As the landscape of home exteriors changes, so is the way people think about their lawns. Not only is there a big push towards cutting down water use, but there’s also a lack of time in the average household. Turf has become an answer to nearly every problem, but is it the right fit for you?

Before you install turf, consider these points.

Will You Still Need Your Shed?

One of the biggest questions you’ll need to ask is whether your shed will still be useful or if it’ll be a small empty building taking up space. When you look at your shed, how much of it is lawn care? You’ll still need a rake, a hose, and possibly a leaf blower, but you’ll need a lot less than you did before.

Not only will you no longer need your lawn mower, but you also won’t need a weedwhacker, weed killer, soil aerator, or dozens of other things that your lawn generally needs. You can sell or donate these tools and save room. If you no longer need your shed, or it’s getting older, consider having it removed before you put turf down.

How Many Live-Plant Areas Do You Want?

Although turf is there to replace live grass, most people still want plants in some portions of their lawn, Native plants can thrive in areas of exposed soil, so it’s wise to plan ahead and pick areas of your lawn where you’ll want live plants.

If you want your lawn to stay cooler in the summer, it’s a good idea to have large tees with a lot of branch coverage. Although this can lead to raking in the fall, it will keep your lawn feeling breezy and comfortable in the warmer months.

What Other Updates Does Your Exterior Need?

Although we would all love for one update to make our homes look brand new, sometimes, one large update can make the other issues stand out. What other parts of your property could use a change? Simple projects like filling cracks in cement, or power washing your siding, can be enough to allow your property to look entirely different when the turf is installed.

If your fence is looking older, or you’ve been thinking about building a deck, this is the time to do it. Not only will it save you trouble when you don’t have to remove turf portions down the line, but it’ll make your lawn stunning when everything is done.

Does Your HOA Allow Turf?

This is an important question that you have to get an answer to before you start the process. Some forget to check and leave themselves open to lawsuits and trouble. Instead of letting that happen to you, simply contact your HOA and ask. They’ll either say no, or they’ll say yes and give you a list of their rules or regulations for it.

Asking ahead of time also means that if they change their mind down the road, you’re safe and don’t have to worry about it since you already got their permission.

How Will Your Lawn Drain?

Before you put in turf, it’s time to consider adding ditches and landscape drainage grates. Although live grass only has shallow roots, those roots do a lot when it comes to keeping soil in place and helping with drainage. To protect your property from flooding while also ensuring it looks incredible, drainage is a must.

Thankfully this can work well with artificial turf, stopping flooding or soil drifting before it starts.

Are Lounging Spaces Important to You?

Before you place your turf, you’ll want to think ahead and consider any lounging or relaxing areas where you won’t need any grass. This will save you from having to remove turf in areas later on or stop you from possibly ruining turf by setting permeable pavers on top of it.

If you’re considering an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, or anything else that will take up room and possibly add heat, it needs to be on stone and away from your turf. Consider drawing a plan out for your lawn ahead of time and talking to your turf company about it.

Are You Ready for Longevity?

Turf lasts for a really long time, up to two decades, when well maintained. This is a big decision that’s going to save you a lot of time and money but requires a commitment to it. Before you get turf, consider if it’s the best choice for you, and be ready for how long it will last.
When you’re ready to update your property and make life easier for yourself, it’s time to swap to the turf. Not only does this improve your property’s value, but it makes it look incredible as well.

Barbara Taylor is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and studies on environmental sustainability and energy efficient living. She lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and gardening with her grandchildren. Barbara’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in 2023.