When people think about artificial grass, misconceptions often come into play. The idea of artificial materials replacing something natural often leads people to make assumptions that can have little basis in fact. Some assume that artificial grass is full of dangerous chemicals, that it becomes burning hot when exposed to sun, or that it doesn’t drain.
Another problem is that after hearing about all the benefits it offers, some people think artificial grass is too good to be true. They assume that installation must be incredibly complicated or that the turf itself must be difficult to maintain. This misinformation can lead people to consider artificial grass in an unfavorable light or even dismiss it outright. Unfortunately, they’re missing out on a great product that adds to property value while saving both time and money.
Let’s take a few minutes to debunk some of the most common myths of artificial grass.
Myth #1: Artificial Grass Looks Fake or Contains Unsafe Chemicals
Comparing artificial grass to natural grass is similar in some ways to comparing nylon fabrics to cotton. While these clothing materials have their own unique qualities, people often don’t notice the difference unless they look at the tag. The same can be true of artificial grass. If you friends walk on it, they made not initially notice the difference. The artificial element is something you have to actively look for. Artificial grass mimics the qualities of natural groundcover while being easier to maintain. The newest fiber blends also reflect sunlight, helping to keep temperatures in check. A quick rinse or shading quickly reduces the temperature of grass that gets too warm. A related myth about artificial grass is that it is somehow toxic. In fact, artificial grass is subject to stringent safety standards and made out of simple materials like nylon and polypropylene that are found abundantly in the fabrics we wear and even the containers we eat out of. Unlike natural grass, which is often sprayed with pesticides to prevent weed growth, artificial grass is designed to be safe for all humans and animals.
Myth #2: Artificial Grass Doesn’t Drain Well
Many people believe that because synthetic grass is not embedded in the soil like natural grass, that it can’t drain water. This leads to absurd visions of artificial grass covered in puddles that won’t go away. This is inaccurate. While some low-quality or older synthetic grasses didn’t drain well, all high-quality artificial grass today does. The key factors are the quality of the material and how it’s installed. The best product, combined with the right infill, allows drainage comparable to or better than a natural lawn. For example, Purchase Green’s turf is equipped with percolation holes every six inches. These holes help prevent puddles and water build up.
Myth #3: Artificial Grass Requires Lots of Maintenance (or No Maintenance At All)
Misconceptions about artificial grass and the level of upkeep it requires are varied. Some people falsely believe that synthetic grass must be painstakingly maintained. This is where the somewhat comedic idea of mowing artificial grass comes in. People are accustomed to labor-intensive natural grass and think some of this must also apply to the artificial variety. There’s a sense that “it can’t be that simple!” In many ways, though, it is. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be regularly watered – or mowed. It also doesn’t get weeds or die from extreme temperatures.All that said, an artificial grass owner can’t just leave it alone for years and hope that it will stay in good shape. Some maintenance is required, but it can be measured in minutes per year instead of hours per week. Monthly rinsing and brushing, coupled with an annual deep cleaning, will typically be sufficient to keep artificial grass looking its best while ensuring its longevity. Pet owners may want to be a little more vigilant about rinsing, in order to prevent odors, but for the most part maintenance requires limited effort.
Myth #4: Artificial Grass Is Too Expensive
This is a pervasive myth that scares people away from getting the facts about installing a synthetic lawn. With significantly less required upkeep and a strong similarity to the real thing, artificial grass seems too good to be true – unless, of course, it’s just too expensive for most people to afford. Despite this myth, artificial turf is actually a cost-saving investment in the long run.Although it does have an upfront cost, artificial grass leads to the near-elimination of the maintenance costs typically associated with a natural lawn. These landscaping costs often add up to over a thousand dollars a year. These are no longer a concern, nor are the water costs required to keep a lawn green, especially in drought conditions. Since artificial grass can last for two decades, savings in landscaping and water use could eventually be in the tens of thousands. On top of this, an always-green artificial lawn increases the value of your property. Like a kitchen remodel or a new roof, artificial grass adds equity to your home, giving you another financial leg up.
