THE DIRT ON FAKE GRASS

The artificial turf industry spends tens of million
of dollars each year to market their products as cost effective, safe and
environmentally friendly…

Myth: "Artificial turf saves energy."
Fact: The grass material, called polyethylene, absorbs and re-radiates heat just like concrete or asphalt – contributing to the heat island effect and global warming. Numerous studies have measured synthetic turf surface temperatures of up to 170F during summer, creating even heavier demand on energy for air conditioning to cool nearby structures.

Myth: "Artificial turf doesn’t need water."
Fact: Like any carpet, it requires regular washing and rinsing. And on warm days, it requires water to cool down its surface and to replenish surrounding, heat-stressed plants. Unlike natural turfgrass, it provides no long-term evaporative cooling effect.

Myth: "Artificial turf is child and pet safe."
Fact: Since warm moisture, body fluids, and other contagions sit on the polyethylene surface, it’s a breeding ground of harmful bacteria, including staph infections like M.R.S.A.

Myth: "Artificial turf doesn’t need any chemicals."
Fact: It requires a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria as well as other pathogens present in bird droppings, animal excrement, and plant pollen. It also requires herbicides to kill weeds that germinate in the dust and water that it retains. Many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, asthma and attention problems in children.

Myth: "Artificial turf is good for the environment."
Fact: It doesn’t produce oxygen, clean the air of harmful greenhouse gases, capture and purify rainwater, or provide evaporative cooling for our cities. Artificial turf instead sends polluted runoff into our drainage systems, rivers and oceans.

THE NATURAL CHOICE

The Grass Roots Program offers you a natural lawn that, compared to synthetic turf, delivers what you expect – a real grass experience – without excessive cost, water, chemicals and environmental harm.

Learn more about the sustainable, natural choice here.

The Grass Roots Program: "An alternative lawn, not a lawn alternative."

Learn More