The Benefits of Artificial Grass

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The global artificial turf market grew 8% last year, and that's to $4.87 billion. 10% of UK homeowners with outside space had replaced at least some of their gardens natural lawn with artificial grass. Some Guardian readers said it was the best thing they had ever done. But did you hear from anyone who got it and actually also found that there were some downsides? If so, we are slowly plasticking over the planet.

Installing artificial grass is becoming an increasingly popular way to achieve a neat, green lawn without much effort. But with environmental and potential health costs associated with plastic turf many campaigners and gardeners would like to see it banned. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Guardian feature writer Sam Wollaston and urban ecologist Prof Rob Francis about why people go for artificial grass, its environmental impact, and whether it’s time we rid ourselves of the idea of the perfect lawn altogether. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod