When planning a new lawn or landscape upgrade, many Fraser Valley homeowners find themselves weighing the same question: natural sod or artificial turf? While turf has grown in popularity in some parts of British Columbia, most homeowners in Chilliwack and across the Fraser Valley still choose natural sod, and for good reason.
Our region’s climate, soil conditions, and drainage challenges make this decision very different than it would be in drier or more urban areas. Here’s what homeowners should know before choosing what goes underfoot.
The Fraser Valley Climate Changes the Equation
The Fraser Valley receives significantly more rainfall than many parts of the Lower Mainland. This has a major impact on how lawns perform over time.
Natural sod works with the environment:
- It absorbs rainfall and allows water to filter naturally into the soil
- It helps reduce surface runoff
- It stays cooler in summer and regulates moisture naturally
Artificial turf, on the other hand:
- Does not absorb water
- Relies entirely on base preparation and drainage systems
- Can trap moisture if debris builds up, leading to odours or algae
In a wet climate like ours, properly installed sod is often more forgiving and resilient long-term.
Soil Conditions Favour Natural Grass
Many properties in Chilliwack, Agassiz, and surrounding areas sit on fertile or clay-heavy soils due to agricultural land history. This makes sod:
- Easier to establish
- Healthier with less irrigation
- More cost-effective over time
In contrast, artificial turf requires extensive excavation, compacted base layers, and precise drainage design to perform well, especially in wetter ground.
Drainage and Flood Awareness Matter More Than Ever
Recent flooding events in the Fraser Valley have made homeowners more aware of how water moves across their property.
Natural sod:
- Allows infiltration
- Reduces pooling
- Supports grading strategies that move water away from foundations
Artificial turf:
- Requires engineered drainage beneath the surface
- Can worsen runoff if installed without proper slope or base depth
For low-lying areas or flood-prone zones, sod paired with proper grading remains the safer choice for many homeowners.
Cost and Long-Term Flexibility
While turf is often marketed as “low maintenance,” proper turf installation is not inexpensive, especially when drainage is done correctly.
Sod offers:
- Lower upfront cost
- Easier repairs (replace sections instead of entire areas)
- Natural aging that blends with the landscape
For many Fraser Valley homeowners, investing in grading, drainage, and quality sod delivers better long-term value.
Comfort, Aesthetics, and Daily Use
Natural grass remains popular because it:
- Stays cooler in summer
- Feels better for kids and pets
- Fits rural and semi-rural properties naturally
Artificial turf can retain heat and feel out of place on larger residential lots unless used selectively.
When Turf Does Make Sense
Artificial turf isn’t the wrong choice, it just isn’t the default.
Homeowners often choose turf for:
- Small, high-traffic areas
- Shaded zones where grass won’t grow
- Dog runs that suffer repeated damage
- Low-maintenance spaces where drainage is already well-designed
The key is choosing turf intentionally, not automatically.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Yard
At Fraser Valley Contracting, we don’t push sod or turf blindly. We evaluate:
- Soil conditions
- Drainage requirements
- Sun exposure
- Property size and usage
Our goal is simple: build landscapes that perform well in Fraser Valley conditions and last for years, not just look good on day one.
While trends may shift elsewhere, natural sod continues to be the preferred choice for many Fraser Valley homeowners because it aligns better with our climate, soil, and water realities.
The right decision isn’t about what’s popular, it’s about what works where you live.
If you’re planning a landscaping project and unsure whether sod or turf is right for your property, a site-specific assessment can make all the difference.
