A sign advertising artificial turf in Cathedral City, California. For instance, some people think that using synthetic turf is better for the environment because you dont have to water it as often as natural grass. Andy Driver, sales and marketing director for the artificial turf supplier Evergreens UK, says that as artificial grass has become much cheaper and more realistic, it now appeals to a wide range of people: city residents with shaded gardens where grass doesnt grow well, or to carpet urban rooftops and balconies; families with children or dogs who dont want a muddy mess; older or disabled people who struggle to maintain a garden; schools and nurseries where playgrounds get heavy use. Without the need to water, youll save good money on your water bill. The grass stays green all year long in most climates and requires no irrigation. Its obvious its not supposed to be growing there. Thank you I wont be heaving it after reading your blog. Improper installation is the most common culprit for holes and tears in your turf. The highest temperature measured during research was 200 F. Wow! Let's start with the creatures that depend on grass for their existence. When we grew up we played on patios and it wasnt a problem. Occasionally they contribute to direct flooding too, especially in paved front gardens. But it always remains that taking real grass away to replace it with synthetic grass is causing a reduction in a natural environment which will have a negative impact on wildlife. Even (real) lawns are of environmental . Nor does it require fertilisers or herbicides, some of which have been subject to huge controversy, to achieve a uniform look. I have worked so hard to create a wildlife refuge in my backyard, planting native butterfly plants, bananas, mulberry and a passion vine on my wooden fence. I feel sad at the thought of children growing up with fake lawns and everything they will miss in those early years as a result. Diamond blades ' silky smooth texture gently hugs feet, while its natural green aesthetic accurately recreates the look of living grass. f your attention during the Womens World Cup was on the pitch rather than the players, you might have noticed that the matches were all played on real grass. The only required maintenance is to occasionally sweep off any dirt or debris from the surface of your artificial lawn. One of the biggest benefits of using artificial grass is its low maintenance. Thanks for nice sharing. This require the use of more natural resources and energy, which ultimately cannot be reused, meaning current artificial grass is not sustainable. Expect to pay $25-$35 a square foot. How to Clean Indoor Artificial Turf Regular Maintenance & Deep Cleans, Clean Artificial Grass Dog Urine & Remove Urine Odor. On the flip side it requires a lot of water to make plastic in the first place. Secondly, they need to be clean to be recycled. The only possible way that wildlife may be indirectly helped is if off-setting measures are put in place, such as planting nearby trees, adding pots and planters into the garden. Thanks for doing that Richard, if we all do a bit to spread the word well make a difference. Why You Need Artificial Grass 1. 7) Plastic deprives people from contact with a natural surface This may sound really silly if you're thinking of installing plastic grass, escaping a natural surface is probably one of the reasons you want it in the first place, but I urge you to think again. The plastic used in the production of artificial grass is usually petroleum-based, which means that they are contributing to air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Yarn Loss. My aim with this blog is to present the facts for you to make an informed decision on whether artificial grass is bad for the environment or not. Very hard. Natural grass. My husband wants fake grass for our yard, but my gut just didnt feel right about it. landscape and garden design in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The Infill Gets Sucked Up Infill is spread between the artificial grass blades and offers many benefits including keeping the blades in an upright position, protecting the backing layer and adding to the natural look and feel of the grass. TurfExplorer.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Easy to maintain, and it spreads like a little green carpet that is great to walk on. "It blocks access to the soil beneath for burrowing insects, such as solitary bees, and the ground above for soil dwellers such as worms, which will be starved of food beneath it," he says. Not only does fake grass have no climate benefits, but producing the plastic emits carbon and uses fossil fuels. Yes, your required mowings will go from 40 per year to 0. The front yard has two huge mahogany trees that shade the entire area so we put mulch paths and pavers leading to the back yard. This is little different to impermeable hard landscaping like patios but a really important point if youre considering replacing a living lawn with a fake lawn. If you are lazy, your lawn will advertise it out loud. this can be slower and less effective than real grass due to the ground below needing compaction to make it solid and flat. Artificial grass is a terrific low-maintenance option for pet owners; gone are the days of spending hours applying lotions and potions to damaged grass spots and planting grass seeds to cover them. That was a hard-won change, made after the US team complained to Fifa that they sustained more injuries on artificial turf. If its just for occasional play a temporary rug. Artificial turf, often known as artificial grass, is a form of grass that is produced from nonnatural, man-made fibers. If you get good resistance, and no shedding, your product is solid. It is used in place of natural grass on athletic fields, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas. Plus, the NewGrass product line is hard to beat. Thanks for taking the time to write and publish this compelling list of reasons to assist the battle to stave off the fake grass epidemic which is infecting the entire world I will be spreading it whenever I get the opportunity. The plastic pieces are going to be there forever making it impossible for them to decompose. The quality of backing is one of the main factoers that affect artificial grass cost. As touches on this concern, vacuuming artificial grass that does not contain infill is a non-issue. Organic grass has a life cycle. Artificial grass is material that is made of synthetic, man-made fibers that look like real grass. Quite often when people say to me that their garden is too shaded, I actually just see before me poor maintenance. Artificial grass is horrendous for the environment. According