• Artificial grass is ideal for high-use areas where sports are played.Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Xeriscaping, or gardening with minimal water, is growing in popularity as water bills go up and supplies go down. Some homeowners who are questioning the need for thirsty natural lawns are switching to artificial grass. Man-made materials that mimic green lawns need little maintenance other than a spring washing, require no water, fertilizer or weedkiller and remain uniformly green. Artificial turf provides a uniform playing field for children, games and outdoor activities and is ideal for summer cottages.
  
  

Description

• Twenty-first century artificial turf is made from synthetic yarns woven into synthetic mats with a colored nylon thatch to conceal the mat. Polypropylene and polyethylene are formed into long monofilament strings used as yarn, which are tufted to a polypropylene backing like a carpet. Different weights and amounts of thatch can be combined for heavy- and low-use areas, and grasses come in various colors. Artificial grass is installed in 15-foot bolts and weighted down with sand or rubber pellets that are concealed by the grass. These cushion the fibers for a more grass-like feel that lasts up to 35 years. The cost in 2010 ranged from $2.25 to more than $5 per square foot.
  
  

Uses

• Homeowners who live in arid areas have embraced artificial grass for lawn, garden and play areas. Xeriscaping is gardening with little or no water, so synthetic turf is perfect. It is durable in high-use areas. Requiring minimal maintenance, artificial grass is used in hot, rainy and cold zones by homeowners conscious of the increasing cost of traditional grass lawns.
  
  

Advantages

• Artificial grass brings relief to homeowners with grass allergies. Because it is porous, it can be used in areas of high rainfall. It is made from nonabsorbent material and doesn't stain. It withstands heavy use and needs no water, fertilizer, mowing or weeding, so is ideal for the elderly or disabled. An occasional washing and brushing with a stiff broom is the only maintenance.
  
  New artificial grasses are animal-friendly and withstand pet urine and stains. Durafill infill doesn't absorb external elements, so odor and bacteria from pets are reduced.
  
  

Disadvantages

• Synthetic fibers and sand can cause abrasion injuries. Some systems use recycled materials like rubber that leach heavy metals into the ground. Artificial turf needs cleaning and periodic disinfection. Grass in pet areas should be washed occasionally with half vinegar/half water to neutralize bacterial spores. Artificial grass systems that don't use Durafill can become very hot in full sun.