Companies
that manufacture or install artificial lawns are experiencing a boom in
business, due to the drought-like conditions and watering restrictions in many
North Texas cities.
But the
synthetic lawns today aren't the same plastic AstroTurf made popular in the
1970s. The products on the market now, are not just used for putting greens and
football fields either.
Tim Dvorak,
owner of the company Synthetic Grass Pro, and gets calls every day from
homeowners inquiring about artificial grass.
"I discussed
this with many turf manufacturers, that's a big thing they notice. As soon as
there are drought restrictions, watering restrictions, or an ordinance like the
City of Dallas two-days a week restriction, it really just makes this industry
explode," said Dvorak.
Today's
synthetic lawns are made to stay cool underfoot, drain water well, and last for
10-15 years. The products come in different shades of green, different
textures, and mimic different varieties of natural grass. Choosing artificial
can be expensive upfront: prices range from $7.50 to $15 a square foot.

Many
homeowners with artificial grass installed in their yards feel that the
investment was worth it.
"The initial
cost is expensive, but it's already paid for itself over the four years. Not
having to re-sod it, not having to water. The yard guys[come less often].
So it's more than paid for itself," said Dvorak.
Many
homeowners can be skeptical at the beginning, until they see the fake grass
first-hand.
Not all
cities in North Texas are on board with artificial grass, though.
Frisco does
not allow artificial turf at this time, and many homeowners' associations have
rules.
Highland
Park passed an ordinance restricting artificial turf to back yards.
Other cities, however, have no rules in place limiting
synthetic grass. Those cities include Dallas, Arlington, Denton, and University
Park.