Artificial Grass & the Environment in Toronto: An Evidence Review
Toronto Turf Pros Research · RR-2026-TTP-03 · August 2026
This report reviews the published environmental evidence for and against residential artificial grass, drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government science reviews, and ECCC climate normals for Toronto. Synthetic turf runs 20 to 48 °C hotter than natural grass under summer sun (multiple studies); crumb-rubber infill and turf fibres are documented microplastic sources; a 500 sq ft Toronto lawn converted to turf eliminates roughly 27.9 m³ of seasonal irrigation, saving about $136 per year at Toronto Water’s 2026 combined rate. The evidence does not support declaring either surface unambiguously greener; the choice is a multi-factor trade-off.
Key findings
20 to 30 °C
typical surface temperature excess of synthetic turf over natural grass (Penn State, NJDEP)
27.9 m³
seasonal irrigation water avoided per 500 sq ft lawn (24-week model)
$136/yr
Toronto water-bill savings at 2026 combined rate of $4.86/m³
16,000 t
annual microplastic infill loss estimated by EU/ECHA across European turf
Inside the report
- The debate in brief
- Surface temperature evidence
- Microplastics and infill
- Inputs avoided: water, fertilizer, pesticides
- Biodiversity trade-offs
- A balanced decision framework for Toronto
Download the full report (PDF)
Cite this report
Toronto Turf Pros Research (2026). Artificial Grass & the Environment in Toronto: An Evidence Review. TTP Research Series RR-2026-TTP-03, Toronto, Ontario.
Related reading
This report is part of a series of data-driven studies for Toronto homeowners. Continue with the 2026 cost and ROI report, the water savings analysis, or explore backyard turf installations. For a full overview of our services, visit the Toronto Turf Pros homepage.
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