As a pet owner, you may have heard that using artificial turf in lieu of natural sod might be the easier, more sensible way to go. However, it’s important to look at the pros AND cons of installing artificial turf before making your final decision. Here are three things to consider:
Artificial Turf Can Hold Odor
Although the newer, better quality artificial turf manufacturers use a permeable backing that allows fluids, such as urine to pass through and drain, the odor will still tend to linger. Meaning not only will you have to clean up your pet’s solid waste, but the areas of turf in which urination occurs will need to be washed and hosed down as well. You will also want to clean the area with a vinegar mixture to try to eliminate the odor.
Natural grass, on the other hand, gets mechanically watered or rained on, diluting liquid pet waste into the soil. Although you still must clean up solid waste to reduce the spread of disease, watering and mowing will leave no trace of your pet’s waste.
Artificial Grass Means Artificial Texture
Artificial turf can be more resilient, especially when it comes to burrowing pets. However, it doesn’t offer the softness or cushion of a natural sod lawn. Animals can get hurt if they fall or land wrong on artificial turf in the same way as they would on any other hard surface. Also, if your pet damages artificial turf, such as when he digs or chews, it is expensive to replace. Replacing sod is far less expensive if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Additionally, if your pet chews artificial sod that has been imported or is older, it may contain lead, which is harmful if ingested. Be sure you know what the sod is made from and to what degree it is non-toxic.
Absorbs Heat
One of the biggest downsides to artificial turf is that it gets hot. This is the main reason it may not be good for pet owners. Artificial turf gets much hotter than natural grass which gives off water vapors, naturally cooling everything in the immediate environment. This is why it is uncomfortable for us to walk on asphalt or sand on sunny days, but perfectly comfortable barefoot on a surface with a thick green lawn on the same day. Just as it is hot on our bare feet, an artificial surface can burn the pads of your fur baby’s paws.
High-quality sod companies can help you in your decision-making process. Sod prices vary, but a turfgrass expert at ESF is able to give you information that can save you money in the long run.
If you are considering artificial turf or natural grass, our sod experts are here to help with the answers you need! Our years of experience in Colorado and surrounding states will ensure you get the right sod for your goals and make sure you have the facts about what it takes to have a healthy yard for your family and pets. Contact Emerald Sod today to learn more about the best sod for Colorado, applications, sod pricing, and sod maintenance.