When you mix artificial grass next to real grass, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make the right choice for your yard.
Pros
- Low Maintenance Areas: One of the biggest benefits of artificial turf next to real grass is the low maintenance required for the artificial part. You won’t need to water, mow, or fertilize the fake lawns, which saves you time and effort. This can be especially useful in areas of your yard that are harder to maintain, like shady spots where natural grass struggles to grow.
- Consistent Green Appearance: Artificial lawns remain green and lush all year long, no matter the weather. This is a big plus compared to natural grass, which can turn brown or patchy during droughts or extreme weather. By adding fake grass next to your natural lawn, you’ll always have at least part of your yard looking its best.
- Durability in High-Traffic Areas: Artificial turf is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it perfect for areas where kids or pets play. Placing artificial turf next to real grass in high-use zones ensures those areas stay in great condition, while the surrounding natural lawn adds a more natural feel.
Cons
- Potential Challenges in Blending Visually: While it’s possible to lay artificial grass next to real grass, making the two blend seamlessly can be tricky. The texture and color of fake grass can be different from natural turf, which may create a noticeable difference. Choosing the right type of artificial grass that closely matches your natural lawn can help minimize this issue.
- Maintenance Differences Between the Two: Artificial grass requires much less maintenance than real grass, but this also means you’ll need to manage two different care routines. While the fake lawns stay green without much effort, your natural grass will still need watering, mowing, and fertilizing. Balancing these maintenance tasks can take some planning.
- Installation Complexities: The installation process for combining artificial grass next to real grass can be a bit more complex. You’ll need to carefully prepare the ground and ensure proper drainage for both types of grass. Laying a solid foundation for the artificial turf and making sure it doesn’t affect the natural lawn requires some professional planning.
By considering both the pros and cons, you can decide if mixing artificial grass next to real grass is the right choice for your yard, giving you the benefits of both types of grass.