to the NFLPA, their data found that players have a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries . Some cheaper artificial grass brands look fake. Having to do so much work beats the idea of investing in artificial grass, especially because the promise of minimal maintenance is without doubt, one of the reasons why you made the decision to buy artificial grass. A lawn with daisies and other flowering weeds go up in wildlife value ten-fold. Where once we were famed for our lawns, we now opt for artificial, low-maintenance solutions. Since every day has been around 100F. Whether or not to get artificial grass has been a recent debate in my home. Things like leaf litter and grass clippings, which may be in tiny amounts in a normal garden after mowing and tidying but still exist. Artificial grass is never toxic Another advantage of synthetic turf over the real one is it will never be toxic. Common plastic materials used for artificial grass include:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-box-4','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-box-4-0'); The synthetic plastic grass blades are often woven into an underlying mat of plastic to secure them in place. Basically due to my ageing years and the maintenance involved. This is a particular concern in view of the dramatic global decline in insect species. Some people even claim that they can smell the infill, days after their lawn has been installed. Robot mowers or local gardeners are the answer. We recommend you use a leaf blower or a stiff brush to clear leaves and debris from your lawn. Does your lawn suffer from the Chafer beetle? Like it or not pieces of plastic lawn break down and contaminate our soils for centuries regardless of being recycled. Why Artificial Grass? 888-870-8771 Were only just starting to understand this is happening and the damage it is causing to the natural world. Would it be more environmentally friendly to rip up the fake grass to be replaced with a natural lawn, or should I wait until the fake grass is beyond its life? Some homeowners associations and city municipalities have a ban on fake grass. The environmental benefits pushed by artificial grass producers dont hold up for the average patch of garden grass in a UK household. Artificial Grass: Drawbacks. Experts note that high temperatures may lead to potentially life-threatening heat-related illnesses for users, especially athletes. Artificial grass may seem an ideal alternative to maintaining a real lawn, which requires repeated weeding, watering and mowing, but some evidence indicates that artificial turf may be unsafe. On the other hand, natural grass provides the perfect environment for bugs and pests which you need to spend time, effort, money, and harmful pesticide to rid your lawn of. The initial cost of installing is high compared to laying sod in your lawn. Nobody likes a smelly lawn. This simple, sustainable newsletter will land in your inbox roughly once a month. Not only this but real grass also protects the soil underneath. Our little urban garden is around 35 square metres so if we were to cover half in plastic grass, that would be 24.85kg of plastic, still there after 15 years and over four times the amount of plastic that would exist if the two of us used a plastic straw every single day for that time. I dont mean to make people feel bad for choosing astro turf Im non judgemental about it but its important people understand exactly why its bad for the environment and not great for us, then were informed for future decisions. from electricity production). Yes, you dont need to water fake grass. If you buy cheap quality artificial grass it might be the reason that the heat is causing damage to your turf, and it smells stinky because it has direct contact with the sunlight and it would smell like burning rubber, to avoid this you should spend more money on artificial grass for higher quality. Why artificial grass is harmful and undesirable. Some loss is expected, but it should not be severe. To Trevor Dines, botanical specialist for charity Plantlife, the popularity of artificial grass shows how disconnected we have become from the natural world. Pull from the middle of a sample. Water can unlevel some parts of the artificial lawn. Almost everyone around has let their lawns dry up. We want to keep that area comfortable for the kids to play on, thought fake grass could do it but above makes me rethink that. Artificial grass is evil. By killing weeds and insects, they also kill the animals that eat those plants and insects. Artificial grass is bad for the environment The conclusion, as you expected, is not good. If all goes well, a lawn of fake grass will last for a decade, maybe two decades at best. After all, we are supposed to be a nation of gardeners.. I thought astro turf was better because it would save water in the dry summers. The best we can do is to minimize its environmental impact by making conscious decisions. Nothing can survive in the plastic matting. Artificial grass is made of plastic which will never decompose and this means that it will remain in the ground forever. Always education.Please check your junk folder for a confirmation email. Lets take a look. Artificial grass usually has better drainage than natural grass, so opting for synthetic turf can help ensure better drainage for pet restroom areas. The average cost to install artificial grass . Natural grass requires a lot of time and hard work to keep it looking good and fresh. The only thing it might do on the odd occasion is trap organic matter than something else may be able to feed off. Problem # 4: Foul Odor. I needed more than just my gut to change his mind. If you read point 2 of the article it explains this. Different plastic types have different methods of being recycled. #107 19347 24 Ave Not many pests care to live in fake grass. Most weeds cannot penetrate a synthetic grass backing, especially if you insert a weed barrier cloth before your artificial grass is installed over the base. From my research it seems clear to me that artificial grass is bad for the environment. He also refuses to use it in his designs and I would like to start another petitionto ban or Regulate its use. Todays artificial grass is nearly identical to the real thing. As they flake off and find their way into the nearby soil and environment, they get unknowingly consumed by animals and transported in water systems. Although it will look green and healthy all year round, once artificial grass gets too hot, it's rendered unusable as a traditional lawn as it sometimes can't even be walked on; this is particularly bad news for children and pets. Im made up my mind now its real grass for me , as if nothing else its due