If you took a stroll along some downtown Vancouver streets you might notice some perfect-looking grass, almost carpet like, along streets and sidewalks.
That's because it's made to look that way. It's artificial grass, but green and lush just like the real stuff only made out of polyethylene plastic.
Synthetic grass is sprouting in the city, mostly outside condominium buildings, because owners say it looks good and is easy to maintain.
The city does not consider artificial turf to be fully permeable, meaning water may not pass through it properly to irrigate trees and potentially increase run off.
It also says artificial turf does not mesh with the city's sustainability plans around rainwater, trees and biodiversity — all aimed at protecting and enhancing ecosystems, "while improving the access to nature for all."
Advocates of artificial turf say it has many benefits. The material doesn't need to be watered and requires no chemicals such as pesticides for maintenance. They also argue it's good for pets because artificial grass keeps animals cleaner and bug free.
Artificial grass does have many advantages:
1. Simple maintenance and low cost.
2. regardless of spring, summer, autumn and winter, sun and rain, can be used throughout the day.
3. greatly reduce maintenance costs, especially in line with urban water saving requirements.
4. anti-ultraviolet, anti-corrosion, anti-mildew, and environmental protection: loss of dyeing, no fading, turf layer can be recycled and reused.
5. increase the exercise area, reduce the noise on the playground, and have the effect of shock absorption and decompression,
Meet the requirements of open teaching.
6. can be used frequently, performance is always the same, greatly improving the efficiency of the venue.
7. The turf is made of curly grass, and the grass surface has no directionality, which ensures stable walking and good wear resistance.
8. economical and practical, can be used under normal circumstances for 6-8 years, long service life, maintenance-free costs.
