Across the country, cities and schools are making critical decisions about the future of their athletic and recreational fields. Many are considering the installation of artificial turf—often drawn in by promises of low maintenance, all-weather durability, and high usage rates. But there’s a growing concern that community members aren’t being fully informed of the risks and long-term costs associated with synthetic turf fields. If your city or school district is proposing artificial turf, now is the time to speak up—and speak out.

At West Coast Turf, we believe in safe, sustainable playing fields—and we know natural grass is the gold standard when it comes to both health and long-term value. Here's what every concerned parent, coach, and resident should know about synthetic turf—and why your voice is essential in the decision-making process.

The Hidden Risks of Artificial Turf

While artificial turf may seem like a modern solution, it's not without serious drawbacks—especially when it comes to safety and health.

1. Extreme Heat

Artificial turf surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures here in California and Arizona —often 40 to 60 degrees hotter than natural grass under the same sunlight. That means field temperatures can soar above 140°F on sunny days, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, burns, and dehydration for athletes, especially children.

2. Toxic Exposure

Many artificial turf fields use crumb rubber infill made from ground-up car tires, which may contain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially harmful chemicals. While research is ongoing, some studies and health professionals have raised concerns about long-term exposure—especially in younger athletes who are more vulnerable to environmental toxins.

3. Injury Concerns

Synthetic turf has been linked to higher rates of certain injuries, including ACL tears, turf burns, and concussions due to the harder, less forgiving surface. For sports like soccer, football, and lacrosse, this can be a serious consideration for player safety.

4. Limited Lifespan and Disposal Issues

Artificial fields typically last 8–10 years before needing replacement. And when they do, disposal presents another problem: millions of pounds of non-biodegradable, contaminated 

Why Speaking Up Matters

Often, decisions about field installations are made at school board or city council meetings—with little to no input from the families, students, and coaches who will be most impacted. That’s why community advocacy is so critical. By attending public meetings, writing letters, organizing petitions, or simply asking questions, you can help ensure your community makes a fully informed choice.

Questions to ask:

• Have alternative, natural grass options been fully explored?
• What safety and environmental impact studies were considered?
• How will the turf be maintained, tested, and eventually disposed of?
• Is there a long-term cost comparison between natural and synthetic fields?

A Natural Solution: Safe, Healthy Grass Fields

Natural grass not only offers a cooler and more forgiving playing surface—it’s also environmentally beneficial, biodegradable, and aesthetically pleasing. Advances in turfgrass varieties and sustainable maintenance practices have made real grass more resilient and cost-effective than ever before.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to help California and Arizona communities design and maintain beautiful, high-performance natural grass fields that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility. We support local voices who want to see safer alternatives in place for their children, athletes, and neighborhoods.

Conclusion: Get Involved—Because Your Field Should Be Safe

Decisions about school and city fields aren’t just about convenience—they're about health, safety, and sustainability. If your community is considering artificial turf, don't stay silent. Speak up. Ask questions. Demand transparency.

You deserve a say in what your kids play on. Let’s make sure it’s grass.

Take Action Today

Make your voice heard! If your school or city is considering artificial turf, attend the next board meeting, write to local officials, and share this blog with others in your community.

Let them know there’s a safer, more sustainable option—natural grass.

Contact West Coast Turf to learn how we can help you advocate for healthier, cooler, and more environmentally friendly playing fields. Together, we can protect the spaces where our communities play, grow, and thrive.

Artificial turf has had its moment for many homeowners and facility managers looking for a low-maintenance green space. If you're transitioning back to natural grass proper removal is key. Done incorrectly, artificial turf removal can damage your subsoil, create unnecessary waste, or even become a safety hazard. At West Coast Turf, we’re all about keeping your landscape healthy—from installation to transformation. Here's how to safely remove artificial turf the right way.

Tools You’ll Need

• Utility knife or turf cutter
• Flat shovel or spade
• Pliers or turf puller
• Wheelbarrow or disposal bags
• Gloves and protective eyewear
• Optional: power sod cutter for large areas

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Artificial Turf

1. Prep the Area

Clear any furniture, debris, or landscaping elements from the turf. Turn off any irrigation systems and confirm there are no buried cables or lines underneath the turf.

2. Cut into Strips

Using a utility knife or turf cutter, slice the turf into manageable strips—typically 2–4 feet wide. This makes it easier to roll and carry without injury or excessive strain.

Tip: Cut from the backside where the material isn’t as thick.

3. Lift and Roll

Use pliers or a turf puller to grip one end of a strip and begin rolling it up. Try to roll it tightly to save space for disposal. Take your time—older turf can break apart or stick to the ground due to years of compression or melted infill.

4. Remove Infill

If your turf contains rubber or sand infill, it will need to be removed. As you lift the turf, shake off as much infill as possible. For thorough removal, use a shop vacuum or stiff broom to collect remaining particles from the base.

