When you drive through neighbourhoods today, you see perfectly manicured lawns with grass as green and lush as a springtime meadow. You think to yourself, “What a beautiful lawn—that must have taken quite a bit of maintenance,” and you would be right—it does. You wouldn’t, however, be thinking to yourself about the environmental impact a lawn like that would create —why would you be? The lawn is all natural, and so is therefore helping the environment, right?
The Hidden Environmental Impact of Lawns
Wrong. In order to maintain a beautiful lawn, you need fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals harmful to both the environment and yourself. You need water, and a lot of it. Most harmful of all, however, is the lawnmower used in cutting that lush, green grass to keep it from turning into an uneven, multi-colored sea in your front yard.
A study conducted a while back at the University of Callaghan in Newcastle, NSW, found that lawnmowers contribute 5.2 and 11.6 percent of CO and NMHC emissions in the Newcastle region alone. In fact, a 2007 report by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities gives an example of a brushcutter that meets USEPA emission standards (something Australia lacks) as creating as much pollution in an hour as 10 cars in the same amount of time. It estimates that domestic, non-regulated brushcutters likely emit several times more pollutants.
Overseas, it’s no different The gas-powered lawnmower emits the same amount of pollution in one hour as a car driven for up to 100 miles, according to a Swedish study conducted in 2001. According to a U.S. government body, the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 54 million Americans alone mow their lawns each weekend, contributing as much as 5 percent of the nation’s air pollution. And it doesn’t stop there. It is estimated that over 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment, contaminating both water sources and the air. Lawn mowers also release high levels of CO2, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, according to PeoplePoweredMachines.com.
Now What Do You Do?
So how do you maintain your lawn if you can’t use that trusty mower you’ve had since the early 80′s? You could get yourself an imported mower from places such as the United States, Europe, or Canada, who all have set emissions standards. However, their standards still don’t alleviate the oil-spilling problem. You could get yourself an electrical mower, if you want to spend anywhere from $700-$2,000. You can only use electrical mowers on small lawns, however, because they need to be plugged into an outlet at all times, and, depending on your electrical company, can be just as damaging as fuel-powered mowers.
The Friendly Alternative
So what is the most environmentally friendly way to maintain a beautiful lawn? Synthetic grass. For those of you opposed to artificial grass, keep in mind the environmental—as well as aesthetic—appeal of having a synthetic lawn. On average, a natural lawn needs about 25 millimeters of water a week. Annually, Australia gets about 472 millimetres of rain a year. In only 18 days, a natural lawn uses just as much water as the entire country receives on average in any given year. Synthetic grass, however, uses no water for sustenance. On top of that, it drains what water does hit it back into the soil beneath it. Turf also requires minimum maintenance, which means—you guessed it!—no mowing. You would no longer have to worry about finding an eco-friendly alternative to that old mower you’ve had for years, or about your front yard turning into a sea of green and brown. Most of all, you would no longer have to worry about spilling oil when refuelling your mower. With a synthetic lawn, you could say goodbye to your old oil-spilling, CO2 and nitrogen oxide emitting mower, and hello to a cleaner, more beautiful atmosphere.
Pet owners in particular may be concerned about whether switching to artificial grass is a good choice, both for them and their pets. The good news is, more and more pet owners are converting over to synthetic turf not just because it’s a good choice. Rather, it’s because it’s the better choice for both pet and owner.
Wear and Tear
Once the switch is made to artificial grass, pet owners will quickly discover that fake grass is far more durable than natural grass. No matter how much running and playing takes place in the backyard, synthetic grass will easily stand up to the heavier traffic levels better than a natural lawn ever would. In fact, because of the extra cushioning involved in the installation of artificial lawns, consumers often find they prefer the fake grass instead of the real stuff for both safety and comfort reasons.
Being Green
Every pet owner knows the havoc that pets can wreak on a once-lush lawn. With an artificial lawn pet owners will never have to worry about discolored spots due to pet urine, bare spots in high-traffic areas, or holes scattered throughout the yard from hiding bones. The different feel of synthetic turf discourages digging by its very nature, and any digging problems from animal pests will also become a thing of the past. Furthermore, because synthetic turf is not alive, it can’t wither and die during dry spells, ensuring year-round, vibrant green lawns.
