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Hundreds of companies have cropped up with newer, better (but still fake) grass.
Aesthetically, it has made leaps and bounds recently, but when my clients ask if I recommend using it, my answer typically is "no".
Here are a few of the up's and down's artificial turf that you should consider before having it installed at your home: The upsides: 1) It doesn't need to be watered.
As water restrictions in Southern California continue to tighten, this is a pretty big upside.
2) It doesn't need to be weeded, mowed, fertilized, or aerated.
It is easy for people with busy lifestyles, another significant upside.
The downsides: 1) It isn't grass! Because of that, you lose the benefits of real live plants.
This is really the most obvious downside but here are a few ramifications of that fact that are less obvious: - It doesn't remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- It doesn't cool the air.
- It doesn't help reduce the urban heat island effect in the way that live plants do.
2) It can get quite warm to the touch.
Be especially aware of companies that use recycle tires for their filler material.
It is black rubber, so it can get hot enough to burn kids' and pets' feet.
Opt for the sand filler instead, if the company you chose offers it.
3) It is a petroleum product.
There really isn't any avoiding the central issue that it is essentially a green plastic carpet laid down outside.
I'd like to see us use less plastic in the landscape, not more.
4) Most brands are not recyclable.
With a few noteworthy exceptions, the backing and blades are inseparable and therefore un-recyclable.
ProLawn is one of the few companies that has a product that can be recycled.
5) It doesn't feel nice under your toes when you walk barefoot.
It may feel better than astroturf, but it can't compare with walking on real grass, or even other groundcovers.
6) It is expensive.
Although it is possible to find deals in the $8-9 a square foot range, most companies offer their product at around $12 a square foot installed.
So if not fake grass, then what else is there as a water-saving option? The key is to let go of the belief that gardens should be 90% lawn with some trees and shrubs around the edges.
It is possible to create beautiful outdoor spaces without a lawn or a fake lawn.
A few things to consider as options: 1) Lawn alternative groundcovers: yarrow, chamomile, dichondra, dymondia, and others, can be used for small areas.
The website http://www.
stepables.
com is a retailer of low growing groundcovers that can take some foot traffic.
They may also have a display at your local nursery.
2) A garden of waterwise shrubs and flowers.
Remember that when you do this the key is layering.
Start with low growing plants next to the sidewalk and step them up in size (this is their mature size not what you buy them at) as you move into the yard.
3) A patio.
Yes, you can have a patio in your front yard.
Consider something informal, like flagstone with a bench.
You may be surprised to find yourself drinking your morning coffee and saying hello to your neighbors.
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