Aug. 04, 2025
Chemicals
It seems like the perfect solution. Replace thirsty lawns with something that plays the part yet is perfectly (un)dead and therefore requires no water, no maintenance, and no sweat. But the story of artificial turf is not as simple as it sounds, and most of that has to do with the “no sweat” part of it. Let me explain.
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We get so much more from living plats than just a splash of color. And, as thirsty as our living lawns are, they provide so much more than a place to tumble around on. For those of us who want the look and feel of grass and the water requirements of concrete, artificial turf might seem like the answer. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Because it is essentially made of plastic and rubber, not plant material, it doesn’t offer any of the benefits of plants, such as abating the urban heat island effect. More on this later….
It Just like any other rug, it will collect bits and pieces of pet and bird droppings and liquids from humans (saliva, blood, or sweat). Unlike natural plant materials, which lose parts and regrow them, the blades and the bedding of artificial turf remain the same. You’ll need to rake it to fluff up and straighten the fibers. And you’ll need to hose it down with water. In fact, for most professional and recreational spots use, the Synthetic Turf Council suggests the installation of a manual or automatic irrigation system with artificial turf to improve field sanitation and to make it more comfortable for players in warmer climates.
Why would artificial grass need an irrigation system when installed in a warm climate? Well, it can get really hot. Surface temperatures of artificial grass are about 20-50° F higher than natural grass and typically reach the same temperature as asphalt pavement. The highest temperature measured during research was 200° F. Wow! Now, manufacturers of the product are aware of the issue and are working to improve how hot the materials get. The Synthetic Turf Council has even published guidelines for minimizing the risk of heat-related illness. Still, it’s plastic in the Valley of the Sun, not a great pairing if staying cool in your yard is a priority for you.
Eventually, you will need to replace the artificial turf. Its life expectancy is still unknown. Some companies claim a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, while critics are estimating closer to eight years. We’ve experienced the incredible ability of the Arizona sun to destroy rubber and plastics, so any estimates (and cost recovery estimates) will need to take that into consideration. Like any other product, as technology and design improves, the life expectancy will improve, as long as the product is properly maintained. Proper maintenance of artificial turf can help maximize the appearance and longevity of that product. Routine maintenance includes keeping the product clean, ensuring that the infill material is kept at proper levels, and brushing the surface to keep grass fibers upright and infill even. The design, installation, and quality of the product that you purchase are just as important.
This has to be asked …. Are you ready to invest a large sum of money to install a product that has not been tested under desert conditions? Installation costs can range from $5 to $20 a square foot. Consider how willing you are to risk this investment by thinking about the following questions: How long will these products last? What will happen to the chemicals in this product if the components begin to break down in my landscape? How much hotter will my landscape get? Will it make my house hotter in the summer and increase my energy bills? How will the summer temperatures affect any plant materials that are nearby? If you decide that this product is for you, just make sure you research both the company and the product to ensure it is high quality. The Synthetic Turf council has minimum specifications for turf grass that may be helpful.
Many of us are drawn to artificial turf because we care about the environment. We want to save water. We want to save time. We’re tired of the grueling tasks of mowing and weeding, as well as applying fertilizers and pesticides when they’re needed. However, if your priority is caring for the environment, artificial turf is not going to be the best option. It’s made of plastic and difficult to recycle and reuse. In fact, while manufacturers promise recyclability, it is likely to end up in a landfill. When components break down, it’s possible for the chemicals or plastic materials to escape into the rest of the environment. Instead of increasing the life of your soil, it compacts soil and creates an inhabitable environment for the living organisms in your soil, rendering it unable to grow plant materials until that soil has been brought back to life.
See, it really comes down to why we grow plants in the urban environment. Plant materials provide so much more than just aesthetic value. They help improve water and air quality, reduce temperatures, reduce storm water runoff, and provide habitats for animals, insects, bees, and birds. With our increasingly built urban environment, less and less of our land is porous, allowing rainwater (and, sadly, irrigation runoff) to infiltrate into our soil, which acts as a natural filter. This means our landscapes need to act more like sponges, allowing water to move slowly over the soil and spread its benefits. Contouring the landscape helps water sink into the soil, and adding plant materials and mulch increases the absorbency of our soil. Artificial turf is an investment in fancy outdoor carpeting, but it is not an investment in a lively, beneficial landscape that keeps our cities cool, provides a natural habitat for wildlife, and gives back to the environment that sustains us.
This article was written by Tina Sleeper at the City of Tempe Water Resources Department, one of 18 Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.
Synthetic turf is a low-maintenance ground-cover choice for yards, children’s play areas, dog runs, sports fields, or creating your own putting green. While most homeowners prefer natural lawns to “fake grass,” sales of synthetic-turf systems have increased some 20% since , according to the Synthetic Turf Council, an industry group.
People who choose artificial grass do so because it’s easy to clean, doesn’t attract pests, and doesn’t need mowing or extensive lawn maintenance. Unlike natural lawns, it doesn’t require regular watering either, a benefit to home buyers in arid climates.
Synthetic lawn materials, made by manufacturers such as LITA Premium Artificial Grass and Synlawn, usually consist of nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, attached to a backing of polypropylene and either latex or polyurethane. Many synthetic turf brands come with a 10- or 15-year warranty.
Artificial grass installation is a labor-intensive task that requires the proper tools, equipment, and knowhow. In most cases, you’ll want the job to be performed by an experienced landscaper who specializes in artificial turf.
Further reading:Are you interested in learning more about artificial turf LATEX? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical cost of professional artificial turf installation.
Artificial turf installation typically costs $5.50–18.75 per square foot (sq. ft.), including materials and labor. For a 500-square-foot yard section, the installed price ranges from $2,750–9,375, with an average cost of $6,165.
The artificial-lawn installation process includes providing infill—sand or rubber that supports the synthetic turf. Infill typically costs $0.85–1.75 per square foot, including materials and labor, which should be included in the overall estimate.
Apart from size of area, the most important price factor is the quality and type of turf you choose. Here’s what you’ll typically pay for different materials.
Polypropylene. The lowest-priced turf material, polypropylene is also the least durable. It’s best for low-traffic areas and cooler climates. But because it’s soft, it’s sometimes used for putting greens. Average cost: $2–6 per square foot, materials only.
Polyethylene. A more natural-seeming material, polyethylene mimics the look of real grass. On the high end of the price range, it’s very durable, and holds up well under heavy foot traffic or play. Average cost: $2.50–8 per square foot, materials only.
Nylon. This turf can feel stiffer underfoot, but it’s typically the strongest and most durable material. Nylon can survive strong heat, and maintains its shape during heavy use. Average cost: $5–11 per square foot, materials only.
The following elements can affect the cost of installing an artificial lawn:
Here are some ways to reduce expenses for artificial turf installation.
How much does an artificial turf lawn cost?
The average cost of artificial grass is $5.50–18.75 per square foot, including the turf itself and installation fees. At any square footage, top brands and high-quality turf tends to fall at the higher end of the price range.
Is artificial grass worth the money?
Artificial turf costs quite a bit more upfront than planting a natural-grass lawn. But it requires very little maintenance, so you’ll save over time on fertilizing, mowing, and water bills. If you’re looking to conserve water but prefer a natural ground cover, ask your landscaper about other alternatives, such as drought-tolerant plants.
What is the lifespan of artificial grass?
Most artificial-turf lawns will last up at least 10–15 years with routine cleaning and general upkeep. Synthetic grass systems typically come with a 10- or 15-year warranty, depending on the brand.
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