Every coin has two sides.Synthetic grass, or artificial grass, is used in urban areas where grass is difficult to grow and for the landscapes of houses for those unable to maintain a natural environment. Although artificial grass can provide a green lawn throughout the year without cutting or watering, other problems can arise from using artificial grass.
Environmental Impact
Many look to artificial grass because it is less environmentally demanding than the real alternative. In fact, artificial grass does require much less water is saved. Artificial grass presents its own problems to the environment during manufacture and disposal. The process of manufacturing an artificial lawn is both machine labor and resource intensive. Additionally, artificial lawns are made of a polymer plastic and bedded with a rubber plastic composite, both of which are nonbiodegradable.
Many look to artificial grass because it is less environmentally demanding than the real alternative. In fact, artificial grass does require much less water is saved. Artificial grass presents its own problems to the environment during manufacture and disposal. The process of manufacturing an artificial lawn is both machine labor and resource intensive. Additionally, artificial lawns are made of a polymer plastic and bedded with a rubber plastic composite, both of which are nonbiodegradable.
Out of Place
Not all disadvantages to synthetic grass cause the end of the world. Synthetic grass was never alive and will not die. For temperate climates, this is not a large problem but for extreme climates, such as those facing near the Arizona desert or the snow of North Dakota, having bright green grass in a drought or a blizzard can look incredibly out of place, ruining the real grass appearance since neighbors with natural grass covering cant sustain their lawns in these times.
Not all disadvantages to synthetic grass cause the end of the world. Synthetic grass was never alive and will not die. For temperate climates, this is not a large problem but for extreme climates, such as those facing near the Arizona desert or the snow of North Dakota, having bright green grass in a drought or a blizzard can look incredibly out of place, ruining the real grass appearance since neighbors with natural grass covering cant sustain their lawns in these times.
Too Hot
Artificial grass is also used in playing fields and some playgrounds, which may present a problem as many synthetic grass systems get far hotter than their natural counterparts. A University of Missouri study found, that on a 98-degree day at MUs Faurot Field the surface temperature on the synthetic grass was 173 degrees. Nearby natural grass showed a temperature of just 105 degrees. This increase in temperature on the ground level also increased the temperature at head level height, raising it to 138 degrees, which can cause heat exhaustion in players and even make artificial grass a hazard for children to play on during the summer months.
Artificial grass is also used in playing fields and some playgrounds, which may present a problem as many synthetic grass systems get far hotter than their natural counterparts. A University of Missouri study found, that on a 98-degree day at MUs Faurot Field the surface temperature on the synthetic grass was 173 degrees. Nearby natural grass showed a temperature of just 105 degrees. This increase in temperature on the ground level also increased the temperature at head level height, raising it to 138 degrees, which can cause heat exhaustion in players and even make artificial grass a hazard for children to play on during the summer months.
