While artificial turf and rock-heavy xeriscapes are marketed as low-maintenance, drought-resistant alternatives to traditional lawns, research by University of Florida scientists shows it comes at unexpected environmental and public safety costs. A recently enacted Florida law, effective July 1, prohibits local governments from banning synthetic turf installation on certain single-family residential properties. This change could [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_54831" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-54831" style="width: 443px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-54831" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/07/Artificial_turf_thermal-Image-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="332" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-54831" class="wp-caption-text">Aerial thermal image captured on August 8, 2019, shows a black and white view based on surface reflectance. At the center is a football stadium with artificial turf, adjacent to a baseball stadium with natural turf. The temperature scale, which appears along the right side of the photo, displays ground temperatures from 80°F to 210°F. The artificial turf in that image is 210°F. For a comparison, Schiavon states that is hotter than the parking lot shown in the same image. Photo courtesy Marco Schiavon.</figcaption></figure>
<p>While artificial turf and rock-heavy xeriscapes are marketed as low-maintenance, drought-resistant alternatives to traditional lawns, research by University of Florida scientists shows it comes at unexpected environmental and public safety costs.</p>
<p>A recently enacted <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/683/?Tab=BillText">Florida law</a>, effective July 1, prohibits local governments from banning synthetic turf installation on certain single-family residential properties. This change could make installation easier and encourage homeowners to replace natural grass with synthetic alternatives, especially in communities previously restricted by local ordinances.</p>
<p>However, turfgrass scientists at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) caution that the shift toward synthetic turf may come at a steep price, according <a href="https://www.sciencesocieties.org/publications/csa-news/2025/june/how-removing-turf-affects-residential-land-surface-temperature-in?q=publications%2Fcsa-news%2F2025%2Fjune%2Fhow-removing-turf-affects-residential-land-surface-temperature-in%2F">to a study</a> that received international attention recently.</p>
<p>“In the hottest summer days, artificial turf surfaces can reach a scorching 79°C (174°F), temperatures hot enough to cause burns on human skin,” said <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-marco-schiavon/">Marco Schiavon</a>, assistant professor of environmental horticulture and turfgrass science based at the <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a>. “Meanwhile, natural turf stays closer to a more manageable 39°C (102°F) thanks to evapotranspiration and shade.”</p>
<p>That striking temperature difference is at the root of his most recent published research and one he brought into sharp focus when invited to present the research at the <a href="https://itrc2025.turfsociety.com/">International Turfgrass Research Conference</a> in Japan this month, among 500 of the world’s leading turfgrass scientists.</p>
<h4><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-54851 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/07/Marco_Schiavon_Photo_Courtesy_UFIFAS_TYLER-JONES--300x200.jpg">What they study found</h4>
<p>Schiavon found that natural turf was consistently cooler, often by more than 10°C (18°F) than synthetic and water-scarce landscapes such as xeriscapes.</p>
<p>Florida isn’t California — it’s wetter, more humid and prone to flooding rather than drought, he said. But as more Floridians consider replacing lawns with gravel-heavy xeriscapes or artificial turf to save water or reduce upkeep, this study offers a cautionary tale.</p>
<figure id="attachment_54821" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-54821" style="width: 434px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-54821" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/07/artificial_turf_vs_natural_turf_temps-300x228.jpeg" alt="" width="434" height="330" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-54821" class="wp-caption-text">Side-by-side view shows the heat! Natural turf benches and the artificial soccer field light up in thermal style. The image reveals the contrast in temperatures on surfaces in California between natural turf under benches and the artificial soccer field turf. Photo courtesy Marco Schiavon.</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Natural turf helps cool the air and surface around homes and public spaces,” said Schiavon. “In Florida’s humid climate, removing turf can make backyards and neighborhoods feel hotter — especially in cities prone to urban heat island effects.”</p>
<p>Unlike California, Florida hasn’t implemented widespread turf-removal rebates or watering restrictions. However, some municipalities are promoting the use of native plants and sustainable landscaping techniques that require little to no irrigation, in anticipation of future resource concerns.</p>
<p>In California, Schiavon and his team even discovered that all artificial turf athletic fields were being watered just to make them usable in summer — potentially negating the water savings often used to justify turf removal. And while xeriscape yards use minimal irrigation, their surface temperatures were up to 30°C (54°F) warmer than lawns with living grass.</p>
<p>“People assume artificial turf and xeriscape are always more sustainable,” said Schiavon. “But the thermal impact can be substantial, and in some cases, homeowners may end up watering artificial turf to make it tolerable, which defeats the purpose.”</p>
<p>Another insight: xeriscaping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Xeriscapes made up primarily of rocks or mulch were much hotter than those with more plant cover, but the study could not separate these effects due to aerial imaging limitations highlighting a need for further research on xeriscape design.</p>
<p>Florida homeowners, landscapers and planners can draw multiple lessons from this research.</p>
<p>In Florida’s subtropical climate, the <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/">Florida-Friendly Landscaping<strong>™</strong></a> approach promoted by UF/IFAS Extension may offer the best of both worlds: water savings and thermal relief. It encourages using drought-tolerant turfgrass species, mulching, native plants and proper irrigation systems rather than full-scale turf removal.</p>
<p>“Not all grass is wasteful,” Schiavon said. “With the right species and smart irrigation, turf can help cool neighborhoods, improve air quality and support outdoor enjoyment, even as temperatures rise.”</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/07/30/las-abrasadoras-temperaturas-del-cesped-artificial-en-california-cuestionan-su-viabilidad-en-regiones-humedas-como-florida/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a></p>
<p>###</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT UF/IFAS<br />
</strong><em>The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. </em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu"><em>ifas.ufl.edu</em></a><em>  |  </em><a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS"><em>@UF_IFAS</em></a></p>


