The advantages of artificial turf over natural grass are numerous, but it’s important to remember that this material has its drawbacks, too. In addition to its maintenance requirements, it can interfere with the natural water flow, which can lead to weed growth. Stadiums with a lot of money to spend may decide to update the lawn every couple of years.
One example is Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, home of the NFL Falcons and MLS Atlanta United. The stadium opened two years ago, and has already replaced the Revolution 360 turf with CORE turf, a new product from Field Turf.
It is a low-maintenance option
Many people choose fake grass as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass. It is easy to clean and doesn’t require as much care as natural grass does. It is also pet-friendly and doesn’t absorb smells or odors, making it the perfect choice for people with allergies or furry friends. It is easy to maintain, and cleaning it with common household cleaners is a breeze. For the most stubborn stains, you may need to use a special grease remover.
Another plus: fake grass is colorful. Many types feature multicolored blades that mimic the natural blend of grass varieties. Some even come in neon colors. Unlike natural grass, it does not stain or weather, making it a safe option for families with children. Fake grass is easy to maintain with rakes and hoses.
It requires little maintenance
Despite its attractive appearance, fake grass requires little maintenance. To keep it in good condition, you can take a few steps to help keep it looking its best. To start with, dust settles on it and forms muddy spots. You can also use treated wood to lie under the fake grass. Unroll the rolls in the same direction. It is important to use the right tool for this job. Moreover, always make sure to stack the rolls properly.
To keep it in pristine condition, avoid putting garbage or food waste on it. This will attract insects and pests. You can also use a stiff brush to scrub the lawn to remove any dirt and debris. Also, avoid letting children play on the grass, because spilled drinks, mud, and ice can damage the grass. In such cases, you should wait for the liquid to dry before removing it.
It disrupts natural water flow
The use of fake grass in lawns and other public areas is not only a nuisance; it’s also bad for the environment. Besides disrupting the natural water flow, it also has other negative impacts. Among these are the loss of natural wildlife habitat and contamination of runoff with pollutants, including harmful metals.
In addition, synthetic materials such as infill particles and broken synthetic grass fibers can migrate away from fake grass, contributing to the problem of micro plastic pollution. Another negative effect of fake grass is that it can make a place hotter than natural grass, potentially leading to life-threatening heat-related illnesses.
The installation of fake grass is not only a nuisance but also a major source of flooding. It is important to plan ahead for potential flooding by knowing what your drainage needs are in case a disaster hits and you need to be prepared.
It can lead to weeds
While fake grass may be resistant to weeds, the soil beneath it can harbor weed seeds. These seeds are not able to root deep underneath the surface, and can therefore grow through the infill material. A problem of this nature may arise if the fake grass is installed on an unleveled or unkempt concrete base. In this case, it is recommended to resurface the concrete before installing grass.
The installation of fake grass requires the removal of a layer of soil about four inches deep. Ask your artificial turf installation provider if they also do this step of the process, as some don’t. This layer will be replaced with a drainage layer. The backing of the turf is also designed to keep weeds out, but a few weeds may still poke through.
It isn’t sustainable
One major concern with fake grass is its environmental impact. These artificial grasses are made from virgin plastics that cannot be recycled. In addition, according to this article, synthetic petrochemicals are derived from fossil fuels, which use significant amounts of energy. Furthermore, plastic takes 450 years to biodegrade. As a result, it contributes to the buildup of micro plastics in our environment.
As a result, artificial grass is not a good choice for our environment. If you have a front garden, artificial grass is also not sustainable. The lawns are not made from renewable materials like wood or metal, and they need to be maintained constantly to keep them looking their best. The grass requires frequent mowing, which means that it is not sustainable.
