Result of State Artificial Turf Fields Study: No Elevated Health Risk
But higher contaminant levels at an indoor field suggest ventilation needs
HARTFORD – A new study of artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill conducted by four state agencies shows that health risks are not elevated from playing on the fields. However, higher contaminant levels at one indoor field indicate that ventilation of indoor fields should be considered. Storm water run off findings indicate that proper management of this run off is prudent to address possible environmental effects.
The study findings were peer reviewed by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, whose comments were incorporated into the final report.
“This study presents good news regarding the safety of outdoor artificial turf fields,” stated Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “While the findings indoors were below the health risk targets, the elevated contaminant levels suggest a need to ventilate these fields so they can be brought to the level of safety outdoors. What we’ve learned from this study in Connecticut will provide valuable guidance to municipalities, schools and others who operate or are considering installing artificial playing fields.”
Study Background
The four state agencies, the University of Connecticut Health Center, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection evaluated the health and environmental impacts associated with artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill. A key aspect of the study was a field investigation conducted in July 2009, when the UCONN Health Center sent a team of researchers to four outdoor fields and one indoor field across Connecticut. Three soccer players at each field were equipped with personal monitoring devices and the recorded results, together with the stationary samplers, were used to characterize possible exposures. Overall, approximately 200 chemicals were tested at each field.
Health Risk Assessment
The Department of Public Health (DPH) used the data from the field investigation to evaluate health risks. Exposures and risks were not elevated relative to what is commonly found in outdoor air for both children and adults using the fields. Indoor fields showed higher levels of chemical emissions. While these levels do not suggest a health risk, DPH recommends ventilation of indoor fields. Developers of new indoor fields should consider alternatives to crumb rubber infill as a cushioning agent.
Environmental Evaluation
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) evaluated the environmental risk associated with storm water runoff from the artificial turf fields tested in the air study. Three of eight storm water samples showed elevated levels of zinc leaching from the fields that may present a risk to aquatic organisms. Other metals and rubber related compounds tested in run off were not elevated. Based on these results, DEP concludes that there is no risk to drinking water from this runoff, but a potential risk exists for surface waters and aquatic organisms.
The DEP suggests that use of storm water treatment measures may reduce the concentrations of zinc in the storm water runoff from artificial turf fields to levels below the acute aquatic toxicity criteria. Individual artificial turf field owners should evaluate the storm water drainage systems at the fields and the hydrologic and water quality characteristics of any receiving waters to determine the appropriateness of a storm water treatment measure.
CASE Review
The state agencies asked the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) to review and comment on the study. CASE is a private, nonprofit, public service institution whose mission is to evaluate issues and technological advances that are of potential concern to the people of Connecticut. CASE assembled a nine member expert panel to review all aspects of the study. Comments included that cancer risks calculated by DPH may have been overestimates because of the inclusion of benzene detections that are likely not coming from the playing field but from the players themselves. To address CASE’s comments, the risk assessment describes the issues and finds that they do not change the overall conclusions and unlikely present added risk.
Background on Artificial Playing Fields and Crumb Rubber
Installation of artificial turf fields has become a more common practice as cities, towns, and educational institutions seek to reduce both maintenance needs created by the heavy use of grass fields and demands for water and pesticides needed for care of natural grass. One popular design for these fields involves the use of crumb rubber infill, which provides, drainage, a layer of padding and holds the blades of synthetic grass upright. The crumb rubber used in artificial turf fields is mainly composed of recycled tires, which contain man-made and natural rubber. Chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in the crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can also contain heavy metals such as zinc and copper.
The study was funded with $245,000 available to DEP for special projects from the settlement of cases involving violations of environmental regulations.
For more information and to view the entire study, please visit www.ct.gov/dep/artificialturf
The growth of artificial grass has been significant over the last couple of years or, at least, the growth in the popularity of artificial grass has been strong. What this means is that there has been a greater level of acceptance when it comes to choosing it as an option to install in either the front or backyard of residential properties.
This makes it more on a par with the higher acceptance it has enjoyed with more commercial uses. These commercial uses are the well known high profile uses such as to turf sporting grounds and public spaces that get a lot of foot traffic. These high traffic spaces would otherwise also be high maintenance and high cost spaces but with the installation of synthetic grass they have greatly reduced the required resources that would otherwise have to be devoted to these spots.
