Artificial turf may seem like a less labor-intensive and more environmentally friendly option, but in fact there are a lot of secrets hiding in those fake lawns that the ads don’t tell you about…
The four biggest drawbacks of fake lawns are that they get dangerously hot, they can develop strong odors (especially if you have pets), and they contribute to environmental degradation. On top of all that, it’s a myth that these lawns don’t need maintenance. In fact, they can turn out to be a far pricier alternative to real grass.
Heat
That plastic grass reportedly gets hotter than asphalt and concrete! Unless you water them to cool them off, this creates a burn hazard in the summertime for you, your kids, and your pets. That’s right, this means even your artificial yard can end up needing to be watered!
Cost
One option is paying more for additional coatings and additives that are meant to reduce the heat. Other costs for a more natural effect include a soft secondary layer underneath for comfort, various additives to control odors, and the numerous options for infill to keep a grassy texture. Although the grass layer itself may not seem too expensive for your budget, adding in the cost of any extra features, plus the labor to install and remove or replace that grass within 10 years of initial installation can make for a shocking surprise.
Hidden Maintenance
Although these lawns don’t require mowing, you do have to vacuum leaves from artificial lawns. To keep the grass upright and looking even, the lawn also requires mechanical raking or brushing, in addition to the infill which can be washed away in stormwater runoff and will need replacing.
Environmental Toll
More realistic artificial lawn options require infill to give them the right texture and that “convincing springy fill,” which means layering in materials to achieve the aesthetic you’re after. However, these materials are often plastic and as such they break down and deposit microplastics in the soil and groundwater.
More so, when they need to be replaced, the large swaths of plastic that make up the lawn itself are destined for landfills. Did you know that artificial lawns contribute to rising temperatures in cities in the same way that concrete and asphalt do?? Further, they replace natural ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. Despite claims to reduce the need for gas-powered lawn mowers, plastic grass is produced from petroleum.
Artificial turf may seem like a less labor-intensive and more environmentally friendly option, but in fact there are a lot of secrets hiding in those fake lawns that the ads don’t tell you about…
When it comes to your lawn, real grass is better than fake!
Benefits of the Automower
If you’re after a cost effective environmentally conscious lawn, go all in on all natural and consider purchasing the electric Husqvarna Automower®. A robotic lawn mower can help minimize lawn care maintenance, while keeping grass green and healthy. As the name suggests, the Automower mows the lawn for you!
Easiest Mower to Operate
Before you purchase a robotic mower from Carl’s Mower & Saw we look at your property on our mapping software to plan the installation of the boundary and guide wires. Don’t worry, we don’t need a backhoe to dig the wire lines. In fact, using the Automower wire bury tool, we leave practically no trace at all. The marks of the wire usually disappear in less than a week. The Automower runs on boundary and guide wires that define the mowing area and designate a charging station area. After the wiring is installed, we’ll set up your new mower and walk you through how to operate it.
Bluetooth & Security
The Bluetooth capacity of this mower is a game changer for homeowners. Once it’s connected to your phone, you can control it from anywhere and keep tabs on where it is. Easily adjust the cutting height or set your mowing schedule with a few taps on the app! There is a built-in theft alarm, bluetooth connection, and on many of the models they even come with GPS tracking.
A Superior Mow
After the initial mow, the goal is to frequently run the Automower to maintain your grass. The sharp blades make minuscule clippings that help fertilize the soil, feeding it nutrients to keep it green and healthy. This is far better for your lawn’s ecosystem than the microplastics from artificial grass.
Rain or Shine
The beauty about the Automower in the Pacific Northwest is that it can run in the rain! Though put it away if the weather calls for a torrential downpour. If you have a cabin on the east side, where temperatures get hot, the Automower will power through up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carl’s Mower & Saw— Whatcom County’s Outdoor Power Equipment Dealership
Carl’s Mower and Saw has been powering your outdoors since 1990. We’re the leader in Husqvarna Automower® sales, installation and service. Our team is committed to delivering superior service, so when you’re ready for an all natural, low-maintenance lawn, stop in and watch a demo. Learn more online by visiting www.CarlsMower.com. We’re open Monday through Saturday, give us a call 360-384-0799 or drop an email to info@carlsmower.com.
