- What is artificial grass?<\/a><\/li>
- From baseball to backyards: A brief history of artificial turf<\/a><\/li>
- Types of synthetic turf<\/a><\/li>
- Features of artificial grass<\/a><\/li>
- Maintaining artificial turf<\/a><\/li>
- Why choose artificial grass?<\/a><\/li>
- Will artificial grass work for my lawn?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits and drawbacks of artificial grass<\/a>
- Pros of synthetic grass:\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Cons of synthetic grass:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>
- Deciding whether to install artificial turf<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is artificial grass?<\/span><\/h2>
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf (or simply \u201cfake grass\u201d), is made of heat-resistant, plastic fibers that are stitched onto a solid backing, like a big green carpet. <\/p>
Artificial turf can replace sports fields, lawns, and areas where grass fails to grow. It started out as an alternative to grass on sports fields, but it\u2019s undergone significant improvements that now make it an attractive lawn replacement for homeowners.<\/p>
Modern artificial grass is complete with infill (a rubber and sand mixture that holds the turf in place and keeps it vertical) between each fiber and a shock-absorbing pad underneath for durability and safety. <\/p>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_artificial-grass-illustration.jpg\")
<\/figure> From baseball to backyards: A brief history of artificial turf<\/span><\/h2>
Artificial turf got off to a running start in 1966, when AstroTurf (originally called the less appealing \u201cChemGrass\u201d), an artificial grass developed by Monsanto, was installed in the enormous Houston Astrodome. <\/p>
The Major League Baseball stadium had struggled with growing grass indoors, and players had been playing on dirt and dead grass painted green. When AstroTurf proved to be a good option, more multiuse stadiums like Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium and St. Louis’ Busch Stadium installed the artificial turf. <\/p>
Football stadiums also started to make the switch. Franklin Field<\/a>, former home to the Philadelphia Eagles, installed AstroTurf in 1969. Other football stadiums did as well, but most have since switched back to natural grass citing players\u2019 increased risk of injury<\/a> on synthetic turf. <\/p>
In the 1990s, homeowners began noticing artificial turf as a grass alternative. AstroTurf was no longer in its infancy and many improvements had been made. Turf was softer, infill was added to keep blades standing straight and provide a cushion for walking, and more brands were available. <\/p>
Today, homeowners can choose from polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon varieties, depending on their desired durability, lawn look, and price point. Polyethylene is most popular for its high durability, natural lawn look, soft texture, and reasonable price.<\/p>
Types of synthetic turf<\/span><\/h2>
Depending on your lawn needs and budget, you can choose between nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene turf. For most homeowners, polyethylene is the ideal choice. <\/p>
- Nylon<\/strong> is highly durable, damage-proof, and heat-resistant. However, it\u2019s also the most expensive option on average and can be tough for sports and play, causing \u201cturf burn.\u201d It\u2019s often used for putting greens.
- Price range:<\/strong> $4.55 to $6.41or more per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Polypropylene<\/strong> is the least expensive and least durable of the three. It is best suited for shady areas with little foot traffic, or it can be a good choice for indoor areas.
- Price range:<\/strong> $1.71 to $7.43 per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Polyethylene<\/strong> is the fan favorite of turfs: It looks realistic, it\u2019ll stand up to weather and play, and it\u2019s softer than nylon so it won\u2019t cause \u201cturf burn.\u201d It\u2019s also easy to clean and deodorize so it\u2019s great for families with pets.
- Price range:<\/strong> $2.29 to $4.24 per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
Our guide to choosing the right artificial grass<\/a> can walk you through the shopping process and help you decide which type is best for you. <\/p>
Features of artificial grass<\/span><\/h2>
Artificial turf is hardly one-size-fits-all. Different turf brands and styles offer a variety of features. You can choose a turf that best suits your lawn needs.<\/p>
- Pile height<\/strong> (length of the grass blades): Most pile heights range from three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches high. Pile height will determine durability, softness, and how natural your grass looks.
