My friend who lives down the street and has a kid in the same class as my oldest son put in artificial grass in a section of his backyard where the trampoline is located and his small putting green. The response from other guests is interesting (we go there often for BBQs etc.). Many other dads exclaim “hey, I like the artificial grass here… smart.”
More and more home gardens and lawns are switching to some type of artificial grass. This outdoor carpet of fake grass actually has many different types such as in-fill, non-in-fill, and hybrid grass.
The ones used at home are in-fill as well as 3G and 4G sports pitches. NFL, World Cup, and Rugby Superteams competitions all use hybrid grass which is a combination of real and fake grass.
While artificial turf has become a trend, a good number of homeowners still turn up their noses to this option. Some think it’s practical and cost-efficient but not everyone agrees. So we’ve set out to enumerate the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and even added some viable alternatives.
What are the pros and cons of artificial grass?
Pros
Terrific for under trampolines and above-ground pools
This is a seldom-listed advantage of artificial grass. Natural grass tends to die under trampolines and small kiddy above-ground pools because it doesn’t get sunlight. If you know you’re going to put in these fun backyard items, consider sectioning it off for artificial grass.
I know from firsthand experience with my friend’s backyard down the road where he has artificial turf under their large trampoline. Just for fun, he put in a small putting green next to the trampoline.
Looks good all the time (with no effort)
The artificial grass you can buy looks amazing… just like real grass. It stays green year-round, is the perfect height all the time (no mower required) and frees up those nights you need to bust out the lawnmower. Win, win, and win.
Play on it year-around
I love tossing the ball around with my boys, but when the lawn is soaked, it’s not so fun. With artificial grass, you can go out there any time because it dries pretty fast after the rain. This is a huge benefit for me.
No pesticides or fertilizers needed
Unlike a traditional natural lawn that requires pesticides and fertilizers in order to look its best and be free from grabs and other pests, artificial grass does not require any of these dangerous chemicals to be put on it. This means you do not have to worry about the safety of your pets or your children playing in the yard and becoming covered in dangerous chemicals.
Durable / Long-lasting
Artificial grass is incredibly durable and has a flat surface on which children and pets can play. Because it is so durable and because there are no uneven patches of grass, this type of yard will last significantly longer than natural grass. Although patches may occur over time due to wear and tear, the yard will generally last for a long time before needing repair or replacement.
Don’t need to water
Homeowners love that they do not have to water their yards in order for them to look their best. Not only is this good financially (lower water bills), it’s good for water conservation. This means that after the initial expense of having artificial grass installed at your home, you will not have to pay for weekly upkeep to keep it looking green.
Lower maintenance cost (compared to regular grass)
There are fewer preservation costs associated with artificial grass than there are with real grass. Unlike a natural yard in which you have to mow, fertilize, weed eats, and spray pesticides on a regular basis to keep it looking its best, artificial grass does not need all of this extra care.
It may, from time to time, require refilling, vacuuming, and mild repairs, but these are significantly less expensive upkeep options over traditional lawn care.
Because artificial grass will not be ruined easily due to its durability, it can be played on, no matter the weather conditions. Unlike traditional lawns that can be easily torn up when it is wet outside, artificial grass can be played on all year long.
Cons
Off-gassing/chemicals
There are some concerns over the quality of artificial grass installed in certain areas and whether or not it contains toxic chemicals. To ensure that everyone on the artificial grass is completely safe at all times, it is important to make sure to buy from a company that guarantees the safety of their product.
Gets hot in the heat
While you can play on artificial grass during the time of year, during the hot summer when it is exposed to the sun for the majority of the day, it can become quite hot and uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for the temperature of artificial grass surfaces to be 37° warmer than the air temperature around it.
Runoff
Runoff is a major concern with artificial grass as any chemicals that are in the product can easily be taken to water sources. Hard rainstorms are a problem as they can cause a lot of water runoff that may potentially be toxic.
Toxic materials and harmful chemicals?
Some medical experts believe that there is enough lead in artificial grass to pose health hazards, especially to children. They state that the amount of lead in the product is enough to cause decreased development, mental retardation, and even death with prolonged exposure.
Asthmatics will most likely struggle to breathe after playing on artificial grass for an extended period of time due to its effects on asthma.
