Southeast Turf LLC is happy to share that in September, The State of North Carolina passed groundbreaking legislation redefining how artificial grass is treated under environmental regulations in North Carolina communities. This new law excludes artificial grass from impervious surface area calculations, recognizing its advanced drainage capabilities and redefining its role in sustainable landscaping. For companies like ours in Charlotte and across North Carolina, this shift presents exciting opportunities for growth while offering significant benefits to property owners, developers, and communities.
What Are Impervious Surfaces?
Impervious surfaces are materials like concrete, asphalt, and traditional paving that do not allow water to penetrate the ground. These surfaces increase stormwater runoff, which can overwhelm drainage systems, erode soil, and pollute waterways. To mitigate these effects, local regulations often cap the amount of impervious surface allowed on a property. Previously, artificial grass was included in these calculations, adding challenges for developers and property owners.
Why Was Artificial Grass Previously Counted?
Historically, artificial grass was categorized as an impervious surface because it does not absorb water like regular grass. Instead, water flows through the synthetic blades into the turf’s backing and then drains into the ground below. While this design limits water absorption at the surface level, advancements in artificial turf technology, such as more permeable backing materials and advanced drainage systems, have significantly improved its ability to manage water flow, reducing its contribution to runoff.
Despite these innovations, outdated regulations treated artificial grass as impervious, often creating hurdles for homeowners, businesses, and developers looking to use it as a sustainable alternative to conventional grass.
What Does the New Law Mean?
This new legislation treats artificial grass as a permeable surface, acknowledging its modern drainage capabilities. This change brings several benefits:
Simplified Environmental Compliance
Artificial grass installations no longer count against impervious surface limits. This makes it easier for homeowners and businesses in Charlotte and other North Carolina communities to meet stormwater management regulations without sacrificing outdoor functionality or design.
Enhanced Stormwater Management
The law acknowledges that modern artificial grass products facilitate effective stormwater management. Water flows through the turf into the soil below, reducing runoff and its associated environmental impacts.
Increased Design Flexibility
Developers can incorporate artificial grass into their plans, like artificial backyard lawns, without worrying about exceeding impervious surface caps. This opens new possibilities for creative and functional outdoor spaces for residential backyards, commercial properties, or community spaces.
Maximized Land Use
By excluding artificial grass from impervious surface calculations, property owners can optimize their land use. They can replace traditional paving or traditional grass with artificial turf to create usable outdoor areas like play spaces, courtyards, and recreational zones without compromising regulatory compliance.
Benefits for Southeast Turf LLC Customers in Charlotte and Across North Carolina
This new legislation is a game-changer for artificial grass companies like Southeast Turf LLC, a leading provider in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas. It allows us and our selection of turf products to provide significant advantages for homeowners, businesses, and developers seeking modern landscaping solutions:
- Sustainability: Artificial grass lawns reduce water consumption, eliminates the need for harmful lawn chemicals, and mitigates runoff, supporting North Carolina’s sustainability goals.
- Economic Savings: The reduced maintenance and irrigation requirements of artificial turf lead to long-term cost savings for property owners.
- Improved Outdoor Spaces: With synthetic grass excluded from impervious surface calculations, our team and those who purchase our turf can create functional and visually appealing outdoor areas without worrying about compliance issues.
- Regulatory Relief: By using artificial grass for lawns, landscapes, and more, our customers can avoid costly design adjustments or stormwater management fees often associated with impervious surfaces.
Why This Legislation Matters
North Carolina’s recognition of artificial grass as a permeable surface marks a significant step forward in sustainable urban development. It reflects an understanding of how innovative materials like artificial turf can play a role in mitigating environmental challenges while enhancing outdoor spaces. For Southeast Turf LLC, this law opens new doors to serve more and more customers across the state, offering sustainable, low-maintenance, and regulation-compliant landscaping solutions, including our artificial turf for backyards, pet areas, playgrounds, and putting greens.
Embrace the Benefits of Artificial Grass Today
As artificial grass from Southeast Turf LLC continues to gain recognition as an environmentally friendly alternative to regular grass, now is the perfect time for property owners in Charlotte, NC, and beyond to consider it for their outdoor spaces. The team at Southeast Turf LLC stands ready to provide high-quality artificial turf products and expert installation services that meet the demands of today’s sustainable landscaping trends.
Contact us at Southeast Turf LLC to learn more about how our artificial turf can transform your property while keeping you compliant with the latest regulations!
