Artificial Turf Vs Natural Grass: A Prescott Homeowner's Guide
- Taylor silva
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
For homeowners in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley, the choice between artificial turf and natural grass isn't just about looks—it's about lifestyle, water conservation, and how you want to spend your weekends. So, what's the right answer? For most Northern Arizona residents, artificial turf is the superior choice because it offers a consistently beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that saves water and eliminates the endless chores required to keep natural grass alive in our harsh climate.
If you're a Prescott-area homeowner tired of high water bills, constant mowing, and a yard that struggles under the intense sun, R.E. and Sons Landscaping is here to help. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured landscaping contractor (ROC #300642) that has helped over 2,500 clients in Prescott and surrounding communities replace their demanding natural lawns with beautiful, long-lasting artificial turf. We solve the problem of high-maintenance, water-thirsty yards with expert installations designed specifically for our unique high-desert environment.
This guide provides a straightforward, honest comparison based on our years of local, hands-on experience. We'll break down the real costs, maintenance demands, and performance of both options to help you make a confident decision for your home.
What is the difference between artificial turf and real grass?
The main difference is that artificial turf is a man-made surface of synthetic fibers designed to look like grass, while real grass is a living plant. For homeowners in Prescott, this translates to a practical choice: artificial turf provides a perfect, green lawn year-round with minimal effort, whereas natural grass requires constant watering, mowing, and fertilizing to survive our dry, sunny climate.
If you want to dive even deeper, our guide on how to choose the best artificial turf for your home in Arizona has you covered.
Quick Comparison For Northern Arizona Homeowners
To make things simple, here is a side-by-side summary covering the most critical factors for homeowners right here in Prescott.
Decision Factor | Artificial Turf | Natural Grass |
|---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | Higher initial investment | Lower initial cost (sod/seed) |
Water Usage | Extremely low (just for rinsing) | Very high, especially in our dry summers |
Weekly Maintenance | Minimal (rinsing, occasional brushing) | High (mowing, watering, weeding, fertilizing) |
Long-Term Cost | Lower (no water bills, fertilizer, or gear) | High (water bills, treatments, equipment) |
Durability | High, withstands heavy foot traffic and pets | Varies, prone to bare spots and heat stress |
Appearance | Consistently green and perfect year-round | Varies by season and how much care you put in |
This table gives you a clear snapshot, but the real takeaway is about how you want to live.
For many folks in Prescott, the decision comes down to lifestyle. Artificial turf is a "set it and forget it" solution that gives you back your time, while natural grass is a rewarding hobby that requires a serious, ongoing commitment.
How much does artificial turf cost compared to real grass in Prescott?
Artificial turf has a higher upfront cost, but real grass costs significantly more over time. A professional turf installation is a one-time investment, while a natural lawn requires continuous spending on water, fertilizer, equipment, and maintenance. Over 5-10 years, artificial turf is the more financially savvy choice for Prescott homeowners.
When you're comparing the costs, it's crucial to look beyond the initial price tag. The true cost of ownership, especially here in water-conscious places like Prescott and Prescott Valley, paints a completely different picture.
At R.E. and Sons Landscaping, we are transparent with our pricing. Our quotes are all-inclusive, covering the complete installation from start to finish. This isn't just about laying down turf; it's about building a durable foundation designed to handle Northern Arizona's rocky soil and intense climate for decades.
Why does artificial turf have a higher upfront cost?
The upfront cost of an artificial turf installation covers a comprehensive, professional process, not just the product. A quality installation from a licensed contractor like R.E. and Sons Landscaping (ROC #300642) is an investment in your home's value and longevity.
A typical professional turf project includes:
Site Preparation: We start by clearing out old sod, rocks, and debris. Then, we meticulously grade the land to ensure water never pools on the surface. Proper grading is critical in our area to manage monsoon rains.
Base Construction: We build a multi-layer base of crushed rock and decomposed granite. This is compacted and perfectly leveled to create a stable foundation that allows for excellent drainage. This step is why professional installation matters—it prevents dips and bubbles later on.
Premium Turf and Infill: We only use high-quality, UV-resistant turf made to withstand our intense sun. We pair it with specialized infill that helps keep the surface cooler and feeling great underfoot.
Expert Installation: Our crew precisely cuts, seams, and secures the turf for a flawless, natural look that will stand up to kids, pets, and years of enjoyment.
What are the hidden costs of a natural grass lawn?
On the surface, natural grass seems like a bargain. But that low entry price is deceiving. It’s the beginning of a continuous cycle of expenses that add up alarmingly fast in our dry climate.
