Is real grass cheaper than fake grass?
Up front, yes. Installed turf runs $12 to $22 per square foot, per SitePrep's 2026 guide, and sod generally costs less to put in. Ask a sod installer for a written quote, then compare it with a turf estimate for the same yard.
Over the years, the comparison turns on upkeep. On one side: water, mowing, fertilizer and reseeding or re-sodding. On the other: brushing, rinsing and eventual replacement. See our turf cost guide for the turf side.
Water and upkeep
Turf needs no irrigation or mowing. Sod needs both. Turf is not maintenance-free, though. It needs brushing, debris removal and rinsing, and pet yards need more. See maintenance and cleaning.
Heat
Turf gets hot in direct sun. Vets Now reported artificial grass, a running track and asphalt all above 50 degrees C (122 F) at 2 pm, with natural grass coolest. Resource Central says turf can reach 160 F. Read does artificial turf get hot in Colorado before you put it where bare feet or paws go.
The real downsides of turf
Resource Central lists concerns worth weighing before you buy.
- Heat, as above.
- Soil health. Turf covers soil that would otherwise hold living roots and organisms.
- Wildlife. A plastic surface supports far less insect and bird life than a planted yard.
- Microplastics. Synthetic blades shed fragments over time. The City of Westminster cites microplastics and PFAS concerns.
- Recycling. Old turf is hard to recycle.
- Pet waste. Solid waste has to be picked up and the surface rinsed.
Where sod wins
- Shaded, low-traffic spots that grass handles well.
- Yards where bare-foot comfort in summer matters most.
- Tight budgets where upfront cost decides.
- People who enjoy lawn care and want a living surface.
Where turf wins
- Dog yards with recurring urine spots and mud. See pet turf.
- Heavy-use play areas that grass cannot keep up with.
- Narrow side yards where mowing is awkward. See side yard turf.
- Anyone who wants a steady green surface without irrigation.
HOA and rules
State law lets many single-family homeowners install nonvegetative turf in a backyard despite an HOA rule. Front yards, condos and city rules differ. Read Colorado turf rules and HOAs first. Water rebates favor living plants, so turf does not qualify. See rebates.
A middle path
A yard does not have to be all one thing. Turf in the dog zone or play area, with plants or a patch of grass elsewhere, suits many households. Tell us how you use the space when you request a free estimate. We will talk through layouts, including the case where turf is the wrong choice.
Common questions
Is artificial turf worth it?
It can be for dog yards, heavy-use areas and spots where grass struggles. It costs more up front than sod and has real downsides, including heat and microplastics.
Does turf save water compared with sod?
Turf needs no irrigation. It still needs the occasional rinse, especially on pet yards.
Which is better for dogs?
Turf avoids mud and urine burn spots but needs a drainage-focused base and regular rinsing. Sod is cooler but wears down fast under dogs.
Sources
- SitePrep: artificial grass cost guide (2025)
- Resource Central: why fake grass isn't a real solution
- Vets Now: never walk dogs on hot asphalt or artificial grass (2017)
- Westminster landscape changes FAQ (undated)
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.