23 Oct
Artificial turf, alternatively known as artificial grass, is a surface which is
made up of synthetic fibres which are designed to resemble real, natural grass.
Initially used for sports fields, it has since found use in a multitude of
places, such as residential lawns and backyards. Turf can also be of great use
to pet parents, especially pet parents who have dogs. However, should you
replace that patch of natural grass in the backyard with some turf? Is it better
for your dog? Here’s the pros and cons of artificial grass, to better help
you decide whether you should get some for your pup or steer clear. 1. Easy to Clean & Maintain This is one of the main differences between turf and natural grass. Turf requires
virtually no clean-up or maintenance, meaning you can essentially wash it or
hose it down to remove anything on its surface. You also don’t have to
worry about muddy grass or dirty paw prints in the house, as water does not
collect on the surface of turf. It’ll also help you avoid giving your pet
a bath every time they come in from the backyard. The only maintenance you need
to do with turf is choose the right infill. Make sure to choose an infill which
is non-toxic, and once you do, there is practically zero further maintenance
required. 2. Contains No Pests Natural grass contains an unfathomable number of pests. Ants, fleas, ticks, and a
host of other pests use naturally grassy areas as their breeding grounds,
meaning a dog rolling around in grass invariably picks up a few pests here and
there. This isn’t an issue with synthetic grass, as pests generally steer
clear of it, meaning no more unwanted pests on your pup and in your house. 3. No Gaps to Dig Through Unlike natural grass, artificial grass is durable. Since dogs cannot dig through
it, it discourages the practice, so no need to worry about holes or ditches in
your backyard anymore. It also shows no deterioration with regular use, making
it a long-lasting and durable option. 4. Dogs Cannot Tell One from the Other A concern shared by pet parents is that their pup will not interact with turf the
same way they would with grass. While a valid concern, it is an unnecessary one,
as modern synthetic surfaces are designed to replicate the sensation of natural
grass, and is soft and lush as a result. Pets can hardly tell the difference
between the two, making it an excellent alternative to real grass. 5. Ease of Use All Year Round Regardless of the prevailing weather conditions in your area, artificial grass is
immune to it all. It requires no trimming, weeding, mud, dirt, or pesticides to
retain its condition, and will not wilt or wither, unlike natural grass which
will require significant tending to and maintenance. Natural grass also takes
time to replenish after colder months or after a rough digging session by your
pup, so bear that in mind as well. While the benefits of artificial grass are numerous, it is not without its
drawbacks. Here are a few downsides of having a turfed lawn/backyard instead of
one with natural grass. 1. Susceptibility to Heat Unlike natural grass, a turfed lawn can get very hot, and stay that way, given
how a lawn is exposed to sunlight for most of the day. An extremely hot turn
lawn can be uncomfortable to walk on, and can cause discomfort to your pet,
whose paws are sensitive to such high temperatures. 2. Odour While artificial turf requires very little maintenance in general, you will have
to be wary of foul odours. A turf might not look that dirty, though it
doesn’t stain, it will smell if left unattended. A weekly hosing-down of
the turn is recommended, especially if your pet spends a lot of time on it. A
general cleaner or bleach may be employed for those fouler smells which refuse
to go away. Alternatively, an anti-odour turf is a good idea to combat the
odour. 3. Price Artificial grass is not cheap. Depending on the type & size of area you are
looking to turf, the cost can seem exorbitant. However, the higher cost you pay
initially is offset by the negligible maintenance required for it. It is a
purchase which makes sense long-term, but seems costly on a shorter time frame.
Natural grass might be cheaper at first, but the cost of weeding, construction,
and maintenance will make it costly in the long run. Overall, artificial grass is a more convenient alternative to natural grass, with
a few caveats. Choose the option which better suits your needs, and if you do
select artificial grass, make sure to specify a chemical-free, non-toxic
turf. Benefits of Artificial Grass
Drawbacks of Artificial Grass
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carry My Pet
Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.