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Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular alternative to natural grass. With its low maintenance and long-lasting benefits, it's easy to understand why many homeowners and businesses alike are making the switch. But with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to start shopping. In this beginner's guide, you’ll learn some important factors to consider when choosing artificial grass.

Purpose

Before settling on a turf you like, you have to consider why you want to install artificial grass. Trying to improve your home’s appearance? Looking for better alternatives for your backyard because your dog keeps digging? Just looking for a low-maintenance landscaping option that will make your life easier? These are all great reasons to seek out artificial grass. Knowing the specific purpose of your installation will help you choose the best choice for your needs.

Care & Upkeep

One thing that both homeowners and commercial building managers can agree on is natural grass lawns require a lot of maintenance. Shawgrass will eliminate the need to water, mow, and reseed regularly. So, if you’re someone who enjoys those tasks, artificial grass might not be for you. But if you want a grass that looks good year in and year out without too much upkeep, Shawgrass could be a fantastic solution for you. Our turf requires minimal maintenance.

Durability

Durability isn’t something to be taken lightly, and that proves true in the turf world too! As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” that’s very accurate when it comes to choosing turf. You might not think the area you’re installing it in has a lot of foot traffic… until you install an inferior turf product and start to notice bunching, blades pulling up, or tearing. If you have pets or children that will be using the area frequently, we can’t speak highly enough of our pet turf and our playground grass. Both are great options for heavy-duty use. 

Turf Pile & Color

Synthetic grass comes in a wide array of colors and blade heights to mimic the grass that is popular in your region. The blade shape gives the overall look and feel of the grass, while the height will affect how it reacts to foot traffic. To achieve the most natural look, at Shawgrass, we work hard to research and develop the best grass for you. We want to make sure your new lawn has a naturally textured appearance to make it look like real grass. 

Infill

Turf infill refers to the material that is added to the grass after placement that provides cushioning, support and ballast. This important feature of artificial grass also helps improve drainage and prevent blades from flattening over repeated use. There are tons of options on the market for infill, so to learn more about it, you should check out the article we wrote that breaks down what the different infill types are and what they are commonly used for. 

Backing Surface

The backing system of artificial grass is an essential element to consider. While you might not see it, it is the backbone of your artificial lawn. A poor backing system will lead to poor drainage and durability. The backing also helps your grass blades stand perky, handle heavy foot traffic, and withstand the wear and tear of children and pets. You’ll end up needing to replace it sooner than you would with quality turf. 

Price

One of the final determinators for choosing your artificial grass is pricing. We know how tempting it might be to cut corners and costs where you can, but you have to consider that quality products will pay for themselves in the long run. You’ll have fewer repairs and need for replacement. Artificial turf is an investment that you’ll quickly recoup your initial investment on. Check out our price lifecycle outline for more information on understanding turf pricing and ROI.

Final Considerations

Choosing the right artificial grass for your needs can be a daunting task, but by considering these important factors, you can make an informed decision. Whether you're looking to improve the appearance of your lawn or create a low-maintenance landscaping option for your business, Shawgrass has an artificial grass product that will meet your needs. Take a look at our product selection guide for even more useful info on our specific turf product lines.

 

Request a Sample

We know seeing is believing (or feeling in this instance, too). Are you ready to take a look and feel our artificial grass for yourself? Request a free sample today! And please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! Our team is ready to help.