Become a breeding ground for certain bacteria
Unlike natural grass which can not only withstand some bacteria but also allow cells and other materials to seep into the ground, artificial grass can become a breeding ground for certain bacteria.
Studies have shown that staphylococci can stay on the type of plastic used in the production of artificial grass for more than 90 days. Additionally, any blood, skin, or other biological materials that are left on artificial grass will not easily wash away into the ground unless they are specifically removed by a person.
Artificial Grass Frequently Asked Questions
Have I put artificial grass in my yard?
No, but I would be in the right type of yard (like my buddy’s yard). Our front yard is steep and mostly garden. Our backyard could definitely use it and if we were planning on staying in the house indefinitely, I would put it under the trampoline just like my buddy.
However, we anticipate moving within a year or two so there’s no point given the initial cost of inputting artificial grass.
Who, When, and Where Was Artificial Grass Invented?
Artificial grass was invented in 1965 by James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright. It was first used at the Houston Astro Dome for the Houston Astros Baseball Team in 1966. Before this, there were various incarnations of what is now often called AstroTurf, such as Chemgrass. In 1964, this product was installed at the Moses Brown School in Providence Rhode Island by the Creative Products Group. It was the first large scale installation of synthetic grass.
What are the different terms used referring to artificial grass?
There are many terms used when referring to artificial grass and they are used interchangeably. Here’s a bunch:
- synthetic grass,
- artificial turf,
- astroturf,
- artificial lawn,
- turf grass,
- synthetic turf, and
- synthetic lawn.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
High-quality artificial grass can last more than 2 decades, with some making it up to and past 25 years. One main factor affecting its durability over time is the placement of the turf. If it is installed in a high-traffic area, then it will not last as long as artificial grass placed out of the path of foot traffic.
Climate also plays a role. If the artificial grass is constantly in direct desert sunlight, then it will deteriorate much faster than artificial grass placed in the shade.
Can Artificial Grass Be Repaired?
Yes. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to make the repairs yourself. There are many videos and articles on the internet that walk you through various types of repairs that are within reach of non-professionals.
However, more extensive damage may require you to hire a professional. In some cases, the damage may be so extensive, that it may make more sense to simply replace the entire patch.
Can Artificial Grass Be Recycled?
Yes. However, recycling artificial grass is more difficult than recycling common household items such as cans, boxes, and bottles. Artificial grass is composed of more than one material, and these materials must be separated during the recycling process, this takes time and equipment. Because of this, it is not recycled as intensively.
Can Used Artificial Grass Be Resold?
Yes. Used artificial grass is a new and growing industry thanks to businesses dedicated to repurposing artificial grass. Going this route is much cheaper than buying new ones. Companies are out there that specialize in recycling and repurposing used artificial grass for customers who want the benefits it offers without the high prices.
Is Some Artificial Grass Heat Resistant?
Yes. Many of these products are tested and confirmed to be heat resistant. Check the package or website of a product you are looking into and you will see if it has been confirmed to be heat resistant. When artificial grass is not very heat resistant, then it will deteriorate more quickly in the sun. In general, the thicker blades of artificial grass tend to withstand the heat longer than the thinner ones.
Can Artificial Grass Be Cleaned With a Vacuum?
Vacuuming may damage your artificial grass, especially if it is laid with infill. The infill will be sucked right up. However, if it is not laid with infill, then there is less danger to the artificial grass. That being said, there still exists the risk that the suction of the vacuum over time would start to loosen the grip the artificial grass has on the ground. This loosening could lead to more of the artificial grass being pulled up over time and thus ruining the look and feel of it.
Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Concrete?
Yes. However, there are some concerns. One is drainage. When artificial grass is installed over the bare earth, it drains as does the soil underneath it. However, when installed over concrete, drainage doesn’t happen without taking certain measures, such as installing a layer of tile or sand between the artificial grass and the concrete.
Another concern of artificial grass on concrete is the hardness of concrete. You will lose the soft feeling of real grass when you put artificial grass on concrete.
The concrete should also be in good condition and as clean and flat as possible. Lumps and bumps on the surface will make applying the artificial turf more difficult.
Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Decking?
Yes. This, of course, assumes that your decking is in good condition. Unlike the earth and concrete, wooden decks can and do rot away if not protected and maintained correctly. So it’s very important to install artificial grass on a deck that is in top shape. Failure to do so will result in premature deterioration of your turf.
Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on a Slope?
