Michael Gove is planning to prevent developers from laying fake grass in new housing schemes. The Chelsea Bau show also banned fake grass from their displays last year. Could it ever be banned? I have no idea whether it will be or not, says Sam Williston.
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
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