Fake grass is the height of tackiness

[Ihatetomatoes]

Horid stuff, and bad for wildlife.

If you don't have any spare time or are lazy, perhaps a property with a smaller garden.

I would love to know what I could've done for my little one to provide a safe, soft(ish) area that would keep him safe, allow him to access the garden without having to be carried/propelled, that would allow him to head drop with minimal risk and still allow the wheels of his gait trainer so he can get the sensation of being upright and stepping to move himself? Bark chips wouldn't allow that, real grass doesn't allow this as any divots can cause his frame to stop moving or become unstable, he has an unsafe swallow so sand isn't an option nor is rubber matting as his wheels wouldn't move easily on that either.

My lifestyle choices are generally pretty sound day to day, compared to many.

Where I would fall down is that I had a few more children than two. Can't put them back though. I have become more aware since then and have bought land I am rewilding and planting up with a focus on supporting wildlife and pollinators. I only take local holidays which are in natural environments.

Would love to say I'm perfect but I don't think that's possible the way the world is set up. However, there are choices that can be avoided by everyone, and fake grass is one of them.

Not everyone has the option of a lawn. A huge amount of our new garden is concrete. We can hire machinery and/workmen to carve it all out. Then buy tonnes of soil, sand, compost, then turf, tend it and not use the garden for weeks. Or. We can buy a few tonne of sand and a roll of AstroTurf and the kids have a play area.

Also, your bog standard tended lawned garden has very little biodiversity, it might aswell be plastic.

Is your child the one who is blind, posted earlier? Your situation may be the exception to the rule and it could be considered a disability aid for you. Most people don't need that though. If only those who really needed it did it, it would cut back a lot of microplastics and pollution.

THIS!!!!!!

Just a thought @Nat6999 , I work as a gardener and know gardeners can be expensive. People who just cut grass are often really cheap though

I don't cut grass but a lot of my local clients use a lovely, retired guy who wanders from house to house pushing his mower and does a great job for very little money. He's just after beer money to top his pension up.

A small lawn like yours might cost a tenner for a fortnightly mow. (I'm in Somerset so prices might vary where you are) My clients like him and have a nice chat and a cuppa with him, but if they're out they just leave the money in the shed so it would be little hassle for you. Guys like him are often willing to do other bits and pieces like fix your fence or paint your shed. Might be handy to get to know someone like that.

It might be worth asking around your new neighbours to see if there's a fella like this near you. It would be much cheaper and a lot less upheaval and mess than having the lawn taken up.

Hope all goes well with your move and that you're very happy in your new home.

Snob

Its looks awful ( and very, very tacky) and its so bad for the environment.

I have a lot of biodiversity in my soil. Wish I had less ant biodiversity in summer though.

Also, your bog standard tended lawned garden has very little biodiversity, it might aswell be plastic

Tell that to the worms keeping the soil healthy. Or the small birds feeding off them. Or the hedgehogs.

Yes, awful stuff.

Your neighbours would save a fortune if they used nemotodes. Might be worth mentioning to them.

Surely only Dr Dolittle can do that?

I think it looks wful, feels awfula nd is bad for the environment but I suppose some people like it or it wouldn't exist

If I was looking for a house to buy

And it had a shitty plastic lawn

Id factor into it how much it would cost to remove into the sale price. Which is not always insignificant.

It’s layers of chemicals.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10262297/

Yeah, it is ridiculous and should be banned for environmental reasons.

However, I don't really care if it looks tacky, as it is down to other's tastes.

My God you sound insufferably smug.

I have fake grass because it was there when I bought the house. I wouldn't choose it but for now I don't have the time or funds to remedy.

If you say so, but at least I have a beautiful and real garden.

@ByPoisedRaven Yes, he is. I don't like fake grass but as I said, I love him more and I want him to have the independence to get outside while he still can (he's also life limited). I must be one of the few praying for snow because I want him to get out there and really experience it first hand because he's never, ever been able to really feel what it's like, his area of artificial grass will allow him to do that because that area is raised up. Until the deck went in there was a stepped drop into the garden he couldn't negotiate by himself, now he has level access and can do it for himself.

Well then, “dear” I am baffled as to why you can’t understand why other people might chose it.
Like PPs asked….do you own a car? Fly for holidays? Eat Meat? Have children (you already said you do)? All have a significant impact on the environment.

Obviously your situation is different and you are doing what your son needs. I'm sorry he's life limited. I know the pain that causes. You're doing a great job meeting his needs. <3

Society isn't going to change and that's why I believe humanity is ultimately doomed. I do take some comfort in knowing that I'm helping the wildlife and pollinators to have better lives though. They will long outlive us and at least my legacy is I did something for them.

Most people do not have the money or the time to build and maintain a 'beautiful and real' garden let alone buy additional land for rewilding projects. You are completely out of touch. Many are trying their best in difficult times to get by, and if making what little outdoor space they have into a usable low maintenance area then for their kids to play in or for themselves to relax in then so be it.