Most homeowners with natural grass yards apply pesticides and fertilizers multiple times a year without giving it much thought. It is just part of lawn care. But when you have kids who play in the yard regularly, it is worth thinking about what those products leave behind on the surface your kids are in contact with every day.
What Goes Into a Typical Natural Grass Lawn
A standard lawn care program in Colorado includes pre-emergent herbicide in spring, fertilizer applications two to four times per season, insecticide for grubs and surface insects, and often a broadleaf weed control application in fall. Each of these products has a recommended re-entry interval, which is the time you are supposed to wait before children and pets use the treated surface again.
In practice, most families do not strictly follow re-entry intervals. The lawn gets treated and the kids go back out the next day. The residues that remain on grass blades and in the soil are low-level but they are there.
The Artificial Turf Difference
Artificial turf does not need fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides. There is no soil biology to feed, no insects that damage the product, and no weeds that compete with it. The surface is exactly what it is and it stays that way without chemical inputs.
There is no re-entry interval to manage because there are no applications to make. Kids can use the yard freely without any chemical exposure from lawn care products.
What Turf Is Made Of
The fibers in modern artificial turf are manufactured from polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are inert and stable. They do not off-gas under normal conditions and they are the same base materials used in food storage containers and children's toys.
Lead content was a concern with older synthetic turf products, particularly those made with crumb rubber infill from recycled tires. Modern turf products use fibers with lead far below ASTM limits, and our infill options include silica sand, zeolite, and antimicrobial products, none of which carry the concerns associated with older crumb rubber.
A Simpler, Cleaner Outdoor Space
Removing the chemical maintenance cycle from your yard is a meaningful change for families. No timing applications around weekends. No keeping kids off the lawn after treatment. No accumulation of lawn care product residues in the areas your kids spend time in. If that sounds appealing, come talk to us at Summit Turf Supply.
Ready to take the next step? Explore how families benefit from artificial turf or contact Summit Turf Supply to get a quote for your project.