The higher level of acceptance on the domestic usage of artificial grass comes down largely to the fact that the newer versions have been designed to more closely resemble real grass. When people install synthetic grass in the front yards they would rather people didn’t take one glance at it and pick it as fake.
The fact that the grass looks, feels and acts very much like real grass gives the owners the comfort of looking out on a backyard that resembles their old yard. Where they pick up the benefit is the fact that they don’t have to go out and mow the lawn every week or two during the summer months.
When looking for synthetic grass for sale, consumers will look at price as a factor (and this is definitely a primary factor when buying synthetic grass) but they should also take into consideration the materials used to manufacture the grass. Some brands of synthetic grass focus strongly on their eco-friendly nature and this should be rewarded with increased sales.
With the many improvements that have been made to artificial grass there is little wonder that there has been such a large increase in sales around the country.
Assembly bill would allow artificial grass
By Michael Gardner, U-T SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 12:04 a.m.
SACRAMENTO — Rocky Wilson figures that just by landscaping his small front yard with artificial turf, he could save enough water annually to take a five-minute shower daily for about six years.
If only his homeowners association would let him.
Wilson has been working with the governing board of La Costa Greens, a master-planned community of single-family residences in Carlsbad, for nearly two years to secure permission amid steep water shortages and rationing across California.
“Why waste water?” he asked. “I was born and raised here. There’s always been drought.”
Wilson’s case isn’t isolated, according to state water officials and water districts in San Diego County.
They said that many HOAs have moved aggressively to reduce water consumption partly by planting drought-resistant vegetation or watering their lawns less often, but that some resist such changes because they want to preserve a certain look for their community’s landscaping. The opposition can come from an HOA board or certain residents in a complex.
“I’ve got some ratepayers fighting their homeowners associations over the right to put in low-water-use plants or artificial turf,” said Keith Lewinger, general manager of the Fallbrook Public Utility District.
Hoping to create a more uniform policy, water managers took their case to Sacramento. Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, D-San Diego, took up the cause.
“They need direction when we’re dealing with record drought,” Saldaña said in introducing Assembly Bill 1793.
Saldaña’s measure would require homeowners associations to allow installation of artificial turf. But in a nod to concerns about quality, the legislation permits those associations to establish design and quality standards for fake grass.
Although artificial turf is gaining more public acceptance as manufacturers make better-looking and longer-lasting versions, some HOA boards continue to have misgivings about the turf’s appearance and durability.
There are about 6,000 homeowners associations in San Diego County and 43,350 statewide, from condos to single-family developments, according to 2007 data compiled by Community Associations.
At Villa Portofino in Tierrasanta, Muriel Vasconcellos is less than enthusiastic about the prospect of her HOA having to accept artificial grass, partly because she’s worried about potentially dangerous chemicals that have been found in some varieties.
Vasconcellos, a member of her association’s landscaping committee, said local rules don’t expressly prohibit artificial turf, but she doesn’t get the sense that many neighbors support it.
“People around here enjoy our area for its natural beauty,” she said.
So she’s helping to replace her neighborhood’s grassy areas with drought-tolerant plants. “I like a natural solution,” Vasconcellos said.
Saldaña believes installing artificial grass will benefit HOAs by lowering water bills and maintenance costs. She lives in a rental complex that encourages use of artificial grass.
“It’s very attractive,” Saldaña said. “It obviously conserves water and can be maintained.”
Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, has endorsed Saldaña’s bill. Last year, he got the Legislature to pass legislation meant to push HOAs to allow more drought-resistant landscaping.
“We are still in a drought,” Lieu said. “We have to change our ways.”
The San Diego County Water Authority, noting that outdoor uses make up about 60 percent of household water consumption, is promoting artificial turf as an important way to battle drought.
“What we’ve been hearing for a number of months is that many HOAs were either prohibiting or limiting the use of artificial turf,” said William Rose, head of the authority’s conservation program.
His agency estimates that about 112 gallons of water would be saved each day if a coastal homeowner installed artificial grass in a 1,000-square-foot yard. That’s roughly 41,000 gallons a year.
The savings would be even greater in warmer inland communities: approximately 156 gallons a day, or about 57,000 gallons annually.
Wilson, a consultant for the Fastrucking shipping service in San Diego, estimates that he could use 30,000 fewer gallons a year by not watering his 300-square-foot front yard.
That’s enough for doing 1,200 loads of laundry with a newer, high-efficiency washing machine, or for flushing a low-flow toilet 18,750 times, according to the county water authority.
