Written by: Jan Chase, Colorado Master Gardener, 2022

Artificial turf has been marketed for many years, there are many different types, price ranges and advantages and disadvantages.  Opinions regarding the use of artificial turf in place of traditional turf are abundant – many support its use, many others oppose its use.

POSITIVE IMPACTS OF ARTIFICIAL TURF

• Conservation of water, reduced need for water treatment and delivery systems, and reduced energy usage expended in the treatment and delivery of water
• Reduction of groundwater depletion, ground water has been depleted by drought conditions in recent years
• Reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides which may be harmful to the environment, wildlife, and contributing to pollution of waterways
• Reduced emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers, with one hour of mowing with a gas powered lawnmower emitting as much as driving a car for 45 miles
• Life span of artificial turf may be as long as 20 years when properly maintained, natural lawns have a shorter life span and require more intensive care

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ARTIFICIAL TURF

• Artificial turf is made in part with plastic, a petroleum product – it is non-recyclable when it is worn out
• Some artificial turfs can get very hot, manufacturers are working to develop products that are better at dissipating heat
• Wildlife habitat is a feature of natural turfs, as well as small insects that live in grass and soil, and birds and bees feed on natural turfs, whereas this is not usually the case with artificial turf
• Surface water runoff can be a problem with artificial turf, natural turfs are better at absorption of runoff water and may keep pollutants from getting into the water supply
• Artificial turf releases carbon dioxide (instead of oxygen), methane and a variety of other chemicals which are not a problem with natural grasses
• Artificial turf does not absorb sound or reduce noise pollution, natural grass does help reduce noise pollution
• Cleaning artificial turf requires harsh chemicals for the removal of sweat, spit, bird droppings, etc.

A study by Environmental Defence (Canada) March 21, 2022, listed the following tips for consumers if playing on artificial turf:

• Avoid hot days – artificial turf can become extremely hot
• Avoid sitting, lounging or picnicking on it
• Monitor young children to prevent accidental ingestion – with potential health hazards
• Always wear shoes – no barefoot in the grass
• Cuts and abrasions should immediately be cleaned
• Remove and clean shoes and gear before getting in a car or building
• Shower after playing on artificial turf
• Vacuum any residue/infill that is brought into the house

A study conducted by Yale University in 2015 found there are 96 chemicals released by artificial turf, with 20% of them probable carcinogens.  Chemicals linked to lower childhood immunity, endocrine disruption and cancer were found, with children especially vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals.

In October 2023 state Democrats in the Legislature of California were proposing bills to discourage the use of artificial turf.    This is an about-face in legislation which less than a decade ago had prohibited the banning of artificial turf by cities and counties, in other words they were promoting the use of artificial turf products in the past.

LOCAL LAWS – Before installing artificial turf, it would be a good idea to research whether there are any local restrictions on the use of the product.  City and state agencies, as well as homeowner associations may have guidelines that homeowners must follow.

COMPARISONS OF PRODUCTS – Also available to help with the decision of whether to install artificial turf are comparisons of products, and studies regarding the environmental and health concerns regarding any products and newly developed products being marketed.

COST – $12.33 average per square foot, including the price of materials and labor

Prices range between $5.50 and $18.75 per square foot (search “ lawnstarter artificial turf”)

ALTERNATIVES – Native Plants

In many cases native plants can be used in place of traditional lawns to reduce water consumption, reduce maintenance and add interesting features to an area of the yard.

 SUGGESTED REFERENCE MATERIAL:  “Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens:  Southeastern Colorado” – published by the Colorado Native Plant Society, available online in PDF format.  The publication is a useful reference for planting ideas, soils in the southeast region, maintenance and watering suggestions, as well as suggestions of methods to eliminate grass without using toxic chemicals to do so.  The publication includes charts listing Colorado native perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees – with information regarding watering, soil conditions, xeric and non-xeric plants, etc.

Native Plant Gardening:
www.conps.org
Click on “Native Plant Gardening”
Brochures are available for five regions of Colorado, Pueblo is in the Southeast Region