More people turn to turf as drought gets worse

As brown becomes the new green, many people let their lawns go and replace real grass with synthetic turf. It’s a way to save water and keep your lawn green.

Jackie Autry, wife of Gene Autry and Palm Springs resident, is determined to save water. She replaced all of her grass with turf.

“The fact of the matter is if we don’t stop using water here in the desert in 40 or 50 years there will be no drinking water so somebody has got to wake up and deal with the issue and I felt that I was one of those people that had to deal with the issue,” explained Autry.

Gregg Photias, Vice President of Sales at Back Nine Greens, installs synthetic lawns across Southern California. He says with our drought, it’s something more people might consider.

“Number one it always looks perfectly maintained,” said Photias. “Number two you’re doing your part as far as the water conservation. Number three you don’t have to worry about reseeding.”

But, when it heats up outside your turf may feel it too.

“I’d say the biggest objection I get is price and you know the heat in the summer,” said Photias.

Turf will cost you anywhere from $7 to $12 per square foot. But, it needs very little maintenance and can last up to 15 years.

“When you compare it to natural grass and the mowing and all that sometimes it does benefit and it’s going to last a lot longer,” concluded Photias.

Autry says it’s a decision she doesn’t regret.

” I really do hope more people go to turf because it is a way to get you the green that you want and then not have to pay the water bill and ruin the environment down here,” concluded Autry.