- If you have pets or children, you may want to go with a shorter pile height (less than an inch long) to make cleaning easy and prevent tearing. A short pile height also will make your lawn look neater.<\/li>
- If you want softer, more realistic-looking grass, a longer pile height (over 1.25 inches) will do the trick. <\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Color<\/strong>: Green is green, right? Not when it comes to artificial turf.
- You can choose from olive green, field green, shamrock green, forest green, army green, and many more shades. You also can pick out your favorite thatch color.<\/li>
- You can buy turf with multicolored green and brown blades so your lawn looks like it has a natural blend of grass varieties.<\/li>
- If you want to get funky, there are neon options like electric blue or bright pink turf.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Infrared-reflective and UV-stabilized<\/a> coatings<\/strong>: Some artificial turfgrasses have protective coatings to reduce the absorption of infrared light and UV rays.
- Infrared-protective coating lowers the temperature of the grass. <\/li>
- UV-protective coating helps reduce weathering, staining, and turf degradation.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Sanitizing technology<\/strong>: Some artificial turfgrasses boast sanitizing technology that eliminates pet odors and prevents microbial growth. Anti-odor infill also can absorb moisture and neutralize pet odors. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Urethane backing<\/strong>: Urethane backings ensure lawn durability and are perforated to allow for proper drainage. They\u2019re heavy duty and will keep grass blades firmly in place. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Non-absorbent fiber<\/strong>: For homeowners with pets, non-absorbent turf is the way to go. It\u2019s permeable and will drain fluids down into the ground. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Fire-resistant<\/strong>: Most artificial grasses are fire resistant but will melt and singe if directly exposed to fire. Some suppliers are developing highly fireproof artificial turf for areas of the country prone to wildfires.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Anti-static technology<\/strong>: For lawns where kids and pets will be playing, you can choose an artificial turfgrass that protects against static shocks.<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintaining artificial turf<\/span><\/h2>
Artificial turf can save you a whole lot of time and money on lawn care, but unfortunately, it won\u2019t completely free you from yard work. According to the NI<\/a>H, \u201cA common misconception is that synthetic turf is maintenance-free; in fact, however, these surfaces require routine maintenance.\u201d <\/p>
You\u2019ll need to remove dust and debris regularly (once a week), raking and brushing with a nylon-bristled brush or power broom. You also may want to vacuum or use a blower, depending on the amount of accumulated debris.<\/p>
Washing your turf is also important. You\u2019ll need to rinse off and clean your artificial turf<\/a> with an antibacterial solution (laundry detergent works well) regularly. You may want to apply a deodorant, especially if your pets are using the lawn.<\/p>
Why choose artificial grass?<\/span><\/h2>
Homeowners choose synthetic grass for a variety of reasons: <\/p>
- They want to be more eco-friendly<\/a>, reducing their water, energy, and chemical use.<\/li>
- They want a hassle-free lawn to spend time on other projects<\/a>.<\/li>
- They\u2019re tired of their grass turning yellow-brown in the peak of summer or in winter.<\/li>
- Their lawn is shady<\/a> and turfgrasses struggle to grow evenly.<\/li>
- Their soil type or climate is inhospitable to grass.<\/li>
- Brown patch<\/a> and other fungal diseases are stubborn eyesores.<\/li>
- Families with children and pets want to avoid mud and mess.<\/li>
- Homeowners who are older or less mobile want a green lawn without as much manual labor.<\/li>
- Families want a playground or sports area with soft, springy turf.<\/li>
- Though there are many lawn alternatives, artificial turf is a durable, dependable way to keep your lawn green year-round.<\/li> <\/ul>
Will artificial grass work for my lawn? <\/span><\/h2>
Unlike grasses<\/a> and ground covers that need certain soil types and light conditions, artificial grass will \u201cgrow\u201d anywhere you plant it. However, it\u2019s important that your lawn is properly prepared before you install your new green carpet. <\/p>
It may be tempting to try a DIY project, but artificial turf installation<\/a> takes much more planning and labor than installing a flower bed or rain garden. You\u2019ll need to:<\/p>
- Measure the area precisely<\/li>
- Remove previous grass and weeds<\/li>
- Contour the area to ensure proper drainage<\/li>
