11 Reasons You Should Never Put Artificial Grass In Your Yard

Thinking about swapping out your natural lawn for artificial grass? It’s tempting to imagine a lush, green yard without the constant mowing and watering. Here in Texas, having a green yard is just about impossible in the summer heat.

Before you make the leap, there are a few things you might want to consider. From unexpected costs and maintenance headaches to potential health risks and environmental impacts, artificial turf might not be the simple solution it seems.

Here’s 14 reasons you really shouldn’t put artificial grass in your yard.

It Turns Your Yard into a Heat Trap

Ever notice how natural grass feels cool underfoot on a sunny day? That’s because real grass releases moisture and cools the air as part of its natural process. Artificial grass, on the other hand, does none of this. In fact, it does the opposite. It absorbs heat and can get scorching hot, reaching temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

At these temperatures, walking barefoot could leave you with burns, and the excessive heat doesn’t just stop at being uncomfortable. It can contribute to a much hotter yard, which in turn affects your comfort and can increase cooling costs for your home.

It Could Drag the Outdoors Inside

Here’s a little heads-up if you’re considering artificial grass: those tiny rubber granules that give it cushion and weight? They have a habit of hitching rides on shoes, clothes, and even pets.

Before you know it, they’re all over your house. Cleaning them up can be a real hassle, especially since they tend to stick to everything and scatter easily.

It Needs Replacement Sooner Than You’d Hope

Think about this: you might be shelling out a hefty sum now for that pristine artificial lawn, but it’s not going to last forever. Sure, the sales pitch might promise a 20-year lifespan, but real-world conditions like regular foot traffic, UV exposure fading the color, and debris accumulation can all cut that number down significantly.

Imagine having to replace your artificial turf far sooner than anticipated, dealing again with the disruption and the expense.

That initial cost advantage of natural grass becomes even clearer when you consider it can regenerate and survive longer with just minimal care, like occasional mowing or reseeding.

It’s Not As User-Friendly As It Seems

While synthetic turf might seem like a clean, simple alternative to natural grass, it comes with its own set of challenges. For starters, the very material designed to fend off bacteria can also trap odors and create sanitation issues if not treated with antimicrobial agents.

And those perfectly rolled out lawns? If not installed correctly, they can form seams that not only disrupt the look of your lawn but can also be a tripping hazard. This means it’s a safety concern, especially in spaces used by kids and the elderly.

Kiss Grounding Goodbye

If you’re all about that grounding lifestyle, where direct contact with the earth is key, then artificial turf might just throw a wrench in your plans. Grounding, or earthing, is all about connecting physically with the natural world to harness its restorative properties.

But when you lay down a barrier of synthetic grass, packed with chemicals, you’re not only missing out on those grounding benefits, you’re also exposing yourself and your little ones to potentially harmful substances on a regular basis.

It Contains Hazardous Chemicals

Before you lay down that artificial turf, consider what’s tucked in between those synthetic blades. The infill—often made from crumbled rubber—helps keep the turf steady and gives it a more natural feel. However, it’s not as benign as it looks.

Some types of infill contain chemicals like PFAS, known for their potential to cause health issues, including cancer. These ‘forever chemicals’ are especially concerning for those who spend a lot of time on the turf, like kids and pets, who might play or lie down on it.

While alternatives like ceramic sand are being explored, the risk of exposure to harmful substances remains a valid concern.

It’s Tougher Than It Looks

Ever watched a sports game and noticed how players seem to bounce right off the artificial turf? It might look cushy, but don’t be fooled—artificial grass can be far from soft. Made from plastics and other synthetic materials, this type of turf can actually be quite abrasive.

Falls on this surface can lead to painful injuries like turf burns, where the skin is literally scraped off due to the roughness of the material. And if it’s a particularly hot day, the turf can get so hot that it adds burn injuries to your worries.