Wilson hopes the La Costa Greens board will approve his application and then clear the way for more of his neighbors to put in artificial grass. The savings could be 3 million gallons of water a year if 1,000 La Costa Greens residents converted, he said.
“It’s not for everybody, but the option should be there for those who want to,” Wilson said.
Staff writer Mike Lee contributed to this report.
It’s been a long wait for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to weigh in on the safety of recreational products made from recycled tires. Finally, it released the results of a limited field monitoring study of artificial turf playing fields and playgrounds using recycled tire material or tire crumb. EPA plans to use the study information to help determine the next step to address questions regarding the safety of tire crumb infill in recreational fields.
In short, the EPA study found that using the material does not point to a concern for the agency at this time. This is another positive reinforcement for this sector of the recycling industry, which already knew from numerous laboratory analyses, state studies and independent field studies that the material posed little or no environmental danger or health risks.
Liberty Tire Recycling, the country’s largest recycler of scrap tires processes 110 to 120 million tires per year. Company president Don Rea commented on the EPA study, “There has been somewhere between 50 to 100 studies on crumb rubber. There has been so much study done that it doesn’t seem possible that someone is going to come up with another conclusion. It would have been nice if the EPA had just said this stuff is fine, forget it. If EPA was the least bit suspicious they would not have said what they said.”
Over the years, shredded and crumb rubber processed from recycled tires has found its way into many useful recreational and architectural applications. These include rubberized ground covers under playground equipment, running track material, soil additives for playing fields and sports flooring. Crumb rubber is also used in artificial turf fields between turf fibers to provide stability and resiliency.
According to the Synthetic Turf Council artificial turf has been installed in approximately 4,500 American fields, tracks and playgrounds. Synthetic turf was originally used in stadiums and on athletic fields for college and professional sports teams, but now is also used in municipal parks, golf courses, playgrounds, on cruise ships, in airports and residences for lawns. In addition, recycled tires are being processed into colorized mulches for residential and commercial applications, a growing market that exposes more people each year to the material.
This rubberization of surfaces offers many benefits to help prevent injuries and reduce stress on leg muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, and accounts for its widespread and increased use. This ability to absorb shock has taken rubberized surfacing into homes, workplaces, tennis courts, weight rooms, gyms, fitness centers and even to the equine and bovine worlds. And because it’s easier to clean and cleans more thoroughly, it’s more hygienic than other flooring materials such as wood or concrete.
Cow mats made from recycled tires are increasingly being used in dairy barns all over North America. Just like preventing injuries for humans in recreation and sport, cow mats prevent calves from getting hurt when they fall on concrete barn floors. The insulating properties also reduce cold and humidity on concrete floors to help protect cows against rheumatism and fatigue. Some diaries even attribute increased milk production to rubber flooring.
Abacus Sports Installations, Ltd., for instance, markets a wide variety of rubberized sports flooring made from recycled tires. Their seamless, textured equine flooring for stables is very popular because it’s easier to clean and minimizes bacteria. It’s even installed on stable walls and columns for added protection.
Spencer Proud, owner of Abacus said that his customers have never voiced any concern about the safety of his company’s products. “We’ve never had any complaints or issues in over 20-years of contracting. From an architectural standpoint many of our customers are interested in earning LEED credits (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System) It’s recycled material, very durable, very sustainable. School boards and everyone else these days wants everything to be green for very good reasons. Having this recycled content brings serious contributing points.”
Nevertheless, over the past several years, a number of concerns have been raised over the use of tire crumb materials in turf fields and playgrounds.
Parents in Colorado were concerned about children carrying home small particles of tire crumbs on their clothing. High levels of lead were detected on some artificial turf fields in New Jersey. To address various public concerns, a number of cities and states engaged in sampling, testing and evaluation of products containing recycled tire rubber.
In 2007, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a report, Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires in Playground and Track Products. It concluded that there appeared to be little long-term risk to human health.
In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a low-level public health advisory, due to some negative publicity surrounding artificial turf.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission investigated reports of lead contamination from artificial turf and, in July 2008, concluded that “young children are not at risk from exposure to lead in these fields.”
A July 2009 California EPA study found no significant health risk to people who breathe the air above synthetic turf that contains crumb rubber. The study looked at the chemicals found in the air above the turf and the chemicals found in the air upwind from the fields analyzed. The conclusion: chemicals were found in similar concentrations in both samples.
A May 2009 study by the New York departments of Environmental Conservation and Health found that crumb rubber used in synthetic turf fields poses no significant environmental threat or health concerns.