Low Maintenance
By installing artificial grass, homeowners will enjoy much less yard maintenance than ever before, both in physical care of their lawn and in regards to pet cleanup. Liquid waste drains through just like rain water will and solid waste is easily cleaned from the synthetic lawn’s surface, without ever getting lost in a long patch of grass. Mowing, trimming, watering, and fertilizing will also no longer be required to keep your yard looking its best.
Chemical-Free
Keeping a natural lawn looking green and fresh requires lots of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical treatments which might not be safe for your pets. By opting for synthetic varieties, pet owners will rest assured knowing that their furry family member will not be subjected to any dangerous exposure to such substances which could harm them. Choosing a synthetic lawn will keep harmful chemicals away from pets, kids, and out of the groundwater.
Keeping Clean
Not only is the synthetic turf itself easier to keep clean, its installation will keep the inside of your house cleaner as well. After installing synthetic grass, homeowners will see far fewer muddy paw prints tracked through the house. Most pets love to roll around in the grass and bring all the bracken right back inside; fake grass will help you cut down on sweeping and vacuuming up all that dirt and broken bits of grass.
Best of Both Worlds
Before artificial grass, pet owners had to sometimes choose between maintaining a green lawn or a pet. The advent of synthetic turf means no more tough choices. Using fake grass instead of real means keeping both you and your pet safe and happy, while your lawn looks green no matter what.
Unlike a natural grass lawn, a lawn that’s fake grass doesn’t need liters and liters of water to keep it looking green and vibrant. Not only will synthetic turf save on your water bill, it also helps ease strain on the environment by not wasting this precious natural resource on your lawn.
Climate Conditions
The climate here in Australia can be very harsh and dry. Most of our landmass is taken up by deserts, and we have the lowest rainfall of all seven continents (after Antarctica). This makes the idea of diverting so much water right into the ground both environmentally careless and extremely expensive. Water is a very precious commodity here, much more so than other regions in the world. With an artificial lawn, residents will know they’re making the hardiest and most cost-effective choice for the unique Australian weather. Fake grass will stand up to our oftentimes severe climate conditions better than real grass ever could.
Always Green
Regardless of this year’s rainfall or what season it is, with synthetic grass homeowners will always have a lovely lawn. Natural grass will turn brown and ugly if there’s a drought, while fake grass will stay green and vibrant. Residents can be sure that they’ll never have to worry about the external appearance of their synthetic turf.
No Risk of Over-Watering
Natural lawns need constant care and maintenance, and many of them are actually over-watered. Much of the water used for maintaining a lawn is actually lost to evaporation; not all of it is really being utilized. Instead, the synthetic variety doesn’t require water for growth, so there’s no risk of overwatering due to unadjusted sprinklers and timers.
Paying for Itself
Some estimates suggest that watering a lawn accounts for over half the average total household water usage. By switching to artificial grass, households can drastically cut their water usage per home. One look at your next water bill total and it’s easy to see how by putting in an artificial lawn homeowners like you can really save a bundle, both in terms of resources used and in terms of household budget. In fact, once the numbers are added up in terms of money saved, it doesn’t take very long at all for synthetic turf to pay for itself.
Extra Benefits
In addition to the environmental gains to be had by watering the lawn less and saving water, an artificial lawn can bring other environmental benefits as well. For example, the rubber filler which is used under the synthetic turf to give it volume and cushion is often formed from recycled tires. This helps keep more refuse out of the landfills, besides making your artificial lawn even softer and safer for little ones than real grass growing out of hard-packed earth.
Saving in Many Ways
By installing synthetic grass, homeowners see many savings. It cuts water bill costs and maintenance requirements typically associated with natural lawns. They’ll also be saving hundreds of liters of water being wasted keeping real grass lawns green, while fake grass looks lush year-round, with zero water usage. Choosing synthetic turf saves water, saves on the water bill, and helps to save the environment as well.
After a busy day, there are few things more relaxing than relaxing in your own yard. Both real and synthetic grass allows you to do that, except, of course, you first have to mow the lawn, tend to the grass and spray it with chemical insecticides if an infestation has just taken hold.
