First introduced in the 1960's artificial grass, has transformed from being used primarily for sports fields, but in the past fifteen years has become progressively more popular, being used in homes for residential, recreational and commercial properties as well. With these changes, much attention has been paid to the many advantages and benefits of synthetic grass compared to natural grass. Despite the overwhelming positives that synthetic grass offers there are still a few questionable aspects, but to gain a better working knowledge of why artificial grass is still the premiere choice for grass surfaces, here are some of the pros and cons of synthetic turf.

One of the primary pros and the main reason most people even choose artificial grass is that it is a huge time and money saver for many reasons. The first is that it requires very minimal upkeep, as you no longer have to worry about mowing and clipping the grass. Also, synthetic grass does not require one to water and fertilizer the lawn, all tasks that necessitate time, money and effort. Since the artificial turf is not watered and chemical laden products like pesticides and fertilizers are not being applied, lawn owners are also saving water and helping the environment by preventing toxins from being spread in the air. Additionally, since synthetic grass doesn't require these lawn maintenance tasks to be completed, artificial turf owners don't have to worry about purchasing costly gardening tools like lawn mowers, sheers and clippers on a regular basis.

Another major positive aspect of synthetic grass is that it is incredibly durable and resilient, with the ability to withstand the various elements and intense usage over long spans of time. Furthermore, artificial turfs have excellent drainage systems that prevent the creation of puddles and work to dry up any fluids or moisture from the surface immediately. Artificial grass fields are also ideal for sports and play, as they have a superior consistence of surface and evenness compared to traditional grass. Therefore the level surface provided by synthetic grass can act as injury reducer for athletes of all types.

While there are many pros in choosing synthetic grass, there are still some expensive aspects of this choice. One is that initially artificial grass instillation can be costly and that upkeep and repairs are somewhat expensive. Some of these maintenance tasks include periodic watering to remove debris and residue after use and the refilling of the tiny rubbers that make up the infill. Another reasons some shy away from using artificial grass is that a sharp increase in temperature can cause the rubbers to drastically heat up when it's hot outside, making it difficult for some athletes to play as they face quicker fatigue and hydration issues. Some even question the safety of synthetic turf for children, claiming that rubber elements of the turf contain harmful chemicals, but turf companies have conducted much research and lawfully abided by health statutes for turf products to ensure that they are all lead free.

While there are positives and negative aspects in the debate over synthetic grass versus natural grass, the decision of whether or not it works for you is personal. Regardless of one's choice, artificial grass continues to be an option worth exploring when designing your lawn space.