Astro turf lawn mower. Astro turf lawn mower

Artificial Grass for Lawns

Do you spend more time on the weekends mowing, weeding, raking, and watering your lawn than you do enjoying your yard and relaxing with your family? GoForeverGreen has the solution to help you take back your weekends. ProGreen Synthetic Grass from GoForeverGreen is the best solution to reducing that mountain of yard work that greets you every Saturday morning. Whether your existing lawn is large or small, GoForeverGreen has solutions that will provide you with a realistic looking and feeling artificial lawn surface that can last longer than your asphalt roof.

Artificial Lawn Solutions Save Money

Depending on the size of your lawn, consistent watering to maintain a healthy and thick green can be responsible for between 50% and 70% of your monthly water bill. Mowing your lawn may not seem like a big expense, but the purchase of a lawn mower, fuel, oil, and proper maintenance all add up. If you have a large property a professional landscaping service might be necessary, which can be an even larger monthly cost. These and other expenses can create large monthly costs that could be easily reduced by installing artificial grass in place of your existing grass. Artificial grass requires very little maintenance and ongoing costs, and lasts for up to 25 years under regular use.

Synthetic Grass Saves You Time

By the time Friday rolls around you’ve earned a few days off. After working hard all week the last thing you want to do is yard work. Weekends are for spending time with friends and family, catching the big game, cooking great meals, eating out, or just catching up on your own hobbies. Taking care of your yard, specifically your lawn can eat up valuable weekend time. With a beautiful and low maintenance artificial lawn, you’ll be able to spend more time on your weekends doing the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do. Your new artificial lawn will never fade in the sun and has a look and feel that’s incredibly similar to real grass.

Pets Love Artificial Grass

Your pets won’t know the difference between your old lawn and your new artificial lawn, until they try to dig a hole, of course. Not to worry; with high quality ProGreen Synthetic Grass it’s highly unlikely that your pet will be able to damage, rip, tear, or penetrate into the layers underneath your new K-9 turf lawn. If your pets somehow manage to damage your artificial lawn or it’s damaged in some other way, you’re covered with an 8 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Converting your lawn into artificial grass will save you money and time that can be spent in more enjoyable and productive ways. It’s time you took back your weekends.

For more information about installing synthetic grass or for a free estimate call GoForeverGreen today: (888) 226-0843.

News reports hint at a link between plastic grass and cancer. But a distinction needs to be made between sports fields and home applications, and manufacturers need to come clean.

In an unfortunate coincidence, I had been weighing the pros and cons of artificial lawn grass, and was about to put down a big patch of fake grass in my backyard, when a news feed rolled across my laptop about six Philadelphia baseball players who died of brain cancer, possibly linked to their time playing on artificial turf.

I put my project on hold, while I’ve been digging deeper into new and past research on artificial grass. To simplify, I’m going to distinguish between artificial turf for sports fields, and faux lawns for homeowners. This is key to assessing the risks and benefits.

One of the things I found confusing about the new research is the “vector” by which human beings might have significant exposure to the grass. Does a face plant at the 20-yard-line constitute a major exposure? Or is there something in the air? Researchers wonder whether the entry point for these chemicals might be through the skin, when athletes slide on the stuff and grind it into their flesh, but direct cause-and-effect evidence is lacking.

For example, at Washington State about 5 years ago, a coach suggested that turf might have caused a cancer “cluster” in former players. Research by the Washington State Dept of Health. however, found that the apparent high level of players with cancer was not statistically abnormal.

Of special concern is the “crumb rubber” used as a filler on artificial grass. It causes the grass strands to stand up, and adds some cushion to the ground. It’s made from ground up auto tires, and can contain elevated levels of heavy metals such as lead, and other health hazards such as “Carbon black” and benzothiazole.

Crumb rubber, despite being an obvious vector for inhaled, ingested or “absorbed” toxins, has been tested since at least the mid-2000s. But even this material, which is clearly not something you want in your body, is tough to connect directly to health outcomes. The New York Dept. of Health, for instance, simulated what might happen if children” play on a crumb rubber based lawn.

