As Colorado cities set stricter limits on the types and amounts of grass that homeowners can plant, especially on new or redeveloped properties, many homeowners are turning to artificial turf to comply with regulations and conserve water.
Several Colorado cities, like Aurora and Broomfield, set strict regulations restricting the use of high-water grasses and ornamental water features. Other cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs, limit lawn watering hours or days to conserve water.
Although installing artificial turf reduces water use, it raises questions about installation and maintenance costs, long-term benefits, and environmental impact.
The average cost to install artificial turf ranges from $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on turf quality, site preparation, and labor. A typical 500-square-foot project can cost between $3,000 and $10,000.
Although many people think artificial turf is maintenance-free, keeping it clean and fresh requires some care.
Lauren Floyd, a design assistant with C&H Landscaping, said artificial turf still requires maintenance, especially to remove pet waste.
“It uses less water than traditional sod, but you do have to water it to wash out that pet waste,” she said.
Ross Hulstein, CEO of Highlands Landscaping, said installing proper drainage for artificial turf to clean pet waste is vital if you have dogs. He also recommends installing a sprinkler system to keep the turf clean.
“You might need to turn it on for five minutes once a week rather than 10 minutes every day,” he said.
While older artificial turf products, especially those that looked more like outdoor carpets, tended to degrade relatively quickly, newer products are hardier.
“This is my fourth season with the company and I haven’t seen any clients who needed to have their artificial turf replaced or repaired,” Floyd said.
“I’ve had artificial turf at my house for 21/2 years and it looks brand new.”
In addition to reduced water needs, installing artificial turf eliminates the need to weed or mow.
But Dan Zehr, owner of Living Landscapes, cautions about artificial turf’s potential health and environmental impact.
“I do not recommend it for 99% of applications,” Zehr said.
Homeowners should be concerned about microplastics in the artificial turf and potentially toxic products used in any infill.
Artificial turf, like weed fabric and rock, also doesn’t help the environment like natural grass or groundcover plants.
“At least a Kentucky bluegrass lawn is providing a host for insects and ground foraging birds,” he said.
Instead, he recommends using plants as ground cover to help birds and pollinators.
Kristin Crawford, office manager for Waterwise Landscapes, agreed and said most homeowners prefer low-water plant options.
She also notes that the Fort Collins-based company rarely installs artificial turf. Its last artificial turf project installation was a putting green a year ago.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.
