Has the Time Come for Artificial Grass

Artificial grasses have changed a lot since the Houston Oilers began playing football on AstroTurf in 1966.  At the time, this was the first and only pro sports team playing their games on artificial grass.  The AstroTurf used in the Astrodome became necessary when they were unable to grow real grass inside the domed facility.  The artificial grass used today is brought about by different reasons of practicality.  The shortage of water and the monetary savings brought about by the fact there is almost no maintenance involved in the care of artificial grass.

The turf used in the Astrodome, as all early artificial grass, earned a reputation for being unforgiving and causing serious injuries to knees and ankles.  In addition to this issue, the turf looked "unrealistic".  Today's artificial grass turfs are often virtually indistinguishable from natural grass and are generally regarded as being as safe to play on as a traditional natural grass surface.  The latest generation artificial grass turfs are now used in all weather training facilities, professional sports facilities, and school facilities.  Artificial grass turfs were used in the last two Summer Olympics and will be used in the 2010 World Cup.

Most recently, artificial grass is starting to show up in residential landscaping.  The question is whether this is really something practical for the average homeowner.  I would think that some of the same things considered by sports facilities would also be applicable in a residential application.  The average homeowner spends in excess of 40 hours per year on lawn care.  Artificial grass stays green year-round, requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizers and you do not have to be out there mowing the lawn when it's 100 degrees.

Designed for active use in high traffic areas.
Clean, safe and non-toxic.
Artificial turf is ideal for holiday homes where lawn maintenance is not practical.
Artificial turf is ideal for elderly homeowners who lawn upkeep is prohibitive.
Additionally state and local ordinances enacted over the past several years are making it increasingly difficult to control weeds and insects with either pre-emergent materials, post emergent applications or preventative measures – again increasing the appeal and cost saving value of artificial grass lawns.
If you have spots in your lawn that you are constantly replacing, artificial grass will eliminate this problem.

The average cost is about $8.00 a square foot compared to about $2.00 for sod.
Because it typically takes 10 to 20 years to recover the investment in synthetic turf, very few people buy synthetic turf solely for the financial savings.
Some cities ban artificial grass for residential use.  Be sure to check if it's banned or requires a permit before you install.
The only thing a synthetic lawn lacks these days is the earthy, sweet scent of real grass.

Will the grass fade?
Ultimately yes. All synthetics will fade.  Treated with a UV inhibitor to protect against fading and UV degradation.
Does water drain through the grass?
grass is perforated throughout to allow for water to properly flow through into the drainage base that has been applied underneath.
Does the grass mold or mildew?
Due to the non-absorbing nature of the materials used and the drainage base designed to migrate water away from the grass, mold and mildew is not an issue.
How hot does the grass get?
The grass does not stay as cool as natural grass which has water running through it, but does not absorb and radiate heat like pavement, rock or brick.
Will the grass catch fire?
The grass is non-flammable.
What if I spill something on the grass like paint?
The grass is made of non absorbing materials that would allow you to simply clean up any spill without staining.
It does have to be hosed off now and again and I sweep it with a stiff broom or soft leaf rake.

Obviously, artificial grass is not for everyone.  If you enjoy the smell of a freshly cut lawn and take pride in the maintenance of a manicured lawn, stick with real grass.  But, if you find yourself in a situation where the time or cost of maintenance is not for you, know that artificial grass is now a viable option in a home landscape.