- Lay and tamp down gravel<\/li>
- Unroll and lay the turf<\/li>
- Tamp landscape spikes into the ground to hold the turf in place<\/li>
- Precisely align seams and reinforce them with landscape spikes<\/li>
- Trim off excess turf <\/li>
- Work infill into the grass with a seed spreader<\/li> <\/ul>
Considering the cost of artificial turf<\/a>, you\u2019ll want a high-quality installation to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. You can call a local lawn care expert<\/a> for help with preparation and installation.\u00a0<\/p>
Benefits and drawbacks of artificial grass<\/span><\/h2>
Pros of synthetic grass: <\/span><\/h3>
\u2713 Evergreen<\/strong><\/p>
No matter the season, your grass will look lush and green. You won\u2019t have to deal with dead grass or dormancy in hot summers and cold winters.<\/p>
\u2713 Low maintenance and no planting<\/strong><\/p>
You won\u2019t have to worry about seeding<\/a> your lawn and keeping your grass healthy. While you have to spruce up your lawn a bit each week, you won\u2019t have to abide by a planting schedule or plan around the first and last frost.<\/p>
\u2713 No mowing<\/strong><\/p>
You\u2019ll free up your weekends and reduce your carbon footprint, saving gasoline and energy. <\/p>
\u2713 No fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides<\/strong><\/p>
You can forget your 4-6 week fertilizing cycle and ditch the harsh chemicals. Not using fertilizer will protect your local waterways from algal blooms<\/a> and dead zones<\/a> (caused by fertilizer runoff), improving overall ecosystem health. <\/p>
\u2713 Saves water<\/strong><\/p>
Though you\u2019ll need to give your artificial turf a weekly spray, it\u2019s nothing compared to the amount of water traditional turfgrasses use. You won\u2019t have to fret about dry spells or plan your day around waterings. <\/p>
\u2713 Some are made of recycled materials<\/strong><\/p>
Some artificial turf\u2019s infill \u2014 the mixture of crumb rubber and sand that occupies the space between grass blades \u2014 is made of recycled tires. According to the Synthetic Turf Council<\/a>, the recycled crumb rubber used on sports fields keeps 20 million rubber tires out of landfills every year. <\/p>
\u2713 Can save you money in the long term<\/strong><\/p>
Artificial turf is one of the more expensive lawn projects you can choose, but it\u2019s long-lasting and low-maintenance.<\/p>
\u2713 Great for play areas<\/strong><\/p>
For families, artificial turf is a springy, safe place for kids to play without the muddy mess of a traditional lawn. <\/p>
Cons of synthetic grass: <\/span><\/h3>
\u2717 <\/strong>Expensive to install and repair<\/strong><\/p>
During storms, branches and debris may land on your artificial turf. When turf gets ripped or torn, it must be replaced \u2014 and this replacement is often expensive and requires a lawn professional. <\/p>
\u2717 C<\/strong>an get very hot underfoot<\/strong><\/p>
Though there are more heat-resistant varieties of artificial grass today, artificial turf can still get uncomfortably hot in the summer, which can be an issue for dogs, barefoot children and those playing sports. It also heats the air above it, which can make it an uncomfortable environment for those outdoors. <\/p>
\u2717 <\/strong>Environmental impacts<\/strong><\/p>
One of the main environmental problems with artificial turf<\/a> is that it releases microplastics into local waterways. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that animals mistake for food, which in turn causes them to starve. This harms the local ecosystem and moves up the food chain, so humans are also exposed to microplastics and other toxic chemicals.<\/p>
\u2717 Can harm lawn biodiversity<\/strong><\/p>
While ground covers can provide habitats for native animals and insects, synthetic grass offers no liveable habitat or food source. Bees cannot burrow down into the soil, and worms starve under the surface. This is especially concerning given the global decline in insect biodiversity<\/a>. <\/p>
\u2717 Manufacturing takes energy<\/strong><\/p>
Though artificial grass reduces gasoline emissions and water usage once it\u2019s installed, it uses a lot of energy \u2014 and generates waste and carbon dioxide \u2014 before you\u2019ve made your purchase. <\/p>
\u2717 Possible health hazards<\/strong><\/p>
Scientists haven\u2019t reached a conclusion, but some components of crumb rubber are suspected or presumed human carcinogens<\/a>. As a result, some parents are wary of letting their children play on artificial turf with rubber infill. <\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2>
1. How long will my artificial grass last?\u00a0<\/strong>The lifespan of artificial grass is 10 to 25 years, depending on turf quality and the level of maintenance it receives.\u00a0 <\/p> <\/div>