Grass is beautiful, and a yard is incomplete without it, however, there are two distinct concerns with natural grass lawns that take up your time, are costly and dangerous to your health. Infestation is one of the biggest problems you can face with grass lawns, and sometimes the root of the problem is hard to determine due to the variety of infestations i¬n existence. The cause of most lawn diseases comes from fungi, and they normally occur when a lawn is over or under-watered. To avoid this, it takes time and effort. Infestations attack the roots, soil, leaves and the stems of your plants. Webworms, for example, can destroy a lawn in less than a week; ants can build anthills that stunts grass growth as it suffocates the roots of your grass; ticks can live in your lawn and cause Lyme disease; and mites leave your lawn blemished and spotted and infect an entire area. Worst of all, once your lawn is infected, that infection can easily spread throughout your neighborhood.
Choosing natural grass over synthetic turf means you’ll be using lots of chemicals in the form of pesticides. When doing so, safety and environmental health are often sacrificed. Of the 30 common pesticides, 26 have been linked to cancer and organ diseases. Pesticides also go straight into the water supply. How is that possible? Surface water can carry pesticides from your lawn into lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Rain and snow carry pesticides straight through the soil and into underground water supplies, and when pesticides are disposed of improperly, they can move through soil and into your water. Pesticides are also extremely harmful to your pets. When your pets play around in the yard, they can easily breathe in and ingest the chemicals or absorb them through their skin. Some of the effects of pesticide exposure by pets include bleeding, tremors, convulsions, unconsciousness and even death.
Fortunately, there is another choice. Synthetic grass is more than just an alternative — today, it’s seen as a better choice. Like most plant life, forcing grass to grow in climates not native to it can be costly and inefficient. When considering what fake grass Sunshine Coast residents should get, it’s all about maintaining a natural look and feel while eliminating the common pitfalls of real grass. Choose synthetic turf that matches your local landscape. Choose deep green hues when in area with plenty of moisture, and lighter greens when in hotter climates that are more prone to drought. In addition to having a natural look, there are other advantages as well. Your children won’t tread in mud and grass, and, more importantly, you don’t put your family and pets at risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals. Instead, you have beautiful synthetic turf all year long that requires little maintenance, and your fake grass will provide years of quality enjoyment for the whole family.
Some consumers may not be aware that most synthetic turf installations recommend including infill also. Is this really necessary? What is infill, exactly? Can you get by without it?
Green Lawns
An artificial lawn has many benefits over a natural lawn. However, it is not entirely maintenance-free. Although keeping fake grass looking nice takes different kinds of work than keeping real grass green and pretty, it still does take work. Infill is one of the many factors that can contribute to keeping your artificial lawn looking its best.
What Does Infill Do?
Real grass is always growing and changing, while artificial grass remains static. This means that high-traffic areas can show unsightly signs of wear and tear over time, as the synthetic ground cover gets gradually worn down. The use of infill helps to minimize traffic damage and improve the appearance of your artificial lawn.
How Does Infill Work?
Infill complements your synthetic grass from Sunshine Coast in multiple ways. First, the filler settles among the base of the grass blades to help them stand upright. Additionally, it helps give a more natural feel to the walking surface, because it absorbs impact similarly to the way natural soil does. Infill also adds some extra weight to your artificial grass, which helps prevent shifting, settling, or wrinkles.
Infill Choices
There are several different kinds of infill available. One of the most common is rubber granules, or ground rubber. Silica sand or synthetic sand is another option, or a combination of sand and rubber. There are pros and cons to each type of filler.
Rubber Fillers
Originally, the filler used for synthetic turf was made from recycled tires and bulked up with additional fillers to increase cushioning and stability. Proponents in favor of rubber suggest that this is one way to keep tires out of landfills. Rubber infill also adds generous cushioning and protection to the surface. Those opposed to using rubber suggest that the old tires leach toxins into the environment whether in a landfill or a lawn, and that the rubber absorbs the heat from the sun and can overheat the surface area. As the rubber degrades, it can become brittle and dusty.
