Synthetic turf is often touted as a “green” alternative to lawn care, and some have speculated that it may even be better for the environment than traditional lawns. But is this really the case, or is artificial grass bad for the environment?
In some ways, it’s great for the planet since it can help conserve water and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides. But at the same time, it’s typically made of plastic, which we know is terrible for our Earth when not disposed of properly. So what’s the verdict? Artificial grass isn’t necessarily bad for the environment, but it’s certainly not perfect, either. Let’s take a closer look at artificial grass’s benefits and drawbacks in terms of environmental impact.
What is artificial grass made of?
Understanding what synthetic grass is and how it’s made and installed is key to evaluating its environmental impact.
Artificial grass is made from a variety of synthetic materials, such as:
- Polyamides (nylon)
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
Believe it or not, plastic grass has been around since the 60s, used in both commercial and residential settings, and over time it has become much more sophisticated. Today’s synthetic turf is made with advanced technology to replicate the experience of natural grass, even providing different grass lengths to imitate the characteristics of a natural lawn.
Artificial lawns are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners strive to conserve water and cut labor costs with their landscaping.
Looks-wise, it can be hard to tell the difference between synthetic turf and real grass. It’s often as soft and springy, and you can even customize the color, texture, and length to suit your needs. Artificial grass installation is a bit of a process, though, and if you want it to look the best and last a while, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Installing artificial turf typically involves:
- Removing all existing turf or soil in the area and leveling out the surface.
- Adding a mixture of soil, sand, and crushed stone for a base layer, followed by laying the artificial grass.
- Special adhesive is used to hold the fake grass in place.
- Finally, the whole area is covered with an infill material to help keep its shape. This can be either crumb rubber, silica sand, or a combination of both.
While installing synthetic turf can take a lot of time and money, the savings come from the reduced lawn maintenance needs – no more watering, weeding, or mowing. However, it’s important to note that you aren’t completely through with maintenance. You will have to clean your artificial grass regularly to keep it sanitized and presentable.
Environmental benefits of artificial grass
They say there are two sides to every story, and that especially rings true with synthetic turf. While some environmentalists have started to challenge its potential benefits, it’s still seen as a viable eco-friendly option in some respects. Besides lower maintenance costs, some of the environmental benefits include the following.
Water conservation
You can save gallons of precious water by switching to artificial turf in your backyard. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that in certain U.S. states, outdoor water use accounts for up to 60 percent of total household water use.
That means if you have a natural grass lawn, you could be wasting hundreds of gallons of H2O every month with all its upkeep needs. Artificial turf can help you slash this water wastage and lend your lawn that lush, green look even during the hottest summer days.
States facing prolonged droughts, such as California, Utah, and New Mexico, could use artificial turf as a way to drastically reduce water use while still having a lush, green outdoor space. Plus, artificial turf can reduce water runoff pollution significantly.
No more fertilizers and pesticides
It’s not hard to figure out the harmful effects of using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides on natural grass lawns. These chemicals can seep into the soil and runoff into natural bodies of water.
When it comes to artificial turf, you won’t have to worry about any of these risks. Synthetic turf doesn’t require fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, meaning that pollutants won’t pollute waterways or harm wildlife. In addition, reducing the use of these chemicals will also help improve air quality and decrease emissions associated with their production and transportation.
Less waste
Synthetic turf gives you a break regarding yard maintenance: no need to mow or trim it. This means less waste since there’s no need to bag the clippings in plastic. And fewer trips to the landfill equals fewer pollutants.
Improved air quality
You probably didn’t think of it before, but gas-powered lawn mowers pollute the air. They emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxide into the air, amounting to a whopping five percent of air pollutants. That’s the equivalent of driving 45 miles in a car.
But swapping out your natural grass lawn for some fake turf can limit this pollution and improve air quality. With no mowing required, you won’t have any need for gas-powered tools in your yard.
Environmental drawbacks of artificial grass
While there are indeed some green aspects to artificial turf, it’s important to understand that it isn’t all peachy keen. It presents some environmental concerns, including the following.