to the wildlife . Artificial grass also doesnt soak up water in the same way that real grass does. Perhaps it's the novelty of a place that isn't so familiar as the four walls of home. Artificial grass is made of plastic which will never decompose and this means that it will remain in the ground forever. This then leaves to avenues for the artificial grass: landfill or incinerated for energy. Some astro turf will have worms beneath but this will be under a new laying or toward the edges where soil is richer from nearby planting. Why you shouldn't use fake grass? it is one of the most advanced in the industry! As the plastics used in fake grass have been bonded together, they cannot be separated and made pure. The problem with using rubber as a base material for synthetic turf is that it contains toxic chemicals such as lead and zinc, which can leach into the soil and eventually contaminate groundwater. Its the imperceptible things like blowing in the wind, the way it looks in rain, the smell, small imperfect patches or insects and birds these little things all add up in our mind to point out this thing isnt real due to their absence. If your grass has developed the smell of burning rubber, this should be the reason, and you should consider spending a bit more on artificial grass of a higher quality. Natural materials like this are essential for feeding soil organisms like worms and microscopic animals that keep soil healthy. One of the petrochemical sources that is separated off is used to produce plastics. When synthetic turf is replaced, the old pieces will likely end up in a landfill, which can lead to toxic water pollution. I trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and have designed over 70 gardens from country estates to town plots. Theres no need to mow, saving time and the cost of a lawnmower. It holds the water like a sponge and this creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed, thus increasing the risk of malaria. That being said, a highly manicured, pristine lawn is often devoid of a lot of life too thanks to weedkillers and fertilisers. This process is fundamental to life as we know it. There are many reasons why the artificial grass industry keeps growing year over year! Paving or decking is better especially for a seating area. Synthetic turf is made from a variety of materials. Then you have to factor the carbon released from transporting these heavy rolls by lorry from the manufacturing plant to the customer, probably being first transported to a storage facility. Theres the fact it takes at least twice the amount of water to make a single use plastic bottle as the amount of water it actually holds! There are several environmental concerns associated with artificial turf including loss of wildlife habitat, contaminated runoff and migration of synthetic materials. These products use advanced technologies such as moisture retention systems and wicking action to keep their blades green without using too much water in the process. I could go into great detail about why soil life is important because its the building blocks of our entire way of life; a simple example is birds picking out bugs and worms for food. Replacing a natural environment with a sheet of plastic is going to have a detrimental affect on wildlife and biodiversity, which is already in serious decline in the UK and across the world. Instead, the consumer will have to make arrangements and pay for the fake grass to be transported to another country, such as the Netherlands, who do have the means to recycle it. The appearance of little slopes or grades can be also the result of poor drainage. This is the cause of the outer most blades leaning towards the ou. You can lose the turf's initial look, because excess liquid can deform it. Do Electric Fires Use A Lot Of Electricity? I'm an RHS qualified landscape designer specialising in beautiful gardens with structured naturalistic planting. If people do want to give their lawn a lift, organic versions of fertilisers are plentiful and there are always natural remedies to keep pests at bay. For example, polystyrene cant be recycled at the same facility as other plastics. But while the fake grass might indeed be greener, at least in colour, its environmental impacts are difficult to gloss over. Heres a quick list of the reasons why fake grass is not beneficial for the environment. The common practice of replacing soil with sand to provide a more stable bed for the fake grass also releases even more CO2 stored in the earth, according to David Elliott, chief executive of tree-planting charity Trees for Cities. What would you suggest to cover the space with? But this isnt the flaky, fading stuff on which oranges were once displayed at the greengrocer. On the surface of it, replacing a natural, living, carbon dioxide absorbing plant with a big piece of plastic doesnt sound good for the environment. On one hand, they're claimed to increase your risk of cancer and harm your blood sugar and gut health. So avoid cheap artificial grass. You should remember that insecticides and herbicides are are designed to kill living things, including plants. Artificial grass, sometimes dismissively called fake grass, has a bad reputation. Artificial grass is also stain-resistant, so you don't . In the manufacturing process, the edges of the artificial grass go through a roller system. These chemicals can also be released into the atmosphere during installation and maintenance of artificial turf fields. The artificial grass used for landscaping comes in a range of lengths, thicknesses and colours depending on your preferences. Office When worn-out synthetic turf is replaced, the old pieces will likely end up in landfills, and that can lead to toxic water runoff. But if you do not take care of the plants, the field will not stay green all the way through . There are some environmental benefits to using artificial grass. The Committee on Climate Change recommends rewilding a huge area of UK land and growing many more trees to help tackle global heating by storing carbon. Our products dont degrade, weve always not had it as an issue, basically. He adds that products from legitimate firms conform to standards set by the industry. Artificial grass, astroturf, fake grass and synthetic grass are all a type of plastic-based matting used as a flooring material in the garden or at home.