One benefit of artificial turf that doesn't get talked about is its amazing drainage capabilities. Most artificial turf designs include an intricate drainage system that gently siphons water away from the surface to be carried away by a complex network of channels. Water from throughout the lawn is drawn into the system and carried to the nearest outlet, be it a sewer drain or other type of drainage system.
Prevents Standing Water
The benefits of proper drainage include no standing or pooling water in low-lying areas. While this may not seem a major issue, for people with a natural grass lawn it can be a big problem. Not only do the small ponds of water drown the grass it also works to loosen the soil, allowing it to erode. Standing water also evaporates back into the atmosphere adding to the humidity and mugginess of the air. Areas where water is allowed to stand can make for slippery soil and sticky footing in a natural grass lawn. Artificial turf means no loose soil and no slick spots where it looks dry on the surface but is moist and slippery underneath the grass.
No Mosquitoes!
Pools of water make excellent breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes. If water continues to accumulate, pesticides may be needed to control the pest population and rid the area of the pesky mosquitoes. Eliminating the puddles also takes away a source of water for small rodents to drink from. Making it so that excess water continually drains away eliminates many of the problems people have with small rodents and pesky bugs.
Conserves Water
Allowing water to drain back into the ecosystem continues to keep aquifers and ground water sources full. Water that is allowed to remain in puddles will often evaporate, reducing the amount of water that is available for us to use on a regular basis. With drought conditions in many areas ranging from moderate to severe, water conservation is of the utmost importance. The more water we can return to the ecosystem, the better off the environment will be in the long run. One of the main reasons artificial turf has become so popular is that it needs no water to sustain it. It's important to remember that is not the only way a synthetic lawn can help the environment, especially where water is concerned.
Complex System Means Smooth Flow
Artificial turf manufacturers have turned drainage into an art. The first step in the process is to smooth the ground, eliminating any small dips and valleys that may make it difficult for the water to drain. Once the ground has been prepared, the drainage system is put in place. With the intricate channels and permeable, fabric backing, water is not allowed to remain on the surface. Instead, it works with gravity, traveling through the fabric, through a complex leach bed and down into the network of tiny channels that guide the water to the nearest drainage system.
Artificial turf manufacturers have gone to great lengths and spent both time and money to determine what methods worked best. From various types of permeable fabric to intricate grids designed to draw water down and channel it away, cutting edge technology has been used to both enhance and perfect these systems. Today, the drainage systems used in artificial turf lawns are more efficient than ever before. Most manufacturers take into consideration the effect their product will eventually have on the environment, both in terms of the lack of hazardous chemicals as well as natural grass' dependence on water. By eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and dramatically reducing the amount of water required to sustain a natural grass lawn, artificial turf companies have made a profound impact. Not only have they helped the environment thrive, they are allowing homeowners to maintain beautiful lawns that are actually helping conserve water and other vital resources.
