Choosing between artificial grass and natural lawns is not an easy decision to make for a house owner. Each of the options has positive and negative sides. However, close critical observation will show clearly that there is a remarkable difference in the environmental impact. Artificial grass usually tends to be more problematic than natural lawns, given its microplastic pollution or rising temperatures.
There are many options, but none of them are friendly to the ecosystem. Artificial grass does seem a low-cost alternative and is soft in usage, but it can have serious environmental damage due to reasons one may not be aware of. On the other hand, when natural grass is maintained organically, it might support local ecosystems and even improve soil quality.
They beautify many neighborhoods, but the benefits of natural grass extend beyond mere aesthetics. Synthetic turf can’t compete on these fronts. Natural grass helps lower carbon dioxide and provides sustenance for wildlife. Let’s compare how each fare for the environment and which one might be more kindly disposed toward the planet.
Comparing Environmental Impacts
How do artificial grass and natural lawns compare in terms of issues like water usage, soil health, biodiversity, air quality, and pollution? The answer is shown below.
Water Usage and Conservation
Water is becoming a scarcer commodity. Many regions are having to deal with drought and deficiencies in their water supplies. Natural lawns need constant watering to keep them green, especially in areas that are arid. On average, lawns are watered 2-3 times a week, adding up over time.
Artificial grass does not require water, an added advantage in areas most prone to drought. Your switch to artificial turf could result in savings of thousands of gallons of water annually, easing demands for water supply in your neighborhood.
Effects on Soil and Biodiversity
Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, a natural lawn allows soil and local wildlife to flourish. They provide a habitat for bugs, birds, and the like. The native plants can grow to mention their efficiency for bees and general pollination.
These are the merits that artificial grass does not possess. The artificial grass will harm the soil by inhibiting natural activities that should occur within the soil. Without actual plants, insects and small animals lose their homes; this causes a chain reaction with biodiversity.
That said, with the maintenance of natural lawns, pesticides and herbicides are sometimes added, which can harm ecosystems nearby. Even then, natural grass houses so much more life compared to any artificial turf.
Air Quality and Pollution
Natural lawns can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering out pollutants. Grass and other plants capture CO2, thus helping lower greenhouse gases.
Artificial grass, in turn, is made from plastic, production and waste management which contaminates the environment. Production involves the emission of greenhouse gases; wastes of artificial turf take several years to degrade and thus are a source of long-term waste.
Natural grass purifies the air, while artificial turf does nothing for air improvement. Choosing natural lawns leads to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Health and Safety Considerations
When choosing between artificial grass and natural lawns, we need to consider various health and safety factors. Two major concerns are the presence of chemicals in synthetic turf and potential physical hazards that differ from natural grass.
Chemicals and Microplastic Concerns
Artificial turf is often made from materials like rubber, nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
Chemicals in these materials can sometimes leach into the environment, causing pollution. Over time, the tiny fragments, known as microplastics, can break off and end up in our waterways and soil. This contributes to microplastic pollution.
One big worry is the turf’s infill material, often made from recycled rubber tires. These can release harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Anytime we use artificial turf, we should be mindful of these potential health risks.
Physical Hazards and Allergies
Physical hazards on artificial turf can be quite different from those on natural grass. For one, artificial turf can get much hotter than natural grass, posing a risk of burns.
Also, synthetic fibers and rubber bits can increase the chances of skin abrasions. Studies show higher rates of skin injuries on artificial turf. Additionally, artificial turf has been linked to certain bacterial infections, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), especially among athletes.
Lastly, some people may experience allergies triggered by artificial materials, which isn’t as common with natural grass. So, safety features and health risks should be carefully weighed when making our choice.
Economic and Maintenance Factors
We’ll look into the costs of installing and maintaining both artificial grass and natural lawns, as well as how durable each option proves to be long-term.
Installation and Long-term Costs
When it comes to initial costs, artificial turf usually requires a higher upfront investment. The process involves removing the existing surface, preparing the ground, and installing the turf. However, we save money on traditional lawn care equipment like lawnmowers, which can be quite expensive.
Natural lawns, on the other hand, have a low initial cost. We might only need to purchase seeds or sod and some basic lawn equipment. However, we should consider the long-term expenses of water consumption and fertilizers. Continuous upkeep adds up, making natural lawns potentially more costly over time.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Cost Type | Artificial Turf | Natural Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | High | Low |
| Long-Term Costs | Low (No water, mowing) | High (Water, fertilizers, equipment) |
Upkeep and Durability
Artificial turf requires minimal maintenance. We don’t need to worry about mowing or weeding, saving us time and effort. It’s also durable, lasting up to 10-15 years before needing replacement. However, we must remember that artificial turf can overheat and degrade, especially in sunny environments.
Maintaining a natural lawn is more labor-intensive. We need to regularly mow, water, and weed. Electric mowers and other lawn equipment are necessary. Over time, these costs and labor can add up. Natural lawns are also more susceptible to weather conditions, diseases, and pests, which can impact their durability and aesthetics.
In conclusion, both options have their pros and cons, depending on our priorities for cost and maintenance.
