It seems like a dream solution. No more watering, mowing, fertilizing, aerating or raking. Seems environmentally friendly, saves water. Best of all it is green all year!
If you think this is a great solution, there are a couple of things you might want to think about before replacing your turf with plastic carpeting (aka artificial turf).
The cost of artificial turf is far higher than planting grass. Average cost will be about $6,000 for 500 square feet of artificial turf; the same amount for sod installation would be about $1,000 and starting grass from seed would be far less still. Artificial turf lasts eight to 10 years until it needs to be replaced, with the old âturfâ suitable only for the landfill. Planting that same 500 square feet with ornamental plants, trees and shrubs would be initially less expensive than artificial turf and would produce a permanent solution with lower irrigation costs than grass and far more environmental benefits than plastic turf.
A major drawback of artificial turf is the risk of burn injury in hot weather. The surface of these products can be hot enough to injure pets and people. In a 2002 research paper, surface temperature of the synthetic turf was reported to be 37 degrees higher than asphalt and 86.5 degrees hotter than natural turf. The hottest surface temperature recorded was 200 degrees on a 98-degreee day (Williams and Pulley, 2002). Not an ideal summer space for children or pets. Natural turf is cooled off by transpiration, making it very comfortable even on the hottest day. The heat buildup on synthetic grass is a contributor to the urban heat island effect.
There are a few other environmental impacts of artificial turf. Plants capture carbon and produce oxygen. Plastics emit carbon dioxide. While turfgrass has limited carbon capture (woody plants are far more efficient), any plant is better than nothing. The impact of blocking air and water from reaching soil is worsened by the heat created by the artificial turf. Healthy soil is teeming with all sorts of life. The effect of killing that living system by baking it in an anaerobic, dry environment needs more research; however the probability is high that it is not good.
One more consideration is maintenance. While it is true that there is no watering, mowing, fertilizing, aerating or raking, there is the problem of cleanup. The âturfâ is outside all year in our windy climate. Stuff blows in, and to keep it looking pristine you will be blowing or vacuuming debris off all year. If pets use the turf to relieve themselves, residue and bacteria can build up, meaning that turf needs to be regularly washed with water.
There might be some limited spaces where these materials make sense, but living plant materials are almost always a better option.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
