Did you know that the average lawn needs between 1 and 1.5 inches of water per week to stay green? While this may not sound like a lot, it adds up, especially during the hot and dry summers. Why not get beautiful green artificial turf instead?
Many people worry that synthetic grass isn't as "good" as real grass, sometimes due to safety fears. Is artificial turf safe if you have children and pets in your home?
We're here to put your fears to rest. Read on to learn all about a few factors that make artificial grass safe for your entire family.
Many people worry that artificial grass is going to be full of harmful chemicals and lead. Real grass, on the other hand, is "natural" and clean.
In reality, modern artificial turf is lead-free and completely safe. While there are chemicals involved in the process of creating the artificial turf, there are also chemicals in everything. Chemicals are not inherently bad.
Furthermore, even standard grass lawns, if you're keeping them bright and clean, generally contain chemicals. There are chemical pesticides and any chemicals that may have been sucked up into the grass while it was growing.
In short, there are no harmful chemicals in the best artificial turf that you need to worry about.
When you're outside on "real" turf, you don't think much about how dirty it can get. You're walking all over it, you may spill things on it, and you have no idea what's happening to it when you're not paying attention.
If you're an adult, this isn't something you really have to worry about. You're high enough off the ground that dirty grass isn't a problem for you.
But what if you're a child or pet? Children and pets are closer to the ground. They may end up putting pieces of grass in their mouths or putting hands (or paws) in their mouths after touching the turf.
You don't have to worry about this with synthetic grass.
Synthetic grass is incredibly easy to clean. Spraying it with a garden hose is generally enough to keep it fresh and clean so you don't have to worry about anything harming your children or pets.
While most people don't clean their artificial grass often, you could do it right before or after your child or pet goes out on it. This way, you always know that it's clean and safe.
Speaking of keeping things clean, modern artificial turf actually has antimicrobial properties. This adds yet another level of safety for your children and pets.
This turf will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other organisms. While you should still be careful and clean your turf from time to time, it will minimize the problem.
Real grass, of course, does not have antimicrobial properties. Bacteria and other organisms are essential for the ecosystem, so natural grass will not prevent their growth.
If you want to ensure that you get artificial turf with antimicrobial properties, be sure to mention this when you talk to your professional synthetic turf installer. They'll find the perfect synthetic turf for you.
Modern synthetic grass is hypoallergenic. The vast majority of people will have no reaction to it.
This isn't true for grass. As a matter of fact, an allergy to grass pollen is one of the most common types of allergies. While an allergy to grass pollen typically isn't dangerous per se, it can be uncomfortable.
Artificial turf will not release any pollen or attract any pollen, so after a quick rinse, it shouldn't trigger any pollen allergies.
Even without the pollen, many people find grass uncomfortable to sit on. Developing a rash or hives after sitting or playing on grass isn't uncommon. These rashes can be itchy and uncomfortable, even if they aren't dangerous.
Artificial grass won't trigger this same type of reaction. Your children can sit and play on the grass without having to manage any uncomfortable rashes.
This is one thing that many people don't consider when they're choosing between a "real" grass lawn and an artificial grass lawn. Artificial grass will not attract pests. This further improves its safety.
Most pests that lurk in natural grass aren't harmful, but they could still bite a child or pet. There are also some harmful pests, like wasps and spiders, that will burrow in natural grass.
While there may be the occasional pest on your artificial turf, the turf won't attract pests, and they won't have anywhere to burrow within it. This makes it safer (and less scary) for children and pets.
There is only one brief period of time in which artificial turf is unsafe. This is during the initial installation period. While the turf is being installed, it can be dusty, and breathing in that dust isn't healthy.
With that in mind, a professional will be installing the artificial grass for you, and you won't have to worry. As long as you wait for them to give you the go-ahead to start enjoying your new turf, there will be no risk to you or your family.
So is artificial turf safe? Yes! It's antimicrobial, easy to clean, unattractive to pests, and so much more. There's no reason that it would be any less safe than natural grass for children or pets.
If you want a picture-perfect lawn, artificial grass may be perfect for you.
We want to help you with your artificial turf or pet turf. Contact us at Apex Turf to get a quote today!