Aerial thermal image captured on August 8, 2019, shows a black and white view based on surface reflectance. At the center is a football stadium with artificial turf, adjacent to a baseball stadium with natural turf. The temperature scale, which appears along the right side of the photo, displays ground temperatures from 80°F to 210°F. The artificial turf in that image is 210°F. For a comparison, Schiavon states that is hotter than the parking lot shown in the same image. Photo courtesy Marco Schiavon.
While artificial turf and rock-heavy xeriscapes are marketed as low-maintenance, drought-resistant alternatives to traditional lawns, research by University of Florida scientists shows it comes at unexpected environmental and public safety costs.
A recently enacted Florida law, effective July 1, prohibits local governments from banning synthetic turf installation on certain single-family residential properties. This change could make installation easier and encourage homeowners to replace natural grass with synthetic alternatives, especially in communities previously restricted by local ordinances.
However, turfgrass scientists at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) caution that the shift toward synthetic turf may come at a steep price, according to a study that received international attention recently.
“In the hottest summer days, artificial turf surfaces can reach a scorching 79°C (174°F), temperatures hot enough to cause burns on human skin,” said Marco Schiavon, assistant professor of environmental horticulture and turfgrass science based at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “Meanwhile, natural turf stays closer to a more manageable 39°C (102°F) thanks to evapotranspiration and shade.”
That striking temperature difference is at the root of his most recent published research and one he brought into sharp focus when invited to present the research at the International Turfgrass Research Conference in Japan this month, among 500 of the world’s leading turfgrass scientists.
What they study found
Schiavon found that natural turf was consistently cooler, often by more than 10°C (18°F) than synthetic and water-scarce landscapes such as xeriscapes.
Florida isn’t California — it’s wetter, more humid and prone to flooding rather than drought, he said. But as more Floridians consider replacing lawns with gravel-heavy xeriscapes or artificial turf to save water or reduce upkeep, this study offers a cautionary tale.
Side-by-side view shows the heat! Natural turf benches and the artificial soccer field light up in thermal style. The image reveals the contrast in temperatures on surfaces in California between natural turf under benches and the artificial soccer field turf. Photo courtesy Marco Schiavon.
“Natural turf helps cool the air and surface around homes and public spaces,” said Schiavon. “In Florida’s humid climate, removing turf can make backyards and neighborhoods feel hotter — especially in cities prone to urban heat island effects.”
Unlike California, Florida hasn’t implemented widespread turf-removal rebates or watering restrictions. However, some municipalities are promoting the use of native plants and sustainable landscaping techniques that require little to no irrigation, in anticipation of future resource concerns.
In California, Schiavon and his team even discovered that all artificial turf athletic fields were being watered just to make them usable in summer — potentially negating the water savings often used to justify turf removal. And while xeriscape yards use minimal irrigation, their surface temperatures were up to 30°C (54°F) warmer than lawns with living grass.
“People assume artificial turf and xeriscape are always more sustainable,” said Schiavon. “But the thermal impact can be substantial, and in some cases, homeowners may end up watering artificial turf to make it tolerable, which defeats the purpose.”
Another insight: xeriscaping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Xeriscapes made up primarily of rocks or mulch were much hotter than those with more plant cover, but the study could not separate these effects due to aerial imaging limitations highlighting a need for further research on xeriscape design.
Florida homeowners, landscapers and planners can draw multiple lessons from this research.
In Florida’s subtropical climate, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approach promoted by UF/IFAS Extension may offer the best of both worlds: water savings and thermal relief. It encourages using drought-tolerant turfgrass species, mulching, native plants and proper irrigation systems rather than full-scale turf removal.
“Not all grass is wasteful,” Schiavon said. “With the right species and smart irrigation, turf can help cool neighborhoods, improve air quality and support outdoor enjoyment, even as temperatures rise.”
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
###
 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

