turf also eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, making it a safer choice for pets. This is especially important for pet owners who want to create a safe and healthy space for their furry friends.

Pet-friendly areas can be just as beautiful as the rest of your lawn, and artificial turf makes it easy to achieve this look. With its quick-drying capabilities, you can create a space that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Environmental Impact

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Artificial grass requires no water to stay green and pristine, only an occasional rinse to remove dust, pet urine, and debris.

The average natural grass lawn owner spends 70 hours a year on lawn maintenance, which can be a significant time commitment.

Artificial grass eliminates the need for conventional lawn care equipment, reducing pollution in the manufacture and operation of these tools.

Lawn mowers, edgers, and weed whackers are no longer necessary, saving you considerable time, money, and garage space.

The EPA reports that a push mower emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars and a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars.

Grass clippings are the third largest component of municipal solid waste in landfills, unless you're using a completely manual mower and composting your lawn clippings.

Natural grass lawns require hazardous fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, which can harm the environment and human health.

Here are some key differences in environmental impact between artificial and natural grass:

Overall, artificial grass seems to have a lower environmental impact than natural grass, especially when it comes to water usage and pollution emissions.

Safety & Cleanliness

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Having a safe and clean lawn is crucial, especially if you have kids or pets. Safety & Cleanliness is a top priority.

Fake grass has its own set of safety concerns, but they're largely misconceptions. Crumb rubber infill, used in some artificial grass applications, is only a problem if ingested in large amounts.

Synthetic turf, on the other hand, keeps kids and pets safe and clean. It provides a smooth surface for playing, preventing injuries from falls.

Fake grass also minimizes mud and dirt, keeping kids and pets clean. The antimicrobial additives used in its manufacturing process prevent the build-up of bacteria and odors.

Real grass, however, has its own set of safety concerns. Dead spots and clumps of grass can be tripping hazards for running kids.

The chemicals and fertilizers used to keep lawns looking nice also pose dangers to kids and pets. These substances can be ingested by accident, causing harm.

Here's a comparison of fake and real grass safety and cleanliness:

Overall, fake grass provides a safer and cleaner environment for kids and pets.

Costs and Considerations

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The costs of maintaining a natural grass lawn can add up quickly. Installation costs for natural grass are significantly lower than for artificial grass, but that's where the savings end.

The annual care and maintenance costs for a natural grass lawn can range from $2,002 to over $50,000 over 25 years, depending on the level of maintenance. This includes costs for mowing, edging, fertilizing, and other upkeep.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for a 1,000-square-foot lawn:

  • Mowing/edging – $780
  • Spring/fall cleanup – $100
  • Fertilizing – $80
  • Aeration – $70
  • Weed abatement – $35
  • Sprinkler repair – $180
  • Leaf cleanup – $190
  • Watering – $567

Keep in mind that these costs are on the low end of the spectrum, and actual costs may vary depending on your location and level of maintenance.

Turf Lifespan Costs

A 25-year lifespan of turf is a significant commitment, and it's essential to consider the costs involved in maintaining your lawn. The care and maintenance costs of fake grass versus real grass are substantial.

The installation of natural grass is indeed cheaper than fake grass, but the requirements of a natural grass lawn are high and continual. You'll need to mow your lawn weekly for at least 6 months out of the year, with a few extra chores like leaf blowing, edging, and weeding.

Credit: youtube.com, The True Costs of Artificial Turf: Experts Discuss Cornell University’s New “PFAS-Free” Project

Lawn care prices range from $25 to $50 per visit for mowing and edging, with an average cost of $30 per visit. Over the course of a year, mowing and edging alone will cost $780.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for a small, 1,000-square-foot lawn:

  • Mowing/edging – $780 annually
  • Spring/fall cleanup – $100
  • Fertilizing – $80
  • Aeration – $70
  • Weed abatement – $35
  • Sprinkler repair – $180
  • Leaf cleanup – $190
  • Watering – $567 (623 gallons per week for 1,000 square feet for 6 months)

All these costs add up to a whopping $2,002 per year. Over 25 years, you'll spend a staggering $50,050 maintaining your natural grass lawn!

Installation Costs

Installation costs for a lawn can be a significant expense. The cost varies greatly between synthetic and natural grass. For a 1,000 sq. ft. yard, the installation costs can be quite different. Synthetic grass installation costs can range from $3 to $10 per square foot. Natural grass installation costs can range from $1 to $3 per square foot.

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The Arid Advantage

In arid climates, artificial turf adjacent to natural grass offers a dual benefit. The former does not wilt under the heat, no matter the drought.

Credit: youtube.com, Used Artificial Grass - Pros and Cons they Don't Tell You!

This is particularly evident in areas with intense sunlight. Artificial turf can withstand the unforgiving sun without showing any signs of wear.

Natural grass, on the other hand, can still find a foothold of life without being trampled under persistent foot traffic. This is a significant advantage when it comes to maintaining a healthy and thriving lawn.

Artificial turf can handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix artificial turf with grass?

Can artificial turf and grass be installed together? No, it's recommended to separate them with a border to protect the synthetic turf during natural grass maintenance

Roger Molenaar

Senior Writer

Roger Molenaar is a writer who loves to explore the world and write about his experiences. He has been traveling for years, having visited over 50 countries around the globe. His passion for learning about different cultures and meeting new people is evident in his writing, which often features insights into local customs and traditions.

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