Owning a home in Tracy, California comes with the desire to maintain a beautiful and appealing lawn. But this pursuit often raises concerns about ongoing expenses. Perhaps you’ve been considering a switch to artificial grass but may be hesitant because of the initial installation cost. Well, it’s time to look past the upfront cost and understand the long-term cost savings brought about by artificial grass. We’re digging deeper into the comprehensive cost analysis of natural lawn upkeep versus artificial grass.
Cost Breakdown: Installing Artificial Grass
The preliminary cost of installing artificial grass varies depending on multiple factors, the major one being your yard size. The larger the area you wish to cover, the more your budget would have to be.
Apart from square footage, the type of artificial grass – like high-end synthetic turf with UV protection or a low-end one without it – you choose also impacts the initial cost. Also, additional landscaping features such as creating heavy traffic areas or pet zones can increase your initial investing.
The Expense of Natural Grass Maintenance
Running a lawn on natural grass is a continuous commitment, not just of time but also of money. Regular watering is non-negotiable, particularly in areas like Tracy, CA, where the warm climate necessitates frequent hydration of the grass.
Additionally, your lawn would require other forms of upkeep such as fertilization at least twice a year, aeration to avoid soil compaction and mowing, which could be a weekly affair during the growth season. Let’s not forget the potential necessity for pest control.
To visualize better, here’s how much you might have to pay annually for maintaining a natural lawn. Watering it can easily top $500 a year, while fertilizing and maintaining the lawn can cost another $200- $300. Pest control and mowing expenses can add another $100- $200 to the bill. All these could push your annual maintenance cost well over $1000.
Artificial Grass: The Economical Alternative
Artificial grass, as compared to natural grass, brings significant long-term savings despite the initial cost of installation. This is primarily because once the artificial turf is in place, it requires negligible care. No watering is needed and cleaning is simple and infrequent.
Eliminating mowing from your lawn-care routine also saves you fuel or electricity costs associated with lawnmowers. In the context of Tracy, assuming that your water bill is about $500 per year, you would start seeing returns on your investment within a few years, depending on the size of your lawn and the type of artificial grass you choose to install.
Beyond Green: Additional Cost Savings
The savings don’t stop at water and maintenance costs. By installing artificial grass, you are minimizing wear, mainly due to exposure to chemicals used in natural lawn care, not just on your grass but also outdoor furniture, play equipment, and other outdoor assets. Furthermore, non-organic pest control strategies can often be abandoned as the eco-friendly artificial turf does not invite pests.
You should also consider tax benefits. Many homeowners qualify for tax credits or rebates for installing water-saving landscaping features like artificial grass. This translates to additional long-term savings.
Artificial Grass: Long-Term Investment
Although artificial grass demands a significant initial cost, the long-term savings make it an appealing choice for homeowners. Not only does it offer an evergreen lawn that enhances the aesthetic value of your home, but it also brings substantial cost benefits in the long run.
At Tracy Artificial Grass, we firmly believe that artificial grass is an investment that pays off in time, money, and peace of mind. We’re here to make the transition easier and work with you to design and install the perfect lawn for your needs.
Curious to learn more or explore your options? Give us a call at 408-723-4954 for detailed advice or book a free consultation to get a complimentary quote for your project.