Finally, in December, the national response came with the release of the results of EPA’s limited “scoping study” of tire crumb. The study consisted of collecting air and wipe samples at locations near EPA laboratories in Raleigh, North Carolina, Athens, Georgia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Sampling was also was done in Washington, D.C.
Conducted from August to October 2008, the study found that the concentrations of materials that made up tire crumb were below levels considered harmful. “The limited data EPA collected during this study, which do not point to a concern, represents an important addition to the information gathered by various government agencies,” said Peter Grevatt, director of EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection “The study will help set the stage for a meeting this spring, where EPA will bring together officials from states and federal agencies to evaluate the existing body of science on this topic and determine what additional steps should be taken to ensure the safety of kids who play on these surfaces,” he added.
As usual, EPA qualified the findings of its study: “Given the limited nature of the study (limited number of constituents monitored, sample sites, and samples taken at each site) and the wide diversity of tire crumb material, it is not possible, without additional data, to extend the results beyond the four study sites to reach more comprehensive conclusions.”
However, the EPA study did confirm, most importantly, that most of the methods tested were accurate, reproducible and appropriate for measuring concentrations of tire crumb constituents and can be used in future studies.
EPA is aware that studies by other agencies were undertaken or completed while its survey was being conducted. EPA is planning a 2010 meeting with federal and state agencies to review all new study data and determine next steps.
The next steps will likely involve more government spending for more studies to arrive at essentially the same conclusions. Meanwhile, more products made from recycled tires will keep more old tires out of landfills and continue to find new and useful applications.
By ed@heyfairfield on January 27, 2010
On Saturday, January 23rd, The Clubhouse celebrated it’s Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and ceremonial first pitch by First Selectman Kenneth Flatto.
The Clubhouse has enlisted a full team of nationally recognized instructors and advisors who offer a wealth of experience to players and coaches. Participants can select from a menu of training options and clinics appropriate for different playing levels. During the grand opening, the public was invited to tour the 11,000 square foot facility, including its locker room, viewing and waiting areas, batting cages, and all purpose instructional area.
Head instructors include MLB veterans Mike Porzio, a 15 year professional, including three seasons pitching for the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox; and Willie Upshaw, former player with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, who had a 17-year professional coaching career and was a three-time MLB hitting coach. Rounding out the roster of lead instructors are former Minnesota Twins catcher and current scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Matt Merullo; and, Angel Echevarria, former outfielder/pinch hitter with the Milwaukee Brewers. In addition, Amber Radomski, head softball coach at Manhattanville College and a former professional player will be the head softball instructor.
The Clubhouse features a professional playing surface of synthetic grass by ArtificialTurfSupply.com with full length batting tunnels for live hitting, and the same state-of-the-art motion analysis system used by Major League Baseball. In addition to coaching instruction, the Clubhouse provides expertise in strength, conditioning and sport’s medicine, as well as clinics on college placement.
Clubhouse attendees
The Clubhouse is located at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield.
The ribbon is cut at the Grand Opening of the Clubhouse. L-R:Amber Radomski, Mike Porzio, Dennis Morgan, Hans Hanson, Fairfield First Selectman Kenneth Flatto, Angel Echevarria, Willie Upshaw
Alex Almeida Outfielder for the Trinity College Baseball team takes batting practice during the grand opening of The Clubhouse
Fairfield First Selectman and Former Toronto Blue Jays Willie Upshaw get ready for the ceremonial first pitch at The Clubhouse Grand Opening
Natural Grass is the 5th largest commercial crop in the U.S.
The “grass” industry is about $40 billion/year in sales
– To support 91 million households lawn and landscaping in America 78 million households use pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides.
- 90 million pounds of fertilizer used annually.
– 1.2 million tons of pesticides are used annually.
The Shepherd buy – 210 million tons a year have TOXIC health risks and posses dangers.
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US Geological Survey found that 96 percent of all fish analyzed in major U.S. rivers and streams contained residues of one or more pesticides at detectable levels.
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Studies of large streams and rivers have shown that 100 percent of all surface water samples contain one or more pesticides at detectable levels.
Of the 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, various studies point to red flags links with many birth defects, neurotoxicity, liver and kidney) damage, hormonal (reproduction, growth and development and many long-term, chronic challenges, such as an increase in asthma, immune system suppression and the susceptibility to cancer (especially vulnerable are our children and adults!).
