Five Misconceptions About Artificial Turf

If you’re looking into replacing your natural lawn, you’ve probably heard a lot of misconceptions about artificial turf. Some people think it’s too expensive, others are unsure of its quality – there are many rumors that people hear about turf. In this article, we intend to demystify some of the strange facts about artificial turf circulating around the internet.

It’s too expensive

Some people have the misconception that artificial grass installations have to be in large areas, like soccer or football fields. Many turf companies often get asked if they’ll install turf in a small residential lawn area, like a front or back yard. The answer is yes! Artificial turf dog runs are becoming increasingly more popular, and even if you’re just looking for a pee pad, most turf companies will help you out.
Don’t be misled though, turf installations also have the potential to be large and expensive. Despite this, any good salesperson will do their best to figure out what kind of turf is right for you. One warning though, the artificial turf market is flooded with cheaply made products, mostly from overseas. With Chinese turf, we’ve seen a dramatic variance in the quality. Some if it is very good, and some of it can be bad, even dangerous. Fortunately, with Easy Turf, you know you’re always going to be getting high quality products that are made in the United States.

It looks fake

In the days of Astroturf, synthetic grass technology was in its most primitive state. Its surface was uncomfortably bouncy, it looked nothing like actual grass, and it just wasn’t a good replacement for a natural lawn. Yes, it saved water, but it was nothing like the ultra realistic artificial grass of today. Modern artificial grass is so realistic, that people often mistake it for real grass. Some artificial turf has a greater sheen than others, meaning it reflects light, but this is more so based on the individual products, not artificial grass as a whole.
The world of artificial grass has developed into a booming industry, putting the customer’s needs first. Companies have sprouted up all across the US, particularly in the Southwest. Fortunately, you can go to any of these companies and ask to see samples of their products!

It’s too hot in the summer

Some people may be unaware that artificial turf can heat up under sunlight. This is a shocking difference when compared to a natural lawn. Usually, natural lawns are cool, even in the summer heat. Conversely, artificial lawns heat up because of their chemical composition. When crumb rubber is used for an infill, it can get even hotter.
To better illustrate – when exposed to sunlight, sand heats up. Walking barefoot on hot sand isn’t very pleasant. Artificial grass is similar. It heats up under sunlight, just like sand. However, if it’s hot enough outside to heat your turf up to unbearable levels, you probably aren’t going to be spending a lot of time outside anyway. If so, you can give your turf a quick rinse with a garden hose and it should be fine.

It is bad for the environment

For some reason, there has been a myth going around that synthetic grass is not recyclable. A long time ago, this was true, but today’s artificial turf is definitely recyclable, and it is even made from recycled materials.
Artificial and natural grass may not share the same chemical compositions, but artificial turf is still beneficial to the environment. This is based on water savings, gas savings (from mowers and edgers), and many other factors that make artificial grass a great way to go green. Over time, we will share more information about why switching to artificial grass is great for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about us, or want to request a quote, contact us today!