While artificial turf and rock-heavy xeriscapes are marketed as low-maintenance, drought-resistant alternatives to traditional lawns, research by University of Florida scientists shows it comes at unexpected environmental and public safety costs. A recently enacted Florida law, effective July 1, prohibits local governments from banning synthetic turf installation on certain single-family residential properties. This change could […]

Scorching temps from California turf raises questions about artificial turf, xeriscaping in humid states like Florida

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic? When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass selection, people will sometimes consider a synthetic alternative. But is [&#8230;]

<p>There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic?</p>
<blockquote><p>When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass selection, people will sometimes consider a synthetic alternative. <strong>But is “artificial grass” or “synthetic turf” environmentally friendly?</strong> Let&#8217;s look a few<strong> Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles</strong> and see how they apply to artificial grass.</p></blockquote>
<p>Artificial grass was originally invented as a low-maintenance playground surface. Essentially, an outdoor carpet that imitates the look of natural turf, synthetic turf does not provide the ecosystem benefits of a natural turf system.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-16681 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Text: Is the grass greener on the other side? A Florida-Friendly perspective Authors: Don Rainey and Theresa Badurek A landscape using synthetic turf as compared to a Florida-Friendly landscape using natural turfgrass. Pros Good for high-traffic areas No regular mowing Consistent appearance year-round No fertilizer required Initial water savings Cons High surfaces temperatures — up to 100 degrees hotter than natural grass Increased stormwater runoff No support for wildlife Limited lifespan (10-20 years) Ends up in landfills Potential leaching of contaminants Requires weekly washing and cooling Pet waste runoff" width="890" height="688" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2025/04/synthetic_turfgrass.png"></p>
<h4>Right Plant, Right Place</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Artificial grass is not alive</strong>, so it is not a suitable plant choice for a landscape. <strong>Natural turf plays an important part in cooling the environment. </strong> Artificial grass holds heat and is much hotter than natural turf. Living turf has a root system, which helps filter and slow runoff and stop erosion. Artificial grass requires soil compaction for installation and increases runoff.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Water Efficiently</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-13915 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Sprinkler watering a artificial grass soccer field" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/AdobeStock_55028335-300x200.jpeg"></p>
<ul>
<li>While artificial grass doesn’t need regular watering to stay green, it often needs to be sprayed down to cool it off. Synthetic turf can reach up to 160°F. It also requires weekly washdowns to remove dust, pet waste, and odors. Beyond water use, artificial grass creates a hard, compact surface that doesn’t soak in rain. Instead, water runs off, much like it would on a sidewalk or driveway, whereas living turf has roots that help filter water, slow runoff, and prevent erosion—especially around lakes, ponds, or other water bodies. These natural systems play a big role in keeping our waterways clean and healthy.</li>
</ul>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-13925 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="grass with deep roots and soil" width="300" height="190" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/AdobeStock_93864758-300x190.jpeg"></h4>
<h4>Fertilize Appropriately</h4>
<ul>
<li>The root system in turfgrass plays an important role in filtering water. While artificial grass doesn’t need fertilization, it also doesn’t offer the same environmental benefit.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Attract Wildlife</h4>
<ul>
<li>A healthy lawn supports beneficial insects like beetles, bees, and worms, which in turn provide food for birds and other ground-feeding animals. Supporting wildlife is an important part of a healthy ecosystem. Artificial grass, however, doesn’t offer any benefits for attracting or supporting wildlife.</li>
</ul>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-13929 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Old football field with used worn out artificial lawn turf rolls partly removed with copy space" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/AdobeStock_524476728-300x200.jpeg"></h4>
<h4>Recycle Yard Waste</h4>
<ul>
<li>Leaving grass clippings on your lawn is a simple, effective way to recycle yard waste. As they break down, they return nutrients to the soil- essentially acting as free fertilizer, whereas artificial grass doesn’t provide natural yard waste and has a limited lifespan of 10-20 years. Once it wears out, the plastic material often ends up in a landfill.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Artificial grass is counter to the sustainability goals of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. <b></b></h4>
<h3>If you are having trouble with your lawn and considering artificial grass, groundcover may be an appropriate alternative. Check out the <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2023/10/05/embracing-lawn-ornaments-a-starter-guide/">Lawn Ornament Blog Series</a> to learn more.</h3>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/turfgrasses"><span data-contrast="none">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/turfgrasses</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP612"><span data-contrast="none">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PUBLICATION/EP612</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10.72px;font-weight: bold">Blog was co-written by: Jody Breaud, Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer, and Clarissa Chairez, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator </span></p>


