Artificial Turf: Why It’s Not Green

Roughly 50% of the water we use at home is spent outdoors on landscaping. Artificial turf has become a popular replacement for traditional lawns due to its perceived low maintenance and water savings benefits. However, there are many negative aspects associated with artificial turf that must be considered.

Artificial turf was first developed in the 1960s by the chemical company Monsanto, under the name “Chem Grass” It is often made with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These are known as “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the environment and living tissue and can last in the environment for hundreds of years, or longer. These chemicals can migrate into the surrounding environment as the plastic material degrades. Also, as the plastic grass blades break off, they create microplastic pollution, breaking down into smaller pieces over time.

Artificial turf can also become very hot. Surface temperatures of artificial turf are about 20-50°F higher than natural grass. On a 90°F Los Angeles day, artificial turf can reach 150°F or higher. The excess heat contributes to the urban heat island effect, which raises the local air temperature and can lead to increased demand for energy from air conditioning and increased air pollution.

Artificial turf requires soil compaction and multiple layers of plastic and/or wire to protect from burrowing animals and weeds. This affects the soil structure by starving it of water, air, and light and disturbs the soil’s microbial activity. Artificial turf also reduces the amount of rainwater that soaks into the ground preventing groundwater recharge and increases stormwater run-off that is flushed out to the ocena.

The lifespan of artificial turf is about 8-15 years and because it is a complex product made of multiple types of plastic; it will not be recycled. When removed, it will most likely be taken to a landfill where it will continue to deposit microplastics into the soil and water.

On top of those negatives, artificial turf requires more maintenance and water than you might expect. Artificial turf has been shown to have greater maintenance costs than natural grass due to the need for regular cleaning and infill component replacement. In addition, water savings claims are often compared to sod grasses, but there are many other lawn replacement alternatives that will save water and are much better for the environment.

A more sustainable option to replace an existing lawn is to use xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation by choosing native vegetation that is appropriate for the climate, and if needed, installing efficient irrigation methods. CalRecycle has compiled a lot of great resources here and the California Department of Water Resources has a step-by-step guide to remove your lawn here.

The Metropolitan Water District also has a Turf Replacement Program that offers rebates to residential and commercial customers who remove their grass and replace it with water-efficient California Friendly and native plants. It is important that you begin the application process before you start your project. Click here for more information.

For additional landscape and water conservation information visit: www.toakswater.org.