The Top 16 Artificial Turf Benefits: Exploring the Green Alternative to Natural Grass Lawns

In an ever-evolving world, the way we approach landscaping and outdoor spaces has undergone a significant transformation. Traditional grass lawns, once the epitome of a picturesque yard, are now facing fierce competition from their synthetic counterpart—artificial turf. 

Artificial turf, also known as synthetic grass or fake grass, offers a multitude of advantages that are reshaping the way we think about outdoor spaces. In this article, we will delve into the extensive array of benefits that artificial turf brings to the table, backed by data, statistics, and cost metrics, shedding light on why this green alternative is becoming the preferred choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

1. Low Maintenance

Artificial turf takes center stage in the realm of low-maintenance landscaping. Unlike natural grass, which demands regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing, synthetic grass requires minimal upkeep. Once installed, it maintains its lush appearance without the need for constant attention.

According to “American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn,” by Ted Steinberg, the average homeowner will spend 150 hours a year maintaining his lawn. Synthetic grass helps busy people gain more leisure time by eliminating tiresome chores such as mowing, weeding, and watering.

Furthermore, artificial turf doesn’t require expensive lawn care products like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which can amount to hundreds of dollars annually for natural grass lawns. The savings in time and money are substantial and contribute to the cost-effectiveness of artificial turf over its lifetime.

2. Safe for Children

The safety of our loved ones, especially children, is paramount. Artificial turf provides a safe and secure play surface that reduces the risk of injuries. According to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), nearly 70 percent of all playground injuries are due to falls. Without giving up the look of natural grass, artificial turf offers a cushioning spring to help absorb shocks and minimize the severity of fall injuries. The cushioning effect of the turf helps prevent scraped knees and elbows during play, making it a preferred choice for schools, daycare centers, and residential areas.

Moreover, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported a decrease in playground injuries when artificial turf is used as the ground cover. They’ve found that synthetic turf can reduce the incidence of severe injuries compared to natural grass, emphasizing the importance of its safety benefits.

3. Safe for Pets

Our furry friends deserve the best, and artificial turf caters to their needs as well. Fake grass for dogs is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals often found in pesticides and fertilizers. It is also resistant to digging, ensuring that pets won’t create unsightly holes in your yard. The result? A pet-friendly space that promotes a healthy and safe environment.

Studies have shown that artificial turf is a pet-friendly choice. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), 15-20 percent of pets may suffer from an allergy. Your pet could be allergic to things like pollen, dust, mold, smoke, dander, grass, perfume, and certain foods or ingredients. Synthetic grass is hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about your pets being exposed to allergens that they’re sensitive to.

4. Improve Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and a well-maintained front yard can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Artificial turf offers a consistently vibrant and manicured appearance that enhances the overall aesthetics of your property. Homes with synthetic grass lawns tend to have higher resale values, highlighting the financial benefits of improved curb appeal.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 92% of real estate agents recommend homeowners invest in improving their home’s curb appeal before selling their homes. The inclusion of artificial turf can provide an instant visual upgrade that catches the eye of potential buyers, making your property more marketable and potentially fetch a higher selling price.

5. Increase Property Value

The connection between artificial turf and property value is not to be underestimated. Studies have indicated that installing synthetic grass can increase property values by up to 15%. This increase is attributed to the enhanced aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs, and overall appeal that artificial turf brings to a home.

That’s right, artificial grass can actually help increase your home’s value! While it depends on your housing market, and the potential buyers interested in your home, an artificial grass lawn can make your home more attractive, unique, and valuable. Like adding a new deck, or a pool, or installing hardwood floors, adding artificial grass is a home improvement that can potentially add value to your home. If you’re considering selling your home at some point in the future, installing artificial grass may be a wise investment in your property value.

6. Aesthetics

Artificial turf is known for its lush green look all year round. Unlike natural grass, which can turn brown and patchy during droughts or harsh winters, synthetic grass maintains its verdant appearance, creating a picture-perfect landscape. The consistent aesthetic appeal of artificial turf can elevate the visual quality of any outdoor space.

