Artificial turf isn't just great for your budget. Check out some of the ways which using artificial turf is better for the environment than natural grass.
- Reduces water consumption: In 2011, about 5 billion gallons of water were conserved through the use of artificial turf. According to the EPA, the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day; therefore, a savings of five billion gallons of water equals the annual water use of 35,000 American families. A 750-square-foot lawn will save 22,000 gallons of water each year.
- Eliminates the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides: According to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, polluted stormwater runoff is the #1 cause of water pollution in the state. Much of the pollution comes from overfertilized lawns and excessive pesticide use.
- Eliminates the need for aerators and fuel-powered mowers, meaning no emissions and no gas leaks. A push mowe emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars, and a riding lawn mower emits as much as 34 cars.
- Eliminates grass clippings, the third-largest component of municipal solid waste.
- Removes millions of tires from landfill sites. Artificial turf infill is made from crushed used tires; to date over 105 million used tires have been kept out of landfills.
- Reduces asthma and other environment-caused illnesses.
Thinking about replacing your grass lawn with artificial turf? Take a look at
some of the benefits of using artificial turf for your lawn, playground,
dog park or sports field:
COST
Artificial turf: Initial investment is soon recovered in reduced water bills and maintenance costs. The average life cycle costs over 20 years of a natural grass field are 15 percent higher than the synthetic turf alternatives.
Natural grass: Requires frequent seeding, mowing and fertilizing, creating ongoing expenses.APPEARANCEArtificial turf: Always green, and requires only light maintenance to keep it looking as good as the day it was installed.
Natural grass: Yellow and brown spots are common; can be affected by mud or by overly dry conditions.SAFETYArtificial turf: - Extra
rubber padding reduces injuries; up to 40% fewer athletic injuries were
experienced. The even surface also reduces the risk of slipping.
- Creating safe, appealing places to play sports and be active improves fitness in children and adults.
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Artificial turf is also an excellent option for allowing the disabled
to be active as well. Wheelchairs roll easily on the surface, and
crutches won't sink into the artificial turf.
Natural grass: Potentially uneven surfaces can cause injuries caused by falls and slips; surface is often harder and has less "give."USESArtificial turf:
Can be used around 3,000 hours per year. Extremely durable surface has
variety of uses, and does not require time to let grass "recover" from
frequient use. Always keeps green color, and inlaid logos do not require
repainting.
Natural grass: Surface wears down, needs watering and time without use.PERFORMANCEArtificial turf: Faster, even surface creates smooth movement.
Natural grass: Uneven surface can produce unreliable, inconsistent speeds.
Source: Sports Field Management Magazine, "Synthetic Success," April 2012
Source: "Synthetic Success," Sports FIeld Management Magazine, April 2012