The artificial turf that was once only found in sports stadiums has now made its way to lawns across Canada. Many homeowners wonder how much it will cost to maintain that lush, green lawn. It’s not as simple as it seems.
Let’s start with the turf prices. People usually think of “artificial grass” as costing between CAD 5 and CAD 18 per sq. foot. That’s a big difference, isn’t it? The variety is similar to browsing in a discount shop. It has something do with quality, brand and your geographical location. For example, a standard 500-square-foot lawn could cost anywhere from CAD 2,500 to CAD 9,000 for the materials alone.
Here’s when it becomes interesting. It’s not easy to install a turf. This is where the price of your dream turf will start to rise. It’s a fact: you won’t want to lay artificial grass yourself unless you are Bob the Builder. Installation costs can vary from CAD3 to CAD10 per square foot. Your initial calculation will now be able to reach CAD 4, 000 to CAD 20,000.
We’ll chew on the labor cost. The majority of companies will have teams who can handle everything from the excavation up to the rollout. These professionals can cost more for their knowledge than turf. Imagine Simon Garfunkel singing your grass into place. It’s totally worth it!
Are you concerned about sneaky or hidden costs? It’s like ordering a hamburger–fries, a beverage and the burger can quickly add up. The preparation of the base is crucial. You may need to add drainage, install weed-blockers, or level the soil depending on what you have. It can cost an additional CAD 1, 2, or 3 per square foot. Don’t forget to include infill, those tiny granules which keep grass standing. Infill materials like rubber or silica sand can range from CAD 0.50 – CAD 1.50 CAD per square foot.
Let’s not forget about taxes. They love to surprise us. Taxes at the provincial and federal levels can increase your bill by 5% to 15 %, depending where you live in Canada. Even though we all love maple syrup, taxes can add up.
This sparkling new lawn is not going to take care of itself. While artificial turf is low-maintenance compared to natural grass, it’s not set-it-and-forget-it. It can be maintained with regular brushing and occasional rinses to maintain the blades. You may also need to hire specialized cleaning services, particularly if raccoons are making your lawn their favorite hangout.
Are you looking for aesthetic enhancements? Many people want the “turf with benefits” feeling. Costs for extra features like putting greens or custom designs can skyrocket. The customization of your turf can look like a gala for high society, but it will cost you more.
The initial cost may be high, but you should compare it to the costs of maintaining natural grass, including fertilizers, mowing and watering, as well as garden gnomes. Artificial turf is more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
If you are hesitant to invest in artificial turf, or have a tight budget, it can be a real rollercoaster. Remember to consider all of these factors before you dive in and invest in a lush lawn throughout the year.
You could also throw in some garden gnomes just for fun.