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Studies have linked pesticides with hyperactivity, developmental delays, behavioral disorders and motor dysfunction.
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To learn more about the chemical substances to learn to protect your health, the environment and how the use of hazardous products can be found in addition to pesticides can avoid www.beyondpesticides.org
Question: I’ve been looking at artificial grass to replace my natural grass in our landscape. I live in southern California where water use and restrictions are an ongoing battle and I’ve noticed others buying synthetic grass. What are the advantages and pay-off installing artificial grass here in the LA – San Diego area? Michael Orange County, California
Answer: Artificial grass continues to find a growing landscape audience in many areas of the country, Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego and around Orange County are no exception. California and the Southwest lead the way in the adoption of Xeriscaping – which refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. Artificial “turf” or grass fits right in.
Watering plants and irrigating large areas of grass can be costly and a maintenance hassle. Maintenance is one the biggest attractions to installing artificial grass. Unlike natural grass — fake grass requires no irrigation, plus takes the pounding and heavy use such as sports better than “real grass.”
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California Landscapes
California’s largest water district has provided customers rebates when they replace their water-loving sod or grass with artificial turf. California homeowners who desire a “green”, eco-friendly, water-wise, always green lawn all year-round can check for these rebate incentives. Many look at this – fake grass – as a water-saving device.
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Typically, the average customer who installs artificial grass will recoup their investment within 4 years. However, with the push to conserve water consumers may find multiple tax credits and rebates available to offset the installation cost.
The days of “Astro-Turf” are gone. Today, there are numerous options and grass types. For example, one Fescue collection of synthetic grass offers various weights, heights and colors. There are also Blue-grass, Bermuda and Rye-grass collections available all made from 100% nylon and ideal for landscape applications for high foot traffic.
Increasing Landscape Use
One reason for increased use of synthetic grasses comes from governmental pressure. Water districts around the country now restrict outdoor water use and even tell homeowners which days they can water their lawns and between what times. This number will increase as communities, water districts and homeowners look for more “green” and environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the landscaped outdoors with lower cost and without pesticides and lawn fertilizers which can also compromise water supplies.
However, since the early 1990s, the use of artificial grasses no longer find their home only on athletic fields but have moved to both residential and commercial landscaping installation. A low cost, low maintenance option to natural grass, synthetic grass is also in use on roof-top or apartment gardens.
Many a golfing homeowner could only dream of a back yard putting green. The upkeep of natural grass would be to great. But with the option of artificial grass, personal home putting greens can now be a reality. They can be a perfect amenity for residential and commercial applications.
Residential Applications
Artificial Grass in residential settings is greener, cleaner and affordable as well. Homeowners can go the synthetic grass route and turn their “lawn” and landscape into a virtually maintenance-free or low maintenance area.
Homeowners who opt for synthetic grass:
Donald’s Dream Voice release * Can replace lawns with dead or dried grass in the front and back yard with a “perfect” fake grass
* Create a design with renovations to the landscape taking advantage of complimentary stone and paving features
* Compliments BBQ’s, patios, outdoor entertaining areas, and swimming pools with easily drainable grass
* Durable in play areas children and adults
* Cost-effective for small areas like apartment gardens, patios, roofs and balconies
* Excellent landscape grass option for pet and dog areas, golf and playground applications
A Transforming Grass
The use of artificial grasses in the landscape is quickly becoming a common “turf” for waterless lawns. It is a true “green” solution for the 21st Century. Imagine for a moment your “Perfect Lawn” – a lawn that never needs mowing, watering, weeding or feeding. The kind of grass which transform a garden space with a fast, efficient and instant solution that fits a truly modern lifestyle for both residential and commercial use. Plus it can be used on decking, on balconies and roof gardens too.
By PE News
Western Municipal Water District in Riverside is throwing almost $500,000 at its rebate program in hopes of further boosting conservation.
Donald's Double Trouble dvd The incentives are available to residential and commercial customers in the district’s service area, which includes Riverside, Jurupa, Norco, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta and Temecula.
The aim is to reduce reliance on imported water supplies from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which have been severely curtailed because of environmental concerns, said Tim Barr, the agency’s water use efficiency manager. The money will be added to rebates offered by Metropolitan Water District’s SoCal Water$mart program (www.socalwatersmart.com American Zombie trailer ).
The new incentives for retail customers are: $150 for high-efficiency toilets or clothes washers, which is added to MWD’s $50 rebate; $120 for weather-based irrigation controllers, in addition to MWD’s $80 rebate; and 30 cents per square foot for synthetic turf.
