Artificial grass is a great alternative to natural grass. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and looks great all year round. But how safe is it? Will your kids get sick if they play on artificial turf? What about pets? The truth is that artificial grass is just as safe as real grass; in fact, it may even be better for your health!
Here are some answers to common questions about safety before installing the artificial turf.
Is Artificial Grass Safe?
Artificial grass is generally constructed from polyethylene, a synthetic material that’s similar to what’s used in plastic bottles. This means it’s completely safe for pets and children to play on, even if they’re chewing on the blades or ingesting some of the product (which would be unlikely).
The only time someone might have an issue with having artificial turf installed would be if they had allergies related to plastics or polyethylene specifically. But it’s not likely that most people have these allergies!
It works in cold climates
Most artificial turfs are designed to withstand extreme heat and cold climates alike. You don’t need to worry about your lawn getting scorched when you install this type of surface; instead, you can enjoy its lush appearance no matter how warm or cold it gets outside!
Plus did we mention how easy it is for maintenance? No watering necessary here—just wipe down your yard every few weeks with a damp cloth and that’s all there is too.
What Is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass is a type of synthetic turf that looks and feels like real grass. It has been around since the 1960s, but it didn’t become popular until the 1980s.
Unlike other types of synthetic materials, such as Astroturf, artificial grass can be used in all weather conditions and on steep slopes. It can even grow around trees and shrubs without damaging them!
The main component of artificial grass is polyethylene (PE). PE is a polymer used to make products like packaging materials or clothing insulation.
The material that makes up artificial grass will vary depending upon its quality level: low-end products use recycled PE while higher-quality ones include fibers made from recycled tires or coconut husks (called “post-consumer waste”).
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Artificial grass is a synthetic alternative to natural grass that is typically made from a combination of plastic materials. |
| The lifespan of artificial grass can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the product and the amount of use it receives. |
| Artificial grass is generally safe for pets, but it’s important to choose a product that is specifically designed for pet use. |
| Many types of artificial grass can be recycled, but it’s important to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept this material. |
| Artificial grass can have both positive and negative environmental impacts, and it’s important to consider these factors when making a decision about whether or not to install it. |
Can Artificial Grass Be Installed On A Slope?
You can install artificial grass on a slope. While there may be no rules against installing it, we recommend that you have at least a 5% grade (or slope) to ensure that water drains properly away from your home and into the yard drain or storm drain.
A laser level will help you determine if your slope is appropriate for artificial grass installation.
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What Are The Benefits Of Artificial Grass?
Environmental benefits:
Artificial grass is a good option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The process of growing real grass requires large amounts of water, fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
When you install artificial turf in your yard, you are saving tons of resources every time you water your lawn or mow it.
Cost benefits:
If you have a large yard that needs to be maintained regularly, then installing artificial turf will save you money in several ways over the years.
You won’t need any fertilizer since synthetic grass does not require fertilizers in order for it grow properly (although some brands may recommend adding fertilizer on top if needed).
Also because there’s no need for pesticides on this type of lawn care equipment costs will be lower as well since there aren’t any bugs eating away at them like they do with natural options such as Bermuda grass which requires lots of chemicals applied onto its blades constantly throughout spring/summer months while also needing frequent trimming by homeowners themselves.
Is Artificial Grass Safe For Children To Play On?
If your children are looking for a fun alternative to real grass, artificial turf is the perfect option. It’s soft and cushioned, so it won’t hurt their knees when they fall down while playing football or other sports on it.
In addition, artificial grass is waterproof, which means that if they spill their drink or get into a slip-and-slide accident running across the lawn, there will be no damage done to the surface of your yard. Artificial turf is also easy to clean with soap and water or even just by using a hose!
“If you’re tired of grass growing between your pavers, there are several solutions you can try to keep your landscaping looking pristine. Check out our guide on how to keep grass from growing on pavers to learn some effective methods for preventing grass from taking over your hardscaping.”
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Install Artificial Grass?
The best time of year to install artificial grass is between late spring and early fall. This is because the ground is not frozen, but not too warm yet.
It’s also a good idea to avoid installing it in the winter because that can be very cold for the installers, and their work will be slower than normal.
It’s also important to avoid hot weather or rain as well because both of these things make it difficult for artificial grass installation teams to do their job properly!