There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic?
When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass selection, people will sometimes consider a synthetic alternative. But is “artificial grass” or “synthetic turf” environmentally friendly? Let’s look a few Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and see how they apply to artificial grass.

Artificial grass was originally invented as a low-maintenance playground surface. Essentially, an outdoor carpet that imitates the look of natural turf, synthetic turf does not provide the ecosystem benefits of a natural turf system.

Right Plant, Right Place
Artificial grass is not alive, so it is not a suitable plant choice for a landscape. Natural turf plays an important part in cooling the environment.  Artificial grass holds heat and is much hotter than natural turf. Living turf has a root system, which helps filter and slow runoff and stop erosion. Artificial grass requires soil compaction for installation and increases runoff.
Water Efficiently

While artificial grass doesn’t need regular watering to stay green, it often needs to be sprayed down to cool it off. Synthetic turf can reach up to 160°F. It also requires weekly washdowns to remove dust, pet waste, and odors. Beyond water use, artificial grass creates a hard, compact surface that doesn’t soak in rain. Instead, water runs off, much like it would on a sidewalk or driveway, whereas living turf has roots that help filter water, slow runoff, and prevent erosion—especially around lakes, ponds, or other water bodies. These natural systems play a big role in keeping our waterways clean and healthy.

Fertilize Appropriately
The root system in turfgrass plays an important role in filtering water. While artificial grass doesn’t need fertilization, it also doesn’t offer the same environmental benefit.
Attract Wildlife
A healthy lawn supports beneficial insects like beetles, bees, and worms, which in turn provide food for birds and other ground-feeding animals. Supporting wildlife is an important part of a healthy ecosystem. Artificial grass, however, doesn’t offer any benefits for attracting or supporting wildlife.

Recycle Yard Waste
Leaving grass clippings on your lawn is a simple, effective way to recycle yard waste. As they break down, they return nutrients to the soil- essentially acting as free fertilizer, whereas artificial grass doesn’t provide natural yard waste and has a limited lifespan of 10-20 years. Once it wears out, the plastic material often ends up in a landfill.
Artificial grass is counter to the sustainability goals of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. 
If you are having trouble with your lawn and considering artificial grass, groundcover may be an appropriate alternative. Check out the Lawn Ornament Blog Series to learn more.
Resources:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/turfgrasses 
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PUBLICATION/EP612 
Blog was co-written by: Jody Breaud, Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer, and Clarissa Chairez, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic? When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass selection, people will sometimes consider a synthetic alternative. But is […]

Artificial Turf

Publications

Synthetic Turfgrass and the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

Scorching temps from California turf raises questions about artificial turf, xeriscaping in humid states like Florida

Artificial Grass and the Environment: A Florida-Friendly Perspective