Natural Grass vs. Plastic: Why Natural is the Better Choice

With news that the University of North Carolina is choosing to go back to natural grass for their football field, it’s a great time to talk about making the choice between natural grass and artificial turf. Choosing between natural grass and plastic grass can be tough, but when you consider the long-term benefits, natural grass clearly comes out on top. From its aesthetic appeal to its environmental impact and health benefits, B&B Hoffman Sod would like to share why natural grass is the smarter choice. 

Authentic Beauty and Feel

Call us biased, but real grass offers a vibrant, dynamic look that artificial turf just can’t replicate. Natural grass changes with the seasons, giving your lawn a rich texture, color, and fragrance. Plastic turf may stay green year-round, but it lacks the organic beauty of a living lawn.

Safer for Sports and Play

Natural grass is a safer surface for outdoor activities, especially for children and athletes. Grass provides a softer, more forgiving surface compared to artificial turf, which can get extremely hot in the summer and cause burns or injuries. Natural grass is shock-absorbing, reducing the risk of sprains and abrasions, making it ideal for sports fields and play areas.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain

While synthetic grass has a high upfront cost, natural grass proves to be more cost-effective over time. It requires less maintenance, and you won’t need to replace it every decade like plastic grass. With proper care, natural grass lasts for years, providing excellent value without the ongoing upkeep costs associated with plastic turf.

Damage to natural grass is simple to fix—whether reseeding or laying down new sod, repairs are quick and affordable. Artificial turf requires costly replacements for damaged sections, making maintenance more expensive in the long run.

Healthier for the Environment and Your Family

Natural grass supports the environment and improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and promoting healthy soil. Grass also reduces water runoff and prevents erosion. Plastic turf, however, can trap heat and retain harmful chemicals, posing potential health risks to pets and children. Natural grass promotes a healthier, more breathable environment for everyone.

Speaking of the environment, natural grass supports local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Artificial turf does nothing for biodiversity and can create a sterile, lifeless environment. If you want to encourage a healthy ecosystem, real grass is the better choice.

When it comes to the overall value, environmental benefits, and safety for play, natural grass is the clear winner. From its authentic beauty to its ability to support sports and outdoor activities, it offers far more than synthetic turf. Whether you’re looking to replace your old lawn or create a beautiful, green outdoor space with our premium Kentucky Blue Grass for your family or business, B&B Hoffman Sod is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at (763) 434-6572 or visit our website to get your green space healthy, safe, and chemical-free for years to come!


Minnesota’s 2025 Ban on PFAs: What Does it Mean for Our Lawns?

As Minnesotans, we take pride in our beautiful outdoors – from the lush green lawns of our backyards to the well-maintained fields where our kids play sports. But did you know that some of the materials we use to create these outdoor spaces could be contributing to an environmental problem that lasts… forever?  In 2025, Minnesota is taking a bold step to protect the environment by banning a group of harmful chemicals known as PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – often referred to as “forever chemicals.” And one place these toxic substances are commonly found is in artificial turf. B&B Hoffman Sod is talking about PFAs, how they affect our health and environment, and how the upcoming ban on PFAs may affect you and your lawn.

What Are PFAs?

PFAs are a class of man-made chemicals used in a wide variety of products since the 1940s. They’re known for their water- and stain-resistant properties, used in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing, and even artificial turf. PFAs don’t break down naturally in the environment, which means they last for decades, or even longer. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including liver damage, immune system disruption, and even certain cancers. 

Minnesota’s Ban on PFAs

In response to growing concerns about the harmful effects of PFAs, Minnesota is taking a critical step in 2025 to ban any fabric containing intentionally added PFAs. This includes products like outdoor rugs and synthetic turf. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the goal is to reduce PFAs in our environment and safeguard public health. As part of the law, starting in 2025, artificial turf that contains PFAs will no longer be allowed to be manufactured, sold, or installed in the state.

“But You’re a Family-Owned Sod Farm – Why Are You Talking About PFAs?”

At B&B Hoffman Sod, we’re committed to providing our customers with healthy, sustainable lawns, fields, and landscapes. As Minnesota prepares for the 2025 ban on PFAs, we encourage you to consider the long-term environmental and health implications of your landscaping choices. 

Artificial turf can be a popular choice for sports fields, playgrounds, and even residential lawns due to its low maintenance and durability. Unfortunately, many artificial turf products contain PFAs to make the turf more durable and water-resistant, and they may contribute to environmental pollution and potential health risks when they leach out into the surroundings.

If you’ve ever noticed the “new carpet” smell on a freshly installed field, it’s likely a sign of chemicals being released into the air. Over time, as the turf ages and breaks down, PFAs can seep into the ground, contaminating nearby soil and water supplies. 

If you’re thinking about installing artificial turf, it’s important to know that:

  • PFAs are a concern: Many synthetic turf products contain these harmful chemicals, which will soon be banned in Minnesota.
  • Natural grass is a safe, sustainable option: Grass provides a natural solution to outdoor spaces. It’s low-maintenance, beautiful, and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Consider eco-friendly alternatives: While we obviously prefer you choose our premium Kentucky Blue Grass, if you absolutely must choose a synthetic option, make sure to check for products that are certified free of PFAs or other harmful substances. Look for turf made from sustainable materials that prioritize safety for both the environment and your family.

A Future-Free of “Forever Chemicals”

We’re all in this together – protecting our environment and ensuring that our outdoor spaces are safe for future generations. Minnesota’s decision to ban PFAs in 2025 is a significant step toward reducing harmful chemicals in our environment, and it will encourage the landscaping industry to innovate and offer better, safer alternatives for artificial turf and other outdoor materials.

At B&B Hoffman Sod, we’re proud to support these efforts by providing customers with environmentally friendly and safe sod options. Whether you’re looking to replace your old lawn or create a beautiful, green outdoor space for your family or business, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you have questions about sustainable landscaping, feel free to reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod by calling (763) 434-6572 or visiting our website. Let’s work together to ensure Minnesota’s outdoor spaces remain healthy, safe, and chemical-free for years to come!