Synthetic grass turf got America’s attention after Astroturf installed the first type of synthetic grass for the Houston Astrodome’s baseball field in 1966. This installation set an example for many sports fields across America that could not maintain natural grass.
The second and third generation of synthetic grass became a staple for FIFA at the 2010 World Cup Games in South Africa. In addition, synthetic grass has replaced Hollywood’s red carpet at many occasions, including the Teen Choice Awards and other large Hollywood parties in order to encourage the “go green” lifestyle throughout. In today’s world this grass is used everywhere in homes, schools, colleges, offices, and in other industries. The common use of this grass brings beauty in the environment where it is used.
Many people like synthetic grass because it is more convenient with modern and busy lifestyles.
However, there are some pros and cons of having synthetic grass.
Pros of Synthetic Grass
- Good customization and maintenance: It is a good solution for customizing public spaces like highway and airport landing strips. It reduces maintenance costs. For its users, it is much convenient because it does not require high maintenance. A synthetic lawn does not require the use of a lawnmower like real grass to cut it. Lawnmowers are not good for the atmosphere and potentially dangerous. This reduces air pollution caused by it, making your lawn enhanced for the environment.
- Weather-Resistant: Synthetic grass looks aesthetic and pleasing in all types of weather. This is because the weather does not affect the appearance of the turf. It will stay green, neat, tidy, and look good all year round.
- Easy to use: The conservation of synthetic grass will help older & disabled users who might find it difficult to mow and maintain their lawn. People who live away from home gets a holiday residence or work away a lot can benefit from synthetic grass as it will not grow.
- It does not need to be watered: Synthetic grass does not require to be watered like real grass which makes it better for the environment because it reduces water usage. By cutting your pipe you can both save water and your water bills.
- Can’t be ruined: Synthetic turf is pet-friendly. It can’t be dug up and spoiled by pets unlike real grass. This makes the turf perfect for use in places such as kennels.
- Affordable: It is cheaper to maintain over time. This is because natural grass becomes costly when adding the price of fertilizers, pesticides, rakes, weed killers, and require water to maintain it.
Cons of Synthetic Grass
- It is not real: It does not have the fresh smell like real grass. It can turn out be like a dumpster filled with garbage as it will absorb the dirt if not cleaned on time.
- Impacts ecosystem: Synthetic turf reduces the biodiversity of garden. It is made of plastic and is not an accepted material that wildlife can reside in. However, by planting flowers, shrubs, and plants around your lawn, you can combat the lack of biodiversity and encourage wildlife.
- Gets hot in sunny days: It gets hotter than air and can make the surrounding suffocated. Applying sand infill and spraying the grass with cool water will help out to keep the turf cool. Wearing appropriate footwear and laying a white blanket can help keep you cool in warmer temperatures.
- Doesn’t last long: Another drawback is that it will not last for the same time as natural grass will. It has an expected duration of 7-15 years: however, this is not a long term use.
- Results in pollution: The production of synthetic grass can cause pollution. The manufacture facilities use modern, energy-efficient machinery where grass is tufted on cobble tufting machines using yarn produced from world-leading yarn producers.
- Harmful to environment: Some elements f synthetic grass can harmful to people or the environment, including the crumb rubber used to infill below the surface of the turf. It can contain injurious chemicals. It runoff from materials and can leach into groundwater.