It’s made with fossil fuels
Most artificial turf is created using plastics like polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon, which are all derived from fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels in the production process releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Moreover, once the turf is installed and used, these plastics will start to break down from UV radiation, heat, cold, and moisture. This can cause them to leach out microplastics into our environment.
It’s not biodegradable
Unlike natural grass (and all organic materials), most artificial turf is not biodegradable, meaning that when disposed of, it’ll remain in the environment for a long time. Depending on the type of plastic it’s made from, artificial grass can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose completely. That means that centuries after you’re gone, your artificial grass could still be sitting in a landfill somewhere.
Pro tip: Nowadays, some brands have started to produce bio-based turf with a plant-based backing, such as renewable soybean oil. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has even certified some of these artificial grasses, so check if the one you’re after meets its standards.
It requires factory production
Artificial turf requires a lot of energy and toxic chemicals to produce all the components needed to make it, from spinning fibers to layering and welding them. This process releases harmful gases into the atmosphere.
It causes wildlife loss
Real grass lawns provide habitats for many different kinds of wildlife, so if you opt for artificial turf, you’ll be taking away a potential habitat for insects, small animals, and birds. You can help offset this by creating natural habitats elsewhere in your yard with native plants.
That’ll create a nice balance and keep your backyard looking its best! Plus, it’ll help the local wildlife thrive.
Pro tips for creating natural habitats in your yard:
- Provide shelter – Stepping stones, dense hedges, and flowerbeds are perfect for creatures large and small to seek refuge from the sun.
- Install a pond – Ponds are great for frogs and insects needing clean water access.
- Leaf piles – Leave some damp, unoccupied areas of the garden undisturbed, and piles of leaves will thrive, creating a habitat for smaller creatures.
Artificial vs. real grass
It’s clear that there are pros and cons to both natural grass and artificial turf, so you really need to ask yourself what your objectives are. If you want a low-maintenance, waterless option that will save you time and money over many years, then synthetic grass might be the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for a natural, sustainable landscape that provides the utmost environmental benefits, you might be better off sticking with your real grass lawn.
Whatever path you decide to go down, doing your homework is crucial. To help you out, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of both lawn options side by side:
| Artificial Grass | Real Grass |
| ✓ Low-maintenance grass alternative: Artificial grass requires little maintenance. You’ll never have to worry about mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. ✓ Ideal for busy families: With fake grass, you can spend more time with your family instead of tending to your lawn. ✓ Cost-effective: In the long run, you might be able to save money with artificial grass since it requires much less water and no pesticides or fertilizer. ✓ Reduced water waste and harmful chemicals: Artificial grass can help reduce water waste. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce the amount of pesticides used in your outdoor space. ✗ Unnatural look: Some people don’t like the artificial look of fake grass, as it can often lack texture and be stiffer than natural grass. ✗ Heat sensitivity: Artificial grass can become hot in direct sunlight and is vulnerable to discoloration from UV rays. ✗ Can be difficult to install: Installing artificial grass isn’t a very easy DIY project. Special tools and expertise may be needed, making installing it difficult and costly. ✗ High upfront cost: Artificial turf costs much more than natural grass to install. On average, you can expect to pay between $5.50 and $19.75 per square foot for artificial turf, including professional installation. | ✓ Natural look and feel: Real grass looks more natural, and it’s guaranteed to blend in with your home’s existing landscape. ✓ Increased property value: Natural grass can add curb appeal to your home, potentially increasing its market value. ✓ Air quality: Natural grass helps filter out air pollutants, making your outdoor space greener and healthier. ✗ High maintenance costs: Mowing, weeding, and fertilizing your lawn can be time-consuming and costly. ✗ Susceptible to pests and diseases: Real grass is vulnerable to common lawn pests, such as grubs and other insects, as well as lawn diseases, which may lead you to apply chemical pesticides and fungicides that can harm the environment. ✗ Excessive water use: Real grass requires frequent watering, fertilizer, and pesticides, which can be detrimental to the environment if not done sustainably. Especially in areas prone to drought, real grass can put a strain on local water sources. ✗ Can be labor-intensive: Maintaining your lawn can be a labor-intensive task, especially if you’re dealing with a large space. ✗ Might attract rodents: Natural grass can attract rodents, such as voles and moles, if it’s not taken care of properly. |
Ultimately, both artificial and real grass have their own set of benefits and drawbacks when it comes to environmental concerns, as well as practical concerns. Think about your needs, lifestyle, budget, and climate. Have a good look at both options, compare the pros and cons, and decide which option is better for you and your local environment.
