The Grass Doctor

Are the new faux grass lawns a good way to landscape?

Some listed pros and cons: Expensive to install. They don't require water. One expert claims that faux lawns result in much higher ground temperatures. Some cities still forbid them (old ordinances). Rain runs off instead of being absorbed into the ground.

Public Comments

1. We arent the brady bunch. People dont want astroturf lawns, you may as well haev a gravel or concrete lot b/c that looks bad and serves no purpose.
2. Pix, there are some wonderful Artificial turf products these days, which are very life like. It is fairly expensive to install, ranging from $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot. And yes they don't require water, fertilizer, pesticides or the dreaded mowing. There are some improvements in the synthetic turf products that help keep temperatures down, but for the most part it will absorb and radiate a little more temperature. The newer products have percolation holes in them to allow for sub-surface drainage. They are now being used to reduce surface run off, the the appropriate sub-base. Some cities, such as in Southern Cal are offering a rebate program to actually install a synthetic lawns. Many states, counties and HOA's are now approving synthetic lawns. Check with a couple of manufacturers or installers. If you need help finding an installer try a Professional landscape supply company like John Deere Landscapes.