If you installed synthetic turf at your home in the last few years, you likely did it for a very good reason: to conserve water. During the height of the drought, ripping out thirsty lawns was the responsible thing to do, and artificial grass was promoted as a leading solution.
You made a choice based on the best information available at the time. But as science has evolved, so has our understanding of the broader environmental impacts of these materials.
This guide is for you. It's not about blame; it's about acknowledging what we've all learned and figuring out the best path forward for our homes and our community.
What We Now Know Has Changed the Conversation
The focus on water conservation was critical, but we now have a more complete picture of how plastic grass affects our environment and health. The science has caught up, and it's raised three major concerns that weren't part of the conversation a few years ago.
1. "Forever Chemicals" and Other Toxins 🧪
We've learned that many synthetic turf products—from the green plastic blades to the tiny black crumb rubber infill—contain harmful chemicals. These include PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment. They can leach into our soil and water, and exposure is linked to health problems.
2. Microplastic Pollution 🌊
Just like any plastic, artificial turf breaks down over time from sun exposure and use. The tiny plastic blades and infill become microplastics. When it rains, these particles wash off our lawns, go into storm drains, and flow directly into Santa Monica Bay, polluting our ocean and harming marine life. 🐠
3. Extreme Heat Islands 🔥
On a warm, sunny day, synthetic turf can become dangerously hot—sometimes 40-60°F hotter than the air temperature. This isn't just a comfort issue; it can be hot enough to burn skin and raises the ambient temperature of your yard and neighborhood, creating a "heat island" effect that makes our community warmer.
"I Have Turf in My Yard. Do I Need to Rip It Out Today?"
No, you don't need to panic. The immediate decision is up to you, your budget, and your landscape. The primary goal of our campaign is to stop new, large-scale public projects where the risks are magnified. For your own yard, you have time to consider alternatives.
What to Do in the Meantime:
🌳 Protect Your Trees: Ensure your turf isn't laid directly against the trunks of your trees. Trees need space around their base for water to penetrate the soil and reach their roots.
💨 Prevent Runoff: Sweep any loose turf blades or infill back onto the lawn away from the street and storm drains.
☀️ Stay Cool: Be aware of the surface temperature on hot days, especially for children and pets.
Plan for the Future: But What If I Still Want a Lawn?
You absolutely can. Having a green, usable space for your family doesn't mean you have to choose between a water-guzzling monoculture and a plastic carpet. The "modern lawn" is a resilient, low-water, living surface. 🌱
When it's time to replace your turf, consider these excellent options that give you the look and feel of a lawn while being far better for the environment:
🏆 The All-Around Winner: Kurapia (Frogfruit). This is the top choice for a reason. It's a revolutionary groundcover that establishes quickly, requires very little mowing (or none at all for a natural look), and uses a fraction of the water of traditional grass. It's tough enough for kids and pets, soft underfoot, and stays green year-round. It gives you a beautiful, uniform "lawn" look with minimal effort.
☘️ The Resilient Mix: Clover and Drought-Tolerant Fescue. A mix of a hardy fine fescue and white or micro-clover creates a classic, lush green lawn that is incredibly resilient. The clover acts as a natural fertilizer, feeding the grass so it stays healthy and green. This combination stands up well to foot traffic and is a fantastic, soft surface for play.
🌾 The Native Choice: Dune Sedge (Carex pansa). For a meadow-like lawn, this California native is a superb choice. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant. It can be mowed a few times a year for a more traditional turf-like appearance or left to grow for a soft, natural look. It’s a great way to have a "lawn" that also provides habitat and supports local biodiversity.
🦋 Incorporate Pollinator-Friendly Gardens. If your budget and landscape allow, surrounding your play area with pollinator-friendly and native plants can be a beautiful way to help preserve biodiversity. For plant ideas you can check out this Water Wise Garden Guide.