- 8330 Maltby Rd Suite B Woodinville, WA 98072
- 425-788-0718
The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush green landscapes, but that image hides a serious reality: water resources in the region are under increasing strain. Summers are becoming hotter and drier, droughts are being declared more frequently, and population growth continues to push demand on already limited supplies. According to state water agencies, outdoor watering accounts for more than 30% of residential water use in Washington and Oregon, and that number climbs higher in neighborhoods with large lawns.
Chrissie Mead, Sales Operations Manager at Synthetic Turf Northwest, explains that one of the biggest advantages of installing synthetic turf means homeowners, businesses, and public spaces can maintain the look and usability of green grass while dramatically reducing water consumption. In a region where every gallon counts—especially in the summer—this can have significant long-term benefits.
The savings from switching to turf are not just theoretical. A natural lawn in the PNW typically requires 20–30 inches of irrigation water per season to stay healthy, depending on soil type and exposure. For a standard 1,000-square-foot lawn, that translates to 20,000–30,000 gallons of water every summer.
By comparison, synthetic turf requires none of that irrigation—just an occasional rinse to keep it clean. This means one household can save the equivalent of more than 100 average-sized bathtubs of water every year. Multiplied across neighborhoods, HOAs, or school campuses, the impact becomes enormous. Turf can reduce water waste significantly.
Traditional lawns require constant irrigation to stay alive, especially during the hotter summer months. By contrast, synthetic turf eliminates the need for daily watering while still looking fresh year-round.
“Installing turf eliminates the need for regular watering to stay green—just the occasional rinse to remove debris or pet waste,” Mead explains. She notes that natural grass loses water through evaporation, which doesn’t happen with synthetic turf. As a result, homeowners don’t have to worry about losing gallons of water each day just to keep a lawn alive.
The installation process also includes drainage systems that allow rainwater to filter properly into the ground. Unlike irrigated lawns, where overwatering often leads to runoff, turf systems are designed to manage water responsibly. “Overwatering leads to excessive water runoff, which can then carry fertilizers and other chemicals into storm drains. The drainage with turf saves us from this water runoff and potential chemical runoff,” Mead says.
Summers in the Pacific Northwest are progressively getting hotter and drier, with many communities enforcing seasonal watering restrictions. This leaves many homeowners with the choice between a brown, dried-out yard or using more water than recommended.
Synthetic turf offers a way around that dilemma. “Turf requires no irrigation since it doesn’t require frequent watering to keep it looking lush, green, and healthy,” says Mead. “Real grass needs extra water during the hot summer months to prevent it from dying. In warmer months, you’ll spend more time and money watering your lawn. Turf eliminates this and saves you both time and money.”
The result is a green yard all summer long—without the guilt or expense of heavy watering.
One of the most common reasons homeowners water their lawns excessively is the desire for perfect green grass year-round. Synthetic turf provides a way to meet that expectation without straining water supplies.
“You can save money, conserve water, and have a perfect green lawn year-round with synthetic turf,” Mead emphasizes. “The best part is—you won’t need to keep applying harmful chemicals to grow that perfect green grass.”
By choosing turf, families and businesses can maintain the aesthetic appeal of a lush landscape while eliminating wasteful habits.
While the Pacific Northwest is often associated with rain, droughts have become more common in recent years. In fact, Washington and Oregon have both declared drought emergencies within the past decade, and experts warn that climate change is likely to make dry summers even more extreme.
Mead has seen firsthand how this impacts customer demand. “Demand for turf has greatly increased in areas where there are droughts or shortages because turf doesn’t require the constant watering and overconsumption like natural grass does,” she explains. “This is especially true in warmer climates.”
This trend reflects a broader shift in how people think about sustainability: green spaces should be enjoyable but not at the expense of scarce resources.
While water conservation is the most obvious advantage, synthetic turf also supports environmental health in other ways. Unlike natural grass, turf doesn’t require fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to thrive. This eliminates chemical runoff, which is a major source of water pollution.
The turf’s drainage system also plays a role in stormwater management. Properly installed, it helps control how rainwater moves through an area, reducing flooding and erosion while allowing water to percolate naturally into the soil below.
Maintenance is another area where turf shines. Lawns often require gas-powered mowers, blowers, and trimmers, all of which contribute to carbon emissions. With turf, the need for these machines is eliminated, cutting down on both pollution and noise.
“By installing turf in urban environments, residential yards, and playgrounds, we can reduce water waste, fertilizer use, chemical use, and reduce the use of gas-powered maintenance equipment,” says Mead.
The environmental benefits of turf go hand in hand with financial advantages. Irrigation systems, higher water bills, lawn treatments, and constant maintenance add up quickly for natural lawns. By eliminating these expenses, synthetic turf offers long-term savings.
Although turf installation requires an upfront investment, the reduced water bills and lack of maintenance costs mean it often pays for itself within a few years. And with high-quality turf lasting 15 years or more, the savings continue long-term.
In the Pacific Northwest, where summers are getting drier and water conservation is becoming increasingly important, synthetic turf provides a practical and sustainable solution. Homeowners and businesses no longer need to choose between conserving water and enjoying a vibrant outdoor space.
As Chrissie Mead puts it, turf is “a great way to have a perfect green lawn and conserve on water usage. This is especially nice in areas where water might be limited or there is a drought.”
By switching to synthetic turf, PNW residents can reduce water waste, save money, and support a healthier environment—all while enjoying the look of a beautiful green lawn year-round.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your yard!
