Always, the grass is greener on the other side. Simply ask Lisa Morris, whose Dartford, Kent grass was brown.
“It was astonishing. A dead lawn, “she asserts
“We spent a fortune on grass seeds because we were unable to maintain them. Even once, new turf was installed. Nothing we did improve its appearance.”
She then had synthetic grass put in. “It is lovely, comparable to an outside carpet. I wish to acquire a sign that reads “please remove your shoes.” “she jokes.
Ms. Morris, like many others, now has a greener, although synthetic, grass.
As hosepipe bans begin to take effect in numerous areas of southern England in August following months of scant precipitation, more individuals may be contemplating their options.
Lisa Morris is among the growing number of individuals who prefer artificial grass to natural grass. In 2020, the global market for artificial flowers is projected to reach $3 billion (£2.4 billion), up from $2.5 billion (£2 billion) in 2016.
It is expected to surpass $5 billion (£4 billion) by 2027.
Andy Driver, sales and marketing director at Evergreens UK in Rutland, East Midlands, recalls school sports played on “astroturf” fields with a somewhat abrasive polypropylene surface.
“They are currently produced from polyethylene, which is far softer. It has a significantly better texture and is more aesthetically pleasing.”
Customers place importance on the visuals. According to a study conducted by Mintel, many Britons who were confined to their houses during lockdown had little to gaze at other than their backyards or balconies, so they planned home upgrades.
As a result of the restrictions on day trips and vacations imposed by pandemic precautions, some households had greater discretionary cash.
Mr. Driver notes that while the company’s revenues have increased over the past decade, this trend has accelerated during the past two years.
These lawns are neat, tidy, and have a vibrant shade of green. But is that the only green feature they possess?
This year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) events, including the renowned Chelsea Flower Show, prohibited the use of artificial plastic grass.
The RHS, the largest horticultural charity in the United Kingdom, stated that artificial grass would not be permitted due to its negative environmental impact.
Professor Sebastian Pfautsch of the University of Western Sydney believes that rigorous, systematic study on the environmental impact of artificial turf is currently absent.
However, Professor Pfautsch is part of a group of scientists currently doing a full analysis of the merits and cons of its extensive use in Australia, where towns are rapidly deploying plastic turf in public parks.
Specifically, he asserts that plastic grass requires water “The use of novel hybrid materials necessitates watering to sustain the natural turf in between the synthetic turf. Therefore, the argument for water conservation is invalid.”
The surface temperature, he believes, is another subject requiring additional study. “It is the most popular substance in playgrounds and educational settings,” he continues.
“I have data of synthetic turf surface temperatures nearing 100 degrees Celsius. Unshaded, it can provide a risk of burns even when the ambient air temperature is below 30 degrees Celsius.”
How did Lisa’s garden cope during the 40°C heatwaves that occurred in July?
“It heated up. We were required to wear shoes as if it were pouring. However, it did not melt!”
In 2018, a report from the European Union indicated that up to four tonnes of microplastic from artificial sports grounds across Europe had entered surface water.
Dr. Tom Stanton, a Physical Geography research fellow at Loughborough University, is concerned because “microplastic particles can be carried off [plastic grass] pitches into the surrounding terrestrial and aquatic habitats.”
These particles can be consumed by species and cause bodily injury; they can also leach toxic chemicals related to their manufacturing into the environment and function as vectors for other environmental contaminants.
Dr. Stanton adds that while artificial turf could contribute to the restricted drainage capacity of landscapes, such as asphalt surfaces in parking lots, “localized flooding should not be blamed on artificial turfs.”
He adds, “If flooding strikes in your plastic backyard garden, it will most likely remain there.”
However, Rewilding Britain’s Richard Bunting warns that the production of plastic lawns requires fossil fuels, resulting in a bigger carbon impact than letting the grass grow organically; “a natural garden absorbs carbon.”
Overall, Mr. Bunting finds the move toward fake grass to be extremely concerning. “We are facing an environmental catastrophe characterized by dwindling biodiversity and a climate crisis. We are pedaling in the opposite direction of where we should be going.”
Since the 1970s, the UK has lost around half of its biodiversity, according to research conducted last year.
One of our challenges, according to Mr. Bunting, is that we are a neat nation, and we must overcome this.
“If you’re fortunate enough to have a lawn, let it grow,” he continues. “You can mow the grass close to your home to simulate grazing regions in the wild. This will attract insects and birds.”
“Real grass lawns have numerous environmental benefits, including carbon dioxide absorption and habitat for wildlife.
“Plastic grass is incapable of doing any of these things and creates a dead, sterile region in the garden.
When artificial grass is worn out, it is typically discarded and ends up in a landfill.
Not unexpectedly, the managing director of Easigrass in Southall, west London, Anthony Gallagher, disagrees that artificial grass could be harmful to the environment. He says that individuals use less water to maintain imitation lawns during dry times than grass.
“We are not eliminating grass in many locations. We are substituting mud.”
In addition, he believes that the amount of microplastics entering the water from synthetic turf is commonly misinterpreted.
It pales in comparison to the largest microplastic polluters in the world. Washing clothing and automobile tires generate more plastic.”
Then, what about recycling the lawn once it has outlived its usefulness?
Stefan Diderich, director of the EMEA Synthetic Turf Council, explains, “In the past, [plastic lawn] would wind up in landfills.” However, according to him, technological developments in recycling indicate that this is no longer the case in Europe.
“If you consider the enormous increase in the price of oil and plastic, the [plastic lawn] carpet is no longer waste, but rather lucrative.”
According to him, there are recycling facilities for plastic grass in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, but not yet in the United Kingdom.
According to Andy Driver, the sector is taking initiatives to become more sustainable. While the vast majority of installed lawns still contain latex, which is difficult to separate for recycling, his company will soon begin selling a new substance that has been “confirmed 100 percent circular” by SGS Intron, a testing company.
Back in Dartford, though, Lisa has no plans to recycle and believes that her lawn has improved her yard.
“I still see that and it makes me happy”
