Artificial Turf: 15 Reasons why it is so bad

Designing Gardens for a Changing Climate: say no to artificial turf

Human use of fossil fuels is driving rapid climate change. At the same time, we are depleting natural resources and losing biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, we must carefully consider what we put in our gardens and built landscapes, including choices such as artificial turf.

Otherwise, we risk creating environments disconnected from nature, much like the plastic-covered city depicted in Dr Zeus’ The Lorax.

Why Plastic Grass Harms Gardens and the Environment

Fake grass may look like a convenient solution, but it creates significant environmental and ecological problems. Below are key reasons to reconsider its use in gardens and landscapes.

1. Fake, artificial turf is made from plastic.
2. This plastic grass replaces natural, organic surfaces, for example real grass lawns or planting.
3. It removes contact with soil microbes that support immune health and mental wellbeing, especially in children.
4. The plastic grass and sub-base form a barrier that prevents soil from functioning as a living ecosystem.
5. Being plastic, it is made from fossil fuels and rely on fossil fuels for production and transport.
6. Their manufacture and transport release carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
7. The plastic grass requires chemicals for cleaning and maintenance.
8. It sheds plastic fibres during use, which can enter the environment and food chain.
9. Installation of artificial turf depends on non-renewable sub-base materials such as hardcore and sand.
10. This process also removes and destroys existing topsoil, which takes millions of years to form and supports all life.
11. Rainwater cannot easily infiltrate artificial turf, reducing natural groundwater recharge.
12. Soil beneath real grass naturally filters water through plant roots and beneficial bacteria. Artificial turf removes this process.
13. In hot weather, plastic turf becomes extremely hot and uncomfortable to touch. It also contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing local temperatures in cities and gardens.
14. Despite recycling claims, no established recycling system exists for end-of-life for artificial turf in the UK.
15. Even if recycling were possible, it would require significant energy for transport and processing.

Further reading:
‘Have your say’ – an article on why we should avoid artificial turf at all costs written by Rachel for the landscape industry published in Prolandscaper, December 2019

Got Hayfever? Discover how plants in your garden and avoiding plastic grass is beneficial even if you have allergies

For lower maintenance alternatives to a lawn and/or alternatives for conditions where grass will not grow, our blog post on the subject.