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9 Problems With Artificial Grass: Is It Worth the Hassle?
Sometimes there's simply no replacement for the real thing
Highlights
Artificial grass can overheat in warm weather, reaching temperatures high enough to cause skin burns.
The plastics and PFAS chemicals used in some artificial turf may leach into soil or runoff, posing health and environmental risks.
Poor drainage can lead to puddling, odors, and soil compaction beneath the turf.
Over time, artificial grass can fade, flatten, and break down, becoming difficult to clean or recycle.
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7. Off-Putting Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh.
Some brands let off a plastic smell, especially when they heat up. Additionally, the moment the local parade of pups walks by and leaves waste on your lawn, you will end up with some lingering odors. Lastly, it's important to consider the fresh aroma lost by not using ground cover plants. There's no way to take in the smell of morning dew with a plastic turf.
8. Difficult Disposal
Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, you may not be able to recycle the materials when you're finished. A portion of the turf may be recyclable in your areas when properly separated, but in most cases, the turf ends up in a landfill. Junk disposal, particularly for large amounts of artificial grass, will also increase the price to remove or replace it.
9. Diminishing Quality
Take a moment to think about why we head outside into the backyard in the first place. The soft cushion of natural grass is a great place to play tag, set up a picnic, or kick back with a good book.
While artificial turf can last up to two decades, it will not retain its beauty, comfort, and overall quality for this long. Artificial grass will begin to dry up, harden, and break down over time. Unlike natural grass, once the faux turf begins to go, there's not much you can do to revive it other than replacing the affected area.
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
7. Off-Putting Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh.
Some brands let off a plastic smell, especially when they heat up. Additionally, the moment the local parade of pups walks by and leaves waste on your lawn, you will end up with some lingering odors. Lastly, it's important to consider the fresh aroma lost by not using ground cover plants. There's no way to take in the smell of morning dew with a plastic turf.
8. Difficult Disposal
Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, you may not be able to recycle the materials when you're finished. A portion of the turf may be recyclable in your areas when properly separated, but in most cases, the turf ends up in a landfill. Junk disposal, particularly for large amounts of artificial grass, will also increase the price to remove or replace it.
9. Diminishing Quality
Take a moment to think about why we head outside into the backyard in the first place. The soft cushion of natural grass is a great place to play tag, set up a picnic, or kick back with a good book.
While artificial turf can last up to two decades, it will not retain its beauty, comfort, and overall quality for this long. Artificial grass will begin to dry up, harden, and break down over time. Unlike natural grass, once the faux turf begins to go, there's not much you can do to revive it other than replacing the affected area.
Pro Tip
Any time water pools and collects you risk drowning your plants or, even worse, fungus growth. Fungus loves to grow in wet areas. If it doesn’t dry it can kill your plants, grass, and the surrounding yard.
7. Off-Putting Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh.
Some brands let off a plastic smell, especially when they heat up. Additionally, the moment the local parade of pups walks by and leaves waste on your lawn, you will end up with some lingering odors. Lastly, it's important to consider the fresh aroma lost by not using ground cover plants. There's no way to take in the smell of morning dew with a plastic turf.
8. Difficult Disposal
Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, you may not be able to recycle the materials when you're finished. A portion of the turf may be recyclable in your areas when properly separated, but in most cases, the turf ends up in a landfill. Junk disposal, particularly for large amounts of artificial grass, will also increase the price to remove or replace it.
9. Diminishing Quality
Take a moment to think about why we head outside into the backyard in the first place. The soft cushion of natural grass is a great place to play tag, set up a picnic, or kick back with a good book.
While artificial turf can last up to two decades, it will not retain its beauty, comfort, and overall quality for this long. Artificial grass will begin to dry up, harden, and break down over time. Unlike natural grass, once the faux turf begins to go, there's not much you can do to revive it other than replacing the affected area.
7. Off-Putting Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh.
Some brands let off a plastic smell, especially when they heat up. Additionally, the moment the local parade of pups walks by and leaves waste on your lawn, you will end up with some lingering odors. Lastly, it's important to consider the fresh aroma lost by not using ground cover plants. There's no way to take in the smell of morning dew with a plastic turf.
8. Difficult Disposal
Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, you may not be able to recycle the materials when you're finished. A portion of the turf may be recyclable in your areas when properly separated, but in most cases, the turf ends up in a landfill. Junk disposal, particularly for large amounts of artificial grass, will also increase the price to remove or replace it.
9. Diminishing Quality
Take a moment to think about why we head outside into the backyard in the first place. The soft cushion of natural grass is a great place to play tag, set up a picnic, or kick back with a good book.
While artificial turf can last up to two decades, it will not retain its beauty, comfort, and overall quality for this long. Artificial grass will begin to dry up, harden, and break down over time. Unlike natural grass, once the faux turf begins to go, there's not much you can do to revive it other than replacing the affected area.
7. Off-Putting Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh.
Some brands let off a plastic smell, especially when they heat up. Additionally, the moment the local parade of pups walks by and leaves waste on your lawn, you will end up with some lingering odors. Lastly, it's important to consider the fresh aroma lost by not using ground cover plants. There's no way to take in the smell of morning dew with a plastic turf.
8. Difficult Disposal
Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, you may not be able to recycle the materials when you're finished. A portion of the turf may be recyclable in your areas when properly separated, but in most cases, the turf ends up in a landfill. Junk disposal, particularly for large amounts of artificial grass, will also increase the price to remove or replace it.
9. Diminishing Quality
Take a moment to think about why we head outside into the backyard in the first place. The soft cushion of natural grass is a great place to play tag, set up a picnic, or kick back with a good book.
While artificial turf can last up to two decades, it will not retain its beauty, comfort, and overall quality for this long. Artificial grass will begin to dry up, harden, and break down over time. Unlike natural grass, once the faux turf begins to go, there's not much you can do to revive it other than replacing the affected area.
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