High up front cost - Artificial Turf may be cheaper after living in your house for 5-10 years saving on maintenance, and watering. However upfront the cost is 3-4 times the price of a natural lawn if installed correctly. The price includes dirt removal, road base, turf materials, and labor cost for an experienced installer will be high. If you use a less experienced installer you can save some money up front. But it is very likely you will be replacing the whole job within a few years. Costing even more to fix the mistakes of a inexperienced laborer. 2. Extreme heat - Artificial turf can get as hot as 175° F on a hot summer day compared to grass which will barely get over 100° F. This is not comfortable on your dogs or children's feet causing pain or even discomfort when running on it in the Summer heat. There are special turfs and even infills that will decrease the temperature dramatically. However this increases the initial cost of installing turf by a few dollars per square foot. Its also will still not be as cool as a natural grass lawn.
3. Slippery when wet - Do you plan on having a slip n slide, a pool or other water toys in your backyard? Artificial turf can be a barrier to this as it gets slippery when wet, and can cause young children or even adults to slip, and fall causing injuries. Even with out the water toys when it rains you will need to take extra caution to keep your footing when stepping outside until it has time to dry off.
4. You want to help the environment - Artificial turf can be beautiful, keeping your lawn green all year long. When it comes to the environment though it does not remove carbon dioxide. According to Mick Hanley A associate professor in plant-animal interactions " Artificial lawns negatively affect soil health by reducing the supply of oxygen, and water to the soil beneath them, which harms the micro organisms living in the soil". Also during its journey that includes manufacturing, transportation, and the machines used to install it creates a huge carbon footprint.
5. You don't want any maintenance - Now Keep in mind that artificial turf is very low maintenance when compared to a grass lawn where you have to mow, weed eat, water, fertilize, aerate, and level every so often to have a beautiful lawn. It still does have maintenance. If near trees it will need to be blown off or vacuumed regularly. In high foot traffic areas it will most likely need some extra infill brushed in to help the grass blades stand after several years. Dog stools need to be cleaned up. And edges need to be de weeded as those pesky weeds pop up on occasions.