At Purchase Green you probably wouldn’t be surprised to know we closely follow all the news that concerns artificial grass. But you might be surprised just how often artificial grass makes news and impacts people’s lives in a positive way. From stories about the generosity of others to new, water-saving legislation in California, there’s been a lot going on in the artificial grass industry. Here’s our round up of the top 10 artificial grass stories from September.

10. Houston Texans Install Artificial Grass at NRG Stadium

The grass in Houston isn’t cutting it anymore, so the Texans are getting rid of it. General Manager Rick Smith announced in mid-September that the team would be making the switch from natural grass to artificial turf. The move comes after several years of complaints from players about the conditions of the sod that had been in place. Source: CBS Sports

9. Ten Percent of British Homeowners Have Artificial Grass

As gardening falls out of favor with many Britons, households are choosing low maintenance alternatives such as paving, decking and artificial grass – with almost three-quarters of adults saying that a lawn is a ‘burden’. One in ten homeowners now has artificial grass, with two-thirds claiming they installed it because they do not have enough time to mow the lawn. Source: Daily Mail

8. Arnold Schwarzenegger (and his pony) Love Artificial Grass

Say what you will about the former Governator but his passion for protecting the environment is genuine. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schwarzenegger spoke of his efforts to save water. “I’ve decreased our water usage this August compared to 2013 by more than 40 percent, and almost everything I’ve done is something anyone can do. Besides just watering the lawn much less and fixing sprinklers, I replaced a big percentage of my grass with artificial turf and tile. And it hasn’t ruined the look of the yard: The artificial grass looks so real that my pony, Whiskey, still tries to eat it.” Source: The Hollywood Reporter

7. Truckers Replace Artificial Turf Stolen from Autistic Boy

A sad story from Britain ended in heartwarming fashion when members of the East Coast Truckers group came forward to donate the funds to replace artificial turf that was stolen from an autistic boy’s sensory garden. Source: Eastern Daily Press

6. Fresno Homebuilder Makes Artificial Grass Standard

One Central Valley homebuilder has decided to bring back glorious green yards by making artificial lawns standard in one neighborhood. Officials with the state building association say the neighborhood is the first of its kind in the state. Source: Purchase Green

5. Artificial Grass Sales Booming During Drought

In Southern California, like the rest of the state, drought is a serious concern. As such, many homeowners are opting to install artificial grass to save water. In the Santa Clarita Valley, for example, water-conscious residents and conservation-minded water officials are finding that artificial grass offers substantial water-saving benefits and, as a result, sales are through the roof! Source: Santa Clarita Valley Signal

4. More California Cities Approve the Use of Artificial Grass

With the California drought continuing for a fourth year, the city councils in Norwalk and Downey have approved changes in their landscaping laws allowing the use of artificial turf and drought-resistant plants. The cities join many others across the state that have begun to encourage residents to install artificial grass to save water. Source: Los Angeles Wave

3. Senate OKs Bill to Forbid Cities and Counties from Banning Artificial Grass

A bill that would forbid cities and counties in California from banning artificial grass passed easily through the State Senate on Wednesday, September 9. Under Assembly Bill 1164, introduced earlier this year by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), cities and counties would be barred from banning synthetic grass, artificial turf or drought-tolerant landscaping on residential property. The bill now awaits Governor Brown’s signature. Source: Purchase Green

2. Gov. Brown Prohibits HOA Ban on Artificial Grass Lawns

Seeking to promote drought-conscious alternatives to thirsty lawns, Gov. Jerry Brown approved a measure that prohibits homeowners associations from banning artificial turf. The law, which goes into effect immediately, applies to approximately 4.8 million homes. The state estimates that landscape irrigation represents 43% of urban water use. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, the author of the bill, AB 349, said synthetic grass can help homeowners curb their water use. Source: LA Times

1. Purchase Green Announces Artificial Grass Giveaway!

Purchase Green announced we will be giving away a free artificial grass lawn! The giveaway is designed to call attention to artificial grass as an effective measure homeowners can take to conserve water during California’s ongoing drought. Entering the sweepstakes is incredibly easy! All you need to do is like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and share the hashtag #SaveBluePurchaseGreen. That’s it! Do both and be entered twice! Click here for details

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