Artificial Grass Pros and Cons (2025 Update)

Artificial turf is the newest trend in landscaping. However, is it the most effective option for your backyard?

A growing number of homeowners are moving to different types or artificial turf. The outdoor carpet of fake grass is available in many varieties like in-fill, non-infill or hybrid grass. The types used in homes are in-fill, as well as 4G and 3G sports surfaces. NFL, World Cup, and Rugby Superteam competitions all use the hybrid grass which is a mix of fake and real grass.

While artificial turf is now an increasingly popular option, a large majority of homeowners turn against this choice. Many believe it’s practical and economical, however it’s not always the case. Therefore, we’ve laid out the advantages and disadvantages so that you can evaluate your options.

What are the benefits to artificial grass?

Great for trampolines that are under and above-ground pools.

This is an often-overlooked benefit that artificial turf has. Natural grass is often dying beneath trampolines and smaller kiddy above-ground swimming pools since it’s not exposed to sunlight. If you’re planning to install these exciting backyard toys think about dividing it to make artificial grass. I’ve seen it firsthand in my friend’s backyard across the road that the artificial turf is under the trampoline that is large. To have enjoyment, he built a an putting green that is small close to the trampoline.

It looks great all the time (with minimal effort)

The artificial grass that you can purchase looks fantastic… as good as real grass. It is green all year long it is the perfect size all the time (no mower needed) and lets you enjoy the evenings when you have to pull out the lawnmowers. Win the game, win and win.

You can play it all year long

I am a huge fan of throwing the ball with my kids however, when the grass is wet it’s not as enjoyable. Artificial grass can play on the field at any time since it dries quickly after a rainfall. This is an incredible benefit to me.

There are no pesticides or fertilizers required.

Contrary to natural grass that needs fertilizers and pesticides to maintain its appearance and to be free of gnats and other critters artificial grass does not need any of these hazardous chemicals to be applied to it. That means that you do not need to be concerned over the security of your pet or your kids playing in the backyard and getting exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Durable / Long-lasting

Artificial grass is extremely long-lasting and provides a smooth surface where pets and children can play. Because it’s so strong and also because there aren’t grass patches that are uneven this kind of lawn is more durable over natural grass. Although patches might appear over time due to damage and wear, the lawn is usually able to last many years before it requires repairs or replacement.

You don’t have to drink water.

Homeowners are thrilled to not need to water their yards in order in order to make it look its most attractive. This is not just advantageous economically (lower cost of water) however it’s beneficial for conserving water. This means that, after the initial cost of installing artificial grass at your residence you won’t have to spend money on weekly maintenance to keep it green.

Cost of maintenance is lower (compared regular grass)

There are lower costs for maintenance for artificial grass than when you have real grass. As opposed to a natural garden that requires you to mow and fertilize, weedeat and spray pesticides on a regular basis to ensure it looks its best, artificial lawn doesn’t require all the extra maintenance. It could at times need to be refilled, vacuumed or minor repairs, however, they are much cheaper maintenance options than conventional lawn maintenance.

Since artificial grass cannot be damaged easily because of its toughness it can be played on regardless of the weather. Contrary to traditional lawns, which can easily be ripped out when it’s raining outside artificial grass can be played throughout the year.

What are the disadvantages for artificial turf?

Off-gassing/chemicals

There are some questions about how artificial grass is constructed in specific areas, and whether it is contaminated with harmful chemicals. To ensure that every person on the grass are protected at all times it is essential to ensure that you purchase from a supplier who guarantees the security for their products.

It gets hot when it is hot

Although you can play with artificial grass throughout the season however, in the summer heat that it is exposed to sunlight for most of the time it can get very sweaty and unpleasant. It is common to find that the temperatures of synthetic turf to be 37 degrees higher than the temperature of the air surrounding it.

Runoff

The issue of runoff is one of the biggest for artificial grass because the chemicals contained within the product may be transported into water sources. The problem with hard rainstorms is that they can because they cause an abundance of water runoff, which could possibly be harmful.

Chemicals that are toxic and toxic

Medical experts have suggested that there’s enough natural grass that contains lead to cause health risks, particularly to children. They claim the quantity of lead contained in the product could reduce growth, mental retardation even death if exposed for long-term exposure.

Asthmatics may have difficulty breathing when playing with artificial turf for a prolonged period of time because of the asthma-related effects it has.

It can become a breeding ground for certain bacteria.

In contrast to natural grass, which is able to withstand certain bacteria but also permit cells and other substances to enter the soil artificial grass could be a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria. Research has shown that staphylococci can remain on the kind of synthetic material that is used in creation synthetic grass for up to 90 days. In addition the blood, skin or other biological substances which are left on artificial grass won’t be able to easily dissolve in the ground unless they are removed by an individual.

