
Artificial Turf & Stormwater Management: Creating Sustainable Landscapes
Jan 14, 2025
Artificial turf’s year-round beauty makes it a great alternative to the hassles that often come with regular lawns. However, many wonder about the environmental impacts of placing this product over natural grass and soil. One common question about turf is how will it affect stormwater management.
Interestingly, when installed correctly, artificial turf can still be sustainability-friendly. In fact, some states — including North Carolina— have begun to enact legislation accommodating advancements in turf quality. These changes recognize how today’s turf can leave ample room for effective stormwater management. Let’s take a closer look at the subject.
What is Stormwater Management?
Following rain, snow and other precipitation, the water has to have somewhere to go. Of course, the environment — trees, grass, shrubs and soil — plays a big role in managing this issue. However, things like pavement, brick, metal and other manufactured surfaces are often more impervious (meaning they usually do not allow water to absorb or run off the same way natural vegetation does). Therefore, the high amount of impervious materials in urban and suburban areas may not allow stormwater to run off optimally. As a result, these areas may face increased risks of flooding, soil erosion, depleted groundwater sources and poor water quality.
To assist with this issue, the federal government, states and communities have developed myriad stormwater management programs. Many of these programs include a variety of mechanisms to control the issue. For example, some programs include impervious surface limits (ISLs). These limits restrict how many impervious surfaces (like driveways and sidewalks, and yes, artificial turf) can be present on a given property. However, as more sustainable, eco-friendly materials enter the market, it is now possible to re-evaluate and adapt these regulations.
Artificial Turf Legislative Changes in North Carolina
For many years, artificial turf counted toward impervious surface limits under North Carolina law. However, a 2024 law enacted in the Tar Heel State allows certain, quality turf to be exempt from ISLs. Still, the turf must meet certain standards to qualify for an exemption. For example, it must be installed correctly and allow water to drain through the backing of the turf. All the same, these legal changes are a notable recognition of how artificial turf has become more sustainability friendly. Indeed, many of today’s turf products may actually help with stormwater management.
How Artificial Turf Contributes to Stormwater Management
In its early forms, artificial turf was often more of a solid blanket over the ground than anything else. This often-rigorous, impermeable product could sometimes do a lot of environmental harm by not allowing stormwater to run off appropriately.
However, turf technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Many of today’s products are made with more sustainable products and function much like natural grass. As a result, quality artificial turf — such as American Artificial Turf’s FieldTurf products — can still be sustainability-friendly. A few of the environmental advantages of investing in good synthetic grass may include:
- Improved permeability & drainage: Quality turf often contains permeable backings. They allow rainwater and other precipitation to pass through it to the soil beneath. Moreover, the turf can often evenly distribute the water. By doing so, it can help prevent water from pooling in the surrounding area and support drainage.
- Soil protection and erosion prevention: By placing turf over soil, you may be able to reduce erosion and soil depletion. That way, you’ll protect the ground beneath the turf.
- Water quality protection: Many turf materials are designed not to break down or add harmful contaminants to the water supply. Moreover, you won’t have to use herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals on turf. In turn, you may help reduce how much of this material enters local water sources. Plus, there are many eco-friendly turf cleaning options that may be great for servicing your product.
- Water conservation: Artificial turf eliminates the need to regularly water your lawn. In turn, you can do a lot to reduce your water consumption, particularly during times of drought.
- Local code compliance: If you live in an area with a “green” building code, more sustainable turf may help you still be able to get the lawn of your dreams without running afoul of any local regulations.
Of course, not all synthetic grass is created equal. If you invest in low-quality turf, the product’s sustainability features may be minimal or nonexistent. Therefore, when choosing turf, you should always consider what’s under the hood, so to speak.
Get Perfect Turf Without Sacrificing Sustainability
Well-engineered artificial turf often incorporates many sustainable solutions to address a variety of issues, such as stormwater management. American Artificial Turf exclusively uses FieldTurf products which include 100% porous, permeable and recyclable materials. The turf also drains at least 10 times faster than natural grass. Each of these advantages makes it possible for you to reap the benefits of turf and still support sustainability. Plus, with expert installation services at your service, we can ensure your turf functions optimally. That way, you can avoid any functional problems that may cause environmental concerns. Why wait? Get a free estimate on your perfect lawn from American Artificial Turf or call us at 919-366-0115 today.