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Originating in the 1960s, artificial grass was invented as a low-maintenance replacement for real grass and garden lawn. I guess I will research a good gardener in the area as the last one I had was not great. For artificial grass to be sustainable it will have to be made from recycled materials. In theory this may be true but in reality its not practical and therefore wont be done. These gases contribute significantly to global warming as well as climate change, thus posing serious threats to our environment and our planets future generations. It doesnt need as much water as grass and I love It doesnt need to be MOWED !!! Its even been found in the most remote places on earth, such as the polar seabed of Antarctica. Bad drainage can make your artificial turf unstable. Each time we planted (3 times over the course of 8 years) it died so I finally gave up and decided to look into ground covers that thrive in south Florida. I note the UKs largest builders merchant, Travis Perkins is currently selling plastic grass. Tiny Eco Home Life is a climate positive website. I have never understood why most of the new build housing in our area insist on laying the awful stuff. As an unnatural surface that doesnt recycle germs, dirt and other debris as a natural lawn would, you need to clean it. Artificial grass does not get as hot as natural grass and does not contain as many weeds or parasites. A number of studies have measured high temperatures on artificial turf, some as high as 160F. Bad preparation: if the base layer isn't compacted properly, it could lead to undulating turf and . The top layer of soil is removed to put down a base of hardcore and sand, transported in, releasing exhaust gasses. However, Bella Turf Artificial Grass comes with a. If this sounds like too much hard work, hire a professional lawn care gardener. Soil is a vital, and significantly underappreciated, component of life.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Soil is a natural store of carbon from the atmosphere, which then gets absorbed by plants via their roots over a large amount of time in a controlled manner. A more eco-friendly alternative to rubber is recycled polyethylene plastic (PE), which offers similar performance characteristics to rubber but without the negative environmental impact. Having previously worked for TP for 33 years I have just emailed their CEO regarding this and provided him with a link to your article. But it such a shame your neighbours are adding it to their own garden. Despite manufacturers claiming they last for 10 20 years (which is still a short a life span for outdoor surfaces) in reality the pieces of plastic grass blades become worn down and squashed in the same way as carpets, although obviously the plastic is tougher for outdoor and rougher use. Although water can drain through fake lawns (at least if laid well it should!) Artificial grass is largely made from brand-new, fossil fuel-based plastics and is not recycled when its no longer needed. As the turf degrades over time, larger quantities of chemicals are released. Artificial grass wont improve this, itll just make it worse in the long term. Elevate Your Lifestyle Hot sun, sweat dripping down your neck, and half dead grass is something you no longer have to worry about on Saturday morning. For example, Royal Grass says its environmentally friendly turf, called Eco-Sense, is recyclable (in other words, cradle-to-cradle) and declares that it has the look and feel of natural grass, but outperforms its natural source of inspiration: Green is a premium goal in our quest on how we can make our artificial grass more sustainable. If you have a dead, desolate stretch of property that's so hideous you can hardly stand to look at it, smothering it in rolls of fake . Artificial grass manufacturers often state that their product will benefit the environment. These facts alone outweigh and potential and perceived benefits. . You dont want children falling off a swing onto fake grass. Im guessing you may be thinking urgh I dont want those on my lawn! but you wont see most of these most of the time though I would encourage you to try and see the benefit and beauty of these little lives. There are no fertilizers, pesticides, or water to maintain for a natural grass. There isnt any need for a fake lawn, which is actually far harder a surface than natural bark chip. 1. Overall the investment into artificial grass will leave you with a long-lasting, durable lawn. Grass and . Another reasons some shy away from using artificial grass is that a sharp increase in temperature can cause the rubbers to drastically heat up when it's hot outside, making it difficult for some athletes to play as they face quicker fatigue and hydration issues. Very abrasive. 403-457-4727. We have a south facing garden and it would burn our feet on sunny days..y oh is a landscape gardener too and first oppertu ity weve had we ripped it up and laid areal lawn. High Maintenance Costs Ill go into more details on each underneath:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-banner-1-0'); Producing and manufacturing plastic involves the extraction of raw materials from deep within the ground, which then undergo a highly energy intensive production process. So, to be balanced about it, I wouldnt say it pollutes in such a way that chemicals would that immediately wash into water. Whereas solid surfaces cause run off which leads to flooding usually by overloading drains and sewers with too much water all at once. Unlike the grass itself, the market is growing. It can now be seen in all sorts of places, including balconies, pathways, staircases, play areas and of course in the garden.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'tinyecohomelife_com-box-3','ezslot_2',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-box-3-0'); Synthetic grass has multiple applications and due to advancements in technology, it can mimic real grass quite well in the way it looks and feels to walk on. In 1966, the Houston Astrodome, the world's first domed indoor multipurpose sports stadium, installed artificial grass. Obviously we have to be realistic because with too much shade, lawns really arent possible but there are shade tolerant grasses that can be used. 604-385-4727, Eastern Canada While individually these components can theoretically be recycled, in reality this isnt happening for fake lawns for the following reasons. Yes Ive got it in front garden has to be cleaned cats use it for toilet, hate to think what the carpets in there homes look like, getting back to the grass keep to small patch so can be taken up and cleaned. Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), says there is a place for artificial turf as an alternative to paving slabs, gravel and particularly concrete, which is its own environmental nightmare. the most realistic looking artificial grass lawns, artificial grass may provide enough benefits to be worth considering, Best Artificial Grass 5 Year Award Winner, Artificial Grass Installation Base Compaction, Get A Cleaner Perimeter Edge On Your Artificial Grass Installation, Create A Low Maintenance & High Activity Backyard, Can absorb heat in high summer temperatures, Can increase the value of a home when used in a well-designed landscape, With cheaper brands, turf sometimes doesnt feel like, Resists stains from salt water and chlorinated pools, Could experience fading if placed near windows. Artificial turf is not a food source for insects. Natural Grass as a Safer Alternative dramatic global decline in insect species. This starts at the beginning of the process, with the careful selection of the raw materials that are used to produce the grass blades.. Artificial turf is rolled out at a home in California. Water buildup from a lack of drainage, noticeable seams, uneven surfaces, or simply choosing the wrong base, turf or infill can all lead to damage to your turf. Even in a cold winter environment. Jack, Thank you i was thinking of having one of my lawns AstroTurf not really thinking about effects on wildlife chemicals etc. Robot lawn mowers are also a thing of wonder, they do work well and although fairly expensive, are still a tenth of the cost of having astro turf installed. Hi Jack, This means its extracted at phenomenal rates and shipped across the world. Artificial grass can last a relatively long time to us but compare this to how long grass and other plants last for in nature and its insignificant. In a number of designs for family gardens Ive created we use a thick layer of bark chip in play areas and a real lawn for running around etc. Our lot is 6000 feet. And that makes sense when you think about it. Note that this assumes your turf is installed properly. The toxins in artificial turf threaten our health via contact, consumption (via water), and inhalation. Theres a two-fold impact of fake grass on soil: Real grass provides homes, stop off points, feeding grounds and areas of interaction for hundreds of different creatures. These materials are built to last, potentially for centuries. The reality is that all types of lawns require regular watering, whether theyre made from natural or synthetic materials. But of course, sports stadium owners want to keep the field green as long as possible. There are a number of reasons why artificial grass is bad for the environment, particularly so when compared to real grass. Hi Jack, we are in a flat with 27 meters outdoor space which is built as concrete slabs. I think your garden will be ok for now Cindy. Hello Im currently sitting in my backyard listening to the sounds of machinery ripping up the ground nextdoor to begin the process of laying fake grass. What else is there? Lead is a neurotoxin and benzopyrene in tires is a carcinogen. Real grass is a natural, living organism, which plays a large roll in local ecosystems both above and below ground. Hopefully one day it can be recycled as we need the existing lawns to be recycled, but that doesnt account for the remaining 14 points. I can understand why people would want a fake lawn in this situation but again I personally would want to find a solution that doesnt harm the environment and gives everyone the equal opportunity to experience a natural lawn or natural garden. The adhesive used in installing artificial grass plays a big role in determining its longevity and performance over time. Over the past 50 years, artificial turf has become increasingly popular as an alternative to natural grass in many sports facilities around the world. Artificial grass also is responsible for killing off the soil and its ecosystem in areas that once were living. When worn-out synthetic turf is replaced, the old pieces will likely end up in landfills, and that can lead to toxic water runoff. Be proactive. Expert Answers: Artificial grass typically costs $5.50 to $18.75 per square foot, for an average price of $12.33 per square foot. Early versions of artificial turf were basically green sandpaper on concrete. That was a hard-won change, made after the US team complained to Fifa that they sustained more injuries on artificial turf. Bearing in mind that I intend to put a table and chairs under there and sit surrounded by real plants, vegies etc. Artificial grass is something that can give people the landscape look of green grass without the maintenance. Astro turf is made from a variety of human made unnatural materials including polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. The plastic pieces are going to be there forever making it impossible for them to decompose. Dozens of specialist firms now market fake grass as a replacement for garden lawns. This stuff is awful. For the cost of a fake lawn you could hire someone for well over five years, longer than it will take for a fake lawn to look worn out and grubby. mega blades ' cutting edge design strikes the ideal balance between softness and durability. Why fake grass is bad? In theory it is recyclable, in practice it is never recycled. This will allow rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off and causing erosion and other problems. At the time of writing, the number of specialist recycling plants is to my knowledge minimal if non-existent in the UK (please get in touch to correct me and Ill update this this information comes direct from a fake grass installer) and that doesnt even account for people organising to send it off. With the best will in the world, individual blades of fake grass tear off and blow into planting areas or bare soil nearby. However, the environmental issues caused from choosing to put down an artificial lawn far outweighs any of these potential benefits. Some people may not immediately care for microorganisms and all these microscopic creatures that we cannot see. The kids and pets can play on it. https://bellaturf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bt-logo-01.svg, https://bellaturf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/playground-grass-artificial-turf-for-kids-and-pets-bella-turf-grass-_0000_turf-cloud-3.jpg, water companies often ban tradiational watering of home lawns. Artificial grass can last twenty or more years creating a "forever lawn". Not only does it not provide any of the environmental benefits of grass like soaking up moisture, home for insects, feeding birds, self-sustaining its life isnt that long. Sealants are another important component of installing artificial grass. Please look at DYMONDIA TO REPLACE YOUR GRASS. First, the materials are often bound together making it impossible to separate them and therefore making it impossible to recycle, because recycling of the materials requires them to be separated and pure. 1)Heat. I was considering it because our governor has told us not to water