Artificial Turf has become very popular for both commercial and residential applications. It has many benefits over traditional landscaping such as water savings and less maintenance. Artificial turf is also very versatile and can be used for landscaping, sports, and playgrounds. The only downside is that it can be expensive to install and maintain, so it should be carefully considered before making a decision.
The best synthetic grass will have a high face weight and pile height for a soft ground cover that is able to withstand moderate to heavy foot traffic. It should also have a rubber or latex backing that will resist stretching. It is also important to choose a grass that matches the color and texture of your surrounding yard or neighboring homes. You should also look for a turf product that has antimicrobial properties to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and germs.
While there are some good reasons to use Artificial visit their service page Turf, many environmentalists are concerned about the toxic chemicals that can leach from some types of infill and contaminate the soil. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, causing health problems. Some of the most dangerous infills include recycled tire crumb and sand, which contain lead and other harmful chemicals.
Many municipalities and water agencies do not allow artificial turf for their turf replacement rebate programs. Some even ban it altogether. These programs are designed to encourage living landscapes and reduce the amount of water that is needed for irrigation.
Some experts believe that the use of Artificial Turf can contribute to the degradation of the natural environment, resulting in water and air pollution. They also argue that it can cause harm to human and animal health. They also claim that it can alter the structure of the soil and lead to the loss of biodiversity. These issues are based on a number of studies and expert opinions.
One of the major problems with Artificial Turf is that it cannot be recycled. Once it reaches the end of its life, which is typically 8-12 years, it becomes garbage. Because it is a mix of plastic and shredded tires or crumb rubber, it is difficult to recycle. Maryland delegate Mary Lehman says that she has heard from constituents who have seen rolls of used turf sitting in vacant lots because landfills do not accept them. The waste is then either landfilled, incinerated, or dumped haphazardly.
The first artificial turf was made with polyethylene and is known as AstroTurf. This type of synthetic fibre is a good choice for sports because it is strong and has a high resilience. However, it does not have the same softness as natural grass and it is a bit more abrasive than nylon.
The second generation of artificial turf was made with polypropylene and is more environmentally friendly because it is easier to recycle. It is also softer and more resilient than polyethylene, which makes it ideal for sports. However, it is still not as soft as natural grass and it has a tendency to absorb shock. This can lead to injuries for players.