It Hits Your Wallet Hard

Let’s break down the real cost of choosing artificial over natural grass. While sprinkling your yard with grass seed might set you back a few hundred bucks, laying down artificial turf? Well, that’s a whole different ballgame. We’re talking about $25 to $35 per square foot.

Do the math, and you’re shelling out up to $35,000 for a 1,000 square foot area, not including the prep work like removing old grass or grading the surface. Add in those costs, and your budget’s stretching even thinner. It’s a hefty upfront investment compared to the more wallet-friendly natural option.

For many homeowners, that initial cost alone can be a dealbreaker, especially considering it’s for a lawn that isn’t forever.

It Demands More Upkeep Than You’d Think

Here’s a little inside scoop: artificial turf might skip the mow, but it definitely doesn’t skip the maintenance. Sure, you won’t need to water or trim it, but get ready for a different kind of weekend activity—cleaning your fake grass. You might find yourself out there with a rake or even a vacuum cleaner, trying to keep it debris-free.

Depending on your yard’s size, this chore can end up being just as time-consuming as any lawn mowing you were hoping to avoid. And really, who wants to spend their Saturday vacuuming outdoors?

It Exacerbates Water Runoff Problems

Think of your yard during a rainstorm. If it’s equipped with natural grass, it’s like having a built-in sponge that soaks up the moisture, helping prevent runoff and flooding. Now, swap that sponge for artificial turf. Suddenly, you’ve got a non-absorbent surface where water can’t penetrate the ground as it normally would.

What happens next? The water has to go somewhere, often leading to unwanted pooling or flooding—possibly into your basement, or even your neighbor’s property.

Not only does this mean you might be unintentionally flooding your neighborhood, but you could also be looking at installing pricey drainage solutions that you wouldn’t need with natural grass.

It Ages Like Milk, Not Wine

Here’s a bit of real talk about artificial grass: despite advancements making it look more natural, it doesn’t age gracefully. Remember those vibrant, perfectly green synthetic lawns? Fast forward a few years, and the reality sets in—wear and tear take their toll. Exposure to the elements, foot traffic, and general use will gradually make your flawless lawn look worn and patchy.

Unlike natural grass, which can regenerate and repair itself, once artificial turf starts to degrade, the only fix is a complete replacement.

It Can’t Escape the Landfill

Thinking of going green with artificial grass? Here’s a snag: it’s pretty much stuck with you… forever. Artificial turf is made from materials like polyethylene and nylon, similar to what you find in car tires and shoe soles. Over time, as it gets gritty and dirty, recycling becomes a no-go because recycling plants can’t handle the mixed and contaminated materials.

Once it’s done serving your lawn, its next stop is the landfill, where it’ll sit for decades—or even centuries—without breaking down. Choosing artificial grass means choosing a long-term resident for local landfills, continuously impacting the planet long after it leaves your yard.

It’s No Friend to the Environment

Let’s cut to the chase—artificial grass might look green, but it’s far from eco-friendly. From the get-go, producing this faux turf involves processes that release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the environment.

But it doesn’t stop at production. Once laid down, these chemicals can leach into the soil, potentially spreading toxins to adjacent areas and beyond.

Unlike natural grass, which captures and stores carbon, artificial turf rips up this natural carbon sink and replaces it with a synthetic cover that neither absorbs carbon nor supports natural soil functions.

The result? Increased carbon in the atmosphere and a hotter, more toxic environment right in your backyard.

It Chokes and Pollutes the Soil

Artificial grass might seem like a simple, no-fuss option for your yard, but it’s worth considering the impact it has beneath the surface. Unlike natural grass that nurtures and interacts with the soil, artificial turf sits on top like a barrier. This layer prevents essential air and moisture from reaching the soil, which can severely affect soil health.

Think of it this way: soil needs to breathe and feed just like we do. Without access to air and nutrients, the soil’s natural ecosystem, including beneficial microbes and worms, starts to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to soil degradation, increasing the risk of erosion and negatively impacting local biodiversity.