It's the biggest landscaping decision Central Valley homeowners face: do you go with natural sod or artificial turf? Both have real advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how you use your yard.
We install both — here's an honest comparison from a team that works with them every day.
Natural Sod
The Pros
- Nothing beats the feel. Real grass underfoot, the smell after mowing, the cool surface on a hot day — natural sod is the real deal.
- Lower upfront cost. Sod installation typically costs less per square foot than quality artificial turf.
- Cooler surface temperature. On a 105°F Fresno afternoon, natural grass stays significantly cooler than turf.
- Environmental benefits. Real grass produces oxygen, filters rainwater, and supports soil health.
The Cons
- Water. In a region with watering restrictions and rising water costs, a natural lawn needs consistent irrigation. Kerman's 3-day schedule and 15-minute limits make this a real consideration.
- Ongoing maintenance. Mowing, edging, fertilizing, pest control, and seasonal adjustments. A healthy lawn needs regular attention.
- Seasonal dormancy. Bermuda grass goes brown in winter. Fescue struggles in peak summer heat. No grass variety looks perfect year-round here.
Artificial Turf
The Pros
- Zero water. Once installed, your lawn never needs watering again. In a drought-prone region, that matters — both for your bill and the environment.
- Zero maintenance. No mowing, no edging, no fertilizing, no pest treatments. Occasional rinsing is all it needs.
- Always green. Looks the same in January and July. No dormancy, no brown patches, no seasonal struggle.
- Rebate eligible. Fresno's Lawn to Garden program offers up to $2 per square foot (max $3,000) for replacing natural lawn with water-efficient alternatives including turf.
The Cons
- Higher upfront cost. Quality turf with proper installation (base prep, drainage, infill) costs more initially than sod.
- Heat retention. Artificial turf surface temperatures can rise significantly in direct sun. Shaded areas are fine, but full-sun yards in Fresno will feel it.
- It's not grass. For homeowners who love the feel and experience of real grass, turf is a compromise.
The Numbers (Central Valley Pricing)
| Factor | Natural Sod | Artificial Turf |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Monthly water cost | $50–150+ | $0 |
| Monthly maintenance | $80–200 (professional) | Minimal |
| Lifespan | Indefinite (with care) | 15–20 years |
| Rebate eligible | No | Yes (up to $3,000 in Fresno) |
Over 10 years, the total cost of ownership often favors artificial turf — especially when you factor in water savings, maintenance costs, and the Fresno rebate.
Our Recommendation
There's no universal answer. Here's how we help our clients decide:
Choose sod if:
- You have kids or pets who play on the lawn regularly (cooler surface)
- You enjoy the experience of real grass
- You're on a tighter initial budget
- Your yard has good shade coverage
Choose artificial turf if:
- Water conservation is a priority
- You want a maintenance-free yard
- You're tired of brown patches and seasonal dormancy
- You want to take advantage of Fresno's rebate program
- You own commercial property affected by AB-1572
We Install Both
Whether you choose sod or turf, we handle the full installation — from soil prep and grading to the final product. We serve Kerman, Fresno, Clovis, and surrounding Central Valley communities.
Want help deciding? Book a free consultation and we'll walk your yard with you. Or call (559) 809-1230.