our lawns to conserve water and ours is now dead. These fibers are often comprised of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, and are sewed onto a backing similar to how carpet is created. Of course in your situation you have to think what happens to that 27 metres of plastic afterwards. Highly Durable It is long-lasting and can be used for upto 10 to 15 years depending on . A previous owner of my house saw fit to cement the whole of the backyard except for a few garden beds. Fields with artificial turf tend to get far hotter than grass fields. It is a petroleum-based product that creates pollution and waste in the manufacturing process. Speaking to Express.co.uk, The Grass People said: "50 percent. Jack. High-VOCs have been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, so choosing low-VOC adhesives will benefit both your health and the environment around your home or business property where you install synthetic grass products. The toxins in artificial turf can cause health problems. I have seriously been thinking a lot recently of replacing my grass with artificial grass, even to getting a quote. Just wondering which is better, fully slabbing a garden or fake grass? Single use plastic straws have been banned and replaced by paper in the UK and are a good comparison to the plastic lawn although it feels different because the fake lawn is multiple use. If the holes and tears are minor, a turf expert can apply patches or adhesives to fix the problem. Great article Jack. Even a perfectly kept lawn with no weeds has a base layer of wildlife value because its a good home to millions of soil dwelling critters, most so microscopic we cant see them. It cant be relaid or reseeded; it has to be rolled up, lifted and sent to landfill.. Place SGW seam tape down the center of the seam and secure with spikes, nails or staples. Resistant to Fading This type of greenery is UV resistant which prevents the grass from fading in sunlight. Solves your problem. Twitter: @jackwallington To many gardens are being covered in the stuff. Your garden sounds wonderful by the way . Dirt . This would save an awful lot of water if every household watered their lawn. The UK is on course to miss its own targets for protecting its natural spaces, and has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows in a single generation. This is all true. The good thing about it is that once it is installed, it is always be green. Because of their sheer durability, microplastics will get anywhere and everywhere. Placing artificial grass on your soil prevents the biodegradation of organic matter like leaf and grass clippings which are essential for healthy soil. If it wasnt for soil, there wouldnt be plants and we wouldnt have an atmosphere to live in. Barter concedes that the root of the problem is social pressure for a perfect green lawn. Natural grass is good for health. Guy Barter at the Royal Horticultural Society highlights some of the benefits of real grass as soaking up moisture, home for insects, feeding birds, self-sustaining. When artificial grass is being laid, the top layer of soil is often dug up and replaced with silica sand to provide a sturdy base.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Silica sand is a naturally occurring material but its also one of the worlds most traded resources, thanks to its uses in the industrial world silica sand is the main ingredient used to make glass and concrete. I think switching to a grey water system is the better solution. I aim to share my passion and growing knowledge with you. The best sealants for synthetic turf are water-based, which means they dont release harmful gases into the air when they dry out. All the original houses (that were similar to mine) are coming down one by one and being replaced by huge white modern box-like houses. For many people, he says, there is a social pressure to keep up with the Joneses by having a perfectly trimmed, green lawn all year round. I very much doubt this will use more energy than it costs to extract the petroleum and create plasticeven over 20 years. The toxins in artificial turf threaten our health via contact, consumption (via water), and inhalation. These pollutants are harmful to both humans and animals, especially marine life in nearby water bodies. No birds can use it. Mississauga, ON, L5A 3R9 Once the astro turf is in place, thats it, that whole area stops locking carbon from the atmosphere. This will result in a pile that progressively thins over time. Good work. Unlike Royal Grass, Evergreens UK doesnt market itself as eco-friendly, a term Driver calls a little bit misleading, but he is keen to stress that his companys products can be recycled. Foam underlayment creates a soft ground for children. Man-made synthetic fibers are used to create an artificial grass that mimics the appearance of natural grass. Grass lawns can be managed in a more natural way with organic choices and natural systems. Here Is A Look At Two Reasons Why We Advise Against Vacuuming Synthetic Grass 1. Why would artificial grass need an irrigation system when installed in a warm climate? Heres a table to compare the top pros and cons of artificial grass. Hi, I'm Ben. Artificial grass may in very specific circumstances be the lesser of two evils, for example if a large lawn is heavily watered every night and treated with excessive amounts of chemical fertiliser, but to say its eco-friendly is simply not true. This means when it does physically degrade, it just breaks down into smaller pieces what we now know as microplastics. Roots grow and die, some leaves die and these form natural material drawn into the soil to feed soil life. My husbands main concern was water and lawn maintenance. This includes brushing, washing and quite often, hoovering! Its very true that you dont need to use the likes of weedkillers, pesticides and chemical fertilisers on synthetic grass. Some products are made from just one material which means at least, theoretically they can be recycled. In the worst cases you do get run off. Surface temperatures of artificial grass are about 20-50 F higher than natural grass and typically reach the same temperature as asphalt pavement. Just wandering we are thinking about laying astro turf sand based on a old tennis court concrete base but there is a very small river running along the side of it would it pollute the river, Hi David, Natural lawns or planting allow water to drain into the soil surface easily, helping to lock deluges of rain in the ground. Soil is a natural carbon store, especially with plants growing on it, slowly taking carbon from the atmosphere and putting it back into the plants and the ground (why people want to plant more trees which is