Does Artificial Grass Work Well In Cold Climates?
Yes! You can install artificial grass in any climate, even cold ones. The key is to choose the right type of artificial grass for your region and follow the installation instructions carefully.
Artificial grass is a great choice for areas with cold winters because it does not require watering or mowing (you can use a rake to keep it neat), so you won’t need to water it as often as real grass would. And when you do have to water it, all you need is a garden hose no manual labor required!
“Artificial grass is a versatile landscaping option that can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including concrete. If you’re considering installing artificial grass over concrete, be sure to check out our guide on can artificial grass be installed on concrete for helpful tips and considerations.”
How Long Will It Take To Install Artificial Grass?
The installation time will depend on the size of your area. If you have a small yard and all you need is artificial grass in a few specific places, then it may take as little as one day to install.
However, if you have an average-sized backyard that needs artificial grass installed all over it (and possibly even around trees or obstacles), then expect to spend anywhere from 2-3 days getting everything in place.
The good news is that once your backyard is finished, you won’t need to worry about mowing it or watering it for another 50 years!
How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Foot?
The cost of installing artificial grass varies greatly depending on what you buy and where you live. Some retailers sell rolls of fake lawn for as little as $10 per square foot, while others charge up to $20 or more.
If you choose one of the higher-quality brands, such as AstroTurf or FieldTurf, expect to pay around $25 per square foot.
Naturally, the cost will also vary based on the size of your yard and how much work needs to be done before installation can begin.
The company that installs your new lawn will determine another important factor: whether they use hand-laid or machine-laid turf.
Hand-laid turf tends to be less expensive than machine-laid options because it requires fewer labor hours; however, there are no hard and fast rules here it really depends on a variety of factors including how much experience your installer has with each method and how good their equipment is at laying down synthetic grass without leaving gaps between blades (which creates an uncomfortable feel underfoot).
“Don’t let rain ruin your plans for installing artificial grass in your yard. Our guide on can artificial grass be laid in the rain provides some helpful tips and tricks for successfully installing artificial grass even during wet weather conditions.”
How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Urinated On Your Artificial Lawn?
If you have a dog, it’s likely that they will eventually urinate on your artificial lawn. This is something that is bound to happen and there are some tell-tale signs that can help you determine whether or not this has happened.
If your dog has urinated on the grass, you will notice yellowish stains on their urine spots. The urine itself is acidic and when it touches the grass roots, it can damage them.
Therefore, if you notice these yellowish stains on your lawn, take note of where they are and remove them as soon as possible before they cause any significant damage to your artificial grass.
How Does Artificial Grass Work?
Artificial grass is made from a combination of plastic and recycled materials, usually polyethylene or polypropylene. It can be used in residential and commercial applications, from pet areas to golf courses, sports fields and playgrounds.
The main benefit that comes with artificial turf is its ability to withstand wear and tear without becoming damaged over time.
This means that you won’t need to worry about replacing your lawn every season because it has been damaged by natural elements such as windstorms or extreme heat waves. Artificial turf also doesn’t require watering like real grass does; therefore you don’t have to worry about muddy patches after heavy rainfall events.
Artificial grass provides an eco-friendly solution for those who want their own green space but cannot keep up with maintaining a natural lawn due to allergies or pets that may damage the vegetation during playtime activities (like digging).
Since artificial turf doesn’t have any roots under its surface like real grass does, there’s no need for fertilizer or pesticides which are harmful chemicals anyway!
You also won’t have to worry about having your yard torn up by roaming animals because they don’t view this material as food source.”
“Choosing the right type of artificial grass for your landscaping project can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on what is the best artificial grass to use on sand for tips on selecting the right artificial grass for your needs.”
How To Install Artificial Grass?
- Preparation is key: clean your site, remove any weeds and debris, and level the ground.
- Install the artificial grass in sections to allow for quick access if you have a problem later on.
- After laying your artificial grass, use a roller to flatten the fibres of the turf until it feels like real grass.
- Water your new lawn regularly in dry weather – follow manufacturer’s instructions on how often this should be done.
What Is The Cost Of Artificial Grass?
The cost of artificial grass depends on the type of grass you choose, the size of your lawn and how much you want to spend. The average cost of artificial grass is $3.50 per square foot, but this can vary depending on geographical location or other factors.
