Environmental Impacts of Artificial Grass

Synthetic grass, also known as artificial turf, is synthetic grass made from synthetic fibres that resemble natural grass. This type of turf is made using the same manufacturing process as carpets. Artificial grass can now be made with brown thatches, which mimic natural grass lawns.
One of the most significant advantages of synthetic grass or artificial grass is its flexibility as it can be used in gardens, lawns, patios, pathways, and play areas, among many others. 
However, some people have raised questions about when artificial turf was introduced, especially regarding its environmental impact in the long run. After all, artificial turf is made from various types of plastic. While it looked nice and stayed green all year round, artificial turf also posed some issues regarding hygiene and sanitation. 
However, new technology has helped artificial turf to be considerably evolved today. Synthetic turf is not just made of plastic anymore. 
Today, artificial turf is made from various materials such as nylon and polyethylene, consisting of multiple combinations of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen molecules. The nylon and polyethylene mixture of artificial turf provides a synthetic carpet that can resist fading while looking extremely natural. This combination also helps artificial turf not deteriorate after long years of use over time. Synthetic grass also has many benefits that counter its negative impact on the environment in the long run. 

Less Maintenance, Less Fuel Emissions and Yard Waste

The cost of maintaining a lawn in terms of time, money, and environmental impact can be high. Time is needed in taking care of grass to keep it green and look its best during the changing seasons. Regular mowing of natural grass and trimming it uses fuel and oil to release harmful emissions into the environment. 
When you compare natural grass to artificial grass, you get to see a huge difference when it comes to its cost and care. You spend less time when it comes to the upkeep of a lawn with artificial grass, and you also waste less money in the long run. 
You would not need pesticides or fertilizers, disposal of lawn waste, daily watering schedules, and reseeding or damage control in artificial grass. While artificial turf can be expensive depending on the size of a lawn, its overall cost, divided by the number of years it remains in use, can make it an extremely cost-effective option. Artificial grass is also a cost-effective option, especially when you factor in all the time and money spent caring for its natural counterpart in the long run.

No Chemicals Needed

Fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers usually end up soaking into the ground and leaching into the earth's underground water supply. The same thing is true when it comes to everything that we apply to our lawns, all in the name of beautifying and upgrading the look of our homes.

Water Usage

Unlike other surfaces for your garden, artificial turf hardly needs water for maintenance, except for removing dust and dirt, especially if you have pets, and cooling it.
Installing artificial turf removes the need to water lawns regularly, as you would not need sprinkler systems stretched throughout the yard. Artificial turf also wastes less water as it reduces the need for thousands of gallons of water each year to hydrate natural grass. 
Artificial turf can help save up to 70% of water compared to natural grass. As everyone knows the importance of conserving and using resources intelligently in the long run, in this respect, artificial grass has a point in its favour. 

Recycling

Artificial turf can last up to 25 years, but there are some questions if it is not recyclable anymore when it reaches the end of its useful life. However, many artificial turfs are made with recyclable materials and can be quickly melted to create new products.

It is not live vegetation

As artificial turf is synthetic, it cannot provide habitats for living creatures like insects, plants, and other organisms vital for decomposing and recycling organic and inorganic products that fall into the grass. This fact is also why you would also not have any problems with pests and insects in your artificial grass as they cannot survive in these conditions. 

Heating

Artificial grass is also a better option for heating since it cools more quickly just with a hose. If we consider other artificial surfaces like tiles or concrete, these other surfaces absorb heat but do not cool as soon as synthetic turf. 

Reduction of Carbon Emissions

There are arguments about how artificial grass does not absorb carbon dioxide and releases oxygen in the same way as natural grass. However, the carbon footprint of natural grass is dismissed because of its maintenance as pruning and mowing add energy consumption that increases emissions. 
Artificial grass requires very little maintenance and does not need to be mowed and pruned to maintain its appearance. Therefore, one could say that for the maintenance aspect, artificial turf's carbon footprint is lesser and reduced considerably.

Lesser Toxicity

Another advantage of artificial grass is that it is not toxic. There is also no need to use herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to protect and maintain it. However, there are growing concerns for safety, mainly the fillers used for installation, such as recycled rubber. As numerous studies have been conducted to assess the risks and results of artificial grass, it consistently shows that there is no significant health risk associated with it.

Conclusion:

From an environmentally conscious perspective, there are many compelling reasons to consider choosing an artificial turf. It is low-maintenance and provides a better choice for the less damaging environment in the long term.

You can always choose and rely on Easy Turf for more crucial information on premium synthetic grass solutions. We offer quality and life-like turf suited to Australia's harsh climate conditions and provide quality artificial grass installation for commercial, sporting, and residential landscapes. You can contact us at 1800 327 988 or 1300 475 498. You can also visit our website at www.easyturf.com.au to learn more about our products and services.