Artificial grass was first used at the end of the 1960s in the Houston Astrodome, the first covered sports stadium in the USA. This type of artificial grass was named Astroturf, after the stadium. From its humble origins in school play areas to the flooring of choice in arenas across the globe, artificial grass has grown a lot since its arrival. Today’s artificial grass is a far cry from the one or two styles available sixty years ago.There is short and long blade turf, varying densities, colors, shades, textures and softness levels.
There are a great number of artificial grass myths and misconceptions floating around. Some of the more persistent synthetic turf myths include the belief that artificial turf doesn’t drain well, that it is bad for the environment or that it’s too expensive. Each of these myths is completely untrue, and in fact, the truth is the complete opposite as you will read below in the 7 most popular artificial turf myths currently circulating:
MYTH #1: ARTIFICIAL TURF IS ONLY FOR SPORTS
This is a classic argument left over from the 1960s. Back then, artificial turf was used primarily for sports venues, even though there were some school applications. In today’s world, this myth has been shot full of holes. Many artificial turf applications aren’t sports-related from custom playground surfaces, dog parks, commercial landscapes, home yards, pool areas and other unique applications to balcony and rooftop installations.
MYTH #2: ARTIFICIAL GRASS DOESN’T HOLD UP TO THE HOT SUN
This myth comes from the fact that artificial grass can absorb more heat than live grass. We often hear from our customers that they worry synthetic grass will get too hot for their kids and pets to play on. Decades ago, older technologies of artificial turf have been known to absorb and transfer heat very easily. The materials used and methods of installation were inferior to say the least. For years this gave synthetic grass a bad name, which is probably why it’s taken a while for it to really catch on.
We now use high quality synthetic fibers through newer technology breakthroughs, varying grass color schemes, and highly effective subsurface cooling systems during the installation process to help keep surface temperatures down. This allows artificial lawns to stay comfortable in most climates. Learn more about How Hot Artificial Grass Gets.
MYTH #3: ARTIFICIAL GRASS IS TOO EXPENSIVE
One perception of artificial grass is that it is too expensive. However, an artificial lawn can prove to be highly cost-effective over the long-term, and can even cost less than a real lawn. As far as upfront costs go, artificial grass is more expensive than installing sod or reseeding your lawn initially. However, purchasing synthetic grass will save you money over time in maintenance, equipment, and water costs. You’ll also save dozens of hours each year that you would otherwise have spent mowing, watering, and caring for a natural grass lawn. Artificial grass should be viewed as a long-term investment as it will pay for itself over time with the savings you’ll see in the long run.
MYTH #4: ARTIFICIAL GRASS DOESN’T LOOK LIKE REAL GRASS
This is probably the biggest myth we hear about synthetic grass. Artificial grass is nearly indistinguishable from traditional grass. Certain types can even feel like live grass. Again, advances in landscape technology has blurred the lines between what’s organic and what’s inorganic, or manmade. Artificial green has also allowed homeowners to be more green for the planet too.
MYTH #5: ARTIFICIAL GRASS DOESN’T DRAIN
Does artificial grass drain? High-quality artificial grass today drains well when combined with the right infill. You won’t experience puddles or water build up. You get what you pay for, so always choose a turf that uses better materials and you’ll find that there are no issues with drainage.
MYTH #6: ARTIFICIAL GRASS IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Artificial turf is actually good for the environment. It’s hard to believe this myth ever got started in the first place since it’s as far from the truth as one can get. Artificial turf doesn’t require smelly gas mowers to mow it every week. The EPA says that running a gas mower for an hour will contribute as many noxious fumes as driving a car for 100 miles! And artificial grass doesn’t require herbicides, pesticides or fertilizer that can harm beneficial insects and our environment when chemicals wash into our watersheds. Learn more about the advantages for the environment.
MYTH #7 ARTIFICIAL GRASS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DOGS
The next myth about artificial grass is that it is not suitable for dogs. Yet, artificial turf is very pet friendly and loved by dogs as much as their owners. Dogs love to play on artificial grass as much as natural grass, but without destroying your garden. Artificial grass can’t be dug up so no more digging holes, and no muddy paws in the house every time the dog goes out. Plus, there is specific artificial grass made just for dogs!
It’s easy for people to just accept false information that they have been told or assumed throughout life, but with the right research and knowledge you can quickly discern that not everything you’ve been told or thought was true actually is! If you have any other questions regarding artificial turf, we’d be happy to help answer them.
