Over the recent years, we’ve been able to mimic things and make unreal things appear real. Meatless meat, porcelain tiles for marbles and artificial grass for grass. These pseudo-reproductions might not strike a chord with many but their benefits tend to surpass their real counterparts.
The idea of artificial grass seemed like a joke to many more than a decade ago. At max, people would use it as foot mats and would have never thought of covering their lawns with it. Gradually it found a use case in sports fields, like futsal or mini golf. Fast forward to 2023 and you can find a beautiful lush lawn in a significant number of residential properties.
What is Artificial Grass?
An artificial turf is made of polypropylene fiber. The fibres are tufted onto a carpet which acts as the base for the strands of grass. Polypropylene is a commonly used fiber that can be found in packaging for pill bottles or yogurt cups.
Back in the day, it was merely a plastic carpet but technological advancements have helped it evolve drastically. Artificial turf has become a common phenomenon for sports fields. Initially, athletes did find it a bit unforgiving but the durability of the turf made it more favorable. The introduction of shock-pads and infills made a world of a difference. With longer pile heights, cushioning and infills, artificial grass perth became a go to choice for major sporting venues.
Its use case is not just limited to sporting fields though. The fact that it requires zero to little maintenance, makes it very desirable for home lawns. Quality fake grass is eco-friendly and nontoxic making it ideal for kids or pets. It saves people from the hassles of mowing, watering and using fertilizers or pesticides.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Grass
- Low Maintenance, High Appeal
The most compelling reason to move to synthetic grass is its minimal maintenance and upkeep. Unlike natural lawns that demand regular mowing, watering, and fertilisation, synthetic turf hardly requires so much time and effort. You get a consistently green and attractive lawn year-round without a sweat.
- Environmentally Friendly
Contrary to common belief, artificial grass can be environmentally friendly. The sustainable manufacturing practices and use of recycled materials make synthetic turf an eco-conscious product. Additionally, the minimal need for water and harmful chemicals makes artificial grass an eco-friendly choice.
Some Drawbacks to be Considered
- Initial Cost
Compared to natural grass, installing turf could be an expensive affair at first. While the savings in the long run are bound to outweigh those from natural lawns, many homeowners find it hard to justify the upfront expense. If you weigh in all the factors, it is a sweet deal nonetheless.
- Limited Lifespan
Although artificial turf is durable and can last for several years, it does have a limited lifespan compared to natural lawns. Depending on the quality of the turf and the level of foot traffic, you may need to replace it after 10 to 15 years.
Environmental Impact: Fact vs. Fiction
- Water Conservation
The most significant advantage is the minimal requirement of water. Compared to grass, artificial turf hardly needs water for maintenance. Natural lawns demand substantial water usage to stay fresh and vibrant. This is not a viable option considering the water scarcity in certain regions.
- End of Life Disposal
There are concerns surrounding the disposal of artificial grass once it runs its life. However, most manufacturers are now focused on creating recyclable and sustainable turf products. This results in reducing environmental impact.
So the question that arises is whether artificial grass is the future of lawns?
As from the above mentioned points, we can clearly conclude by saying that it has numerous benefits. Looking at the adoption rates in residential properties, it is evident that people are inclined towards it. It offers convenience in an age where people hardly have time to manage chores. It is aesthetically appealing, gives lush lawns all year round and is easy on the planet. Some might find it as a big initial investment but taking into account all the factors, it surely is a sweet deal. We won’t be surprised to see more and more artificial lawns in the coming years!
