Does artificial turf truly save water, or harm ecosystems?
Installing artificial turf in public parks to save water feels like a short-term fix that ignores the long-term ecological damage. I've measured soil temperatures under synthetic grass reaching 160°F in summer, which kills beneficial microbes and makes the area unusable for wildlife. Real grass, even with less frequent watering, supports pollinators and cools the surroundings naturally. Why trade a living system that can survive droughts with native species for a petroleum product that needs replacement every 8-10 years?