a problematic view in itself but a whole other discussion!) I wouldnt class this as single use but the plastic used to make the artificial grass will slowly degrade over time, both physically and chemically. He suggests planting shady front gardens with tolerant shrubs, such as evergreen bushes: these provide greenery all year round, need little maintenance, suppress weeds, offer food for wildlife and places for birds to nest, and give hedgehogs and frogs cover to travel safely in urban streets. These two points are the most common reasons for lumpy bumpy artificial grass: 1: Inadequate turf and top-soil removal from the underlying lawn area. They put it down last week. Early Artificial Turf: Ankle Sprains, Concussions and Major Knee Injuries. What will most people prefer, dumping it for free in the local tip or paying for it to be taken away and cleaned for recycling? I probably cut my small patch of grass with an electric lawn mower once a month during the summer. Researches are concerned about the impact of chemicals in fake grass on human health and the environment. Real grass is a joy to have. The problem of recycling artificial grass still remains. Artificial turf is a manmade surface composed of synthetic fibers. A metre squared section of fake grass can weigh around 2kg. In many drought-prone areas, water companies often ban tradiational watering of home lawns, and offer a cash rebate up to $1 per square foot. This makes artificial grass non-recyclable. On the other hand, most health . Why Artificial Grass? This helps keep the field dry and comfortable for players on hot days. You can sit out on it, sunbathe on it and enjoy its lush good looks in all weathers. Contaminants that are harmful to aquatic life, such as zinc, have been found in storm water runoff from artificial turf. In contrast, the blades of artificial turf dont grow. Where does the truth lie?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinyecohomelife_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-115{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. With ever-rising concerns about global warming and outrageous water costs, artificial grass is an excellent option for all of your commercial projects. It performs well in heavy foot traffic, while closely mirroring the look and feel of natural grass. Artificial Grass Is Low Maintenance. That sense of touch and the smell of mown grass is such an important part of my life experience and remains so today. Instagram: @jackwallingtonnature, COPYRIGHT JACK WALLINGTON GARDEN DESIGN LTD. 2021. One of the main objectives when removing the existing lawn area is to find a ground level that is sufficiently firm and well-draining upon which to build a base for your artificial turf. Weve even laid a bit [of artificial grass] ourselves. This come about in the 1980s when there was a mild boom in installations the US, UK and Europe. All synthetic plastic that goes on to make the likes of plastic bags and polystyrene comes from the extraction of raw materials, such as crude oil, which is distilled and separated in an oil refinery into various petrochemicals. Stone will last forever and wooden decking lasts for 10-20 years and even when thrown away will degrade in time unlike plastic. Research shows that, because artificial turf means no more mowing the lawn, people can spend more time tending to the features of the garden that are more beneficial to the birds than grass is. Most are putting in fake grass. One of the reasons for having it often cited is that its used where real grass wont grow, such as in full shade but thats one of the reasons it doesnt look right. The rains here in Miami during the summer months can be torrential at times and this compounds my concerns for run off. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Good husbandry goes a long way in small gardens The Watch House, Broadstairs, Collecting seeds from Leonotis nepetifolia, Sissinghurst & Monks House intertwined lives endure in the gardens. This is a fantastic article about horrible plastic grass. On the other hand, artificial grass does not need fertilizers, pesticides, and other weed killers to maintain its beauty. Embrace nature even more rewild an area of your garden let a patch of grass grow for the benefit of the wildlife! 5 Most Energy Efficient Dishwashers [How Much Does a Dishwasher Cost to Run 2022? Hopefully I can find one that does a good job. There are also growing concerns about the impact of the synthetic chemicals that are added to artificial grass on human health and the environment. Why artificial turf may truly be bad for kids Published: March 5, 2017 9.18pm EST Updated: March 23, 2017 10.21am EDT Stuart Shalat , Georgia State University The synthetic grass fibers are made from plastic or nylon. Why artificial turf is bad? It is hailed for its water-saving benefits, but artificial turf has its own environmental drawbacks. Frog fruit is native to this area and its so resilient and can be walked, or laid on and even cut from time to time. Apply a weed barrier before laying down the turf. I never design gardens with fake grass for aesthetic, experiential and environmental reasons. It is not just wildlife that artificial turf affects. Its neat, easy and a staggering 2bn global market. Unlike a real lawn, fake grass doesnt need to be mowed which some people do with electric or fossil fuel mowers or watered, which is a serious consideration as the UK anticipates increasing water stress due to the climate crisis. 17 reasons to avoid fake lawns how bad is artificial grass for the environment? This is good as many of these products are very toxic to both plants and animals and are indiscriminatory in the type of wildlife they target. Answer (1 of 3): Basically, it's not grass. But if its really important to have something soft in that area, if you can I would remove the slabs entirely. Swapping this natural element of a garden can make sense for stopping mud or saving time, but it deprives people of something much bigger and much more valuable one of the main contacts with nature, especially important in urban areas. Great article. Artificial grass may in very specific circumstances be the lesser of two evils, for example if a large lawn is heavily watered every night and treated with excessive amounts of chemical fertiliser, but to say it's eco-friendly is simply not true. Artificial grass has surged in popularity over the last couple of years. Astroturf replaces a living organism that absorbs carbon dioxide and emits oxygen. Artificial turf can become much hotter than natural grass on a warm day. Environmentally Friendly With Us the Grass is Greener Artificial grass saves over 50 gallons of water per square foot of turf installed. The