The Science Behind Synthetic Grass: What Makes It Pet-Safe and Eco-Friendly?

If you’re dreaming of a hassle-free outdoor space to call your own this summer, there’s every chance you’re already well on the way towards making the switch to artificial turf. However, there may still be one or two areas where you need a bit of reassurance, particularly if you’re a pet owner or trying to reduce your environmental footprint. Thankfully, technological advancements mean turf is more suitable for both purposes than ever before, with a substantial body of science to support it.

What Are the Key Components of Turf, and Why Are They So Pet-Friendly?

First and foremost, today’s artificial turf is made up of entirely non-toxic materials – namely, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. Any fears surrounding turf and lead are now, thankfully, consigned to the past, meaning you can allow your four-legged friends to come into close contact with it without a second thought. Furthermore, for both humans and animals, turf has become significantly more comfortable over the years. Those aforementioned polyethylene fibers have provided a softer, more natural feel, while turf will avoid developing the rougher patches synonymous with a yard made up of real grass. As a result, your pet can enjoy being out and about on a surface that’s genuinely kind to their paws.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

For sure! Because there’s no growth cycle taking place, nor any organic matter to attract unwanted visitors, there’s never any need to apply fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides – the like of which all contain harmful substances that your pet could easily ingest. Also, turf’s hypoallergenic nature means it doesn’t harbor the allergens that can make their lives very uncomfortable at certain times of the year. And, for you, turf can alleviate you of much of the pet-related hassle associated with natural grass. As turf doesn’t retain moisture in the same way, you can say goodbye to the days of mud and dirt being tracked indoors, while odor-absorbing infill stops the smell of waste from lingering.

And How About the Environment?

For some, it can be hard to fathom that something that isn’t natural is more eco-friendly than something that is. But it’s true. Developments in recent years mean that, today, turf’s backing layers are largely comprised of bio-based polymers rather than petroleum-based ones, created from sustainable resources, such as soybeans, and are also likely to last longer. At Goat Turf, our preferred choice of infill is Envirofill. Not only is Envirofill manufactured through a low-energy process, but it’s also free of heavy metals or chemicals and is recyclable.

There are also other, more obvious benefits for the environment. Artificial turf doesn’t require any watering to survive and thrive, taking a considerable amount of pressure off local resources, particularly if you live in an area where rationing is taking place. Gas-powered tools, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws, are also made redundant, preventing the release of dangerous pollutants like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This results in improvements to air quality and, of course, benefits to our health. Plus, as noted above, the lack of any fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides means that nasty chemicals aren’t going to be running off into nearby water systems or animal habitats.

Artificial Turf: Gentler for Pets, Gentler for the Planet

Compared to natural grass, it’s fair to say turf is becoming increasingly well-established as a more maintainable, durable alternative. Some of its other values may seem a little hidden in comparison, such as how its very makeup can be so much kinder to our animals and the environment. However, hopefully, we’ve helped you understand why this is the case over the course of this article. Contact us to learn more and discover how turf can benefit you in other ways.