Artificial Turf Is Killing Lawns: How To Heal Grass
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Artificial turf has become popular for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. While the appeal of a green, manicured lawn without mowing or watering is understandable, artificial turf’s environmental and ecological costs far outweigh its convenience.
Explore why artificial grass is bad for the environment and actionable steps to restore and maintain a thriving, natural lawn.
Why Artificial Grass Is Bad for the Environment
Artificial turf is often marketed as a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to natural grass. However, this perception is far from accurate. While it may save time and water in the short term, the long-term environmental consequences are significant. Here’s a closer look at the numerous hidden costs of artificial grass:
Non-Biodegradable Materials
Artificial turf is primarily made from synthetic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene, which are non-biodegradable. These plastics contribute to long-term waste accumulation, and when the turf is eventually removed, it often ends up in landfills. Additionally, producing artificial turf involves significant fossil fuel consumption, further exacerbating its environmental footprint.
Harmful Runoff
Artificial turf is often installed over layers of rubber infill made from recycled tires. While this repurposes waste materials, the rubber infill can leach harmful chemicals like heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the soil and water systems. These chemicals may enter storm drains during heavy rain, impacting aquatic ecosystems and water quality.
Loss of Biodiversity
Natural lawns provide a habitat for insects, birds, and other small wildlife. Homeowners eliminate these microhabitats by replacing grass with artificial turf, reducing local biodiversity. Pollinators like bees and butterflies — already threatened by habitat loss — are particularly affected by this shift.
Heat Retention
Artificial turf absorbs and retains heat far more than natural grass. This creates a heat island effect in urban and suburban areas, making outdoor spaces uncomfortable and contributing to localized temperature increases that can affect nearby ecosystems.
Water Drainage Issues
Artificial turf disrupts natural water absorption. Unlike real grass, which allows water to seep into the soil and replenish groundwater, artificial turf creates a barrier. This can increase surface runoff, erosion, and flooding in some areas.
Misleading Maintenance Claims
While artificial turf is marketed as low-maintenance, it still requires care. Homeowners must clean debris, manage odors, and occasionally replace worn sections. Moreover, maintaining its appearance often involves using chemicals to remove mold or algae, which can harm the environment.
Healing Grass: Steps To Revitalize Lawns
Decided to replace artificial turf with natural grass? Here are practical steps to help any lawn recover and thrive:
Remove Artificial Turf Responsibly
When removing artificial turf, ensure it is disposed of properly. Research local recycling programs that accept synthetic materials. Some manufacturers offer take-back programs for used turf, which may prevent it from ending up in landfills.
Test and Restore Soil Health
After removing the turf, test the soil for contaminants and nutrient levels. Artificial turf often compacts the soil beneath it, reducing its ability to support plant life. Aerate the soil to improve its structure and let water, air and nutrients permeate into deeper layers.
Also, add organic compost to replenish nutrients and consider planting cover crops like clover or ryegrass to naturally enrich the soil before laying down new grass seed.
Choose Native Grass Varieties
Opt for native grass species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Native grasses require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native varieties, making them a more sustainable choice.
Establish Water-Wise Practices
Water conservation is essential for a healthy lawn. Install a rain barrel to collect runoff and use it for irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and consider using a smart irrigation system to avoid overwatering.
Foster Biodiversity
Enhance the lawn’s ecosystem by planting wildflowers, shrubs, or small trees that attract pollinators and other wildlife. Adding a birdbath or nesting boxes can also encourage biodiversity.
Avoid Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
Switch to organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods to minimize environmental impact. Compost, seaweed extract, and manure are excellent organic options for feeding lawns. For pest control, consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or using neem oil sprays.
Mulch Grass Clippings
When mowing, leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural mulch. This practice helps retain soil moisture, reduces the need for additional fertilizer, and prevents weeds.
Introduce Microorganisms to the Soil
Healthy soil is teeming with microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, which help break down organic matter and provide nutrients to grass.
If the soil has been compacted or stripped of life, consider applying a microbial inoculant or compost tea to reintroduce beneficial microorganisms. These treatments jump-start the natural processes necessary for a thriving lawn.
Use Organic Mulch for Bare Areas
Cover any bare patches with a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature, giving new grass seeds a better chance to establish. It also decomposes over time, adding nutrients back into the soil.
Create Rain Gardens for Excess Runoff
If the lawn experiences drainage issues due to compacted soil left by artificial turf, consider installing a rain garden. Rain gardens use native plants and grasses to absorb and filter runoff water, reducing flooding and improving groundwater recharge.
Rotate Planting Areas for Soil Recovery
If the lawn space is large, consider dividing it into zones and rotating planting efforts. For example, focus on revitalizing one section while covering another with a ground cover like clover or wildflowers. Rotating areas prevents the overuse of resources and gives the soil time to recover.
Incorporate Permeable Pathways
To minimize foot traffic on the lawn, incorporate permeable pathways made from gravel, stone, or permeable pavers. These pathways allow water to seep into the ground while reducing soil compaction, creating a more resilient landscape.
Encourage Earthworm Activity
Earthworms aerate the soil and enrich it with nutrients through their castings. To attract earthworms, apply organic matter like compost or leaf mulch and avoid using chemical pesticides. Earthworms will naturally enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting a healthier lawn.
Install Drip Irrigation
For precise and efficient watering, consider installing a drip irrigation system beneath the surface of the lawn. This system delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and ensuring even distribution. Drip irrigation is especially helpful during the early stages of lawn establishment.
Maintain Regularly
Consistent care is key to a thriving lawn. Mow at the appropriate height according to the grass type, remove weeds manually, and overseed bare patches annually to maintain a lush, even appearance.
The Bigger Picture: Advocacy and Awareness
Choosing natural grass over artificial turf is a step toward a healthier environment, but broader systemic changes are also needed. Support local policies that promote sustainable landscaping practices and discourage the use of artificial turf in public spaces. Advocate for community green spaces that prioritize biodiversity and water conservation.
A Greener Future for Lawns
Artificial turf may seem convenient, but its environmental downsides make it a poor substitute for natural grass. Understanding why artificial grass is bad for the environment and taking steps to restore lawns can help contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Investing in a natural lawn benefits the property, supports local ecosystems, conserves resources, and combats climate change. Healing grass is more than a landscaping choice — it’s a commitment to protecting the planet.
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About the author
Jane Marsh
Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.