How total cost of ownership really compares

Total cost is the only metric that matters. Add everything you pay over the life of the surface, then compare. For most homes and many commercial sites, turf wins after the early years because annual costs collapse.

One-time costs

  • Artificial turf install: typically $8 to $20 per sq ft including base prep, turf, infill, seams, and cleanup. Removing existing sod can add $1 to $2 per sq ft.
  • Natural grass install: seed $0.10 to $0.30 per sq ft, hydroseed $0.40 to $0.80, sod $1.50 to $3.50. A new irrigation system is often $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft.

Annual costs

  • Turf: light grooming and brushing $0.10 to $0.25 per sq ft. Occasional infill top-off averaged $0.05 to $0.10. Cleaning or pet odor care $0.05 to $0.20. Many homeowners DIY for near-zero cash cost.
  • Grass: irrigation often $0.20 to $0.60 per sq ft, higher in arid and high-rate markets. Pro mowing and edging commonly $0.80 to $1.50 per sq ft. Fertilizer and weed control $0.10 to $0.25. Aeration or overseeding $0.05 to $0.20. Irrigation repairs $0.05 to $0.15. DIY still has fuel, equipment, and time costs.

Break-even timelines by scenario

These examples use typical national ranges. Your local water rates, labor, and site conditions will move the math.

  • 1,000 sq ft water-restricted city lawn: Turf install $12,000. Turf annual $200. Grass annual $1,800. Savings $1,600 per year. Break-even around 7 to 8 years. At 15 years, turf saves about $12,000 net.
  • 5,000 sq ft commercial frontage with pro service: Turf install $55,000. Turf annual $1,000. Grass annual $7,000. Savings $6,000 per year. Break-even about 9 years. At 15 years, turf saves roughly $35,000 net.
  • 600 sq ft dog run, heavy wear: Turf install $7,800. Turf annual $150. Grass annual $1,000 due to repairs and reseeding. Savings $850 per year. Break-even about 9 years.
  • 800 sq ft DIY in mild climate: Turf install $8,000. Turf annual $120. Grass annual $500. Savings $380 per year. Break-even roughly 20 to 21 years. In low-water, low-labor situations, grass can stay competitive longer.

Simple ROI worksheet you can run in minutes

  1. Estimate turf install: area × installed rate.
  2. Estimate turf annual: grooming + cleaning + occasional infill averaged per year.
  3. Estimate grass annual: water + mowing + treatments + irrigation upkeep.
  4. Break-even years = (turf install ? grass install, if any) ÷ (grass annual ? turf annual).
  5. Total cost at N years = install + annual × N. Compare turf vs grass across 10, 15, and 20 years.

Variables that move the math

  • Water price and restrictions: Higher rates or watering limits favor turf.
  • Maintenance approach: Professional services increase grass costs. DIY reduces them.
  • Site prep complexity: Access, grading, and drainage can raise turf install cost.
  • Usage intensity: Pets, sports, and high foot traffic raise grass repair costs.
  • Climate: Hot, dry regions drive irrigation spend. Cool, wet zones narrow the gap.
  • Area size: Larger areas magnify annual savings, shortening break-even.

Maintenance expectations

Turf care

  • Occasional brushing to lift fibers and redistribute infill.
  • Leaf and debris removal to keep drainage clear.
  • Spot clean spills and pet areas with approved cleaners.
  • Top-off infill every 3 to 5 years as needed.

Grass care

  • Regular mowing and edging during the growing season.
  • Irrigation scheduling and seasonal system checks.
  • Fertilizer, pre-emergent, weed and pest treatments.
  • Aeration, dethatching, overseeding, and patch repairs.

Lifespan, warranty, and replacement

Quality turf commonly delivers a 12 to 20 year service life, depending on use and UV exposure. Many premium products carry limited warranties up to 15 years. Natural grass does not expire, but keeping a consistent, high-quality surface for the same span requires sustained annual spend.

Resource and environmental considerations

  • Water savings: Replacing irrigated lawn can save roughly 10 to 25 gallons per sq ft per year in many climates.
  • Fewer chemicals: Turf eliminates routine fertilizer and herbicide applications for the replaced area.
  • Noise and emissions: No weekly mowing means quieter spaces and fewer small-engine emissions.

When grass can still be cheaper

  • Small, shaded areas with low irrigation needs.
  • Rural sites on well water with DIY mowing and minimal treatments.
  • Seasonal-use properties where grass is maintained only part of the year.

If this sounds like your situation, run the worksheet. The right answer is the one that fits your real costs.

How FusionTurf helps you decide

  • Local, site-specific estimates that reflect your soil, access, drainage, and design.
  • A clear TCO comparison tailored to your water rates and maintenance approach.
  • Product options for pets, play, and landscape with proven warranties and performance.

Want the numbers for your property? Request a quote and a straight, defensible cost comparison.