Synthetic turf, a relatively young industry, is revolutionizing the landscaping world and ushering in an era of modern design. With technological advancements improving both its aesthetics and functionality, synthetic grass has gained significant traction in both residential and business applications. Landscape designers are now embracing synthetic turf as a sustainable, cost-effective, and visually appealing alternative to traditional sod. In this blog, landscaping professionals share insights into the growing trend and provide design tips to create stunning, low-maintenance landscapes.
Why Landscape Designers Prefer Synthetic Turf Over Sod
Once upon a time, synthetic turf, often associated with the plastic, coarse ‘AstroTurf,’ had a poor reputation. The early artificial turf options were criticized for their odd, unnatural colors and lower-quality materials. However, with rapid technological improvements, the manufacturing process of synthetic grass took a significant leap forward. Today’s turf is far superior, with a natural look, feel, and durability that rivals that of natural grass. As the U.S. grapples with extended droughts and water restrictions, synthetic turf has become the solution to maintaining lush, green lawns in regions where natural grass is difficult to sustain.
Prem Penglin, owner of Penglin Paving and Landscaping, emphasizes this transformation: “We originally started installing artificial turf about ten years ago, and the improvements we’ve seen in quality are night and day. Back then, sod was cheaper, but now turf is the way to go.”
While sod may have seemed like the better option initially due to its lower installation costs, the ongoing upkeep costs and environmental impact of maintaining a natural lawn often outweigh its short-term appeal. Traditional grass lawns require continuous watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weed management, all of which add up in both time and money.
Veer Singh, founder of Steve’s Landscaping, explains, “Turf provides a stress-free landscape that reduces the constant upkeep associated with natural grass. From repairs to fertilizing, turf gives consumers a simpler, worry-free landscape.” Veer adds, “Natural grass needs specific care, like proper watering and weed prevention, which even a gardener may struggle to maintain consistently.”
Modern Landscape Design with Synthetic Turf
Now, synthetic turf is no longer just an up-and-coming player but a real contender against natural grass. While the initial cost of installing synthetic grass can be higher than sod, the long-term savings in terms of maintenance and water use make it a worthwhile investment. On average, the initial investment in turf pays for itself within the first 3 to 7 years.
Additionally, synthetic turf offers unique benefits for business owners. As Prem puts it, “Turf creates a more streamlined look for businesses, and the turnaround time for projects is much quicker. Turf installation provides a higher profit margin compared to sod and elevates the look of any landscape, making it an essential addition for business owners looking to create a luxury exterior.”
By offering turf as part of landscaping packages, contractors can increase their sales, streamline their services, and improve the overall customer experience. As Veer Singh notes, turf is easy to incorporate into any landscaping, paver, or concrete package, giving contractors the opportunity to close more sales, reduce maintenance callbacks, and generate more profit from higher-margin projects.
Design Tips for Turf Installation
To maximize the benefits of synthetic turf and ensure a stunning, functional landscape, here are some essential design tips from landscaping pros:
1. Choose the Right Turf for Your Home’s Style
The type of turf you select is crucial to achieving the perfect look for your landscape. When shopping for artificial grass, ask yourself what type of application you need it for, whether it’s for pets, playgrounds, or decorative lawns.
For pet owners, Verdigrass offers turf options with antimicrobial properties that resist odors and facilitate easy cleaning. For playgrounds, turf with Charge Guard carbon fibers can reduce the buildup of static electricity, ensuring safety for children. Consider the anticipated foot traffic when choosing turf—properties with higher traffic will require turf with thicker piles, stronger blade shapes, and higher density to withstand wear and tear.
2. Create Variety in Landscape Design
For an aesthetically pleasing landscape, it’s important to integrate a variety of elements. While a lush synthetic turf lawn can be appealing, adding diversity enhances the overall appeal of the space.
Incorporate flower beds, shrubs, or planters to bring color and texture to the design. You can also line the edges of your turf with mulch or rocks for a polished finish. To give the landscape a more organic feel, weave turf around trees and their roots to achieve a seamless look between the turf and the natural environment. For more landscaping inspiration, check out our design gallery.
3. Consider Undulations for Realism
Add depth and texture to your synthetic lawn with undulations or slight slopes. Undulating terrain enhances the natural look of the landscape by mimicking the contours of real grass lawns. These slight elevation changes improve visual appeal, although they may increase project costs slightly. By adding gentle mounds and uneven ground to large installation sites, you can create a more realistic and visually interesting landscape design.
