How Artificial Grass Installations Help Reduce Stormwater Runoff And Improve Local Ecosystems
By David Starr
To many people, artificial grass sounds like the opposite of eco-friendly.
After all, what could be more natural than a lawn of fresh, green grass?
But in climates like Calabasas, CA, a lawn — a monoculture of grass specifically bred to grow uniformly and to tolerate frequent cutting — is one of the least natural groundcovers in existence.
And you can tell by the amount of maintenance it requires to keep it from dying.
So, could an artificial lawn be more ecofriendly than a real one?
If you are looking at your lot and wishing for a beautiful swath of green, try installing artificial grass in Calabasas. This solution works with nature instead of against it — and has multiple advantages, both ecological and financial.
Permeable Groundcoverings: Allowing Stormwater To Drain Naturally
When the ground is covered with something impermeable, such as concrete, flagstones, or some cheap types of artificial turf, the water from storms is unable to reach the layers of sand, gravel, and soil below.
This water is forced to run downhill, and when it does reach a more natural ground covering like bare dirt it can immediately begin eroding because of the high volume.
And in areas with storm drains, the water can quickly overwhelm the drains, causing flooding hazards. For this reason, many towns have ordinances dictating how much ground can be covered with impermeable substrates.
Fortunately, high-quality artificial grass today is made to be easily permeable. Water does not pool on it, instead percolating down through the smooth sand below and into the lower layers of the soil.
This allows the local water table to be replenished with minimal erosion and greatly reduced risk of flooding.
Native Ecosystems: Grass Isn’t It
Native ecosystems in the Calabasas region tend toward arid, desert conditions, which favor specific, tough plants.
In turn, specific insects, invertebrates, and birds that rely on these plants are allowed to flourish.
On the other hand, when someone plants non-native grasses, puts down fertilizer and starts watering, non-native species move in — beginning to compete with native species and creating imbalances in the local wildlife.
When you use artificial grass to beautify your property, you allow the local water cycle to continue as nature intends. Native plants are not impacted by irrigation and fertilizer runoff; native insects don’t face competition from species that rely on regular watering to get a foothold, and overall the whole surrounding ecosystem is better off.
No Need To Compromise: Install Artificial Grass To Enjoy Beauty And Function
So, as you plan to beautify your property, consider high-quality artificial grass.
It will remain beautiful even when water usage is limited. Weeds will not be tempted to interrupt its lush greenery.
Local ecosystems will thrive in its vicinity, unhindered and uninterrupted by its presence, and the water cycle will continue to function as nature intended.
And you will enjoy its beauty without having to invest time, energy, and money in things like mowing, watering, and fertilizer.