Some Facts On Artificial Turf

May 31, 2023

Recent discussions in the media regarding the pending project to replace the turf at the 88-year- old Spreckels Lawn Bowling Green have included statements about “Astro turf” and plastic surfaces that do not bear out the facts behind artificial turf. Yes, Astro turf actually was plastic, but that stuff has not been around for 40 years now. Artificial turf is superior in texture and performance to natural grass. In addition, artificial grass comes with many benefits, from environmental to enhanced health and safety qualities. Unlike live grass, the manufactured variety is inhospitable to mold and other allergens and resists bacteria and germs while holding up well to the elements and not wearing down with constant use. Engineered for fast-draining, it does not become slippery when wet. Besides not needing water, artificial grass is sustainable because it does not require pesticides, fertilizer or any other potentially harmful chemicals that make their way into waterways in the runoff after it rains. Living in California, it’s impossible to ignore the environmental issues that we face on a daily basis. With concerns such as drought, water conservation, and reducing carbon emissions, it’s important to take action and do what we can to make a positive impact. When it comes to natural grass for lawns and fields, the environmental impact can be staggering. Between the water usage required to maintain the grass and the carbon emissions from the equipment needed to keep it trimmed, natural grass can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, did you know that the average grass mower produces as much pollution in one hour as a car driven for 300 miles? Even with battery-powered equipment becoming more commonly used, there are concerns over the production and life expectancy of those batteries, which are also expensive and their manufacturing process is also harmful to the environment. The production process of artificial grass requires less energy than traditional lawn maintenance, further reducing the carbon footprint. Sadly, traditional grass requires constant watering to stay healthy and green. A single square foot of natural grass requires an average of 55 gallons of water per year! For all of these reasons and more, spending some $30,000 annually to maintain a real grass bowling green when the better opCon of artificial grass costs less than $1,000 annually makes no sense and is actually harmful to our environment.

Thank you to our City leaders who actually studied this and realized the best thing to do some 13 years ago.

VOL. 113, NO. 32 - Aug. 9, 2023

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