Several more homeowners have submitted applications to replace or add synthetic turf to their front or back yards. California law requires that we allow homeowners to install synthetic turf. The HOA does however set standards for the quality of the synthetic turf which are outlined in Appendix H of the Architectural Standards which can be found on our website under Design:
While it might seem like a very straightforward decision in install this grass as it will reduce water usage there are some negative aspects to this product:
Synthetic turf contains toxic, per-and polyfluoroalkyl flame retardants neurotoxic phthalates. These chemicals are demented to leaching air, soil and water with off gas methane and ethylene contributing to climate change. The turf can reach temperatures of 160 plus degrees Fahrenheit and create heat islands.
From personal experience we recommend that you keep children off of synthetic turf when weather is hot especially when in bare feet.They can easily burn the bottoms of their feet. Many schools in the past few years have started to replace synthetic turf with real grass for these very reasons. High school athletes can even get blisters on their feet from exercise on synthetic turf.
And, synthetic turf is not maintenance free. You will find that annual maintenance is required and tree roots easily find their way under this turf and will cause the turf to be very uneven. This will result in having to remove the tree roots and replace the turf increasing the costs dramatically.
So, the basic message is to think carefully through the pros and cons before deciding to go with synthetic turf.