Cost & Value June 5, 2024 1 min read
Artificial Grass vs. New Sod: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Installing new sod or artificial grass? Compare costs, maintenance, longevity, and more to make the best choice for your Dallas-Fort Worth lawn.
FT&G
Fairway Turf & Greens
Turf Expert
When your lawn needs a complete overhaul, you have two options: new sod or artificial grass. Here’s the honest comparison.
Upfront Cost Comparison
| Factor | New Sod | Artificial Turf |
|---|---|---|
| Material | $0.30-0.80/sq ft | $2-6/sq ft |
| Installation | $1-2/sq ft | $6-12/sq ft |
| Total | $1.30-2.80/sq ft | $8-15/sq ft |
Sod costs 70-80% less upfront.
Ongoing Cost Comparison (Annual)
| Factor | Natural Grass | Artificial Turf |
|---|---|---|
| Water | $400-1,200 | $0 |
| Mowing | $1,200-2,400 | $0 |
| Fertilizer | $150-300 | $0 |
| Pest control | $150-400 | $0 |
| Repairs | $100-300 | $0-50 |
| Total | $2,000-4,600/year | $0-50/year |
Break-Even Analysis
At average costs and maintenance:
- Year 1: Sod cheaper by $6,000-12,000
- Year 3: Gap narrows to $2,000-4,000
- Year 5: Roughly equal total cost
- Year 10: Artificial turf saves $8,000-20,000
Longevity
- Sod: Needs replacement/renovation every 7-15 years
- Artificial turf: Lasts 15-20 years with minimal care
Make the right investment. Compare your options with a free estimate.
Category: Cost & Value
