If you have a yard that you’re longing to fill with a beautiful green lawn, you might be considering the merits of both natural grass and artificial turf.
“Each type of lawn has its pros and cons, but many people have inaccurate assumptions about artificial turf,” says Sean Fong, owner of Hawaiian Turf-grass. “There are many compelling reasons to consider natural turf over the manmade alternative.”
NATURAL GRASS IS SAFER FOR HUMANS
You may have heard about PFAS or “forever chemicals,” the heavy metals and toxic man-made compounds used to manufacture products we use every day.
“They’re called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies, and they’re used to make artificial turf,” says Fong.
Forever chemicals have been identified as a possible cause of cancer, immune system disorders, and reproductive and developmental issues.
NATURAL GRASS REDUCES THE RISK OF INJURY
Natural turfgrass offers a thick, cushiony playing surface, perfect for athletes and keiki. But recycled tires and other materials used to manufacture artificial turf result in a resistant, unforgiving surface that increases the likelihood and severity of impact injuries.
NATURAL GRASS IS KINDER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Manufactured with recycled tires and plastics made from hydrocarbons, artificial turf releases harmful chemicals into the air when it breaks down.
“And it’s just about the largest contributor to microplastics in our water, second only to plastics from roads caused by wear and tear,” Fong reports. “But as a living organism, natural grass produces oxygen, sequesters carbon dioxide, and reduces runoff and erosion.”
NATURAL GRASS COOLS THE AIR
On Oahu’s hottest days, a lawn of artificial turf can actually trap heat and cause an increase in summer temperatures. It often requires irrigation to cool it down.
“Natural grass helps cool the area where it’s planted,” says Fong. “Artificial turf can create a heat sink — an area hotter than the rest of your yard — which makes sweltering days really uncomfortable.”
NATURAL GRASS IS DURABLE, RESILIENT, COST-EFFECTIVE
“Choose a natural turfgrass that’s right for your property, and maintain it properly, and it can last forever, thriving the sun,” Fong says. “An artificial lawn fades and degrades in strong sunlight, and regularly must be repaired and replaced.”
Although artificial turf doesn’t need mowing or watering to grow, it must regularly be cleaned and cooled with water, and treated with herbicides.
“And when pets go potty on artificial turf, it’s messy to clean,” Fong observes. “Spots get smelly if they’re not cleaned and sanitized immediately. With a natural lawn, rain and microbes in the soil take care of it all.”
Hawaiian Turfgrass is offering $500 off installation on 400 square feet or more of any of its lovely turfgrass varieties. Call 808-371-0527 by June 30 to receive a $500 discount on complete turnkey installation. Prefer to handle your own installation? Visit hawaiianturfgrass.com to place your order and arrange for pickup or curbside delivery.
HAWAIIAN TURFGRASS
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
ADDRESS 94-840 Lanikuhana Ave., Mililani
TELEPHONE 808-371-0527
WEB hawaiianturfgrass.com
See more articles from: HAWAIIAN TURFGRASS