The real financial drain of a natural lawn isn't the sod—it's the constant resources required to keep it alive. In Prescott, this primarily means high water bills, seasonal treatments, and ongoing labor.
Think about what a traditional lawn really costs you year after year:
Water Bills: A lawn is incredibly thirsty. Keeping it green through a dry Prescott summer can easily add hundreds of dollars to your utility bills every single year.
Fertilizers and Treatments: Our soil isn't rich in nutrients. To keep a lawn looking good, you’ll need regular fertilization, weed control, and pest treatments.
Equipment and Fuel: Mowers, edgers, and aerators don't just cost money to buy; they also need fuel, ongoing maintenance, and will eventually need to be replaced.
Time and Labor: Your time is valuable. Maintaining a natural lawn in our climate is a significant time commitment, whether you do it yourself or hire a service.
When you look at these costs over 5, 10, or 15 years, the "cheaper" natural grass often ends up being the far more expensive choice. To see a more detailed breakdown, learn more about why artificial turf is worth the investment in our dedicated guide.
Which is easier to maintain: artificial turf or natural grass?
Artificial turf is significantly easier to maintain than natural grass, especially in Northern Arizona. Turf only requires occasional rinsing and brushing to stay clean, while natural grass demands constant mowing, watering, weeding, and fertilizing just to survive.
This is where the true value of each choice becomes clear. At R.E. and Sons Landscaping, we help our clients in Prescott take an honest look at this trade-off so they can pick a lawn that genuinely fits their life.
What maintenance does a natural grass lawn require in Prescott?
For some, keeping a natural lawn alive in our high-desert climate is a rewarding hobby. For most, it's a relentless chore. Surviving Prescott's dry heat and intense sun requires a huge amount of water, which directly impacts your utility bills and our community’s water conservation goals.
A healthy lawn here demands:
Constant Mowing: You can expect to mow at least once a week during the growing season.
Endless Weeding: Our local weeds are tough and will constantly try to take over your lawn.
Seasonal Feeding & Aerating: To stay healthy in our nutrient-poor soil, grass needs regular fertilizing and annual aeration.
When you choose natural grass in Northern Arizona, you're not just buying sod; you're signing up for a part-time job. It’s a constant cycle of watering, mowing, treating, and repairing.
What maintenance does artificial turf require?
Artificial turf is designed for ease. Its entire purpose is to give you a perfect-looking lawn without the constant labor. A professional turf installation from R.E. and Sons frees you from that weekend work cycle.
The maintenance routine is refreshingly minimal:
Occasional Rinsing: A quick spray with a hose clears away the dust and pollen our Prescott winds leave behind.
Brushing High-Traffic Areas: A simple sweep with a stiff broom keeps the blades standing tall.
Removing Debris: Leaves and twigs are easily cleared with a leaf blower or rake.
To put it in perspective, a natural lawn in Prescott can easily demand 8-12 hours of work a month. An artificial lawn might need less than an hour. To learn more about how a turf installation supports our local environment, check out our guide on how artificial turf can help you save water in Arizona.
How does each lawn handle Prescott's sun and seasons?
Here in Northern Arizona, our four distinct seasons and intense sun are the ultimate tests for any lawn. How your yard looks and feels year-round is a huge factor in the artificial turf vs. natural grass debate.
At R.E. and Sons Landscaping, we install landscapes designed specifically for the Prescott climate. We know firsthand how different materials perform under our unique conditions.
How does natural grass cope with our climate?
Natural grass stays cooler to the touch in the summer through transpiration. However, maintaining that coolness requires constant watering to keep it from going dormant and brown. In the winter, it turns brown after the first frost and stays that way until spring, meaning your yard loses its green vibrancy for months.
How does modern artificial turf manage heat and cold?
A common concern is about turf getting hot. It's a valid point—older products could become uncomfortably warm. However, the modern turf systems we install at R.E. and Sons Landscaping are engineered with advanced cooling technology.
Today's high-quality artificial turf features:
Advanced Blade Design: Yarns with specialized shapes and lighter colors reflect more sunlight.
Cooling Infill: We use innovative infill materials designed to absorb less heat than the old black rubber crumb.
While turf will be warmer than natural grass in direct sun, it cools down very quickly. A light spray with a garden hose can drop the surface temperature by 20-30 degrees almost instantly, making it comfortable even on hot Prescott days.
Throughout the winter, artificial turf maintains its perfect green appearance, providing welcome color when the rest of the landscape is dormant. It’s unaffected by frost and remains ready for use year-round.
