by Jean-Michel Desmeules

Created on: April 02, 2009

The decision to place synthetic turf or to continue spending many hours and resources (including financial resources) on natural grass is one that must be made with an open mind. Whether you are pro or against natural grass, it iswell natural. There's always something to be said about a natural organic environment. Do I mean that natural is better? Well yes and no! I know I'm getting confusing, don't worry I confuse myself as well! What I do mean is that we can never make one too many decisions that will lead us to a mostly fake environment: nature, as most of the world knows by now, is fragile and must be taken care of. But you see that is exactly the goal in putting synthetic turf in areas susceptible to heavy use and traffic, as maintaining natural grass is typically a very wasteful and non environmental practice.

Lawns pollute because of the fertilizer that is needed once (or even more) a year. If you don't put fertilizer in your lawn, then it becomes weaker and eventually will die or be replaced by weeds, and let's not forget how lawns are notoriously hungry for phosphorus and nitrogen! Then the drainage water, after the rain or after you've showered it with water, carries that phosphorus and nitrogen (and perhaps other undesirable chemicals) down into underground water pools, lakes, streams and any other water deposits. And I am not going into gas pollution if you use a gas powered lawn mower or any other source of pollution incurred in the process.

Now I don't propose that we stop having lawns: they are beautiful, soft and what's a summer without the smell of fresh grass! The point is rather that sports fields and other heavily trafficked areas in public spaces should have turfs, because it is less maintenance, it is more durable, produces less waste and of course is better for the environment. In urban areas, it can also slow down (and even contain entirely) runoff water because of its incredible water retention property, and in an urban area that's a great thing! Aesthetically speaking, it has the advantage of keeping its green colour better than natural lawn as well as it's texture even after a sports team is done with it: now that's something else to think about!

So as far as the parks and other public areas, I think lawns and turfs should definitely coexist as turf can be useful for lawns because of its water retention to mention one thing; but when it comes to any sports field or area that get a lot of abuse: it should be turf all the way! So give the "faux" grass a try! It's not like it used to be and who know, maybe you'll want some for your own property. If you're scared of the neighbour's reaction, don't worry I won't tell and they won't know either because it looks just like grass, although you might have some trouble explaining to Bob next door why you never mow or water it

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