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Sod Installation vs. Artificial Turf: What’s Right for Your Yard?
January 26, 2026

Creating a lush, green lawn is a top priority for many homeowners—but should you go with sod installation or invest in artificial turf? At Broadstone Landscape, we install both and know that choosing the right lawn option depends on your lifestyle, budget, and property goals.

This blog breaks down the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your yard in the DFW area.

1. Sod: Natural and Instant Greenery

Sod is real grass that’s grown, harvested, and then rolled out onto your yard for an instantly green lawn.

Benefits of Sod:

  • Immediate visual impact
  • Natural grass feel and appearance
  • Helps reduce soil erosion
  • More affordable upfront (compared to turf)

Things to Consider:

  • Requires regular watering, mowing, and fertilization
  • Can be sensitive to shade or heat stress
  • May take weeks to root fully before heavy use

Sod is great for homeowners who want a natural lawn and are willing to maintain it.

2. Artificial Turf: Durable and Low-Maintenance

Artificial turf is a synthetic grass alternative designed for long-term performance and minimal maintenance.

Benefits of Artificial Turf:

  • No mowing, watering, or fertilizing
  • Stays green year-round
  • Great for pets and kids
  • Highly durable and clean

Things to Consider:

  • Higher upfront installation cost
  • Can become warm under direct sunlight
  • Doesn’t offer the same organic soil benefits

Turf is ideal for busy families, pet owners, and those wanting an evergreen yard with little upkeep.

3. Maintenance Comparison

  • Sod: Requires mowing every 1–2 weeks, seasonal fertilization, pest control, and consistent watering.
  • Artificial Turf: Only needs occasional brushing, rinsing, and debris removal—significantly lower long-term costs.

If maintenance is a concern, artificial turf comes out on top.

4. Cost Breakdown

  • Sod: Lower installation cost, but higher ongoing expenses for water and care.
  • Turf: Higher initial investment, but reduced long-term maintenance costs.

We can help you evaluate total lifetime cost based on your property size and usage.

5. Use Case Recommendations

Choose sod if:

  • You enjoy traditional lawn care
  • You want natural grass for gardening or soil health
  • You’re preparing a home for resale and want instant greenery

Choose turf if:

  • You want a green lawn year-round with no maintenance
  • You have kids, pets, or frequent outdoor gatherings
  • You’re looking to reduce water usage and lawn upkeep

Still undecided between sod and turf? Contact Broadstone Landscape for a free consultation—we’ll evaluate your space and help you choose the best lawn solution for your DFW home.