Introducing Waterloo Turf and Our Eco-Friendly Turf Products
Waterloo Turf is a trusted company providing top-quality artificial turf installation services for residential and commercial properties across Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. With years of experience and expertise in the industry, our team loves bringing the beauty and functionality of artificial grass to backyards, sports fields, playgrounds, and more in Central Texas.
In this blog post, we aim to debunk some common myths and misconceptions about artificial turf and its environmental impact. Many critics claim that artificial grass harms the environment in different ways or isn’t as “green” as natural grass. We’re here to set the record straight about how modern artificial turf materials, proper installation, and maintenance can make artificial lawns an eco-friendly alternative for properties in Austin, San Antonio, and beyond. Keep reading as we explore the facts and science behind artificial turf. Rest assured, Waterloo Turf’s artificial grass products are environmentally-friendly and perfect for the Texas climate.
The Myth: Artificial Turf Harms the Environment
When many people think of artificial turf, the first things that come to mind are plastic grass, toxic chemicals, and materials that won’t biodegrade. There are some common concerns and misconceptions around artificial turf being bad for the environment.
Critics point to artificial turf containing plastic materials that will sit in landfills indefinitely and thus not eco-friendly. There are also worries about artificial turf exposing people to toxic chemicals through off-gassing and runoff. Some compare artificial lawns to environmentally harmful practices like paving over green space with concrete.
These concerns stem from some earlier forms of artificial turf that did use components with questionable environmental impacts. Modern turf materials have evolved considerably from early iterations. Leading artificial grass manufacturers prioritize using recycled and recyclable materials in an eco-friendly manner.
The Reality: Artificial Turf Materials
Modern artificial turf is made from advanced polyethylene plastic blades that are designed to look and feel like natural grass. The “grass” blades are attached to a permeable backing that allows water to drain through.
The other main component is the infill material that goes between the blades to provide stability and cushioning underfoot. Early artificial turf used crumb rubber from recycled tires as infill. However, today’s artificial lawns utilize more eco-friendly infill options like:
- Cork
- Coconut husks
- Sand
- Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
These infill materials are porous and permeable, allowing water, air and nutrients to pass through. TPE in particular has been formulated to be lead-free and heavy metal-free.
The materials used in modern artificial turf have come a long way. Petroleum-based plastics and rubber have been replaced by more sustainable options that have less environmental impact. The result is synthetic turf that looks and feels great, while also being kinder to the planet.
Artificial Turf Conserves Water
Water conservation is one of the biggest eco-friendly benefits of artificial turf. Natural grass lawns require a tremendous amount of water to stay lush and green. The U.S. EPA has found the average lawn needs over 15,000 gallons of water per year!
In contrast, artificial turf needs no irrigation at all. Once it’s installed, you’ll never need to water your lawn again. Artificial grass maintains its fresh appearance year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Let’s break down the water savings:
- On average, natural grass lawns need about 55 gallons of water per square foot per year. A typical suburban lawn is around 5,000 sq ft, meaning it needs 275,000 gallons of water annually just for irrigation.
- Artificial turf needs absolutely zero gallons of water per year. Nothing is required to keep it looking great.
By switching to an artificial lawn, the average homeowner saves 55 gallons of water per year for every square foot of grass. Considering that landscape irrigation accounts for over 30% of residential water use, artificial turf allows homeowners to slash their outdoor water usage dramatically.
In drought-prone areas like Texas, reducing dependence on irrigation through artificial grass installation is hugely beneficial for conservation. Artificial turf allows you to still enjoy a beautiful lawn without draining precious drinking water reserves.
No Need for Harmful Fertilizers and Pesticides
Regular maintenance of a natural grass lawn requires the use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to keep the grass looking lush and green. However, these chemicals leach into the soil and groundwater, polluting ecosystems. Runoff of these toxic chemicals is one of the leading contributors to reduced biodiversity in waterways.
Artificial turf provides an eco-friendly alternative that eliminates the need for any lawn chemicals. Unlike real grass, artificial turf retains its vibrant color and lush appearance without the use of fertilizers, weed killers or bug spray. This prevents further pollution of soil and groundwater in the surrounding environment. Homeowners can create beautiful, low-maintenance lawns without endangering local ecosystems. The production of artificial grass does not require any harmful chemicals at any stage.
By switching to an artificial lawn, you can do your part to prevent pollution and protect wildlife populations. Turf installation companies like Waterloo Turf provide safe, sustainable alternatives to natural grass that are better for the planet. Investing in artificial turf allows you to save time, money and environmental resources.
