Things You Should Know About Artificial Grass

Environmental Impact

• Artificial grass does not require any watering. This means it can help conserve significant amounts of water and is ideal for locations that often experience drought. It also does not require the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides to maintain a lush look. However, some artificial grass contains lead, zinc and other potentially harmful chemicals that can leach into drinking and ground water after a heavy rain. It also does not supply oxygen to the environment because it does not perform photosynthesis.

Not Completely Maintenance-Free

• While an artificial lawn requires much less work than a real lawn, it is not entirely maintenance-free. You won't have to mow, water or fertilizer artificial grass, but to maintain its appearance it must be raked regularly with a plastic rake to remove leaves, branches, paper waste and other debris. In addition, artificial grass should be hosed down occasionally to remove dust and bits of soil that cling to the fibers. In the fall, a leaf blower will be needed to clear your "lawn" of leaf piles.

Fewer Injuries

• When used for sports, artificial grass causes fewer injuries because it is a more even surface than real grass. In addition, it is extremely durable and won't suffer potholes or ruts with extensive use. As a result, it's good for kids because they might be less likely to twist their ankles or slip.

Absorbs Heat

• An artificial grass lawn can become extremely hot on warm, sunny days. The plastic and other artificial materials used to create the grass readily absorb heat, so the grass actually can become hotter than the air temperature. It can become extremely uncomfortable and even cause dehydration and heat stroke when sitting on it. As a result, you won't want to use the lawn during the hottest times of the day. Watering an artificial lawn could help lower the temperature, but if you installed the artificial lawn to conserve water, it would defeat the purpose.