Las Vegas gets hot in the summers, but aside from that it is nearly perfect weather. Many tourism brochures advertise Las Vegas as having more than 300 sunny days per year, which makes it pretty much ideal for growing plants as long as there is a source of water that can be brought in to fee them. Most plants will grow with only two things, sun and water and Las Vegas has more than enough sun. Since the Hoover Dam was constructed, we now have more than enough water as well and can not worry about the area not being able to sustain human life. Climate controlled buildings and air conditioning make it not only bearable but essentially pleasant in Las Vegas, no matter what time of year it is. However there is one problem getting in the way of people growing lush and green lawns in Las Vegas, and that thing is regulations.
Las Vegas is currently in a severe drought situation, meaning that the water levels in the reservoir have been dropping yearly. While there is still plenty of water there, we need to assure all of our millions of residents that there will be water to drink in order to stay alive, and when there is not enough rainfall to replenish the reserves, Clark County must take measures to restrict the wasting of water. Unfortunately, this means watering your lawn as nearly 55 gallons of water are needed every year to keep just one square foot of grass alive. This means that in times when we need to assure that water is there for thirsty people, you cannot legally use it for your lawn without being fined or even having your water access shut off completely. Even though you have the ability to turn on your sprinklers enough to water your lawn and keep it green, you are not allowed to do it legally.
For this reason, many people are switching over to synthetic grass in Las Vegas. Synthetic grass is commonly known as “fake grass” or “artificial turf” and it consists of plastic that is extruded through metal plates in order to form the look of a blade of grass. This plastic is colored different shades of green and is cut to different lengths and densities in order to effectively simulate the look and feel of different types of real grass. Once an area is professionally prepared, these carpets of fake grass can be rolled out, stretched and staked down in order to perfectly simulate the way a lush lawn looks, except without the necessity of watering systems being continually used to keep it alive. Because it is not a growing plant, the added benefit of it not needing any care or mowing also represents a benefit to those that choose it.
Essentially, artificial grass is becoming a popular choice among Las Vegas homeowners because it makes so much sense. Grass cannot naturally grow here, and as a result is not a good choice for our type of environment. You can still have it, just as long as it is artificial.