Proven Health Benefits of Artificial Turf
Homeowners who choose to install an artificial lawn mainly do so because of its cost effectiveness and low maintenance. Many overlook the fact that artificial turf is also beneficial for health reasons as well. While it may not seem obvious in the beginning, the more you think about how synthetic turf is made and installed, you begin to realize that it has many properties that make it an ideal choice for many homeowners.
Less Pollen
An artificial lawn produces no pollen. The reduced pollen levels can have a dramatic impact on family members who have upper respiratory or pollen related allergies. Children who are asthmatic or prone to chronic bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis can become extremely ill when pollen levels become excessively high.
While grass does not make up for all of the pollen in the air, it does make up a large portion. Other plants that produce pollen include:
- Trees
- Flowers
- Shrubs
- Bushes
By installing artificial turf, you can reduce the levels of pollen near your home substantially. This increases the quality of air around the property as well as inside the home if you leave your windows open. So if you like to keep your windows open to enjoy the summer breeze, having artificial turf eliminates large amounts of pollen from entering your home and increasing the risk of allergies.
Fewer Mosquitoes
The installation of an artificial lawn also reduces the amount of mosquitoes and other flying insects that can thrive in a regular grass lawn. A lawn made of natural grass has dips and valleys where water can collect after a heavy rain. It’s in these moist areas, that mosquitoes lay their eggs. The longer the water is allowed to stand without adequate drainage, the more mosquitoes and insects that will inhabit the lawn.
Installing artificial turf removes the dips and valleys and prevents standing water. After the sod has been removed, the ground is smoothed out. While small valleys may still be present, they are not deep enough to allow for standing water. Once the ground has been leveled, filler material is laid over the soil and small network of trenches are created that will allow water to drain away after a heavy rainfall. The filler is normally pea gravel or rubber clippings that are rolled and compressed to create a firm surface.
An artificial lawn does not support insect life. Many insects and small rodents thrive on food they find on top of the soil and that which is close to the surface. When artificial turf is installed, those food supplies are eliminated. With no food to be found, insects will quickly move on to the next patch of natural grass where they can easily reach the soil.
Prevents the Spread of Bacteria
Bacteria is everywhere. It is on your hands, feet, in the air and in the soil. Animals carry bacteria as they travel back and forth across your yard. Natural grass has no protective mechanism to prevent the spread of bacteria. Artificial turf, however, is manufactured with materials that contain microbial silver.
Microbial silver is an antibacterial agent that prevents bacteria from spreading and helps to control the spread of illness and disease.
Kids and animals play together in the yard. They roll in the grass and play in the dirt constantly exposing themselves to a multitude of microbes and bacteria. An artificial lawn has the capability of reducing their exposure to infection causing bacteria and allergens. Even if children are getting over a cold or other illness, playing in the artificial grass can reduce the amount of bacteria that is spread among them as they play.