Is Turf Better For The Environment?
When you first hear the statement that turf is actually better for the environment than a “natural” yard you might immediately balk at it. How can something that is synthetic and designed to replace something natural, be better for the environment? But, what might surprise many people is learning that turf is actually better for the environment in a few important ways. When we think about turf vs. natural grass, we might be thinking about how turf would compare to a truly wild and natural piece of land, and against that, your impulse would be correct. A plot of land in the woods that is unmanaged is better for the environment and ecosystem than ripping it up and replacing it with turf. But, when we compare turf vs a maintained yard, like a homeowner’s front lawn or a public field, you will find that turf has some ecological benefits.
Maintaining A Yard Is Bad For The Environment
Out in the woods or in a nearby forest, grass grows wild allowing homes for insects and small critters. Natural plant life is beneficial in many ways. Plants are able to absorb CO2 emissions and convert them into oxygen, they provide homes/food for animals and prevent flooding by absorbing rainwater. But the front yard of a home is a far cry from the grass, moss, and weeds that grow uninhibited in the woods. We do a lot of work to make sure our yards look presentable. And most of that work has a larger negative impact on the environment than any positive impact you would get from the yard. Mowing can release CO2 into the atmosphere if you use a gas mower. Pesticides and herbicides can roll off your yard into the local ecosystem and harm other plant life. And weeding is uprooting and destroying natural plants. Plus, the water it takes to maintain a green lawn, especially in arid climates takes water away from other areas that need it. In many different ways, the upkeep of a traditional “natural lawn” is actually really bad for the natural ecosystem. A yard that could be a home for insects is often treated with poisons that go beyond the borders of the yard. By contrast, a turf yard cuts the costs of maintenance by not requiring mowing, pesticides, etc. while also being better for the environment.
Turf Can Be Made With Recycled Materials
Some brands of turf are made using recycled materials, allowing for less pollution by reusing plastics, rubbers, and other materials. For example, many infills are made with rubber from recycled tires. This gives turf a similar bounce and feel to a normal yard while also decreasing the garbage in the environment. Moreover turf doesn’t need to be treated with pesticides since pests won’t naturally live in turf. This means no runoff when the rain hits.
Turf Can Decrease Costs And Utility Use
More importantly, turf isn’t going to require energy use or water resources to be wasted. In arid climates, it can be a waste of water to water your lawn and keep it green. If the natural environment is not supporting green grass, taking measures and steps to artificially keep your grass well kept and green is usually a detriment to the overall environment. By contrast, turf looks and stays green year-round without need for any maintenance.
Turf-Prep in Woburn Massachusetts, provides turf installation services to properties throughout the Greater Boston area. If you are interested in a quote for turf or have questions about turf, give us a call or fill out the form below for more information.
Get An Estimate On Turf Installation Near Woburn
Interested in turf for your business? Give us a call or fill out the form below to get in touch with a member of our team to discuss turf installation in Greater Boston. Our team would be happy to discuss our turf products, estimates on pricing, project timelines, and more.