“None of these simulated absorption studies indicated that ingestion of crumb-rubber bychildren would pose a significant health risk. A controlled study that fed crumb rubber to laboratory rats for 14 days and incorporated crumb rubber into their bedding material found no signs of adverse health effects resulting from the exposures.”

Let’s take the FOCUS off of crumb rubber, however, and look at the residential artificial lawns. They’re installed differently from sports turf, although the share some of the same characteristics, most notably, a backer and

The PFAS Problem

Crumb rubber tends to be the most talked about toxic stuff in artificial turf, but modern artificial turf contains what may be an even more insidious threat: PFAS. This is a class of so-called “forever chemicals,” about 12,000 in number, that “are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems.”

According to The Guardian, testing of sports turf found a toxic brew of PFAS:

“Recent independent testing of multiple artificial fields has found the presence of highly toxic PFAS compounds like 6:2 FTOH and PFOS. The EPA recently revised its health advisory for PFOS to state that in effect no level of exposure to it in drinking water is safe. The Inquirer bought pieces of the Phillies artificial turf and had it tested at two labs, and found it contained 16 types of PFAS, including PFOS.”

PFAS are not to be trifled with. Could they be the smoking gun in sports fields that’s making players sick? Just recently, a Chinese study linked PFAS in the brain to higher levels of brain cancer.

When you start looking at PFAS in artificial turf, you still face the conundrum of proving health causality. As the EPA points out, “PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe.” Did all of the afflicted baseball players with brain cancers drink from a tainted water supply at the stadium? Were their uniforms treated with fire retardants? Or is it possible that decades of handling baseballs rolling around in PFA-laced faux grass quietly poisoned these ball players? Did they inhale some airborne PFA particulate kicked up by cleats? As brain experts point out, proving causality between the environment and cancer is challenging.

Many Pathways for PFAS

So the natural next question is, do all brands of artificial grass contain PFAS? Are there any that are “clean and green?”

Probably not. To date, most of the so-called “non-toxic” grass makers have focused on removing crumb rubber infill from their installs. But home installations often use other materials for infill anyway, such as sand or fine gravel.

One of the better research reports I found on PFAS in artificial grass can be found here. The study goes into great detail about which parts of artificial grass tend to be high in PFAS and why.

One of the more interesting details is that these products used to be made out of a less toxic polyethylene, but it was harder to get the plastic out of the molds at the factory. So they added non-stick PFAS. The research also hints at a connection between skin contact with PFAS-laced materials and human health.

To date, most of the research around PFAS focuses on its introduction to local water supplies. A very tiny amount in the mix is considered dangerous to human health. But lumping potential leachate risks into warnings about artificial lawns expands the conversation into a wider discussion than media reports suggest.

Artificial lawns might be perfectly safe for your kids to play on (although, we need more studies), but it’s clearly detrimental to your well water, or a nearby stream. That doesn’t make it environmentally benign, but it does challenge the current narrative that suggests that simply having daily contact with the product will give you cancer.

Lawn Makers Need to Share Their Chemistry

The easy solution for homeowners is to err on the side of caution, and not to use artificial lawns. But I don’t like this alternative. It feels like a premature surrender of what could be a highly sustainable technology. Instead, we need three initiatives from manufacturers. If they could test, label and mitigate for these risks, I would be willing to endorse the many benefits of artificial lawns over the potential health risks:

• Skin Contact Testing. Clarify for customers whether these products are safe for close contact with children or pets. That means testing by various methods whether bare feet or toys or lawn furniture pick up PFAS from existing products.
• PFAS-free Labeling. Manufacturers whose products do not contain PFAS (if any do exist—I could not fine one) should tout that fact loudly in their marketing and certification materials.
• Retooling for PFAS Free Extrusion. Companies still using PFAS to make artificial lawns should phase out this practice immediately, then tout their cleaner, greener approach to maintenance-free lawns.