Artificial Lawns Don’t Contribute to Landfill Waste
One of the major sources of landfill waste is lawn clippings from mowed grass. Natural lawns require regular mowing, which generates massive amounts of grass clippings, contributing to landfill waste buildup. Because artificial turf does not need to be mowed, it does not generate any clippings that end up in landfills. With artificial turf, there is no weekly grass cutting, so there’s no environmental impact from grass clippings rotting in landfills and releasing methane. Artificial turf is the better environmental choice since it does not contribute any waste to landfills from regular mowing and maintenance. The durable blades of artificial grass will outlast natural grass by years and avoid creating mowing waste destined for landfills.
Turf Materials Can Be Recycled
Unlike natural grass, artificial turf has the benefit of being recyclable at the end of its usable life. Many manufacturers of artificial grass products now offer recycling programs to help keep used turf materials out of landfills.
The turf itself is typically composed of polyethylene or nylon materials that can be reprocessed and used in the manufacturing of new products. The rubber infill from artificial fields and playgrounds can also be recycled and made into materials like sneaker soles or new driveways.
When it comes time to replace your artificial lawn or sports field after years of use, check with the manufacturer about recycling options. Some will take back the turf and infill materials directly. Alternatively, there are specialty recycling firms that will remove and recycle artificial grass products. This keeps the materials in use and out of landfills.
With proper maintenance, today’s artificial turf products are built to last over a decade. But it’s good to know that once an artificial lawn has reached the end of its lifetime, the materials don’t simply go to waste. The recyclability of modern turf products is another reason they are an eco-friendly choice for your home or business.
Low Maintenance Keeps Carbon Emissions Down
One of the biggest ways artificial turf helps the environment is by reducing the amount of maintenance required compared to natural grass. With a living lawn, regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, aerating, and more is needed. All of that lawn care equipment requires gas or electricity to operate, indirectly leading to more carbon emissions.
Artificial grass however is low maintenance by design. Once installed properly, it requires minimal upkeep. No mowing or watering is needed at all. You’ll never have to pull out the gas-powered lawn mower or weed trimmer again! The low maintenance aspect means less fossil fuel usage over the lifetime of the artificial turf.
There’s also no need for fertilizers or pesticides with synthetic grass. The production and transportation of those lawn chemicals indirectly contributes to pollution and greenhouse gases. By not needing any sprays or chemicals, artificial lawns reduce emissions in that regard as well. Going green never felt so clean and easy!
Artificial Turf Improves Safety
One concern people have about artificial turf is whether it can harbor pests like ticks that threaten human health. But studies have shown that artificial lawns actually deter ticks and other pests. Ticks prefer the damp, humid environment of natural lawns and tall grasses. The hot, dry environment of artificial turf is not an ideal habitat for ticks. So installing artificial turf can reduce the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease.
Artificial turf is also safer underfoot than natural grass. It provides a consistent, cushioned surface with reliable traction. Natural grass can become patchy with bare spots and uneven ground. Muddy or wet natural lawns are prone to slipping hazards. But artificial turf maintains excellent traction even when wet. The infill materials and blade construction provide a stable surface that reduces the risk of injuries from falls, especially for active children and athletes. Going with an artificial lawn improves safety and peace of mind.
The Verdict: Artificial Turf is Eco-Friendly
When looking at the facts, it becomes clear that artificial turf is an environmentally sustainable solution for lawns and landscapes.
The key benefits include:
- Artificial turf dramatically reduces water usage compared to natural grass. This conserves a precious resource in drought-prone areas like Texas.
- No need for fertilizers and pesticides that can pollute groundwater and runoff. Artificial turf keeps these harmful chemicals out of our environment.
- Artificial turf materials can be recycled and repurposed, reducing landfill waste. The base materials and infill can also be reused.
- The lack of mowing and maintenance keeps carbon emissions low compared to frequent mowing and upkeep of traditional lawns.
- Durable artificial turf improves safety by providing a consistent and cushioned surface for children and pets. Natural grass often becomes patchy and uneven.
- Artificial turf lasts for many years, offsetting the environmental impact of installation.
It’s a long-term, low maintenance solution. It’s time to shed outdated perceptions that artificial lawns harm the environment. When properly manufactured and installed, today’s artificial turf supports sustainability in lawn care and landscaping. Waterloo Turf provides eco-friendly artificial grass solutions for Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.