Sand Fillers
Sand is a very inexpensive and easily obtained filler which is also simple to install. However, since sand has angled edges, not rounded, it can chew away at the fake grass blades. Sand can also become rigid with weather exposure and hold pet odors. Synthetic sand fillers can be manufactured to have softer edges to minimize damage to turf fibers, and also imbued with anti-microbial properties. Synthetic sand is resistant to holding either odors or liquids. Unfortunately, it is often more expensive than natural sand, and may require an additional pad for cushioning.
Is Infill Necessary?
Choosing whether to have infill with your lawn is a personal decision. It may also depend quite a bit on which kind of synthetic lawn you purchase, its thickness, and where the lawn will be located. It’s also very important to factor in the typical use for your synthetic turf. For example, a synthetic lawn which is used for playing sports such as soccer or baseball will really need the extra cushioning and protection granted by quality infill. However, a small patch of synthetic grass in the back yard which sees virtually no foot traffic may be able to get by without little to no extra filler.
Synthetic grass saves money, time and resources. From recreational areas and public parks, to homes and businesses, many are enjoying the benefits of an easy to care for lawn alternative that needs no watering. Though artificial in nature, synthetic turf looks and feels exactly like natural grass, yet without the mud, pollen and allergens.
There are many realistic-looking types of turf available. Gone are the days of unattractive fake grass that looks like tacky plastic. Turf has advanced because of constantly evolving polymer science technology. With realistic texture, colour, and easy installation, in the blink of an eye your neighbours will be wondering how you grew such a lush lawn so quickly. Before deciding on a turf variety, have your contractor show you samples of what he has available. If you’re ready to make the switch, there are things to consider before purchasing an artificial lawn.
Choose Artificial Grass That Fits the Local Landscape
Climate should play a part in your decision. If your area is generally moist and humid and the majority of neighbourhood lawns are green throughout the year, you may want to choose synthetic grass with a deep green hue. Conversely, if your climate is more prone to drought and excess warmth, which leave most grasses brown during the arid season, you will want to go with more of a two-tone olive colour that has a yellow tint. Another good choice in these areas is a two-tone Verdi green/brown thatch, which gives a genuine look.
Do Some Comparison Shopping
Just like with any major purchase, you should get estimates from several experienced and knowledgeable contractors before hiring anyone. The cost of synthetic turf will vary from one to the next, as will the cost of labour. Also, be sure to choose a contractor who is fully licensed. Many municipalities have a licensing bureau or an area builders exchange that will have information on contractors.
Make Sure Your Yard is Ready for Installation
As it would be if you were putting in natural sod, installing an artificial lawn should be the final step in your yard. Inspect each aspect of your landscape and answer the following questions:
• Is there anything else that needs to be renovated, replaced or repaired?
• Are there drainage issues that need to be addressed?
• Do you know what you want your permanent landscape to look like? You want to make landscape changes before you put in fake grass, not after.
• Are you thinking of adding plants that require less watering?
• Since watering will not be needed, are you considering removing your sprinklers?
A professional contractor will provide full service, including excavation, addressing drainage issues and the modification or installation of your landscaping needs. However, each contractor has different installation methods, and you need to be sure what is included in your installation before hiring anyone. Have the installer identify the steps he will take and any warranties he will offer. Always ask if a price is the “final” price, or if there may be incidentals added on in the end. Some contractors offer a low initial estimate to get the job, leaving themselves room to tack on extra charges.
Lastly, make sure you are aware of any local rebate programs that apply to artificial grass. Some areas offer these to residents, so check with your water district or local municipality to see if you may qualify. Some of these rebates come with substantial savings, making the choice to install synthetic grass even easier.
As with any product, there are numerous variations of fake grass to choose from, and while there aren’t really “good” and “bad” types, there are variations that are better or worse for your particular needs and usage. You should research your options before choosing a type to install. Some types of artificial grass are best left for sports fields, while others are ideal for your backyard. Let’s look at some of the more popular choices and what they offer.
Rye Species
Made typically of nylon, these products offer a much tighter look than others. They also have a more random appearance, which makes them more natural-looking. These variations are ideal for families with pets or children, and perfect for installation in a sloped area. If you have children who love to play in the yard, a rye variation of synthetic grass is a great choice.
Disadvantage: Due to its moderate price tag, popularity, and easy installation, there aren’t many disadvantages to speak of, except maybe that you probably won’t be the first in your neighbourhood to install it.
