Last Updated on 4 March 2022
There has been a significant increase in the demand for Artificial Grass over the last few years. However, homeowners considering installing it should ensure they are aware of all the facts. Whilst Artificial Grass may appear to have many benefits including being low maintenance and harder wearing than natural grass, there are environmental and other costs.
Plastic Grass kills the soil underneath it and is a hostile environment for all wildlife, thus discouraging biodiversity. It also raises the temperature of its surroundings to the extent that it can occasionally melt or catch fire. Finally, and most significantly it is not generally recyclable and at the end of its life (10-15 year approximately) has to go to landfill where it will remain for hundreds of years.
It is also not as low maintenance as might be expected, requiring washing down, removal of moss and hoovering to remove leaves etc.
Recyclable versions are being developed but are not widely available to date. There are also other options available if you want to replace a lawn. For more detail on the disadvantages of Artificial Grass and suggestions of alternatives see this website
Grass on your roofs
Green Roofs on the other hand are a wholly positive addition. Green roofs provide a rainwater buffer, purify the air, reduce the ambient temperature, regulate indoor temperatures, save energy and encourages biodiversity in the city. Green roofs are part of climate-proof construction. They can be installed on flat and sloping roofs and cycle and bin sheds amongst other places.
For more information and advice go to the Green Roof Organisation
