Home Garden

Fake Grass and Lawns

For all of the maintenance that traditional lawns require -- watering, mowing and fertilizing for starters -- are the very same things that are not required of fake grass. If your lawn is subject to heavy wear and tear, as many turfs are for recreational purposes, then perhaps a synthetic lawn is the right choice. The cost, which is significantly more than non-synthetic lawns, may be worth the extra expense. Consider two of the most popular fake grasses and the concerns that many environmentalists have raised about the turfs.
  1. Field Turf

    • Originally designed for athletes, Field Turf is the most popular synthetic grass used by 21 of the 32 professional teams in the NFL. While Field Turf is primarily used for larger-scale applications, it can also be installed in smaller and even residential settings. The synthetic grass is made of slit film and monofilament fibers. To keep Field Turf in its best shape, the manufacturer recommends brushing, aerating, raking and sweeping the turf.

    Astro Turf

    • According to the manufacturer, Astro Tuff offers more application and technological expertise than any other brand. Among all artificial grasses available, Astro Turf is the only one with vertical asset integration, which verifies that the product meets and exceeds standards for durability, quality and performance. The Astro Turf brand manufactures three different types of turf: PureGrass, Game Day and Astro Turf 12. Each grass is engineered to mimic the performance and look of natural grass and is constructed from nylon monofilaments. The company recommends an annual maintenance regimen, which includes removing debris, de-compacting infill material and lifting turf fibers.

    Advantages of Fake Grass

    • When used in recreational settings, fake grass has the ability to dry quickly after a rain. One of the biggest advantages for homeowners who install a fake lawn is eliminating the need for a grass watering regimen. In fact, some areas in California, where there is a large push to conserve water, offer incentives to residents for installing artificial turf.

    Health Concerns

    • In a 2008 "USA Today" article, the question was raised about the safety of artificial turf. The chief concern was the presence of lead levels in worn synthetic lawns that have not been maintained. Otherwise, more recently manufactured synthetic lawns that are properly cared for appear to be safe. Some manufacturers have even performed extensive, independent testing regarding the safety of their products.