Monofilament Synthetic Turf
This grass is uniform in width and height, with blades that are thinner than other types. Ideal for backyard installation, monofilament turf resembles rye and requires less processing than most fibrillated grasses. Cost is generally similar to other common types of turf.
Disadvantage: Special tools, installation techniques and base rock preparation will be needed for proper installation of this material.
Fibrillated or Slit Film Turf
These generally have wide filament blades that need special processing to break them into smaller blades. An artificial lawn made with one of these products will resemble blue grass or fescue. It is also among the least expensive variations to purchase initially. However, the added processing cost must be taken into account.
Disadvantage: Because of the additional processing that is necessary, it is not a great choice for first-time buyers. In addition, the cost of installation is generally higher than with other types.
Fescue Grass
This is a broad category of fake grass, with many varieties to consider when choosing a lawn. You will find many choices in height, colour and weight. Because of the many options, this is a popular landscaping choice, for both home and business owners. With fescue, it’s important that you purchase as much quality as your budget allows.
Disadvantage: The many choices make it easy to choose an inferior product if you’re not careful and simply choose the cheapest product. Deep discounts on fescue artificial grass usually equate to a product of poor quality.
Augustine Grass
Augustine grass is famous due to its distinctive appearance. Popular with homeowners, it has wider blades, giving it a unique and natural look. It can also have a very soft feel, depending on the blade composition. Augustine synthetic grass is great for both low- and high-traffic areas.
Disadvantage: Augustine fake grass is a great choice, however, if you prefer a heavier and more stable feeling turf, this may not be right for you. Augustine is one of the lightest products available.
Knit-de-knit Synthetic Turf
The basic definition of Knit-de-knit is a variation of yarn texturing where crimped yarn is produced by knitting yarn into fabric and heat-setting that fabric. The yarn will then be removed from this fabric, leaving it permanently crimped. A KDK lawn material will have a nylon thatch layer to support a monofilament fake turf. An artificial lawn made with KDK fake grass is durable and has a heavy weight to it. Installation cost is relatively low.
Disadvantage: The only drawback is cost. Knit-de-knit turf is one of the most expensive.
The choice ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. By exploring your options, you can settle on a product that not only looks great, but offers extensive functionality.
Real flowers or plants are useful for their inherent natural properties. They help in producing oxygen and also add beauty to the area where they are being displayed. In fact, real grass can act on both aesthetic as well as biological levels. However, nurturing real plants and real grass requires great deal of time and effort, especially when they are used indoors. Exuding this much effort can be difficult for people who have a busy lifestyle. This dilemma, however, can be solved using synthetic turf.
Today, synthetic turf comes in several different shapes, designs and sizes to suit the requirements and interiors of one’s home or office. It is one of the simplest ways to add colour and a natural appearance to your interior surroundings, which is why synthetic turfs have become popular in homes, hotels, offices, and even small cafes and shops.
A synthetic turf can be used just as carpets or rugs are, on your living room or office floor. With good quality fake grass, you can create a natural atmosphere right inside your room. If you use a synthetic grass rug in the office, this can help create a relaxed atmosphere for employees, which can boost their performance and productivity.
The possibilities of using synthetic turf for interiors are limitless. For example, long and thin silk-like grass can be used on the cabinet or coffee table to give it a unique touch. It can also be used in collaboration with artificial floral themes to form a beautiful centrepiece in the dining table. A synthetic turf is also a great addition if you have an indoor fountain in your house or office building. By placing adequate synthetic turf along the region of the fountain, you can give it a more natural look and brighten up its surroundings. Other places where you can use synthetic turf include the terrace and the hallway. In other words, you can use artificial grass in many ways to spruce up the interiors of your home or office and add your own unique, creative edge.
By decorating your house or office with synthetic grass, you can incorporate a small piece of nature in your indoor space. It also makes for a unique, original interior design concept. If you feel an indoor turf would pose maintenance difficulties, remember that synthetic grass is very easy to clean and maintain, and always gives a natural look.
