A post on Reddit has sparked a heated debate among homeowners regarding astroturf or fake grass in their yards.
Many homeowners, especially in the UK, have recently made the change from real to fake grass in an effort to manage upkeep and use less water. However, as the debate on Reddit highlights, there are some real drawbacks to this plastic replacement.
The Photo on Reddit That Started It All
The original poster started the conversation with a 2 side-by-side photos of their backyard. On the left is a small, clean square of fake grass and on the right is a photo in which the grass is covered with flower petals.
The author wrote, “I have just had astro fitted, which cost a large amount of money, but unfortunately, I feel like it’s getting ruined a blossom tree that is on my street but hands into my garden. Does anyone know a number that I am able to call for the council to see if i can get the tree trimmed down please… i am hoovering it every day and every morning I wake up to this same mess.”
The Internet Didn’t Respond Positively
Clearly, the author assumed he would get support and even help with his astro-blossom issue, but Reddit users had other plans.
In fact, the vast majority of the comments criticized the author for choosing astroturf at all, let alone for complaining about the flower petals. One Reddit user wrote, “For a patch of lawn that tiny, I don’t understand why you’d replace it with astroturf, especially given how bad it is for wildlife.”
Why Do So Many People Opt for Astroturf?
Astroturf is fairly expensive, so it begs the question; Why would someone opt to replace their grass with this artificial alterntive?
There are a variety of motivations for homeowners to choose fake grass. From environmental factors to expensive and timely upkeep, these are some of the reasons poeple choose astroturf over real lawns.
Grass Needs to Be Mowed
Perhaps the most common reason is that grass needs to be mowed, which can be a time-consuming and physcially demanding task. Lawnmowers are also known to emit chemicals such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide, which can pollute the air.
These realities have become well-known among homeowners for some time, which is why many have decided to switch to fake grass. However, more and more information is coming to light that shows astroturf may cause just as many issues as real grass.
Astroturf Is Very Dangerous for Wildlife
First, many Reddit users noted that astroturf can actually be quite dangerous for wildlife such as bees, worms, birds, and even domestic pets.
First, it’s important to understand that without soil, the natural ecosystem of a backyard becomes non-existent, which means all the critters who live there will die. Some people see this as a benefit, as they want to be rid of pests, but those who understand the need for pollination and animal life are vehemently against using the alternative.
Pets & People Are Negatively Affected by Fake Grass
Some pets will be unable to tell the difference between real and fake grass and may try to eat the grass, which means they are ingesting plastic.
In fact, it’s even toxic for humans who know not to eat grass; like all other plastic, astroturf releases microplastics into the air, which, when inhaled, can cause lasting damage.
Rising Temperatures Can Make Astroturf Cancerous
In addition to microplastics, fake grass is also known to release carcinogenic chemicals as temperatures rise.
This can become particularly harmful in hotter climates and in the summer seasons, causing potential dmage to both pets and humans.
Local Grasses Are Best for the Environment & the People Who Live There
Environmental scientists now know that native grasses are the best option for lawns for both ecosystems and the people who live there.
They found out that natural, long grasses keep the air temperature much cooler than short grass. Naturally, this benefits the homeowners who enjoy spending time outside without getting scorched.
Some Are Even Opting for Wildflower Lawns
The University of Cambridge even decided to do away with their centuries-old short-grass lawn in favor of a wildflower garden.
By doing so, they not only don’t have to mow the lawn, but they’ve improved the air quality, natural ecosystem, and even the beauty of their campus lawn.
Astroturf Lawns May Be a Trend of the Past
As the author of the original Reddit post realized, nature is inevitable, and the majority of commenters on the post agreed that astroturf may not be the glorious solution that many people once thought it was.
And although there are a few disadvantages to real grass, the benefits for humans, wildlife, pets, and the environment, as well as the downsides of astroturf, make real grass the clear winner (at least according to this Reddit conversation).
