Interesting Turf Facts

 Maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.  Hermann Lindau & Son, Inc. believe in preserving the natural beauty and health of our environment.  That's why we choose not to install plastic turf grass, which contributes to increased environmental heat, sheds harmful microplastics, and hinders natural rainwater filtration. 

- A 5,000 square foot lawn produces enough oxygen daily for 19-34 people -

- A 2,500 square foot lawn can harvest over 1,000 gallons of rainwater before runoff occurs -

 -Lawns support thriving communities of soil arthopods and microorganism that are vital to soil health and sustainability -

The DEFINITION  of TURF :

"The surface layer of land consisting of grass and earth in which its roots grow"

Turf  does not mean removing the surface layer of topsoil, adding crush concrete,  covering with plastic,  and adding crumb filler on top

A PERFECT EXMPLE  BELOW OF THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT  OF "THE SKIN OF THE EARTH" 

  A special blend of sport field topsoil with high organics being removed to add the recycled construction concrete and plastics covering 

  This is the recycled construction concrete for installation in place of the removed sport field topsoil blend

For many years, most municipalities have favored avoiding chemical use. Given this history, why are we now considering replacing natural turf and soil with recycled construction debris and plastics? This shift raises serious questions, especially concerning the potential environmental risks associated with these materials. Recycled construction debris, sourced from various concrete types and potentially unknown origins, could leach harmful chemicals. Counties and States are already actively addressing concerns about illegal construction debris dumping and its environmental impact. Why, then, is it deemed acceptable to repurpose this same debris material as a base for our children's sport fields?

As our understanding of the detrimental effects of microplastics on our oceans and water grows, so too does our collective effort to remove plastic waste before it becomes a micro-pollution problem. Larger plastic items break down into these tiny particles. Yet, while environmental advocates strive to eliminate plastic from our daily lives, we are now considering a practice that could reintroduce plastic into the environment. By using plastic covering playing fields, we risk players inadvertently contributing to the creation of more microplastics through their playing.

Beyond the well-documented concerns about microplastics, many are also deeply worried about escalating global temperatures. Given the significant heat absorption and retention properties of both plastics and concrete, a major concern arises regarding the development of localized microclimates. These subtle, yet impactful, variations in temperature and conditions are often overlooked. For instance, have you noticed how early spring flowers might bloom in a sunny spot near a house foundation while snow still blankets the surrounding area? Or how grass remains wet and damp after rain while nearby patios and roads dry quickly? These are examples of microclimates in action.

Consider a sports field, perhaps an acre or even a larger area like 88,000 square feet, entirely covered with heat-absorbing concrete and plastic. Wouldn't the heat generated by such a surface create a significantly warmer microclimate? Given the increasing number of sports fields in our area adopting these materials, we must consider the potential for intensified local heat. In fact, some locations are already experiencing such heat buildup on artificial turf that irrigation is necessary to cool the surface before use.

Now consider the cumulative effect of these heat-generating surfaces across the entire United States. The increased reliance on irrigation for artificial fields could also lead to greater leaching of potential contaminants from the plastic and recycled concrete materials as water permeates them.

While the environmental impact of maintaining natural turf with gas-powered equipment has been a concern, it's important to note the advancements in sustainable practices. Today, across the country, we have the option of utilizing fully electric equipment for all sport field maintenance needs, offering a cleaner alternative to past methods if so  deemed.

The perceived ease and cost-effectiveness of plastic fields often fail to account for the reality of their maintenance requirements. Artificial turf necessitates a regular maintenance schedule, and post-installation maintenance programs are a testament to this. Additionally, disinfection is a necessary practice for artificial surfaces to prevent the spread of infections, similar to the care required for any area where infections may and can occur.

Ultimately, we must weigh the long-term environmental benefits of natural soil and thriving turf against the perceived advantages of plastic turf, particularly if for wet playing conditions and constant use. Do the latter truly outweigh the former?

We encourage you to delve deeper into this critical issue by reviewing the available scientific studies. While a comprehensive list is extensive, we have curated a selection of insightful articles from well-respected sources, grounded in years of research. Please take the time to explore this important information below