Perks of Artificial Turf Installation

After the initial embodied energy of production, the perks begin to add up.

• No watering. It’s not just the cost of water to factor in. Keeping a real lawn irrigated requires regular attention or a costly irrigation system that needs fairly regular maintenance. Add in the reality of about half of the US is typically under drought conditions, and it’s a natural, unnatural solution.
• No Roundup. I use the brand name here instead of the more generic “herbicides,” because so many people use Roundup improperly as a verb. In my opinion, selective herbicides don’t belong on our lawns or in our waterways. Artificial grass removes the need for all and any herbicides.
• No Mower Pollution. Artificial grass not only saves on mowing time, it keeps the largely unfiltered smoke from small engines out of the air. The EPA says that lawn mowers account for 5 percent of total US air pollution.
• No Mower. A new riding lawnmower can cost 6000 or more. They tend to last 6 to 10 years. So factor in the cost of two lawnmowers (12,000), not counting mower maintenance, in your overall pros and cons comparison with real grass.
• 20-Year Life Expectancy. Along with this long life, some types of artificial lawns claim to be fully recyclable at end of life. That’s a lof of years without watering, weed killer or noisy, polluting lawn mowers.

Author’s Note: Since publishing this story, I have identified a few manufacturers that appear to offer products that are PFA free. The bizarre fact that they are oriented toward pet safety, not human safety, does not escape notice.

Here are some PFAS-free artificial lawn options to consider:

• The RealGrass Lawns Standard Artificial Grass: manufactured by RealGrass, this is a durable, yet realistic-looking artificial lawn that is free from PFAS and other harmful chemicals.
• K9Grass: made by ForeverLawn, this product is designed specifically for dogs (eliminates pet odors). It is also PFAS-free and made without heavy metals, latex, or other harmful chemicals.
• Global Syn-Turf: they manufacture a line of artificial grass products that do not contain PFAS, including their Pet Turf line, which is designed specifically for pets.

Tips for Installing Artificial Turf Grass

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Installing artificial turf grass is a lot like laying carpet. Artificial turf works best on a flat, compacted, well-draining substrate.

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Artificial turf grass, invented and patented by Monsanto, made its first appearance at a Providence, R.I. high school in 1964. Originally known as ChemGrass, it was later rebranded AstroTurf after it replaced a burned-out natural grass field in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Other manufacturers eventually produced their own products, and today you’ll find artificial turf in professional, college and high school stadiums coast to coast.

Artificial turf grass didn’t become a viable option for homeowners until less rugged, more decorative versions became available in the 1990s. And while it hasn’t exactly gone viral, it’s definitely on the upswing. The New York Times reports a 15 percent increase in artificial turf installations since 2017.

Some people believe modern versions look more realistic than they used to. One landscaper in Marin County, California claims it took him two years to discover a neighboring lawn, impressively green and well-manicured, was artificial. A friend of mine in nearby Santa Cruz County installed artificial turf in a part of her yard too shaded by redwoods to support a natural lawn. After 10 years, it still looks great.

If you’re interested in an artificial lawn, research the pros and cons— there are plenty of both. If you’ve done that and you’re ready to install, these tips can help you achieve the best of the low-maintenance realism that artificial turf offers.

Choose Turf and Infill Based on the Expected Use

Artificial turf is made of nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene. Nylon is the softest and most realistic, but it’s also the least durable. Polypropylene is essentially the opposite: durable, but not realistic. Polyethylene strikes a good balance, and because it’s easy to clean and deodorize, it’s the best choice if you own pets.

Pile height is another important consideration. Two to three inches is best for high-traffic areas, increasing the product’s durability and making it more comfortable for walking and playing. A shorter pile height, from 1/2- to 1-1/2-inches, is easier to maintain and a better choice for low-traffic areas like courtyards and apartment balconies.

Infill is the material you spread on the turf immediately after installation to hold it down and help mitigate the heat retention of the plastic grass blades.