Which is safer for kids and pets?
For most families in Prescott, artificial turf is the safer option. A professionally installed turf lawn provides a consistent, even surface with no holes or muddy patches, reducing trip hazards. It also eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, creating a toxin-free play area for children and pets.
At R.E. and Sons Landscaping, we focus on creating spaces that are both beautiful and secure. The high-quality, non-toxic materials we use ensure a clean and worry-free environment.
Is artificial turf safe for backyard play?
You've probably heard debates around turf safety in professional sports. It’s true that some studies have shown a higher risk of certain injuries for high-intensity athletics on artificial fields. For example, one noted up to a 58% increased chance of overall injuries on artificial surfaces. You can learn more about how surface type impacts athletic injuries from this study.
However, this data isn't relevant for a family's game of catch in their Prescott backyard. The forces involved are completely different. A professional installation from R.E. and Sons Landscaping includes a cushioned sub-base that provides more than enough shock absorption for residential use.
The key takeaway for homeowners is that for low-impact residential use, professionally installed artificial turf is an exceptionally safe option. The risks associated with high-level athletics simply don't translate to backyard fun.
What are the safety risks of natural grass?
Natural grass is soft, but it comes with its own potential risks. Routine maintenance often involves chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers, which can leave residue on the grass. Natural lawns can also develop uneven ground, hide holes from gophers or other pests, and harbor insects like ticks and ants, creating tripping hazards and other dangers for kids and pets.
Making Your Final Decision: A Practical Checklist
Choosing between artificial turf and natural grass for your Prescott home is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a tough one. To get to the right answer, ask yourself these key questions:
Time Commitment: How much time can I realistically spend on weekly lawn care?
Water Conservation: Is lowering my water use a major goal for me and my family?
Long-Term Budget: Am I more comfortable with a one-time investment or with ongoing annual costs for water, treatments, and gear?
Family & Pet Use: Is a consistently even and durable surface for kids and pets more important than the traditional feel of natural grass?
Your answers will point you straight to the best fit for your property.
Your Path To A Perfect Lawn With R.E. And Sons Landscaping
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, getting it done should be simple and stress-free. At R.E. and Sons Landscaping, our proven 4-step process guarantees a seamless experience for every homeowner in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley:
Consultation: It starts with a complimentary design consultation at your home. We'll listen, measure your space, and answer every question.
Design: Our team will create a detailed plan and provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote for your approval. No surprises.
Transformation: Our licensed, bonded, and insured crew (ROC #300642) gets to work, meticulously preparing the site and installing your new lawn with expert craftsmanship.
Enjoyment: We’ll do a final walk-through with you, provide simple care instructions, and leave you with a beautiful outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Turf in Prescott
To help you feel confident in your decision, our team at R.E. and Sons Landscaping put together answers for the questions we hear most often from homeowners in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
How long does artificial turf last in the Arizona sun?
You can expect high-quality artificial turf to last 15-20 years here in Northern Arizona. The products we use at R.E. and Sons are manufactured with advanced UV inhibitors that prevent significant fading or breaking down over time. A professional installation is key to ensuring that longevity.
Will my dog ruin an artificial turf lawn?
No. Modern artificial turf is incredibly durable and designed specifically with pets in mind. Urine drains right through the permeable backing without causing stains or discoloration. Solid waste is simple to pick up, and you can just rinse the area to keep it fresh. Our installation process guarantees proper drainage, so your lawn stays clean and odor-free.
Is artificial turf hotter than natural grass?
Yes, artificial turf gets warmer than a natural lawn in direct sunlight. However, the modern turf we install at R.E. and Sons uses newer cooling technology and lighter-colored infill, which significantly reduces surface temperature compared to older products. On hot summer days, a quick spray from the hose will cool it down instantly.
Can artificial turf increase my property value?
Yes, a professionally installed artificial turf lawn can increase your property value in the Prescott area. It is considered a premium, low-maintenance upgrade that enhances curb appeal and appeals to buyers looking for water-wise, hassle-free landscaping.
Is artificial turf environmentally friendly?
In an arid climate like Northern Arizona's, artificial turf is an environmentally responsible choice. It conserves thousands of gallons of water annually, eliminates the need for gas-powered lawn equipment, and removes harmful fertilizers and pesticides from the local ecosystem.
Ready to enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that gives you back your weekends? The team at R.E. and Sons Landscaping is here to help. Schedule your complimentary design consultation today and let us create the perfect outdoor space for your Prescott home.
Learn more and get started at https://www.reandsonslandscaping.com.