We want YOUR feedback! What's your take on synthetic turf? What do you consider before selecting a synthetic turf brand? What features are most important to you in a synthetic turf?
There's no doubt that synthetic turf has gained popularity within the green industry, and many companies tout its benefits. For example, El Paso Artificial Grass and Turf in Texas and Goat Turf in Brentwood, Tenn., found success installing artificial turf in clients' lawns. In both cases, the homeowners highlighted in these projects wanted an outdoor space that was low maintenance and yet still functional for activities.
Some areas of the U.S. have even put incentives in place for landscape professionals to install artificial turf. In 2018, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), a not-for-profit water agency, increased both the incentive amount for replacing turf with drip-irrigated plants and the number of square feet eligible for the higher incentive. In short, the Water Smart Landscapes program pays businesses and residents $3 per square foot to convert grass to more appropriate landscaping up to 10,000 square feet; beyond that amount, the incentive is $1.50 per square foot up to $300,000 per year.
(Note that beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the Water Smart Landscapes Program rebate for nonfunctional grass conversions will decrease from $3 per square foot to $2 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet, and $1 per square foot thereafter.)
So, what are other landscape professionals thinking when it comes to synthetic turf? Thus far, we've received the following insights from landscape companies:
- No single brand has captured buyers in this market. Preferences are split among existing suppliers of synthetic turf.
- Half of buyers say they look for quality, value and correct application regardless of brand, while the other half of respondents are split on their primary motivators.
- Sixty percent of buyers want the right materials for the job. They responded with “tell me why this is the correct product for my application,” which is an opportunity to educate buyers and become a significant center of influence.
- Almost half of all buyers say they are looking for a single source supplier.
Because synthetic turf is proving to be a hot topic within the industry, please take a minute to provide your thoughts on the matter.
