The simple answer is YES! Artificial grass is safe for children and pets. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t contain chemicals that could be harmful. It’s also slip-resistant which makes it a great surface to play on.
At ALS Landscaping we value your safety. That also includes the safety of your children AND your pets. We work hard to provide the best landscaping solution to make your lives easier, but the one thing we won’t compromise on is safety. At ALS Landscaping we only install non-toxic, lead-free, and toxin-free artificial grass.
One of the first things that people want to know when they see an artificial lawn is whether it’s safe for both children and pets, but it’s not just about whether it’s safe, it’s more about ‘how’ safe it is. Read on to find out more.
What is Artificial Grass made from?
In the first of our blog series about Artificial Grass, we discussed how man-made grass can be more environmentally friendly, especially when compared to the real stuff. If you missed it, you can read it here. We also touched on ‘how’ it’s made. Let’s take a closer look at what Artificial Turf is made from.
It should come as no surprise (especially if you read our last blog) that artificial grass is usually made from a mix of synthetic and virgin plastics, the same kind that’s used to make common household products, such as reusable microwave containers and plastic utensils. The same plastic, in fact, that’s used in the manufacture of many pet and children’s toys (including Lego).
Realistically then, we don’t need to go any further. The plastic used in the manufacture of artificial grass is the same plastic that is used to manufacture toys and other items that you handle every single day. If it wasn’t safe, you wouldn’t have it in your house, would you?
What Makes Artificial Grass Child & Pet Friendly?
Other than the fact that it’s a completely safe alternative to natural grass, artificial turf is designed to be durable and resistant to more than the average wear and tear.
It will withstand a significant amount of rough play involving either you and your child(ren), you and your pet(s), or both, and because it’s fake grass it’ll still look great after the rough and tumble. Whatever the weather, artificial lawns are perfect for playing on all year round, come rain or shine – no more muddy puddles (sorry Peppa!).
And unlike natural grass, when your pet has been outside to do its business (more about that later), you won’t need to worry about cleaning up muddy paw prints from the kitchen floor!
Artificial turf is soft and springy, with a bounce-back action and it doesn’t attract ticks, or mites of insects of the biting (or other) kind either. There are no hidden or sharp objects under the surface and when installed correctly, it’s also a weed-free haven – no thistles or stinging nettles in sight. The individual blades of grass are sewn into the backing material which makes it hard for inquisitive little hands to pull out; ‘no more eating grass (or worms) for you, young man’.
Artificial grass is also slip-resistant, which means fewer garden accidents, and because of its density, it offers a slight cushioning effect. ‘Carpet burns’ will become a thing of the past. You’ll forget what grass stains used to look like, and you can expect to save a few £s on the washing bill too!
Will Artificial Grass Save Me Time?
Artificial lawns are low maintenance and easy to clean. A quick monthly blast with the garden hose during the Spring and Summer months will remove light stains and debris and will help to prevent dirt from accumulating in the matting.
When the weather’s fine, a quick brush over with a stiff bristle brush will have it looking fantastic again, exactly as it was when laid; you can even ‘hover’ it, which is a lot quicker than mowing it!
You can also forget about spending hours weeding, watering, fertilising, and applying pesticides – artificial lawns don’t need it, which also means no more harmful chemicals are being introduced where your pet(s) and child(ren) are playing.
What About Pet Mess?
You really don’t need to worry. Artificial lawns let urine and other wet stuff drain through the perforated backing. Faeces will need removing, the same as you would with natural turf, and if you’re worried about any stains or smells, a good clean with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar solution in the affected area(s) will have your lawn disinfected and looking pristine in no time at all.
Summary
Artificial lawns are an incredibly safe option whether you have children and pets, or not. It’s low-maintenance and looks amazing all year round. If you’re concerned about the current economic climate, installing artificial grass can also save you money. The biggest saving though is time. Imagine, no more weeding, mowing, watering, and feeding the real stuff. “Anyone for Golf?”
If you want to find out more about how we can transform our garden with a bit of artificial stuff, get in touch with ALS Landscaping today. Our team is waiting for your call.