Is it worth it?
While synthetic turf can reduce your water use and lawn maintenance costs significantly, it also comes with some environmental risks. From its production and installation to maintenance and disposal, you need to give each step of the process a good amount of thought and consideration.
If you go ahead with artificial turf, keep in mind that this is a long-term commitment and one that comes with several environmental responsibilities, including:
- Proper disposal: After the turf has reached the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to research the best disposal methods and ensure that the turf is recycled or disposed of responsibly.
- Proper maintenance: You’ll need to remain vigilant about all the maintenance duties, and luckily, some of them can help you reduce plastic waste. For instance, instead of using chemical cleaners, you can opt for natural DIY solutions. Vinegar and baking soda are great natural options for keeping your turf clean and debris-free.
- Smart watering: Even though synthetic turf doesn’t require much water, you still need to water it occasionally. When you do, make sure to use the water efficiently and not in excess.
- Plant native species near it: Greening your artificial turf with some native plants can also help boost the diversity of bird and insect species, helping your backyard become a more sustainable living environment.
- Try to avoid darker colors: A lighter hue of artificial grass can help the turf stay cooler by reflecting light, reducing the need for additional water.
- Offer shade: Placing a shade structure over your turf can also help it stay cooler in the summer, avoiding scorching temperatures.
- Consider eco-friendly artificial turf: It’s made with bio-based polymers or ingredients like sugar cane, and it’s come a long way in recent years.
Artificial grass isn’t without its environmental consequences. The same goes for natural grass, which needs plenty of water, pesticides, and fertilizers. That’s why taking eco-friendly steps and making smart, informed decisions is essential. Let’s think global and act local! By doing our part, we can all enjoy the long-term environmental benefits. It all starts with us!
FAQ about artificial grass and the environment
Some manufacturers have started creating eco-friendly synthetic grass from renewable resources like sugar cane or plant-based backing. If you’re looking for a greener option, it’s worth looking into USDA-certified artificial grass brands to ensure they meet the necessary environmental standards.
The main drawbacks to artificial grass usually come down to the upfront costs, which tend to be higher than real grass. Plus, artificial turf can become very hot in direct sunlight, which can be extremely uncomfortable or even painful on the feet of both people and animals.
Lastly, artificial turf often contains PFAS – or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can’t easily break down in the environment, affecting the soil and your health.
Word of Caution: Not all artificial turf is created equal, so do your research and investigate the materials used before committing to an artificial turf installation. If you’re unsure where to start, consult an expert or look closely at some of the third-party certifications available for synthetic grass products.
It can be, but it ultimately depends on how it’s used and the particular product you’re using. Artificial grass can help reduce water waste but has potential risks, like releasing microplastics from its plastic components.
If you invest in bio-based turf backed by renewable resources and practice proper maintenance and disposal of your turf, then it can be eco-friendly.
While Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont have already taken action to ban artificial turf from their public spaces, most states haven’t yet implemented such restrictions. Of course, practices and regulations can vary from city to city and county to county, so it’s worth double-checking with your local government to ensure you’re compliant.
California is currently considering a bill – nicknamed the “forever chemicals ban” – that would officially restrict the use of these “forever chemicals” in artificial turf. If the bill passes in the Senate, California would become the fourth state to enact such a ban.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to save water and money on lawn maintenance, artificial turf might be your answer. Remember that while it’s excellent in drought-prone areas, there are some drawbacks to consider first. From fossil fuel use to potential environmental impact, it pays to do your research.
The good news is that with a bit of knowledge, you can easily install artificial grass in a sustainable way and enjoy a lush outdoor space for years to come.
Got questions? Speak to a local lawn and landscape pro to get all the answers and information you need. With their professional advice, you’ll be able to choose the right artificial turf type and figure out the best ways to install and keep your synthetic lawn eco-friendly.
Main Photo Credit: Takayan | Canva Pro | License
