Is there anything green about plastic grass?

Image source, Getty Images

On the other side, the grass is less green. It was brown on Lisa Morris' lawn.

It was completely out of the blue. She said a dead lawn.

We spent a lot of money on grass seeds. New turf is put down a few times. We didn't do anything to make it look good.

She had some grass put in. It looks like an outdoor carpet. She wants a sign that says "please remove your shoes"

Ms Morris has grass that is plastic free.

Image source, Lisa Morris

More people may be considering their options as hosepipe bans kick in across southern England in August.

A growing number of people are choosing artificial lawns over grass. The global market for faux flora was estimated to be around $3 billion in 2020, up from $2.5 billion in the previous year.

It is expected to grow to over $5 billion by the end of the decade.

School sport was played on rough 'astroturf' fields when the lawns were made from a polypropylene surface.

They're made from a soft material. It has a nicer feel and looks better.

It's important for his customers to see the images. According to research from Mintel, many Brits had little else to look at other than their own back gardens or balconies when they were locked up.

As opportunities for days out, or to take holidays, were limited, some households had more disposable income to spend.

Image source, Lisa Morris

Over the last decade, the firm's sales have increased, but in the last two years they have gone up.

The lawns are clean and bright. Is there anything else green about them?

The Royal Horticultural Society banned the use of fake plastic grass at its events this year.

The RHS said no fake grass would be allowed because of its damaging effect on the environment.

There is still no systematic research into the impact of synthetic turf on the environment.

The pros and cons of plastic turf in Australia are being assessed by a group of scientists.

New hybrid materials need watering to maintain the real turf in between the artificial ones. The argument of water savings isn't being made anymore.

He says there is more research to be done on surface temperature. He says it is the hottest material he has ever seen.

It can be a burn hazard if the air temperature is below 30 C.

How did Lisa's garden fare during the hot summer months?

The temperature got hot. If it were raining, we had to wear shoes. It didn't melt.

Image source, Getty Images

Microplastic from artificial sports pitches across Europe made their way into the water, according to a European Union report.

Microplastic particles can be washed off the plastic grass pitches into the surrounding environments.

He says that these particles can be eaten by organisms causing physical harm, that they can be washed into the environment with harmful chemicals, and that they can act as a source of pollution in the environment.

Although artificial turf could contribute to the limited drainage capacity of landscapes, like tarmacked surfaces in car parks, "but flooding should not be attributed to artificial turfs beyond the very local area."

Flooding will most likely stay in your plastic back garden.

"Just manufacturing plastic lawns uses fossil fuels, meaning they contribute a larger carbon footprint than letting grass grow naturally, and a natural garden actually soaks up carbon".

The trend towards plastic grass is worrying. There is a nature crisis where biodiversity is collapsing. We are pedaling in a different direction than we should be.

A study last year found that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet.

We need to get over the fact that we are a neat and tidy nation.

If you have a lawn, let it grow, he says. You can mow the grass near the house to mimic the environment in the wild. The birds and bees will be attracted to that.

The benefits of real grass lawns include absorbing carbon dioxide and creating a home for wildlife.

The sterile, lifeless area in the garden is created by plastic grass.

When fake grass is worn out, it has to go in the bin.

Image source, Mike Sewell

The managing director of Easigrass doesn't agree with the idea of artificial grass damaging the environment. During dry weather, he suggests people use less water.

The grass is not being removed in a lot of places. Mud is being replaced.

He thinks that the amount of microplastics getting into water from artificial turf is not well understood.

It doesn't compare to the world's biggest microplastic pollution. There is more plastic coming from washing clothes and car tires.

Is it possible to recycle the lawn once it is no longer useful?

It used to be that plastic lawn would end up in the garbage. He says that is no longer the case in Europe.

If you think about the price of oil and plastic going up, instead of being a waste, it's worth something.

He says plastic grass can be recycled in a number of European countries, but not in the UK.

The industry is taking steps to be more sustainable. A new material that has been "certified 100% circular" by a testing and inspection organisation will soon be sold by his firm.

Lisa doesn't want to recycle just yet, she thinks her lawn has changed her garden for the better.

It makes me happy.