Debunking 3 Common Myths About Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is becoming an increasingly popular solution for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance alternative to a real lawn. But there are still some people who are hesitant to invest in artificial turf because they’ve heard certain things about synthetic grass that aren’t even true.
While artificial turf isn’t for everyone, it’s important that you understand exactly what it is and how it works, so you can decide whether or not it’s a good fit for you based on the facts.
This article will break down 3 of the most common myths about artificial grass.
Artificial Grass is Bad For the Environment
There are a few reasons why people say that artificial grass is bad for the environment, with one of the key reasons being that it leaches microplastics and chemicals like PFAS into the surrounding soils.
This has been proven in studies and can’t be disputed, but it’s important to see the whole picture when we’re comparing synthetic turf with real grass.
Because artificial grass doesn’t grow, it doesn’t require maintenance like mowing. That means you won’t have to buy a lawn mower and other plastic-heavy gardening tools, helping to reduce the effects of consumerism and plastic use used in their manufacturing. You’re also reducing your electricity or fuel intake by avoiding this equipment, in turn minimizing your carbon footprint.
Additionally, artificial grass doesn’t need excess watering in the summer like a real lawn, and nor does it require the use of harmful pesticides. So, while artificial turf has its downsides, in many ways, it’s actually better for the environment than real grass.
Artificial Grass is Expensive
Another blanket statement about artificial grass is that it’s expensive, and again, this is something that’s worth unpacking in more detail.
It’s true that you’ll need to make a substantial investment in high-quality artificial turf. But that doesn’t mean that all synthetic grass is expensive. Price depends on the type of grass you choose, your intended purpose for the grass (if you’re a golfer, for example, you might want an artificial putting green—get details on how to get one installed), and additional material costs.
While you will spend more on installing artificial turf compared to a real lawn, it’s much better value to own in the long run. You won’t need to pay for the energy costs of maintaining the turf as you would with real grass, and nor will you have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive new lawnmowers and strimmers. You’ll only need to pay for specialist turf cleaning once every year or so, and a good manufacturer should offer a decent guarantee on the turf itself.
Artificial Grass Isn’t Pet-Friendly
Finally, a lot of people are concerned that artificial grass is bad for pets and could harm them.
This is only likely if your pet attempts to eat the grass (which most won’t—animals are smarter than we give them credit for!) or if your grass gets very hot in the summer (in which case, keep your pet in a shaded area or wash down the grass with cold water before allowing them to walk on it).
In terms of material safety, artificial grass is no different from carpet and other surfaces that your pet likely walks on every day. But if you want a lawn that’s more suitable for pets, you can buy pet-friendly turf that has more efficient drainage in the case of accidents!