Artificial Grass Frequently Asked Questions

Who, When, and Where Was Artificial Grass Invented?

Artificial grass was developed during the year the year 1965 in 1965 by James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright. It was first introduced in the Houston Astro Dome for the Houston Astros Baseball Team in 1966. Prior to that it was used, there were many variations of what’s now known as AstroTurf including Chemgrass. In 1964, this particular product came into use at Moses Brown School in Providence Rhode Island by the Creative Products Group. This was the very first massive installation of synthetic grass.

What’s the various terms that refer to synthetic grass?

There are numerous terms that refer to artificial grass, and they can be commonly used interchangeably. Here are a few of them:

• synthetic grass
• artificial turf
• Astroturf
• artificial turf
• turf grass
• synthetic turf
• synthetic lawn

How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?

Artificial grass that is of the highest quality can last for over two decades, and some even making it past 25 years. One of the main factors that determine the longevity of the turf is the place of installation on which the grass is placed. If it is located in an area that is heavily used the turf will not last longer than artificial grass put in a location that is not in the way of pedestrians.

The weather also plays a part. If the artificial grass is always in direct sunlight in the desert and is deteriorating, it will quicker than artificial grass in shade.

Can Artificial Grass Be Repaired?

Yes. depending on the extent that the issue is, you might be able make repairs on your own. There are a lot of videos and articles available on the web that will guide you through different types repair options that fall within the the reach for non-professionals.

However, more severe damage might necessitate hiring an expert. In some instances the damage could be so severe that it makes more sense to take the patch off completely.

Can Artificial Grass Be Recycled?

Yes. But recycling synthetic grass can be more challenging than recycling everyday household objects like cans or boxes. Artificial grass is made of a variety of materials and the materials have to be separated in the recycling process. This requires some time as well as equipment. Due to this, artificial grass isn’t reused as extensively.

Can Used Artificial Grass Be Resold?

Yes. Artificial grass that has been used is a new and expanding industry due to businesses that are committed to reusing artificial grass. This is cheaper than purchasing new artificial grass. There are many companies out there who specialise in recycling, repurposing and reusing old artificial grass to customers who are looking for the benefits that it provides without the cost.

Is Some Artificial Grass Heat Resistant?

Yes. A lot of these products have been verified and tested to be resistant to heat. Go through the packaging or the website of the product you are considering and be able to determine if it’s been proven to be heat-resistant. If the artificial grass you are considering isn’t extremely heat-resistant, it is more susceptible to deterioration in the heat. In general the thicker turf blades will endure heat more effectively than those with thinner blades.

Can Artificial Grass Be Cleaned With a Vacuum?

Vacuuming could harm your artificial grass particularly if it’s constructed with infill. Infill is completely absorbed. If it’s not laid with the infill it poses less risk for that artificial turf. However there is still the possibility that the suction from the vacuum with time will begin to weaken the grip that the artificial grass is able to exert over the soil. This could result in more fake grass being pulled upwards in time, so that it loses the appearance and feel.

Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Concrete?

Yes. But there are a few questions. One of them is drainage. When artificial grass is placed on top of the dirt it drains like the soil beneath it. However, if the artificial grass is placed over concrete, drainage isn’t possible without certain steps for example, like installing an additional layer of tile or sand between artificial grass and concrete.

Another problem with synthetic grass on concrete concerns the toughness of concrete’s hardness. You’ll lose the softness of real grass if artificial grass is placed on concrete.

The concrete must be in good order and as smooth and clean as is feasible. The presence of bumps and lumps on the surface make the application of artificial turf harder.

Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Decking?

Yes. That, however, supposes your decking is in good working order. Contrary to concrete and earth wood decks, wooden decks could be rotting when not maintained and protected properly. Therefore, it is crucial to place the artificial turf on a deck well-maintained. If you don’t, it will cause premature degradation of the turf.

Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on a Slope?

Yes. There are some differences in the logistics the installation of artificial grass in flat land it is possible and is very typical. In addition, it is frequently suggested as an alternative to live landscapes when a lot of sloping occurs in a land area. A lot of sloping could be a challenge for grasses and plants because of watering and other problems.

Can Artificial Grass Be Laid on Soil?

Yes. In reality, for best outcomes, artificial grass must be laid over the soil which is compacted and sandy. If your soil is contaminated with excessive clay the soil may not drain properly, and this could result in the turf to suffer damage. The best solution to this is to put a draining layer above the clay. After this layer has been set, you’re good to go.