From Guest Blogger Dixie Somers: Artificial Turf vs. Grass: Which Is Eco-Friendlier?

While you may think natural grass would be inherently eco-friendlier than its artificial alternative, the question of which solution is better for the environment can be surprisingly complicated. There is little doubt that drought and aesthetic concerns have caused an explosion of demand for artificial turf, but there are many variables to consider before deciding whether it is truly better than natural grass or other natural landscaping alternatives, such as turf from companies like Westland Turf.

The Importance of Material Used

Artificial turf can be made from various types of material, and some are considerably eco-friendlier than others. The earliest types of turf were made of crumb rubber commonly taken from recycled car tires. While the recycling part is a plus, old rubber comes with a variety of health and environmental concerns, including the release of toxic chemicals and heavy metals when heated.

Many newer types of turf are made of plastic, and adding more plastic to the world is never a good thing for the environment. Plastic is nearly impossible to decompose and will remain as garbage in a landfill for hundreds or thousands of years. However, some companies are softening the blow by using as much as 75 percent recycled plastic in their products. This may actually help keep plastic out of landfills, since the usual sources of plastic are water bottles and other products commonly thrown away. Acritical turf tends to last for a very long time, and the turf itself could be recycled again. All told, recycled plastic turf may have a net positive environmental impact.

The final question of material used in artificial turf has to do with sanitation. Natural grass has many ways to clean itself via natural processes and organisms. Artificial turf can become extremely unsanitary of not properly maintained. Many brands solve this problem by incorporating silver into the plastic material. Silver is inherently antimicrobial and extremely safe for humans. This is one reason eating utensils were originally made from silver before it became too valuable for such use. Silver ions are, however, not at all safe for aquatic species. There is concern that accumulation of silver in the aquatic environment from turf and other sources could lead to problems, although no definitive research has been done.

Real Lawns Are Less Green than You Think

Given the obvious disadvantages and unknowns related to artificial turf, it may seem obvious that a natural lawn is the most eco-friendly choice. Not so fast. Real lawns come with a host of obvious and sometimes less noticeable ecological disadvantages.

The biggest disadvantage is water consumption. Grass needs a substantial amount of water to remain green and healthy. In drought-prone areas, this water could be put to better use elsewhere. The excess demand for water has more than just an economic impact. The depletion of groundwater aquifers and other water sources to quench thirsty lawns can cause significant environmental damage.

Lawns are also maintained in ways that are often not environmentally friendly. They may be enhanced with artificial fertilizers that run off into water sources leading algae blooms and other aquatic disasters. They may also be treated with a variety of pesticides and herbicides that can impact many other species. Finally, few if any species of grass commonly used for landscaping are native to the areas they are used, and they could be considered an invasive plant species if they ever produced seed.

Alternative Landscaping

The jury may still be out when it comes to the use of artificial turf. Certain brands and materials are friendlier than others, and there are many reasons to not have a traditional grass lawn. That said, artificial turf may not be the best way to go either.

Many professionals and environmental scientists suggest alternative types of natural landscaping to enhance curb appeal. This method is being employed in many new developments in drought-prone areas. Bark or gravel is used as ground cover and drought tolerant plants are grown instead of grass. This provides all the advantages of water-savings and minimal maintenance without the potential waste and chemical hazards of artificial turf.

The choice between artificial turf, grass or natural alternatives is a complicated one. From an environmental standpoint, consumers who must have artificial turf should consider carefully the company and material they choose and aim for materials that are recycled and have proven minimal environmental impact.