Synthetic grass is good for the environment.

Artificial grass was first called astro turf. It is made of polyurethane strips, has a very strong and long lasting backing material and looks very much like real grass. Today it is also called synthetic grass and with significant advance in technology, synthetic grass or fake grass is very safe and realistic.

Artificial grass is safe for children and pets and will brighten and make accessible unsightly garden space. It feels good to the touch and looks like natural grass. Many household are concerned about pets but be assured that pet waste can be easily disposed of by using a hose pipe and a simple cleaner. The drainage system will adequately soak it away. The use of fake grass is increasing and becoming more diverse. It is popularly used in business and residential premises, and on sport fields. Synthetic grass will not trigger a reaction if your child is allergic to grass and grass pollen.

Universities, parks, schools and recreational facilities that use artificial grass will save on cost and maintenance because there is no need for mowing or watering. In sport facilities in several countries, synthetic grass is used frequently on tennis courts, lacrosse and golf courses.

According to environmentalists, artificial grass is not good for our planet. They tell us that grass, plants and trees are important in the natural cycle to control greenhouse gasses. They use up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, by photosynthesis and convert it to oxygen. There are, however, other factors to consider. Experts say as much as 8% of global warming is caused by maintaining a good lawn by using mowers and other lawn machinery, fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. You will reduce air pollution, use of toxic chemical and water usage by changing to synthetic grass.

Statistics show that in USA, 98 million households use pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. In fact, annually 210 million tons of pesticides, 90 million pounds of herbicides and 1.2 million tons of fertilisers are used. Lawn pesticides can cause liver, kidney and neurological problems. It can also increase susceptibility or trigger asthma, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of cancer.

Synthetic grass was introduced in the 1960s. It was used on sport fields and the Houston Astrodome was built in 1965. Today with good research and technology, artificial grass are seen in domestic, business and recreational areas. The benefits are significant. You have more time and money in your hands. You spend your spare time enjoying your lawn rather than tidying it. You no longer use toxic chemicals. Lawn mower and other lawn tools are no longer necessary, thereby saving on purchase and maintenance. The surface is tough and durable and in all weather remains consistent. In times of drought and hose pipe bans, while your neighbour’s lawn look worn out and brown, yours will remain lush and vibrant.

You are not adding to global warming by having an artificial lawn. You are, in fact, helping. There is no further release of greenhouse gas, methane, from decomposing cut grass and no more air pollution from mowers and other lawn machinery. You no longer use toxic chemical to maintain a good lawn. So do not feel guilty that you have an synthetic grass lawn. The benefits are the reasons why more and more people are changing to fake grass.