Crumb rubber, manufactured from recycled car tires, is one of the most common infills. But it’s lightweight, doesn’t hold well in high winds and amplifies the synthetic odors of the turf. Plus, it’s an environmental concern; that recycled car rubber contains toxic chemicals that can leach into the ground.

Acrylic coated sand and silica sand are safer choices. Zeolite, also eco-friendly, is a fourth option with deodorizing properties that can benefit households with pets.

Kill Existing Grass Safely

If you’re replacing a lawn that’s gone brown or been struggling for years, make sure the entire lawn is dead before covering it with porous turf. The safest way to do this is to solarize. That means covering it with black plastic and letting the sun bake it to death, along with any weeds still growing. The process takes a few months.

You can also simply dig out the old grass. You’ll need to remove at least four inches of topsoil to make sure you get all the roots. That’s a lot of dirt, so make sure you have a plan for disposal.

Prepare a Solid Substrate

It’s possible to install artificial turf directly on the ground. But it won’t look like a lawn because all the small bumps and depressions will be visible and distracting. Pros recommend installing a four-inch base of class-2 road base rock or something similar, then compacting it to a solid surface.

It’s a good idea to follow this up with a 1/2- to one-inch layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite to provide a smooth underlay for the turf. If you don’t want to dig down that deep, a one-inch layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite is a bare minimum for solidity, comfort and good drainage.

Grade (flatten and level) the underlay as you go. Flat areas of your new artificial turf lawn must have a minimum slope of 1/4-inch per foot toward a runoff point to prevent water from collecting under the turf and degrading it.

Keep the Blade Direction Uniform

Artificial turf, like carpeting, comes in heavy rolls that are difficult for one person to manage. You’ll need help carrying and positioning them. Once you get a roll in the general installation area, leave it in the sun for an hour or so before unrolling it. It will be more pliable and lay out flatter.

When you have to put two sections of turf side by side to cover a wide area, make sure the blades of both pieces lay in the same direction. If they’re facing opposite directions, your new lawn will look like patchwork instead of a continuous whole.

Cut Edges Slightly Long

When you lay out the turf, you’ll have to trim the edges, like trimming carpeting around the perimeter of a room. Pros recommend a sharp utility knife for this, and always cut from the back.

Leave a few extra inches on the edges so you have something to tuck under borders or against walkways. If you leave too much, you can always cut more as a final step. But if you leave too little, you may end up with hard-to-hide gaps.

Secure the edges with landscape staples or landscape nails. You can use a carpet installer’s knee-kicker to stretch the turf and keep it free of wrinkles and loose areas.

Spread Infill and Brush It In

With a drop spreader, apply the infill material of your choice in the quantity recommended by the turf manufacturer. Afterwards, brush it into the turf with a hard-bristle push broom, following the same direction as the blades so the blades pop up and stand out.

Artificial Turf Costs

Polypropylene turf costs from 1.90 to 6.75 per square foot, while polyethylene costs between 2.55 and 3.85. Nylon, the softest but least durable option, costs from 5.05 to 5.85.

If you have the turf professionally installed, expect to pay between 5.50 and 18.75 per square foot for labor and materials. Manufacturers offer material warranties from five to 15 years regardless of who does the installation, and installers usually offer their own warranties to cover workmanship.

You can save a lot of money by doing your own installation. But keep in mind it’s a challenging DIY project that involves hauling dirt, renting equipment (like a plate compactor) and heavy labor. Do you have a pet? Check out these artificial turf grass pads for dogs.

Chris Deziel has been active in the building trades for more than 30 years. He helped build a small city in the Oregon desert from the ground up and helped establish two landscaping companies. He has worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot’s Pro Referral service. His work has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker. Deziel has also published science content and is an avid musician.

Why Vacuuming Artificial Grass Isn’t a Great Idea (and 5 Methods to Try Instead)

Artificial grass is an easy way to have a lush green lawn—even if you were born without an equally green thumb. After all, there’s no need to mow or monitor any nutrients in the soil. However, synthetic lawns do require periodic maintenance and cleaning. While vacuuming may seem like a quick and effective way to clean your turf, it likely isn’t your best option.

