Homeowners who have installed artificial grass are warned about its dangers, including its links to flooding and high temperatures.
One in five homeowners has already replaced or plans to change their natural grass with artificial grass, according to a study by the insurer Aviva.
And yet, many homeowners are unaware of the dangers associated with artificial grass.
Many Homeowners Are Unaware of the Dangers Associated with Artificial Grass, New Survey Finds
While the Aviva survey found that 32 per cent believe artificial grass can increase the risk of flooding, almost half believe it has no impact.
And another 9 percent of homeowners believe it can actually help reduce risk.
Aviva’s Jason Storah said: ‘At this time of year, many of us are thinking about making changes to our homes and outdoor spaces.
“While it may be tempting to replace a garden with low-maintenance artificial grass, these changes can make it more difficult for water to be absorbed.
‘In times of heavy rain in urban areas, drains can quickly become saturated if the water cannot be absorbed, causing flooding both outside and inside homes.
“As our climate changes, periods of extreme weather conditions, including heavy downpours and higher temperatures, are likely to increase.
“Our flood mapping technology shows that surface water flooding is increasing and may be more difficult to predict, so it’s important to be prepared.”
| Change | % of UK homeowners who have already done so or plan to do so (2023) | % of UK homeowners who have already done so or plan to do so (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Replace part or all of the landscaping in a driveway with non-permeable material | 27% | 25% |
| Replacing part or all of the garden with a permeable driveway | 26% | 26% |
| Replace natural grass with artificial grass | twenty-one% | 18% |
| Replace the garden with a low-maintenance garden | 31% | 31% |
| Replace part or all of the garden with a wildflower meadow | 24% | 23% |
| Replace the driveway with a garden with plants/flowers | 19% | sixteen% |
| Source: Aviva | ||
Gardens prepared for the weather
An alternative ground cover that can have a positive impact on the climate includes planning a wildflower meadow.
This is something that 11 percent of homeowners say they have already done and 13 percent plan to do in the future.
Mr Storah explained: ‘Even the smallest planted or permeable spaces can help make a difference.
While it may be tempting to replace a landscape with low-maintenance artificial grass, these changes can make it more difficult for water to be absorbed.
‘Weather-ready gardens can play an important role in helping to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and reduce the chance of home flooding.
‘Plants, grasses and flowers can not only help absorb excess water, but can also provide other climate benefits, including improving biodiversity.
‘Likewise, well-placed plants can help absorb heat during heat waves or droughts. But it’s important to prepare for the future by placing the right plants in the right places.
He added: “Some shrubs and trees may have extensive root systems which can cause some soil types to shrink in periods of warm weather.
‘The materials we use in an outdoor space can affect the likelihood of our homes flooding or being affected by other weather events.
“We urge residents to ensure their homes, yards and driveways are climate-ready and resilient to the impacts of extreme weather.”
The temperature of artificial grass can reach levels that could pose a risk to small children and pets.
This comes in the wake of other warnings about artificial grass, including the fact that its temperature can rise during the summer.
The temperature of artificial grass can reach levels that could pose a risk to small children and pets, according to gardening experts Rated People.
Rated People’s Nat White explained: ‘While artificial grass is a convenient solution for many, they could become dangerous when temperatures rise, as the material can become incredibly hot in the sun.
‘With the UK experiencing increasingly high summer temperatures, it is vital that homeowners with small children and pets regularly assess the safety of their artificial grass.
Artificial grass lacks the natural cooling effect of real grass and can quickly accumulate heat due to its composition of polyethylene, a type of plastic known for its insulating properties.
‘Artificial grass lacks the natural cooling effect of real grass and can quickly accumulate heat due to its composition of polyethylene, a type of plastic known for its insulating properties.
“As a result of absorbing and holding heat so effectively, artificial grass fibers can become very hot, posing a burn risk to children and pets during the summer months.”
This follows a separate poll last summer which suggested 24 per cent of people would like to see a complete ban on artificial grass.
The MyBuilder.com survey also found that a third of people would like to see measures put in place to limit the use of such materials, to help protect the environment.
Expert landscaper James Lewis, who has worked with MyBuilder.com, explains that it is important to do your research when purchasing artificial grass.
“While it is not for everyone, and there are some obvious concerns about its ‘green’ credentials, there are still benefits to having an artificial grass.
“If you are thinking about it, we recommend that you carefully weigh the pros and cons before investing in it.”