The aesthetic benefits of artificial turf are not just subjective; they are backed by visual appeal surveys. A survey conducted by the Synthetic Turf Council found that 79% of respondents believed artificial turf lawns improved the overall appearance of properties. This data reinforces the idea that synthetic grass provides a consistently attractive outdoor environment.

7. Eco-Friendly

In today’s world, where environmental consciousness is a priority, artificial turf shines as an eco-friendly landscaping alternative. Its environmentally responsible characteristics extend far beyond its green appearance, and it plays a pivotal role in reducing our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources.

One of the most prominent environmental impacts of artificial turf is its water conservation properties. As we grapple with water scarcity issues in many regions, the excessive irrigation needs of natural grass lawns are a significant concern. According to the EPA, the average American family uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses. This not only places a heavy burden on water resources but also contributes to higher water bills for homeowners.

In stark contrast, artificial turf is a water-saving champion. Its installation instantly eliminates the need for regular watering, saving tens of thousands of gallons of water annually for the average-sized lawn. In fact, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) says that a 1,800-square-foot artificial turf lawn can conserve as much as 99,000 gallons of water each year.

Moreover, the eco-friendliness of artificial turf extends to its elimination of the need for carbon-emitting landscaping equipment. Natural grass lawns require regular mowing, edging, and trimming, all of which involve gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers. According to the EPA, the emissions from a typical gas-powered lawnmower running for one hour is equivalent to driving a car 45 miles. These emissions contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Artificial turf, on the other hand, eliminates the demand for these emissions-producing activities. Once installed, it retains its pristine appearance without the need for mowing, eliminating the carbon footprint associated with lawn care. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that the use of gas-powered lawn equipment accounts for about 5% of the nation’s air pollution, making the reduction of emissions through the adoption of artificial turf a meaningful step toward a cleaner environment.

Additionally, the absence of fertilizers and pesticides in artificial turf maintenance significantly reduces the risk of harmful chemical runoff into local waterways. Synthetic grass lawns can prevent the leaching of pesticides and fertilizers into groundwater, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

8. Conserves Water

Water conservation is a critical concern in many regions, particularly in arid climates. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 30% of residential water use goes toward outdoor irrigation. Artificial turf can significantly reduce this water consumption, leading to substantial cost savings on water bills. On average, a 1,800-square-foot lawn can save up to 99,000 gallons of water annually when converted to artificial turf.

A study by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) found that converting natural grass lawns to artificial turf can result in water savings of 55 gallons per square foot per year. This reduction in water usage not only benefits homeowners but also contributes to water conservation efforts in drought-prone regions, helping to mitigate water scarcity issues.

9. Doesn’t Require Fertilizers & Pesticides

Traditional lawns often require fertilizers and pesticides to maintain their health and appearance. These chemicals can leach into the soil, harming the environment and potentially posing health risks to humans and pets. Artificial turf eliminates the need for such chemicals, creating a safer and more eco-conscious outdoor space.

Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that lawn and garden pesticides are among the most frequently used chemicals in residential areas, with over 136 million pounds applied annually. 40-60% of the nitrogen fertilizer applied to natural grass lawns ends up in surface and groundwater, leading to contamination and impaired ecological health in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal waters. By opting for artificial turf, homeowners can significantly reduce their contribution to pesticide usage, promoting a healthier ecosystem and safer outdoor environment.

10. Eliminates Bugs & Pests

Artificial turf provides a bug-free oasis. Unlike natural grass, which can attract insects like ants and fleas, synthetic grass acts as a deterrent to pests. This reduces the need for chemical pest control measures, contributing to a healthier and more eco-friendly environment. Moles, gophers, and other burrowing animals love nothing more than a juicy, natural grass lawn to feast on. But artificial turf offers them no sustenance, so they’ll stay away from your property.

The EPA has identified runoff of toxic pesticides and fertilizers as a principal cause of water pollution. 

 “In Florida alone, about 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, 350,000 acres of lakes and 900 square miles of estuaries are impaired by runoff of pesticides and fertilizers.”

EPA.gov

Synthetic turf eliminates the need for nearly a billion pounds of harmful pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides which are used to maintain natural grass. This significant reduction in pesticide usage not only protects the environment but also reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals for both humans and wildlife.