4. The Orientation of Turf Affects Its Look
Most synthetic turf has a directional grain due to how it is manufactured and stored. For the most realistic appearance, ensure the grain of your turf is oriented toward the primary vantage point where most viewers will be. For instance, if the turf is being installed at the front of a home, direct the turf’s grain toward the street. This approach helps the blades lie naturally, creating a lush and inviting look. In backyard designs, directing the grain toward the house or the area where guests are likely to gather (such as a poolside or BBQ area) can also work well.
Alternatively, you can opt for multi-directional turf options, which feature blades that curl in various directions. This style makes installation easier by eliminating noticeable seams and allowing greater flexibility in orienting the turf. Learn more about multi-directional turf.
5. Plan Seamless Turf Installation
Dry seaming is an essential technique for achieving an invisible seam. Before permanently bonding pieces together, dry seam them first to test positioning. Seaming methods are important for aesthetics; the two most common techniques are inline seams and butt seams. Inline seams are parallel to the stitch rows of the backing, while butt seams are perpendicular. Inline seams are typically easier to execute and work best for DIY projects.
To avoid visible seams between your turf and hardscaping, ensure the turf’s pile height aligns with the edge of concrete or stone pavers. Turf should sit slightly above the paver to maintain a cohesive look and prevent it from being flattened or tucked into the gaps.
6. Reuse Turf Scraps for Creative Projects
Don’t throw away leftover turf after installation! There are several creative ways to repurpose scrap pieces, from crafting doormats to creating decorative table settings or even constructing a home gym mat. The possibilities for leftover material are endless. This sustainable approach helps minimize waste and offers additional utility from your turf investment.
Conclusion
Synthetic turf is no longer a niche option for specific applications—it has become a mainstream choice for homeowners, business owners, and landscapers alike. Offering numerous benefits such as reduced maintenance, superior durability, and environmentally friendly advantages, it’s easy to see why artificial turf is now an industry favorite. For modern landscapes, it’s a game-changer that delivers aesthetics, functionality, and cost savings over the long term.
By considering these design tips, homeowners and businesses can achieve beautiful, luxurious landscapes that complement their style and preferences while remaining practical. Explore more ideas for your turf project by visiting Verdi Grass, where you’ll find everything you need to create a stunning, sustainable landscape that stands the test of time.
FAQs
Q1: Why should I choose synthetic turf over natural sod?
A1: Synthetic turf is a long-lasting solution that requires minimal maintenance compared to natural sod. While natural grass demands constant care with watering, fertilizing, and mowing, synthetic turf saves time and money in the long term. It also offers a more eco-friendly alternative, especially in regions facing drought conditions.
Q2: Does synthetic turf require drainage?
A2: Yes, one of the major benefits of synthetic turf is its excellent drainage capabilities. The turf allows water to pass through, preventing puddles and ensuring the proper drainage of rainwater. Many turf products are designed to improve water flow beneath the surface, creating a drywell that allows for quicker drainage.
Q3: Can I install synthetic turf myself, or do I need a professional?
A3: DIY installation is possible for small areas, especially for those who are familiar with landscaping projects. However, professionals can ensure that the installation is done to perfection, guaranteeing proper seaming, drainage, and seamless transitions. Professional installers can also save time and avoid costly mistakes.
Q4: What design tips should I consider when using synthetic turf in my landscape?
A4: Choose a turf color and texture that matches the style of your home, ensuring the turf complements the overall look of your outdoor space. Incorporate a variety of elements such as planters, shrubs, and trees to balance the design and create visual interest. Add undulations (slopes or uneven areas) for a more natural and realistic landscape.
Q5: How can synthetic turf be used for both residential and commercial landscapes?
A5: Synthetic turf is perfect for both residential and commercial spaces due to its durability, low-maintenance properties, and aesthetic appeal. It’s ideal for business owners looking to reduce maintenance costs while enhancing their property’s look. Turf is also useful for creating luxurious, seamless designs that appeal to upscale markets.
Q6: What is dry seaming, and why is it important?
A6: Dry seaming is the process of positioning multiple pieces of turf without securing them before gluing them together permanently. It helps ensure that seams are invisible and the overall aesthetic looks seamless. Dry seaming is especially important in larger projects to achieve a high-quality finish without visible seams.
Q7: What are the best turf styles for installation between pavers?
A7: When installing turf between pavers, it’s recommended to choose turf with a pile height between 1.6″ and 2″ for the best visual effect. Grasses with a firmer fiber are ideal because they hold their shape and stand up taller, ensuring they don’t get flattened within narrow spaces.
