Is artificial turf environmentally friendly?

Artificial turf vs. natural grass: Environmental impact

In some drought-stricken areas, municipalities have encouraged homeowners to remove lawns, and replace them with artificial turf. This solution only deals with one aspect of a changing climate, reduced rainfall. In some instances, climate change is resulting in unpredictable weather patterns that can increase local rainfall, which may overwhelm storm drains and flooding streets. 

Unlike artificial turf, natural grass can play an important role by mitigating stormwater runoff. A 5,000 square foot lawn can absorb 3,000 gallons of water from rainfall.

Artificial turf surfaces can be hotter

Another downside to artificial turf is increased surface temperatures. Artificial turf can be as much as 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit warmer (20 to 30 degrees Celsius) than natural grass. 

In dense urban areas with more buildings and concrete, temperatures tend to be significantly warmer than areas with more grass, plants and trees. It takes more energy and resources to cool a building surrounded by concrete than it does one surrounded with green space.

Consumers prefer living things when replacing lawns

Source: 2021 Alternative Lawn Omnibus Research – CRC Engine.

In the past 5 years, which of the following have you replaced some or all of your grass lawn with?

Plants and live vegetation: 

• 40% ground cover
• 34% pollinator garden
• 29% foodscaping
• 25% xeriscaping

Non-living things:

• 38% hardscaping
• 27% artificial turf