Making The Most Of Garden FeaturesMaking the Most of Garden Features

Looking to add some green to your residential landscape? Lawn installation is a superb way to adorn your landscape while creating the perfect place to relax outside. However, the perfect lawn calls for the right turf, and this explains why you should choose your turf carefully.

There are two main types of turf available for lawn installation. These are natural turf and artificial turf. Use this guide to work out the best turf for your lawn or landscape.

Natural Turf

If you want to install a lawn that will have a positive impact on the environment, look no further than a natural turf lawn. Real grass absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen. This helps to replenish oxygen supply for your family but also reduce global warming. 

Natural turf lawns also play a critical role in the prevention of soil erosion. The extensive root systems of grass help to keep the soil intact, thus providing protection against weather-induced soil erosion. Inclement weather elements such as strong winds and heavy rain can cause bare soil to be blown or washed away. 

Many homeowners and homebuyers also favour a real grass lawn because it is soft and feels cool below bare feet. This makes it ideal for small children and pets to run and play on. Don't worry about the damage that will occur to your grass — it will self-repair after sustaining wear from normal use. Plus, the visual appeal and smell of well-manicured real grass are pleasing to people.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of natural turf is its high maintenance requirement. Natural lawns need regular watering, mowing and fertiliser and weedicide use to thrive. This can make them unsuitable for homeowners living in areas that experience acute water shortage or those that don't have the time to attend to their lawns as regularly as required.

Artificial Turf

If you'd like to integrate the look of natural grass on your landscape but without having to meet its high maintenance requirements, an artificial turf lawn will do you good. Unlike lawns with real grass, artificial lawns don't require watering, mowing, fertilisers or use of weedicides. Once your lawn has been installed, you will only need to clean it on occasion to remove accumulated dirt. This makes it an ideal choice for busy homeowners or those that want to preserve water.

Although modern varieties of artificial turf are designed and made to look and feel just like the real stuff, they still remain a mere imitation. The initial installation cost of an artificial lawn is higher than that for an artificial lawn. However, the lifecycle costs associated with maintaining a real grass lawn makes it more expensive than a fake grass lawn over the long term.

There's no single best type of turf for all homeowners. The best turf for you depends on your specific situation, requirements and budget. Feel free to consult a landscape supplies company if you need help in choosing the right turf for your residential landscape.