I came across this article about the City of Glendale, CA banning fake grass–city officials want homeowners to rip out their artificial turf and plant the real thing instead, and they’re coming after homeowners who aren’t.
photo by consumerist.com
On one hand, artificial turf cuts down on watering, fertilizing and emissions from lawn mowers, edgers and blowers. On the other hand, fake grass has been reported to contain toxins, is combustible and decreases food and cover for wildlife.
As a designer, I’ve never used it before, although I have been asked about it. In general, I don’t gravitate towards anything fake–turfgrass, laughs or breasts–but I wonder if the pros outweigh the cons. What say ye? Fake turf: a yea or a nay?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A friend of mine carpeted her back yard with something resembling fake grass. She had a pond in the yard, and was tired of the dog tracking in mud. Worked well for her.
I hate wasting money water on grass that rarely lives more than a couple of years. I’m not ready to go with Astroturf, but I’m definitely game for trying a meadow again!
Hey Julie! I think it can work well in small applications, but I wouldn’t do it on a large scale. It’s an interesting conversation, though–kind of like the real Christmas tree/fake Christmas tree debate.
Jenny, I’ve pondered this question before. I think if I had raised beds filled with wildlife feeding perennials, and some good hardscaping over other areas, I would like to have fake grass in some small areas. I have other areas covered in mulch for animals to “use”, and they could use planting beds as well. I think it is an industry that should be addressed by a new product that hasn’t been created yet.