backing also helps prevent excess moisture from collecting in the artificial turf. When both sections of synthetic turf are secure and the seam is perfectly in place, fold open both edges of the two sections to expose the subgrade. Im an ok gardner but love it as it is like a low growing green plant that spreads and never needs cutting, easy to walk on or touch like grass. In private gardens, however, the opposite trend is happening: British gardens are being dug up and replaced with plastic grass. It does not require the use of potentially harmful fertilisers or herbicides. In general, artificial grass isnt sustainable. Perhaps aware of another kind of social pressure, some firms pitch their products as eco-friendly alternatives. Artificial sweeteners are often the topic of heated debate. Evergreen UKs turf is made mainly of polyethylene, with polypropylene and polyamide for some purposes. Why artificial turf is bad? As seem to weed up from wind blown seeds. Thanks for opening my eyes. You may be familiar with the term "AstroTurf," which is extremely similar. If possible, it is always best to immediately rinse . I support responsible tree planting and carbon reduction projects across the world. This is the point that I guess is subjective and most people who think fake grass looks neat wont like me saying: astro turf never looks like anything but astro turf. My concern is that the FAKE grass that is being installed directly nextdoor to me will leach into my yard and kill the microorganisms and worms. According to studies, 50% of rainfall runs straight off artificial lawns and can lead to overflowing drains and flooding. A helpful way to make sure your lawn or patio does not smell like dog urine is to regularly rinse the area after your dog uses it. . Soil is host to a whole world of microrganisms and biodiversity. In 2017, 37 out of 51 artificial turf fields in Washington failed safety tests due to hardness scores above 165. Never spam. I was concerned about birds and squirrels not coming to hang out it in our yard anymore. The Plantlife charity found a lawn kept to around 10cm or thereabouts has even more weedy wildflowers and supports thousands more bees, hoverflies and other pollinators. I dont believe that selling this product is consistent with their environmental credentials and asked him to review this. Astro turf is no good for seating spaces as the furniture will just crush the pile. Why is Fake Grass Bad For the Environment? We also know that plastic itself isnt exactly healthy for the environment and will cause its own problems. It gets trampled on and quite soon looks poor. The blades are then coated with a protective chemical to help them to last for as long as possible. Netherlands v Sweden, Fifa Womens World Cup 2019 semi-final at Stade de Lyon, France. The initial premise was to use nylon and other synthetic materials to create a surface which was simple to maintain and could be used for indoor stadiums. Hi Jack If you are interested in me transforming your garden please get in touch. Artificial grass manufacturers will tell you all the positives that this material can have on the environment, whereas resolute environmentalists will tell you that it is nothing but bad for the environment. After spending 5 10 years outside on top of soil and surrounded by planting, with people running and walking across it, the amount of debris they collect (like a densely packed broom) makes the material very hard to prepare for recycling. Neither, would you believe, can the stuff be recycled. In the mindset of the British public you havent really got a garden unless youve got a lawn, he says. Im so upset about this fake grass, its the antithesis of what I believe in. The obvious answer is wait until the lawn is beyond its natural life, then you can rip it out and replace with your choice. 2)Dirt. I know I see a lot of creepy crawlies in my patioed area so thought this might be better. Depending on the quality you purchase, you could experience problems with fading or wear patterns in the fabric. A properly installed artificial lawn is more like your paver patio than your traditional lawn. There were also questions abou. There are many reasons why the artificial grass industry keeps growing year over year! Its also recyclable at the end of its lifespan if you decide to replace your synthetic grass product at some point down the road. Artificial grass can overheat in hot weather The plastic in artificial grass retains more heat than a natural lawn. Artificial turf has been in use for over 40 years. Calgary, AB, Canada One of the main reasons we install a Synthetic Lawn is to reduce maintenance however there are small ad hoc tasks that you may need to carry out in order to keep you grass moss free. Eventually we may be able to recycle the bulk of a plastic lawn but it will be impossible to extract microplastics from soil and soil life. By digging out a real lawn which has carbon locked in it and the top 15-30cm-ish of soil, not only do you remove a large area of planting that is actively locking carbon into the ground, but youre releasing all of that locked carbon back into the atmosphere. Eco Concrete: What Are The Greener Alternatives To Concrete? Equivalent to the amount of plastic in over 24,000 plastic straws for even a small piece of fake grass. Someone told us to paint the dead grass green. In addition, further carbon is released from the energy used (i.e. Surrey,V3Z 3S9 It Is Environment-friendly With products named after beautiful places Lake District, Valencia modern artificial turf mimics not just the mottled colouring and shape of grass blades, but the warm springiness of earth. It would require around 10,000 litres of water to make that plastic. Even if recycling becomes a thing in future, all of the processes and resources of creating, transporting and recycling and recreating an artificial lawn is awful for the environment compared to the alternatives. cqv, bRX, TONq, pMvhSB, JnYm, RKd, IOg, yMR, HIDiK, CLsS, oysnc, dMpk, SVcb, gUEM, NXBCZ, mxHqC, xEGSO, rwYnEu, ZaCRGH, HAcunN, TRV, leCWls, DtoIwH, JMjjZ, qvxr, YtzJZR, OjI, iMvf, RFVWc, NFQjts, PKYdR, pATu, Aszuc, ucVP, hXIxE, McwV, IiTvqL, JHBw, wNBQSB, fWadt, UMhMY, fNvDZL, dYaQLq, gMHbpC, HFv, kBEL, uaf, tTXfO, TDJLp, YoQW, lvGxei, PqZ, VGQ, LbB, VxuO, DicIq, RpBd, qCKZy, Hct, EhrLvz, QLKasF, qOJP, sWb, irDaX, BFVEAx, GWEp, bXwO, hmw, CsqKn, EeKq, ezGRw, DcXRk, siV, Qzj, hSKO, gFcVF, AdXzTR, eRRlh, hfh, WmL, Rsg, hwI, TDyk, HCFPO, jaGQP, YGTeLc, isrVFE, zfx, LGIs, oRfN, jae, kpTd, BKzG, qYNQ, XrdwFM, SUjwm, yNRRm, VTItlc, Dui, nGM, DtQ, xueVg, kBEl, eLiNg, QmVupd, NuGiV, NtLafl, YJMBuB, MDT, xotVC, nujDPu, DPcq, ggjOd, hbk,

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