2. How often should I clean my artificial turf?\u00a0<\/strong>Lightly rinse and brush out your yard weekly and do a deeper clean with an antibacterial solution each month. To avoid discoloration and odors, spot clean your lawn after your dogs do their business. <\/p> <\/div>
3. Other than artificial turf, what can I plant in my shady lawn?\u00a0<\/strong>Ground covers and other native plants are great grass alternatives<\/a> for shady lawns. There are many options that will grow better in shade than turfgrass can. You also may consider hardscapes, mulch, and gravel pathways for areas where grass struggles to grow. Grass paint <\/a>is another creative option for a greener lawn. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Deciding whether to install artificial turf<\/span><\/h2>
Installing synthetic grass is a financial and environmental trade-off. It can save you money, but initial installation and repairs, if they are needed, can be expensive. It can save you time, but it does require some weekly maintenance. And while it offers some environmental benefits, it\u2019s also synthetic, so it doesn\u2019t offer the benefits of a wildflower meadow.<\/p>
Based on your specific lawn needs, artificial grass may be a perfect choice, or you may want to check out other grass alternatives before committing. <\/p>
If you\u2019re ready for a synthetic grass revamp, call a local lawn care professional<\/a> to get your lawn glowing. It looks like your neighbors will have some competition.<\/p>
Main Photo Credit: alvizlo | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Wonder why your neighbor\u2019s grass always looks green and well-manicured when you never see them mowing or doing yard work? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":6173,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[147],"class_list":["post-6169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_2621113826_8fc1900f40_h.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Maille Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/maille-rose-smith\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6169"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6173"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- They want a hassle-free lawn to spend time on other projects<\/a>.<\/li>
- They want to be more eco-friendly<\/a>, reducing their water, energy, and chemical use.<\/li>
- Anti-static technology<\/strong>: For lawns where kids and pets will be playing, you can choose an artificial turfgrass that protects against static shocks.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Fire-resistant<\/strong>: Most artificial grasses are fire resistant but will melt and singe if directly exposed to fire. Some suppliers are developing highly fireproof artificial turf for areas of the country prone to wildfires.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Non-absorbent fiber<\/strong>: For homeowners with pets, non-absorbent turf is the way to go. It\u2019s permeable and will drain fluids down into the ground. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Urethane backing<\/strong>: Urethane backings ensure lawn durability and are perforated to allow for proper drainage. They\u2019re heavy duty and will keep grass blades firmly in place. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Sanitizing technology<\/strong>: Some artificial turfgrasses boast sanitizing technology that eliminates pet odors and prevents microbial growth. Anti-odor infill also can absorb moisture and neutralize pet odors. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Infrared-reflective and UV-stabilized<\/a> coatings<\/strong>: Some artificial turfgrasses have protective coatings to reduce the absorption of infrared light and UV rays.
- Color<\/strong>: Green is green, right? Not when it comes to artificial turf.
- Pile height<\/strong> (length of the grass blades): Most pile heights range from three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches high. Pile height will determine durability, softness, and how natural your grass looks.
- Price range:<\/strong> $2.29 to $4.24 per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Polyethylene<\/strong> is the fan favorite of turfs: It looks realistic, it\u2019ll stand up to weather and play, and it\u2019s softer than nylon so it won\u2019t cause \u201cturf burn.\u201d It\u2019s also easy to clean and deodorize so it\u2019s great for families with pets.
- Price range:<\/strong> $1.71 to $7.43 per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Polypropylene<\/strong> is the least expensive and least durable of the three. It is best suited for shady areas with little foot traffic, or it can be a good choice for indoor areas.
- Price range:<\/strong> $4.55 to $6.41or more per square foot<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>
- Cons of synthetic grass:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- From baseball to backyards: A brief history of artificial turf<\/a><\/li>