When you install used artificial grass, you choose a cost-effective way to take advantage of high-quality materials for your lawn. Used artificial turf refers to synthetic grass that has been repurposed for a new use. 

Usually, used artificial grass comes from sports fields where regulations dictate surface replacement every couple of years. Since this turf is highly durable, it can easily be repurposed and serve the new owner for decades. 

While the popularity of used synthetic turf is steadily growing, some misconceptions are still common. Let's take a closer look at a few of them. 

Myth 1: Used Synthetic Grass is Always Low-Quality 

One of the most common inaccuracies concerning used turf regards quality. In reality, used artificial grass can have as much integrity and durability as some types of new turf. 

In most cases, used artificial grass often comes from sports fields. Depending on the region, sports center regulations require the field surface to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. By that time, the synthetic turf isn't likely to wear out. 

Sports centers use the most durable turf that can withstand heavy traffic. Accordingly, the fake grass can be almost as good as new when it comes off after a few years of use.  The downside of installing used synthetic turf from a sports field is markings or lines that may require painting. 

If you want to avoid the problem with markings, consider going with festival turf.  

Festival turf is synthetic grass explicitly installed for events or festivals that last only a few days.  

This makes used festival turf almost indistinguishable from new artificial grass. 

Myth 2: Used Artificial Grass Looks Worn and Old  

When people hear the word "used," they generally imagine something that can't serve its purpose well anymore. Regarding artificial grass, the source of this misconception is the old and worn-out synthetic grass surfaces that haven’t been properly installed or maintained. 

In reality, sports turf and festival turf can have a lifespan of over a decade. Sports centers and festival organizers buy high-quality, durable synthetic grass so it can withstand high traffic and serious wear. If installed and maintained correctly, used turf will look fresh and natural. 

This is especially true with festival turf; if you buy festival turf that has only been in use for a few days, it will look new and serve its purpose for many years to come. 

Myth 3: Used Artificial Turf Doesn't Look Realistic  

High-quality artificial turf can look remarkably like natural grass. The same is true for used artificial turf.  

If professionals install the synthetic grass, it can look and feel just like a well-maintained natural grass lawn.  

When you install used sports turf, there can be some fading due to heavy wear. You can easily revitalize faded areas with an acrylic paint sprayer.  

You won’t have this problem with festival turf. 

Myth 4: Pet Waste Will Make Used Synthetic Grass Smell  

One of the myths about repurposed fake grass is its unsuitability for households with pets. With proper installation, infill, and maintenance, used synthetic grass doesn't absorb odors. 

• Infill – by adding a special infill to your used artificial grass lawn, you are ensuring odor absorption. For extra nasal protection, you can even use a deodorizing Zeolite-based infill, such as ZeoFill 
• Maintenance – by washing pet waste away with a hose (as you would with natural grass), you can make sure it doesn't encourage bacteria growth and cause unpleasant smells. 
• Installation – professional artificial grass installation teams know not to install a weed barrier under the synthetic materials since they may trap odors.  

With the right infill and regular maintenance, odors shouldn't be an issue. 

Myth 5: Used Artificial Grass Lowers Property Value  

The truth is more complex. Artificial grass can actually increase property values instead of decreasing them. Experts believe that a well-maintained yard can increase the value of a home by as much as 15% or 20%. 

The important term is “well-maintained.” If you do not perform maintenance once every few weeks, your front lawn will look matted and unnatural. A poorly-maintained yard, whether natural or synthetic grass, will hurt property values. 

Myth 6: Repurposed Artificial Turf Always Comes with Infill 

While some used artificial turf comes with free infill, it's not always the best choice for homeowners. Two options exist: 

• Infilled used turf - synthetic grass with infill inside 
• Extracted used turf - artificial grass with infill removed 

The process can cost less if the infill stays inside the turf. Meanwhile, you can save money on buying new infill. However, infill is a heavy material. It adds significant weight to the turf. This makes transportation and installation more difficult and expensive. 

Extracted turf weighs only around 0.5 lbs. per square foot. Infill can add around 2 lbs. per square foot.  Meanwhile, the absence of infill means you are free to choose the best infill for your purposes instead of going with whatever is already inside. 

Myth 7: Used Artificial Turf is Bad for the Environment  

A common mistaken idea about used artificial grass is that it's bad for the environment. People believe in that myth because they have general knowledge about the harmful effect of plastic. In reality, plastic can damage the environment only when it's not disposed of correctly. 

Installing used artificial grass allows you to repurpose the plastic and extend its lifespan. By buying used turf, you keep it from going to landfills. This protects the environment instead of harming it. 

To date, Artificial Grass Recyclers has kept over 7 million square feet of used turf out of landfills.   

Meanwhile, unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn't require pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. This also contributes to keeping the environment safer.   

Myth 8: Used Synthetic Turf is Only Slightly Less Expensive Than New Turf  

Just because used turf can be only a few days or years old, it doesn't mean it costs almost as much as new turf. In fact, you can get 50% - 75% off the price of new artificial turf. This is true even for day-old festival turf. 

Myth 9: Installing Used Artificial Turf is Identical To Installing New Turf  

While installation procedures for new and used artificial turf may appear identical, some nuances with the latter exist. If you decide to install sports field turf, you may need to: 

• Buy extra artificial turf to hide imperfections – when installed correctly, any punctures or holes made by forklifts during the transportation process can be repaired. 
• Use paint to cover up faded areas – professionally sprayed acrylic paint quickly refreshes faded artificial grass fibers. 

If you choose festival turf, the process usually resembles installing brand-new synthetic grass. 

Debunking More Myths About Repurposed Fake Grass 

Used artificial grass can be an excellent solution for property owners who want to get a great quality-to-price ratio. Myths surrounding used synthetic turf stem from the lack of knowledge about this convenient and cost-effective option.  

By taking advantage of used artificial turf, allows you to enjoy high-quality materials without paying for brand-new products.  

To learn even more about repurposed artificial turf, download our free "Used Artificial Grass: A Buyer's Guide.”