Pros And Cons of Installing Artificial Turf in Melbourne

Artificial turf is typically made by combining polyethylene plastic grass and recycled tires. Turf has become extremely well-liked in Melbourne, and a large number of people have even stated that they prefer it over natural grass. The use of turf has become somewhat controversial, as many people see it as a health hazard. To further understand the turf debate, here are some popular pros and cons on the subject.

 

Pros:

 

Little to no Maintenance

 

One of the most highlighted pros to replacing natural grass with turf is that it doesn’t grow. Since turf is made from plastic, it does not require the same type of landscaping that natural grass does. However, turf does need to be vacuumed, refilled, and repaired in highly trafficked areas.

 

Free of Pesticides

 

Turf does not need to be treated by pesticides and fertilisers.

 

Practical

 

Many sport fields are having their natural grass replaced with turf. This is because turf is a lot more practical and does not become muddy when it rains. Its use in sports is extremely welcomed because it causes fewer injuries, as uneven surfaces, potholes, and slippery mud are no longer an issue.

 

Eco-Friendly

 

Replacing natural grass with turf is a great way to save on water.

 

Cons:

 

Doesn’t respond well with heat

 

Turf Melbourne absorbs heat when it is subjected to high temperatures. In fact, turf can become so hot that it can exceed the air’s temperature by over 30 degrees. As a result of this, most sport games that are played on turf get cancelled on hot days.

 

Toxic

 

When properly inspected, scientists realised that turf was made with toxic materials that have proven to be bad for the health. Below is a list of chemicals found in turf, some of which cause cancer and cause asthmatics to become short of breath.

 

●     Lead

●     Zinc

●     Arsenic

●     Cadmium

●     Chromium

●     Selenium

 

Bacteria Prone

 

It has been proven that various bacterias can live comfortably within turf for over 90 days. Since the fields are not cleaned or sanitised, blood, skin cells, and sweat easily find their way into turf and have no way out.

 

Irreversible

 

When turf is purchased and installed, the plastic completely kills any living organisms, which makes it nearly impossible to grow grass in its stead. However, after a years of soil rehabilitation, natural grass might be able to grow again.

 

Turf can be installed in a variety of places, and is ideal in more ways than one. In fact, there are some people who have replaced the grass on their lawn with turf or even installed some in their homes. There are many health hazards concerning turf, however, which is why its topic has become so controversial.