Artificial turf isn’t just for professional athletic teams anymore. The product is growing in popularity across the country and companies and families alike continue to see the benefits, and rapid increase in the use of synthetic turf even during the pandemic. In fact, artificial grass turf installation in the United States in 2021 is forecasted to reach an estimated $2.7 billion!

What is synthetic turf you ask? Turf consists of filaments threaded into a backing that lets water through. The backing is laid on a drainage layer, usually compacted gravel, and fastened along the perimeter. Today’s synthetic grass is made of nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene that’s colored to look like various species of real grass. Like carpet, synthetic turf comes in many different colors. Once a color is chosen, prepping the land is next with consideration being given to padding for resiliency, safety, comfort and performance. Artificial turfs have been proven to have a low impact on the environment as these are recyclable, require less water and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Artificial turf has a much longer life span than grass, but it still needs to be replaced every 8-12 years. The upfront costs may add up, but in the long run, artificial turf is often used for its low maintenance costs. In fact, many suppliers share that the demand for synthetic turf now has gotten so high there is no off-season.

Synthetic turf doesn’t grow, but demand has. It’s not just professional teams making the switch from natural sod, we see the use spreading to public parks, commercial and residential lawns, playgrounds, swimming pool surroundings, balconies and even certain golf surfaces such as driving ranges and putting areas are turning to synthetic turf.

In residential applications, by switching from a natural to artificial lawn, homeowners can save up to $1,000 in just the first year. How? By changing to an artificial grass front yard or backyard, you no longer must invest time and money into things like watering, fertilizing, weeding or cutting grass. With an artificial lawn, there is no need to buy chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Not to mention the savings made by no longer having to water your property to get the beautiful green color! By switching to an artificial grass lawn, you are helping to save the planet and your wallet! And, if you are a pet parent, you are responsible for the safety of your animal. Unfortunately, many outdoor lawns are potentially harmful to our animals due to the heavy usage of chemicals and fertilizers to combat weeds. With an artificial lawn, you can keep your lawn weed-free and skip the use of possibly toxic chemicals.

Recent House bills introduced show government spending on the maintenance of parks, schools, hospitals, community centers and other public areas drives demand for services provided by this industry. In particular, initiatives led by local and state legislatures to conserve water drive demand for artificial grass. As governments seek to balance their budgets, services provided by this industry could suffer.

In 2020, government consumption and investment are expected to grow, representing a potential opportunity for the industry.

What are the Good Points of Artificial Grass?

• It saves water.
• It’s easy to maintain.
• Synthetic grass can be environmentally friendly.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority says a homeowner saves 55 gallons of water per year for every square foot of natural grass replaced with synthetic. Plus, some water companies in drought-prone areas will offer a cash rebate for artificial grass, up to $1 per square foot. You’ve got to blow off leaves and other debris, and hose off pet waste. But there’s no mowing, seeding, edging and fertilizing—lawn maintenance chores that take the average homeowner about 150 hours per year, says Ted Steinberg, author of American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn.

The Synthetic Turf Council says synthetic lawns’ recycled crumb rubber infill keeps 20 million rubber tires out of landfills every year.

What are the Drawbacks?

• It’s not completely maintenance-free.
• It can’t absorb and break down pet urine.
• It heats up in direct sun.
• It can’t be recycled.
• Some homeowners’ associations and municipalities ban fake grass.

IMARK Irrigation is currently working with a major manufacturer and distributor of synthetic turf…stay tuned for a major announcement in the near future!