For many houses, buildings, or offices, a natural grass turf would only be limited to the outdoors. With synthetic turf, you can now enhance the appearance of the interiors as well. Synthetic grass is more commonly used for the purpose of beautifying the exterior landscape. In fact, its main purpose is to make a lawn look lush and green throughout the year even when the climate is unfavourable for real grass. However, an increasing number of synthetic grass manufacturers and suppliers are offering their services for interior design purposes as well.
Artificial turf has a history that dates back to the 1950s, when it was first called ‘Chemgrass’. Until recently artificial turf has always been considered to be bad for asthma patients. However, in recent years the technology behind it has developed significantly and most turfs can be considered suitable for asthma patients. However the question remains, are all modern artificial turfs danger free for asthmatics? And if not, what safety precautions need to be taken?
Is Modern Artificial Grass Dangerous?
To find the answers to these questions, it is important that you know why artificial grass was considered dangerous in the first place. Artificial turf is usually made of recycled rubber tyres that can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. These chemicals can, in turn, trigger an asthma attack or in some cases, skin infections. The release of these chemicals peaks during the summers when the weather is hot and dry. These chemicals may affect children when artificial turf is used in primary schools. It may also affect both young as well as professional athletes who play on artificial pitches or fields. And it may affect adults who install the turf at home.
It is true that there are several companies that manufacture artificial turf using recycled rubber tyres or other harmful materials. However, there are also artificial grass companies that manufacture turf using safe materials. In fact, you can find safe fake grass manufacturers in Australia itself.
When considering the pros and cons of artificial turf it is important to remember real grass is also known to be harmful to people suffering from asthma or allergies. The herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers used in growing and maintaining real grass are known to be a health hazard. An artificial turf does away with the need for these dangerous chemicals, and is safer than a real turf in that sense. Simply put, some types of artificial grass may be linked to asthmatic attacks, but you should choose carefully, because there are other types that are actually safer than real grass.
What Safety Precautions Need To Be Taken?
If you or your child is an asthmatic, make sure you install a turf made of genuinely safe material. It’s also important to remember you cannot ensure that your child is not exposed to dangerous turfs outside. With the widespread use of artificial turf, it is impossible to completely avoid them. Therefore, those who suffer from allergies or asthma need to be careful when they are playing in fields or playgrounds that are made of recycled rubber tyres. An inhaler should always be kept in hand, and you need to be especially careful during hot weather, as there is a higher risk of asthmatic attacks during such conditions.
It is no secret that fake grass is being used by more and more households everywhere. Even high-tech sports stadiums use fake grass in their fields due to its practicality. Artificial grass turfs are stronger and ultimately cost a lot less than regular grass in the long run. However, the question still remains among homeowners who are trying to decide among the two options – “Is fake grass as ‘good’ as natural grass?” Let’s look at the answer to this question by comparing some common factors:
Maintenance
Real grass tends to become damaged and muddy quickly. Moreover, the grass does not stay bright and green throughout the year. In order to maintain the right shade of color, you would need to control the environment and ambient temperature around your real turf. Fake grass has none of these flaws. It is strong enough to withstand heavy use and stay green throughout the year, no matter what the climate may be. In other words, artificial turfs require only a fraction of the maintenance that real grass requires.
Heat Dissipation
Artificial grass, being made of synthetic fiber, does not have some of the qualities real grass possesses. This includes the ability to dissipate heat. This is one of the biggest problems with fake grass. In saying this, unless you live in an exceptionally hot climate this will not be an issue.
Environmental Impact
Fake grass does not require pesticides or regular mowing. These two actions can hamper the environment. Therefore, an artificial turf impacts the environment less. However, fake grass does not have the ability to take in carbon dioxide and output oxygen like natural grass, as a result it may harm the soil on which it is set. This may pose as a problem if you are thinking of growing plants or a garden in your backyard.
Practicality
Finally, let’s look at the practicality of artificial and real grass. Fake grass is highly practical, as it requires minimal maintenance. Furthermore, artificial turf is a good option in a terrain that is used heavily, which is why it is used in places such as sports stadiums in the first place. Real grass cannot cover certain areas practically, like around the swimming pool. Therefore, it can be seen that artificial grass makes more sense if you would like a practical solution for your backyard.
The final choice between fake grass and real grass depends on your own requirements, as both have their pros and cons.