Many of us spend a lot of water, mowing, and hence money, keeping their grass green.   We decided to see if moving to artificial grass would be a cheaper proposition.  Some of the newer ones look pretty good.

Costco even sells artificial turf.  15′ x 25′ costs $1399.  Not exactly cheap but a lot cheaper than before. It comes with upto an 8 year warranty and is pet friendly. Many are made of recycled tires or water bottles. No more weeding, watering, or mowing. Costco surprisingly has a link to a MSDS sheet that shows it is Heavy Metal free (lead free) and is primarily made of polypropylene.

Dupont has added Forever lawn that has a 12-15 year lifetime, 8yr warranty.

There has been some controversy with regards to hazardous substances in some faux grass, primarily lead in older astroturf.  It does help people with pets tearing up grass or grass allergies.

Morningstarturf has analysis showing that synthetic grass pays for itself in 4 years.  Of course the analysis assumes you are installing new real grass. Without installing new real grass, the cost savings is faster.

We decided to stick with our lawn for now, but will be moving to something more native and water thrifty soon.

Our Water savings tips also help you reduce your water bill.

Grasscycling is a leaving your glass clippings on your lawn, allowing them to decompose and fertilize your lawn. I learned about it from a RecycleWorks brochure.

Benefits:

1. Reducing waste that goes into landfill
2. Healthier lawns
3. Save Money! Less costs due to elimination of disposal and collection
4. Save time with less raking, bagging, etc.

You basically do not cut any more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade at one time. The grass should be dry when you mow. Mower blades should be sharp. In the fast–growing season you may have to cut every 7 days-but in the slower growing season you might only need to cut your lawn every 1-2 weeks.

Adjust your mower to raise cutting height and remove collection bag. There are special recycling mowers available on the market with side chutes that leave this mulch on your lawn.  More mulch = less fertilizer needed = money saved.

Most lawns in California need 1 inch of water every 5 to 7 days during the growing season. Water your lawn a lot less earning slow-growing ones. Water in the early morning to lessen evaporation loss and prevent disease development. Deep infrequent grass watering helps produce cheaper, more extensive root systems.

The most green Eco Friendly mower is the classic push mower.  No gas, no fumes to worry about. Push the mower and burn 540 calories an hour using it!

Image from Honda Mowers

Spring is when we start thinking about purchasing new lawn equipment and motorboats.

US Environmental Protection Agency issued new emission standards for small engines used in lawn equipment and small boats aimed at significantly reducing pollution in our air and waterways. 2010 is when the new boat standards kick in. 2011 is when the new lawn and garden equipment rules start. Be sure to keep this in mind when upgrading or buying new gear. You’ll reduce the toxic gases you inhale and help clear the air.

A single ‘old-style’ lawnmower emits as much pollution in an hour as 50 cars driving 20 miles.

Many of the newly compliant lawnmowers will include catalytic converters.

Since January 1, 2007, California has required fuel powered mowers with catalytic converters, so this is not new here. If you are concerned by this, you could buy a unit that is California compliant and not wait for 2011.

Also consider buying an electric mower. Many areas have electric lawn mower rebate programs. Many counties will work with your local hardware store and offer incentives to replace your old ungreen gas lawn mower. Worx has a rebate when you buy their new electric mowers.