Yes. Logistics are slightly different than when installing artificial grass on a flat area, but this is doable and is quite common. Also, it is often recommended as an alternative to living landscapes when too much sloping is involved on a piece of land. Too much sloping can be challenging with living plants and grass due to watering and other difficulties.
Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Soil?
Yes. In fact, for best results, artificial grass should be laid on top of compacted sandy soil. If your soil has too much clay in it, it may not drain properly and this could cause damage to your turf. The remedy for this is to add a more drainage-friendly layer of soil on top of the clay. Once this new layer is compacted, you are ready to go.
What are viable alternatives to artificial turf?
Seeded Grass Yards
Pros
Because real grass continues to grow after it has been planted or installed, you do not have to worry about it becoming damaged. While it is normal for thin patches to occur with real seeded yards, it is easy to put more seed in the patchy spot so that it will quickly fill in.
Because your grass will continue to grow after being damaged, you do not have to worry about how you are going to repair your yard if you have to dig up part of your grass. Over time, your grass will simply fill in the areas where you had to remove it, resulting in a full and lush yard as you had before.
Seeded grass yards are incredibly soft and lush, making them ideal to play on.
It’s easy to choose different varieties of grass, depending on your climate conditions and where you are going to be seeding. Being able to choose between grass types that can survive in full sun and those that will grow well in shade ensures that your yard always looks its best.
Heavy rainfall will not cause a lot of run-off from a natural grass yard as the water will be able to soak into the dirt. This means you don’t have to worry about chemicals washing off of your yard and contaminating a local water source.
Cons
Regular mowing and trimming are required to ensure that your yard looks its best. Otherwise, you will find that your grass is too long, starts to creep into your garden beds, and is full of weeds.
Seeded grass yards often are difficult to get started. When the grass is very young and has just been batted from the seeds, it is very tender and easily damaged. Any problems with the weather during this time can quickly ruin your yard and cause you to have to buy more seed to start over.
Regular maintenance can become quite expensive as it’s important that you have a quality lawnmower, hedge trimmer, and weed eater to ensure that your yard looks its best.
Grubs and other pests in the dirt can greatly damage your yard and require expensive pesticides in order to kill them. Once these pesticides have been sprayed in your yard, it is important that your pets and children do not play in the grass so they will not be at risk of getting these chemicals on their skin.
If it has been very rainy outside in your yard is wet, then playing on it can quickly tear up your yard. Seeded grass yards tend to get very muddy and can be easily damaged if you’re not careful when playing in bad weather.
If you do not choose the correct type of grass seed for your home, you will be very unlikely to be able to grow a thick and lush yard. This is one reason why so many people turn to the artificial grass as a better option.
Weeds can quickly take over your entire yard if you are not diligent about removing them as soon as you see them. Additionally, it’s important to remove any thatch from your yard right away so that it does not kill your remaining grass.
Unlike artificial grass, falling on real seed grass can cause you to stain your clothes.
Grass Plugs
Pros
Because of the thick mat that can be created with grass plugs, this is a great alternative if you have a lot of foot traffic in the yard. Unlike seeded yards, yards created with grass plugs can be walked on sooner after installation.
The thickness of the grass is also beneficial because it is able to choke out any weeds that may try to grow in the area. This means you will spend less time spraying and weeding your yard and can enjoy a great-looking lawn with minimal problems.
Yards that have been installed with grass plugs generally need less irrigation and fertilization once the yard is established.
Cons
Because it does best in full sun, it’s important that you plant this product where it will be able to survive. Grass plugs can often grow and moderate shade, but will not be as thick and full.
It is very difficult to establish a yard with grass plugs. They have to be planted close to each other and pushed down into the ground so that they will remain where you place them.
Planting these plugs can be very time consuming and difficult, which is why many people will hire an outside company to do the job for them, but this will add to the final cost of your green lawn and make it significantly more expensive than using less expensive options such as seeded grass.
Thatch in your yard can be very difficult to get rid of without accidentally pulling out your plugs, especially when your yard is brand new.
Grass plugs, once established, require the same amount of mowing and trimming as a grass yard established from seeds does.
If you are experiencing a drought, it is very important to regularly and deeply water your plugs so that they do not die.
Regular application of pesticides is important to kill any pests that may try to destroy your grass lawn, but many homeowners do not want to add these chemicals to their backyard.