Experiences with xeriscaping and astro-turf?

Question

Here in the west we are in a major drought. Driving around many hoods, all of the lawns are looking like dog crap. My properties are no exception unfortunately and I've got a couple of quads in particular that I'm considering xeriscaping or installing astro-turf. What are folks experiences with xeriscaping and astro-turf? Getting quotes now, just want to make sure I am well-educated on the topic because these lawns are not going to make it.

Bob Ritner · Answer

I have a couple of coastal properties in Southern Cal that I have done this; one has been installed for 5 years and the other for one year. They have held up very well and only require minor weeding maintenance once every couple of months. I did not use the astro turf on the rolls at home depot though, I used the good looking expensive stuff that looks real and percolates water into the soil. Granted, our lots are probably much smaller than those in Colorado, and even with the small lots I did not just turf the whole yard. Used a combo of astro, DC granite planting areas with very low water use plants as accents and a drip system that is much less expensive to install than a full on traditional sprinkler pipe system. Water is expensive here so I have seen some meaningful payback not having to try to keep the grass green and no longer need the gardener since I can handle a few minutes of weeding at the edge of the astro and edge of the planters every couple of months. I used a decent quality weed barrier which is why the weeds are mainly at the edges.

I have seen properties with the cheap astro and it looks like cheap astro. If you use it strategically, install per spec it seems to hold up really well.

Greg Weik · Answer

I did full turf front and back on one of my rental houses, about 6 years ago now.

It was not cheap, but zero water bills for 6 years and close to zero maintenance - and it looks incredible.

Especially for a rental property, I find this is a good way to go to maintain curb appeal.

Marcus R. · Answer

Posting to follow along.

I went the river rock route for a small patio for a rental.  Wanted to go turf but did river rock so I could DIY with fewer issues.  Prefer turf since it's more inviting, only negative I really came across in my research was it really smelling like dog pee after a while and in need of a deep cleaning.

Bob Ritner · Answer

Turf, gravel base, sand, weed barrier, turf nails, and delivery charge was about $4.25 per square foot. This did not include labor, which I did with some local laborers. I only did about 250 square feet of turf. The rest was DC granite over weed barrier and accent plants. I don't remember the cost for the DC granite area, but it was inexpensive. We also pilfered some boulders from a local dry creek to use as accents.

Steve K. · Answer

That's helpful info Bob, thank you. Curious to see how much this is going to cost but I'm sure it will be a better option over time as maintaining these lawns is becoming impossible. I noticed a few of the properties near our quads have just gone with round river rocks where there used to be lawns. It is bone dry in these parts: winter took the year off this year and Denver has watering restrictions in place now.

Richard F. · Answer

I wish I could say that I have first hand experience, but LL's here, even with the highest water utility costs in the country, are nearly impossible to convince turf is good. Double savings, in my mind...much lower water bill (generally 12 months usage here), and much lower (I believe, but no facts to back up) "lawn" maintenance.

I have SEEN some incredible installations of these products, new and a few years old, that looked fantastic, although there is indeed "maintenance" needed, and I am not privy to the cost of that maintenance, which I understand involves redistributing the rubberized "gravel" applied on top of the turf to weight it down and adds to the "feels real" for your toes.

One interesting installation was actually in front of the office of the local vendor, for the small area in front and between the sidewalk and street. This was on a heavily traveled street, and with high, and shall we say, less than respectful, pedestrian traffic as well. It held up well over a period of years, and in fact on two occasions that I noted, the turf was rolled back for utility company access to dig, and then rolled back and reworked, looking like new (I checked, it was not replaced) the day after util co left.

You cannot tell, driving by, or walking by generally, except for the high level of manicured appearance.

Experiences with xeriscaping and astro-turf?

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