Active kids v liveable cities

 One of the big drivers of increasing installation of artificial turf is population density and increased demands on sporting grounds.

“All councils in Sydney face increasing demand for more sports fields to meet the needs of [a] growing participation in sport,” Sue Heins, the mayor of the Northern Beaches, says.

Northern Beaches council manages 127 sports fields. Six of these are synthetic and allow almost double the playing time of natural grass.

“These new surfaces are more resilient and unlike natural turf, they do not require returfing or weed control and can still be used in wet weather – meaning more play time,” Hein says.

“We have measures in place to prevent any environmental impact of these synthetic surfaces, such as using cork infill instead of rubber and ensuring old synthetic turfs are responsibly recycled at the end of their lifespan”.

Close up on artificial turf formed from soft plastic blades of ‘grass’ and rubber

Artificial turf is formed from soft plastic blades of ‘grass’ and rubber, which require special facilities to recycle. Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

But balanced against the more durable surfaces that artificial turf offers are concerns about heat island effects of the artificial product in cities. Unlike natural turf, which stays cool in the sun, artificial grass heats up quickly because it absorbs more solar radiation.

“It’s a material that, like polished metal slides, can cause severe burn injuries,” says Sebastian Pfautsch, an associate professor of urban management and planning at Western Sydney University.

In June this year, the NSW government finally released a report

 In June this year, the NSW government finally released a report by the chief scientist, Hugh Durrant-Whyte, that concluded there were significant environmental impacts from artificial turf but stopped short of recommending a ban. It estimated there were now 181 playing fields using artificial turf in NSW, up from 24 in 2014.

The main concern was potential plastic pollution. Most synthetic sports fields in NSW feature long synthetic blades supported by infill; the most commonly used infill is styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) crumbs sourced from recycled tyres.

A tradie rolls out fake bright green synthetic grass in a backyard

Turf war: fake grass is growing in popularity in Australia, despite concerns about its impact

The SBR crumb is the material most associated with community concerns about contamination. But the chief scientist says there is insufficient information and a lack of standards about the materials and chemical composition of the synthetic turf itself.

“Expert advice to the review estimated that a synthetic turf field without structures to reduce infill loss will wash tens to hundreds of kilograms of infill per year into stormwater systems or waterways,” the report states.

How Artificial Grass Has Changed

 When today’s artificial grass or sports turf is mentioned, it is often referred to as AstroTurf, which many athletes associate with the original rough, harsh, and difficult to navigate turf. This outdated technology has given artificial turf a bad name in the sports world; however, so much has changed since the days of AstroTurf. Technological advances have helped make artificial sports turf easy to switch directions on, cushioned to absorb impacts, and more durable than ever before. Let’s take a look at how artificial sports turf can provide you with a home field advantage.

What Is the Difference Between AstroTurf and Artificial Grass?

 When most people hear the word AstroTurf, they immediately think of it as a term synonymous with residential artificial grass. However, AstroTurf isn’t actually a name given to artificial grass; it is a brand name for a blend of artificial sports turf created in the 1960s. Much like how Kleenex has become synonymous with tissue, or how Band-Aid has become a term for any kind of bandage, AstroTurf has become a “catch-all” name. So, if AstroTurf isn’t just another word for artificial grass, then what is it?

AstroTurf was originally sold under the name ChemGrass. ChemGrass was originally used in the Houston Astrodome, where it gained much of its fame. Soon after, an employee of

AstroTurf, Astro Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Sports Turf

Old AstroTurf in the Astro Dome

ChemGrass coined the name AstroTurf as a nickname for the Astrodome’s synthetic field, and the name has since stuck. Soon after its inception, AstroTurf was a hit and was installed in many professional sports stadiums throughout the country.

In 1970, AstroTurf was used for the first time in a world series when the Reds played the Baltimore Orioles. The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs soon followed suit at Rich Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, respectively. As time went on, more and more teams began to adopt Astroturf in their home fields. However, concerns about player maneuverability and traction soon crept into the forefront, leading AstroTurf to employ a crimped texture to its original material, a concept researched in conjunction with the company Monsanto.

AstroTurf and its partners enjoyed much success until the end of the century when more and more competitors began to emerge into the artificial turf scene. Soon, the original company was forced to declare bankruptcy. Eventually, the brand name was acquired by Textile Management Associates where it is marketed to this day, though with much different technology than was used in the original AstroTurf.

This would make the lawn unusable for sometime.

 This would make the lawn unusable for sometime. Moreover, it also depends on where you are located, if the lawn grass is to grow well.

Natural grass will bear the brunt of the weather throughout the year and become difficult to maintain. The lawn would either become hard and dry or turn into a muddy mess. Pet poop, is also another issue to consider.

Fake grass for pets, is an ideal solution to all your problems. It will enable you to have a well-kept lawn, and at the same time provide the critical space required by your pets.
The need for digging up your lawn to remove pet poop will not arise with fake grass.
The faeces can be easily removed without damaging the lawn. The urine passes through the fake grass and is absorbed by the ground beneath and leaves no odour. In fact, any normal household cleaner can be used to sanitize the area.

How You Can Care For Your Pets With Fake Grass

 Most of us have pets at home and we see to it that they have ample space to move around freely. They would need this provision, not only inside the home, but also outside. What if you added fake grass to the mix?

Just as exercise is important for us, it is also vital that our pets also have their daily workout routines. There are many forms of exercises that are beneficial for our pets. Most importantly, they need space where they can enjoy themselves.

The lawn is probably the best place where pets can frolic in a safe atmosphere and would not need your constant attention.

The major problem with having a natural lawn is that it is subjected to wear and tear. It will also require regular maintenance. The grass has to be watered daily and regular application of weed killers or fertilizers would be required.