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The artificial turf industry has been enjoying remarkable growth over the past 10 years. The global market for artificial turf –- including artificial lawns -– grew to $3.3 billion in 2022, according to the IMARC Group.
Projected growth for this sector is that it will grow at a robust CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 11.1% by 2027. It will be a $7 billion industry by 2025.
Why are so many homeowners and business owners opting to install artificial lawns or turf over natural green grass?
Here are some common reasons given by homeowners:
1. Water is the New Oil
That phrase speaks to the fact that climate change and an expanding population mean people are competing like never before over freshwater resources. At the same time, many areas of the U.S. –- especially the west and southwest — are experiencing record periods of drought.
In many cases, strict city ordinances prohibit or forbid lawn watering like never before. All experts believe this is not a trend but the new normal.
Thus, thousands of homeowners are opting for artificial lawns that look every bit as attractive as a natural grass lawn to either save on the water utility bill or comply with no-watering mandates.
2. Very Low Maintenance
Some people enjoy mowing the lawn, but let’s face it, it’s a chore that never goes away all summer. Artificial turf means one never has to spend an evening after work “getting that lawn work done.” Mowing is just one job. There’s also watering, trimming, fertilizing weeding, pest control, and more. An artificial lawn means all of this is gone, giving owners lots more time to enjoy the backyard.
3. Allergy Control
Millions of people suffer from an array of allergies, including children who love to play on lawns. The simple fact is that artificial turf can eliminate a major source of pollens, dust, molds, and other factors which contribute to allergy and asthma issues.
4. Cleaner for Pets
Ask anyone with a dog or even a cat, cleaning up mud on the floor is a routine chore on a rainy day. A lot of people are familiar with the duty of scrambling to catch a pet for a paw wiping before they enter a home. This is another common task artificial lawns eliminate or reduce.
5. Locations Where Natural Lawns Require Extraordinary Effort
Some locations are, let’s just call them, “lawn challenged.” That means it takes far more time and effort to maintain a beautiful natural lawn. One of the toughest cities to keep a lawn is Las Vegas. Another example is Oklahoma City.
While Vegas is obviously challenging because of its desert climate, Oklahoma City bears a combination of specific soil conditions, scorching-hot summers, and increasing periods of drought that make maintaining a natural lawn a complicated endeavor.
An Oklahoma City community group that deals with urban lawn & landscape issues reports that increasing numbers of homeowners opted for artificial grass in Oklahoma City in 2022. That’s after a drought that worsened across the state most of last year, according to the National Integrated Drought Information system at www.drought.gov.
6. No Toxins
A lawn of real grass may be natural, but they actually tend to increase the number of toxins in the environment that children, pets, and adults travel to frequently. That’s because most people use synthetic fertilizers, weed poisons, and sundry chemicals to maintain a perfect-looking natural lawn. Artificial turf is completely non-toxic.
7. “Grows” the Same Everywhere
Most natural lawns comprise areas of sunlight, areas of shade, low spots where water collects, and higher areas that tend to dry out. The result is an uneven lawn pattern that’s difficult to make uniform. Artificial grass obviously “does not care” where it is placed because it looks uniform, real, and even across every square foot.
8. Increase the Value of a Home
A survey of professional real estate appraisers showed that the majority of them believe an artificial lawn will increase the value of a home by 15% to 20%. Also, the idea of buying a home with “no expensive and time-consuming lawn care chores” can be an attractive selling point for realtors, according to realtor.com.
The Time for Artificial Lawns Has Come
When considering the looming trends of water scarcity, the cost of gas to fill lawnmowers, other key economic realities, and more, it’s understandable that more people will opt for artificial lawns as an eco-friendly alternative. It also saves time, money, prevents allergies, and simply keeps “the oasis of the home” always looking green and neat.