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jzimmerman@PE.com
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Artificial turf grass enhances the overall look of your home. Using artificial turf is also convenient. That is why many individuals and families prefer using artificial turf in their homes. Even professional sports fields use artificial turf grass as well. With low maintenance benefits, using artificial turf is simply low cost in the long run as well. Best of all, you still get the look and feel of real grass when using artificial turf.
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Comparing the installation process of artificial turf grass and natural grass already contrasts the ease of having artificial turf. Natural turf would require getting farmyard compost before planting. You would also have to lay the turf as soon as you get the turf. If you are going to use seeds, you’d need to wait for it to grow. Laying artificial turf, on the other hand, does not have to be that difficult. There is no more waiting time. You will see the great look as soon as you finish the installation right away.
Maintenance Comparison
Using natural turf means maintaining sufficient soil moisture. Unlike artificial turf grass, you need to water the grass. So using artificial turf is really more convenient. Using artificial turf is also cost saving to you.
Regular irrigation is not needed in artificial turf grass. Of course, irrigation may be needed in artificial turf in some instances like in cleaning particular dirt and pet wastes. But you certainly need to do this less frequently when you have artificial turf since there is less danger of having yellow and brown turf.
Mowing is also not needed in artificial turf grass. You will again get additional savings in using artificial turf. Less effort is also needed when you have artificial turf. On the other hand, having natural grass requires proper blade length to maintain the look of the whole turf.
When using natural turf, you need sufficient air circulation and proper water absorption. Since artificial turf grass is not alive. There’s no more need to make sure rooting occurs properly. There’s no need for aeration in the artificial turf. You need not loosen the soil in the artificial turf either.
Natural turf needs fertilizers too. But artificial turf does not. This is another saving in using artificial turf grass. You also help preserve the environment this way. Since you do not use chemicals you do not pollute the soil, the water and the air.
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Artificial turf grass is not prone to pests so again there’s not need to apply pesticides and other chemicals. Using artificial turf entails less maintenance and less hassle. When you have artificial turf you just have to enjoy using it than worrying about making it look great always.
With these benefits it’s quite obvious why artificial turf grass is preferred by many people. If you want lush greens, using artificial turf will do the job. The artificial turf will look as green as ever with minimum maintenance. While quality artificial turf costs more at installation, it is cheaper to have in the long run.
Garden expert Susan Harris discusses the American lawn culture, and why it desperately needs to change.
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and Sustainable Gardening Blog. She currently lives and gardens in Takoma Park, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.
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Did you Know?
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* An estimated seven million birds are killed yearly in the U.S. by lawn-care pesticides.
* Phosphorus runoff from lawn fertilizer causes algae blooms that suck oxygen out of our waterways, killing all aquatic life.
* In the summer, over half of municipal water usage goes to lawns.
Addicted to Green
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The New Anti-Lawn Movement
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The anti-lawn drumbeat started with local campaigns against gas mowers and gained momentum in 1991 when bestselling author Michael Pollan wrote an indictment of lawns in his book Second Nature, and declared in The New York Times that the lawn is a “symbol of everything that’s wrong with our relationship to the land.” In academia, Cornell’s “Turf Guy” Frank Rossi is leading the charge against overfertilization, among other ills of the corporate lawn-care regime. He writes, “We need to give up our perfect-lawn ideal — it’s costing the U.S. plenty.” So how about government action? Not waiting for the industry to reform itself, Madison, WI, and 70 towns in Canada, including Toronto, have banned phosphorus in lawn fertilizer. Five Canadian provinces have banned the use of all pesticides for ornamental purposes, including residential lawns, and the big-box stores have even removed them from their stores countrywide. Of greater threat to the conventional (perfect) American lawn are increasing water shortages due to climate change. Thirteen states now impose water restrictions and another 13 are predicted to impose them within the next five years. Lower-input alternatives like Buffalo grass and “No-Mow” grasses are coming on the market, and artificial turf is more popular than ever. Expect to hear lots more about this hot topic in the coming months and years.
To learn more, check out these websites and articles:
Lawn Reduction and Substitution on my website, Sustainable-Gardening.com.
SafeLawns.org promotes organic lawn care.
“Abolish the White House Lawn” by Michael Pollan.
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Homeowners in the arid West can learn about UC Verde, a highly drought-tolerant Buffalo grass, at Grassroots Program.
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