Common Issues and Concerns for Artificial Lawns

While a natural lawn is susceptible to vitamin deficiencies and pests, an artificial lawn can be stained and undergo structural damage. Debris, such as leaves, can fall upon synthetic turf and get trapped within the stiff fibers. Dust, pet waste, and hair can also accumulate between the blades of grass.

Can You Vacuum Artificial Grass?

Vacuuming your artificial lawn can seem like the easiest way to clean it, and it may be a practical solution in a pinch, but it is not a recommended cleaning method.

Firstly, you should determine if you have infill, a spongy textured soil replacement that helps the grass blades stand upright. If you do have infill, vacuuming will disrupt this loose substance and cause your lawn to lose its texture and shape. This damage will necessitate a turf replacement, which can become costly (artificial turf costs an average of 2 to 8 per square foot). Vacuuming can also cause your turf to tear or rip completely, leaving your yard uneven and less-than-photogenic.

It might be time to put the lawnmower on the curb with a free sign attached

Alternative Ways to Clean Your Artificial Grass

While you can vacuum some artificial grass, you should consider an alternative method first.

Spot Clean Your Lawn With Your Hands

The simplest way to remove large debris like leaves or branches is to use your own two hands. This is a practical option for small yards or patches of artificial grass, but may be incredibly time-consuming for large lawns or significant amounts of waste.

Use a Plastic Rake or Nylon Broom

If you have artificial grass, a long-handled rake will be your go-to. While a metal rake may bend or tear the synthetic fibers, a plastic or bamboo rake will collect debris without damage. If you are concerned about raking with these tools, there are rakes specifically designed for synthetic turf. They typically have many fine nylon prongs.

You can sweep your artificial lawn as well. A wooden broom with nylon bristles is the most effective broom for collecting rubbish and debris. There are small handheld and long-handled options to suit your specific cleaning needs.

Power Wash or Rinse Your Lawn Clean

Artificial grass can collect dust, pet fur, and dander that accumulate and stick to the synthetic blades. Consider using a power washer to wash away the mess. If kept on a low setting, a power washer can dislodge cakier substances without affecting the structure of the grass blade. Just make sure you’re always washing on a low setting, as washing on a high level can cause the infill to shift and create s.

A traditional garden hose may not be as powerful as a dedicated washer, but it can still get the job done. You can find nozzle attachments that will work well and channel the water into a strong stream capable of blasting away messes and stains.

Use a Powersweeper for Large Lawns

A power sweeper, sometimes called a power broom, is a pushable mechanical tool with large rotating nylon bristles that shift and collect debris. This process is safe for artificial grass and will not disrupt the infill like other methods. Some sweepers are entirely manual, while others come attached to or can be connected to an energy generator. Both variants will save you time without damaging your turf.

Choose Cleaning Products That Suit Your Needs

If you’re a pet owner, twigs and leaves may be the least of your concerns. Routinely picking up pet waste will cut down on the potential stains and smells your lawn may incur. A well-draining turf will eliminate many urine smells but won’t thwart any bacteria that could grow.

Use a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar to spray over your artificial grass for stubborn messes. There are cleaning sprays formulated to neutralize pet odors on synthetic turf. These may be your best option for spots that are frequent targets for animals.

No stains and it drains, but the fake stuff isn’t right for every pet guardian

Avoid Messes With Routine Maintenance

The easiest way to prevent messes, staining, and debris is to keep up with routine maintenance. Live plants and trees will drop twigs, leaves, and possible fruits that can accumulate over time. Periodic sweeps with a sweeper or broom will keep a minor issue from becoming a more significant problem.

Keeping artificial grass can be beneficial in more ways than one, but it still requires care and maintenance. Should your lawn need a great deal of assistance, consider hiring a local lawn care expert specializing in artificial turf. They will address your concerns and aid you in future upkeep and care.