How Long Does It Take To Install Artificial Grass?
It depends on the size of your yard, as well as the type of grass you want to install. Artificial grasses come in many varieties and can be installed in all types of weather conditions, but installation time will vary depending on whether you have professional help or do it yourself.
If you hire someone to install artificial turf for you, they will usually give an estimate based on their experience and what kind of material they’ll need to purchase for your project.
The cost varies depending on factors like location (the farther from major cities, such as New York City or Los Angeles), size and type of lawn/lawn replacement project (e.g., replacing entire lawn vs adding additional turf).
Why Should You Choose Artificial Grass Over Real Grass?
Artificial grass is a great choice for many reasons, including:
- It’s safe for children to play on.
- It’s easy to maintain, making it less time-consuming than real grass lawns.
- It doesn’t need fertilizer or water like other types of lawns do.
Artificial lawns don’t require weeding at all! This saves you time and money over the years because you won’t have to pay someone else to do it for you.
Plus, there are no gas emissions from mowers or trucks delivering pesticides and herbicides like there would be with a traditional garden plot full of real plants that need nutrients in order to grow properly without being poisoned by chemicals applied by humans themselves (aka us).
Artificial grass does not allow weeds like real grass does so if you want something that requires less work with little effort left behind once installed then this can be an excellent option for anyone who wants something more practical than having actual flowers growing all over their property
But still wants something beautiful enough look nice when viewed while sitting outside during summer evenings while listening peacefully under large trees nearby.
Can You Make Your Own Artificial Grass?
Yes, it is possible to make your own artificial grass. However, it’s not as simple as buying a roll of artificial grass and laying it on top of your lawn. You need to glue the rolls together first, then glue them onto the ground.
This can be done using hot glue guns or similar products that have been designed specifically for applying adhesives in this manner.
Is It Legal To Have An Inground Pool With Fake Grass?
When it comes to fake grass and pools, there’s one word you should know: yes. You can absolutely have an inground pool with fake grass.
It’s a great alternative to real grass, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of rain or snow (and don’t forget about the lawn mowing).
Artificial turf is made to last long under different weather conditions and will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it—and all the while looking like real grass!
If you’re thinking about installing an inground pool with artificial turf as a liner, all you need are some basic tools and materials such as a fiberglass or steel frame (depending on your preference), polypropylene mesh screen backing fabric and polypropylene mesh bottom reinforcement fabric from your local hardware store.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful in answering some of your questions about the safety and installation of artificial grass.
As with any project, it’s important to do your research before making any big decisions. We’re still working on our own backyard and would love to hear from others who have experience with artificial turf!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about artificial grass and landscaping, check out the following resources:
The Best Artificial Grass: This comprehensive review from the New York Times Wirecutter team provides an overview of the best artificial grass options on the market, along with tips on what to look for when selecting artificial grass for your home.
17 Reasons to Avoid Fake Lawns: How Bad Is Artificial Grass for the Environment?: This article from gardening expert Jack Wallington provides a critical perspective on the environmental impact of artificial grass and why natural lawns may be a better choice.
Artificial grass: This guide from CHOICE, Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group, covers everything you need to know about artificial grass, including installation, maintenance, and environmental considerations.
FAQs
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass is a synthetic alternative to natural grass that is typically made from a combination of plastic materials. It is often used for landscaping purposes in areas where natural grass is difficult or impossible to grow.
How long does artificial grass last?
The lifespan of artificial grass can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the product and the amount of use it receives. Generally, most artificial grass products are designed to last between 8 and 15 years with proper maintenance.
Is artificial grass safe for pets?
Yes, artificial grass is generally safe for pets. However, it’s important to choose a product that is specifically designed for pet use and to follow proper cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure a hygienic and safe environment for your pets.
Can artificial grass be recycled?
Yes, many types of artificial grass can be recycled. However, not all recycling centers accept artificial grass, so it’s important to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept this material.
How does artificial grass impact the environment?
Artificial grass can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. While it requires less water and pesticides than natural grass, it is made from non-biodegradable materials and can contribute to the buildup of waste in landfills. Additionally, the production and transportation of artificial grass can have a significant carbon footprint.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.