Winning the turf war

When we purchased what we lovingly called the Grand Dame* - a tri-level Palisades house with 3 fireplaces  a swoon-worthy library and a metric ton (or more) of honeyed-oak trim - a few years ago, we knew the back yard was going to be a bit of a challenge.  Like many homes in LO, the house is built into the side of a very steep lot - great if you're a goat. Less great if you actually want a level place to park a trampoline. 

*Sometimes renamed the Grand DAMN, depending on the latest plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decking "surprise."

But what we didn't realize is the front yard would become a mud-pit that was not just an eye-sore, it was also helping recreate the film " A River Runs Through It" in the house's foundation. Yikes.

Here's a photo from the original house listing... lots of overgrown bushes and our very own mud pit. 

Sure the goat-hill was pretty when covered in snow....​ But the original "landscape" in the front was basically channelling all of the runoff from our lovely Cooks Butte Park with its zillions of awesome-sauce hiking trails into the front wall of our house -- right under the aforementioned "dreamy" library, which was now my office.


In addition to be an incredible writer, artist and now filmmaker, my wife is also a serious advocate for sustainability. So once we realized we were going to have to address the front yard first and hatched a plan to create the much-needed trampoline space there, she dug into the pros and cons of natural grass versus turf. (There is a longer story here related to even MORE desired heated pool, which I will save for another post, but suffice it to say the trampoline and our bank account won that battle.)

Both options have their merits, so this turf war was a battle of epic Rock-em Sock-em Robot proportions, but only you (and your yard) can decide the winner. Here are some key points to conside when you are aiming to go green:

Turf 

Year-Round Greenery: One of the most significant advantages of artificial turf is its evergreen appearance. No matter the weather or season, your lawn will maintain its vibrant green color, giving your outdoor space a consistently manicured look.

Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to mowing, weeding, and fertilizing. Turf requires minimal upkeep, saving you time, money, and the hassle of traditional lawn care. Plus, no more muddy paws or feet tracking dirt into your home!

Water Conservation: In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, artificial turf shines as a water-saving option. You won't need to water it regularly, making it an excellent choice for regions with water restrictions. However, there is some evidence that turf displaces insects and other little critters that would normally live in natural grass. Additionally, the cast-off trim from turf shaping is difficult to recycle.

Durability: Turf can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to pests and diseases. It won't develop unsightly bald spots or require reseeding, ensuring your lawn looks presentable for several years.

Grass

Natural Aesthetics: There's no denying a well-maintained natural grass lawn is pretty. The lush, organic appearance of real grass adds a unique charm to your outdoor space that's hard to replicate - and it feels nice on the tootsies and paws. That said, high traffic areas can quickly be reduced to mud - especially in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest.

Eco-Friendly: Natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide, filters the air, and provides a habitat for various beneficial organisms. It contributes positively to the environment, promoting biodiversity and air quality.  

Cooling Effect: Grass can help cool the surrounding area. On hot summer days, it feels noticeably cooler to walk on grass than on artificial turf, making it a comfortable choice for outdoor activities.

Renewable: Grass is renewable and self-repairing (but see note above). With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a healthy lawn for generations without the need for synthetic replacements.  


Turf for the Win!
In the end, we did opt for turf for this small patch of space. We did this for several reasons including the fact that our kids would be using it year round, there would still be consistent moisture despite the French drains year-round, and the practical difficultly of getting a lawn mower into the space. 

However, through the process it helped us solidify plans for the larger back-yard project, which will NOT feature turf in favor of more environmentally friendly options. But that is for another day.
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