A new Florida law that prohibits local governments from banning synthetic turf installation on some single-family residential properties could make it easier for homeowners to replace grass lawns with green plastic.

As part of his research as an associate professor of turfgrass science for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Jason Kruse evaluates the environmental impacts of synthetic turf. He’s a co-author of a recently updated Ask IFAS document that uses Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles to compare synthetic turf with natural turfgrass in a way that helps homeowners and professionals make informed decisions.

Here, Kruse answers some common questions about synthetic turfgrass:

Q. How would you characterize the current popularity of synthetic turf?
A. Synthetic turf is becoming more popular, especially in residential areas, where homeowners are seeking alternatives to traditional lawns. This trend is largely driven by the perception that synthetic turf is easier to maintain and that it conserves water. However, much of that perception is shaped by marketing, rather than long-term research. When we look more closely at synthetic turf systems over time, the benefits are often more limited than people expect.

Q. How does synthetic turf compare to grass in terms of maintenance?
A. Unlike grass, synthetic turf does not require mowing, weeding, fertilization or irrigation. But it is not maintenance-free. Homeowners often need to rinse the surface of synthetic turf to manage pet waste, control odors and remove dust. They may choose to apply water to it to cool it down, particularly in hot weather. And synthetic turf requires periodic brushing and replacement of infill, the granular material between the fibers.

Q. How does synthetic turf stack up against grass in terms of cost?
A. Synthetic turf has a significantly higher upfront cost than natural grass. Installing sod generally costs between 50 cents and $1.50 per square foot. Synthetic turf, on the other hand, typically ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the product and site conditions. In some cases, the cost can be even higher. In addition, maintenance can cost between 25 cents and $1 per square foot per year. By comparison, a low-input natural turf system in Florida might cost between 10 cents and 50 cents per square foot per year to maintain, depending on irrigation and fertilization practices.

Q. What are some environmental concerns related to synthetic turf?
A. The most immediate concern is heat. Surface temperatures can exceed 160 degrees in full sun, which poses risks for both people and pets. Another concern is stormwater runoff. Synthetic turf systems are installed over compacted soil, which reduces infiltration, or the beneficial entry of water into the soil, and increases the volume and speed of runoff. Research has shown that this runoff can carry heavy metals and other pollutants, especially when rubber infill is used. Synthetic turf also lacks the positive ecological functions of natural turfgrass. It does not support pollinators or beneficial insects, does not improve soil health and does not contribute to carbon sequestration. And because synthetic turf has a limited lifespan — usually between 10 and 20 years — and recycling options are limited, most of the material ends up in landfills, which contributes to long-term environmental waste.

Q. What are some benefits of synthetic turf?
A. Synthetic turf does not require mowing and weeding like a traditional lawn. And it remains green year-round without fertilization or irrigation. It’s made from hypoallergenic materials, so it won’t irritate people and pets with sensitivity to grass and pollen. Also, people with mobility issues may find that synthetic turf offers a consistent and flat terrain for accessing the outdoors.

Q. Are there any additional factors homeowners should consider?

A. Synthetic turf may look like a green alternative, but it does not function like a living landscape. Florida homeowners have access to turfgrass species that are adapted to our climate and can be maintained with low inputs. Well-managed natural turf systems provide important environmental services, including temperature moderation, stormwater filtration, erosion control and habitat support. It is important to consider the full range of environmental impacts when making landscape decisions.