Astroturf: Friend or Foe?
Lots of rainfall this summer in Connecticut means lawns stayed uncommonly lush. But with extreme weather patterns, there’s no telling if next summer will bring a deluge (as catastrophic floods submerged towns in southern VT in July) or a drought. In drier parts of the country, lawns are actually being outlawed because they drink up too much water. Once considered a faux pas for residential landscaping, faux grass has come a long way and is experiencing a bump in popularity with homeowners trying to defy the weather and save money. But worry-free as it may seem, fake grass comes with its own set of concerns. Here’s our take on the pros and cons of artificial lawns:
An artificial pool surround in a Weston, CT backyard.
Pro: The (Natural) Grass Isn't Always Greener…
An astonishing 102,000 square miles of land in the United States are dedicated to lawns, parks, and golf courses. This expanse equals the combined area of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. With nearly half of the country grappling with drought conditions, the once joyful expanse of lawns now poses potential stress.
The iconic lawn, once a symbol of postwar American prosperity, is now an ecological dead zone, draining the nation's aquifers. Americans collectively douse their lawns with enough water to fill a staggering 5,000,000 Olympic swimming pools. Even beyond water consumption, the environmental impact of gas-powered mowers contributes to five percent of the nation's air pollution.
Pro: A Low-Maintenance Lifestyle
Connecticut's climate often historically lends itself to picturesque landscapes, and maintaining pristine lawns is a household tradition. However, the fast-paced nature of modern living might make it challenging to dedicate the time and effort needed for natural grass maintenance.
Artificial turf provides a low-maintenance alternative, maintaining a natural grass aesthetic without resorting to stone landscaping. Beyond its convenience, artificial grass offers an opportunity to conserve water and eliminate carbon emissions from mowing.
The Weston, CT homeowner whose yard is pictured here, Deb Montner, co-founder and partner of Montner Tech PR in Fairfield, opted for a turf pool surround because she says, “We don’t need to irrigate a lawn which would have been ineffective in narrow stretches between the deck and stone coping. Grass edges tend to burn out along hot stone. I mainly wanted a clean feel under foot which didn’t absorb heat like stone would. It’s beautiful and low-maintenance.”
Con: Chemical Concerns
Beyond environmental considerations, both artificial turf and natural lawns introduce health risks. Chemical exposure is a shared concern – pesticides used on natural lawns and the potential for toxic substances leaching from artificial turf products into soil and groundwater. Gas-powered mowers contribute to air pollution and further chemical exposure.
Meanwhile, the use of petroleum-based materials in synthetic grass manufacturing has ecological implications, raising concerns about the long-term effects of these materials. Balancing the water-saving benefits of artificial turf with the potential environmental consequences of its production is a crucial consideration. When contemplating artificial grass, researching its construction materials and ensuring they adhere to safety standards is imperative.
Pro or Con? (Gr)aesthetic Appeal
Despite advancements in replicating natural grass, artificial lawns continue to grapple with aesthetic acceptance. Nonetheless, technological progress has enhanced the realism of artificial turf, blurring the boundary between real and synthetic. Astroturf has evolved since the 1960s, and has transitioned from harder nylon surfaces to sophisticated versions featuring softer infill materials and plastic grass overlays. The question arises: are meticulously manicured natural lawns truly any more natural in appearance?
Verdict: Poolside: A Surf and Turf Solution
Choosing between natural and artificial grass isn't a straightforward verdict; it's a nuanced decision with compelling arguments on both fronts. In a world fraught with ecological concerns and societal norms of immaculate lawns, compromise emerges as an attractive option. The integration of both natural and artificial turf offers an appealing and eco-conscious middle ground. By strategically incorporating synthetic grass in high-traffic areas or around pools, or in areas like concrete balconies where planting grass just isn’t practical, homeowners can conserve water, reduce maintenance efforts, and preserve the allure of natural grass in other sections of their yard.
Our Sources: To research the pros and cons of turf lawns in more depth, check out these articles:
Discover Magazine: Your Perfect Lawn is Bad for the Environment, What to do Instead
Architectural Digest: Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
Architectural Digest: Hang On, Is Artificial Grass Actually Chic?
CT.Gov: Occupational Health Assessment Artificial Turf Fields
The New York Times: Opinion: How to Fall Out of Love with Your Lawn