5. Inspect and Clean the Sub-Base

Once the turf is gone, inspect the sub-base. If you plan to install natural sod, you’ll likely need to remove the compacted aggregate and bring in fresh topsoil. West Coast Turf can help you choose the right sod variety and soil amendments for a thriving, natural lawn.

Going Back to Natural?

We applaud your decision to go green (literally). Whether you're looking for a lush backyard, a sports-ready lawn, or a drought-tolerant sod option, West Coast Turf offers the highest quality natural sod grown locally in California and Arizona.

Let us help you transform your outdoor space with real grass that’s better for the environment, cooler underfoot, and beautiful year-round.

If you’re unsure where to start, or need guidance on choosing the right sod after turf removal, reach out to the pros at West Coast Turf. We’re always ready to roll up our sleeves and help. Visit: westcoastturf.com for more information.

When you think of Earth Day, you probably picture recycling drives, park clean-ups, or planting a tree — but the biggest environmental impact you can make might be right outside your door. In Arizona and California, where water conservation is a year-round priority, choosing the right grass is more than a landscaping decision — it’s a commitment to a healthier planet.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to grow and supply sod that not only looks great but also helps protect the natural resources of the place we all call home.

The Eco-Friendly Lawn Revolution

In the past, a "perfect" lawn usually meant high water bills, heavy fertilizer use, and a lot of maintenance. But times have changed, and so has the definition of a great yard. More and more Arizona and California homeowners are embracing warm-season grasses and drought-tolerant options as part of an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum are specifically designed for the sunny, dry conditions common in the Southwest. These grasses:

✔️ Require less water than cool-season grasses
✔️ Handle extreme heat with ease
✔️ Stay green and durable in high-traffic areas
✔️ Promote healthy soil and reduce runoff

For areas where water restrictions are tight or for homeowners looking for even more sustainable options, Kurapia ground cover and native grass blends are excellent alternatives that reduce irrigation needs even further while adding visual beauty and biodiversity to your landscape.

Beyond Grass: Natural Lawns vs. Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is often marketed as a “green” solution — but in reality, it lacks nearly all of the environmental benefits of living grass. Natural lawns:

• Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen
• Cool the surrounding environment (artificial turf can reach dangerously high temperatures)
• Filter stormwater and help replenish groundwater
• Support local wildlife and biodiversity

On Earth Day and every day, investing in a real, living landscape helps keep your yard healthier and the environment cleaner.

Smart Lawn Care for the Seasons

Another way Arizona and California homeowners can be eco-friendly is by adjusting seasonal lawn care.

Winter overseeding — often done for a year-round green appearance — comes at the cost of extra water during the cooler months. On the other hand, allowing your warm-season grass to go dormant over winter (called winter rest) saves water and gives your lawn a natural break before it reawakens in spring.

It’s a simple choice that helps your landscape work with the seasons, rather than against them.

Your lawn can do more than just look great — it can make a real difference. Choosing the right sod, using water wisely, and prioritizing living landscapes over synthetic shortcuts are all ways to create a more sustainable outdoor space for your family and future generations.

At West Coast Turf, we’re committed to providing California and Arizona homeowners with the highest-quality, environmentally smart sod options. Whether you’re installing a new lawn or upgrading an old one, your choices today can help shape a greener tomorrow.

Visit westcoastturf.com to explore our warm-season grass varieties and expert resources. Let’s grow greener, together.

Environmentally Conscious Lawns That Are Here to Stay From West Coast Turf

The definition of the “perfect lawn” is changing — and fast. Gone are the days when the best yard on the block was the one guzzling the most water to stay green year-round. The new gold standard for modern homeowners is a landscape that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Today’s homeowners are making smarter choices, and the conversation around what’s growing in your California and Arizona yard is evolving. Whether you’re planning a new lawn or rethinking your current landscape, the shift toward sustainable, water-wise solutions is here to stay. And leading the way are warm-season grasses.

The Smart Choice: Warm-Season Grasses

When it comes to balancing curb appeal with eco-awareness, warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum check all the boxes. These grasses are perfectly adapted for hot, dry climates and thrive in the kind of summer sun that leaves cool-season grasses struggling.

Their deep root systems allow them to handle drought far better than traditional lawn grasses. Once established, they require far less water to maintain a healthy, green appearance — meaning you’re not only reducing your water usage but also your monthly water bill.

At West Coast Turf, we grow and supply several premium warm-season grass varieties that deliver year-round beauty and serious durability for home landscapes, sports fields, parks, and golf courses.

Ditch the Plastic, Skip the Guilt

In recent years, artificial turf has been marketed as a “water-saving” option, but the reality is far from green. Synthetic grass lacks all of the environmental benefits a living lawn offers — no cooling effect, no carbon sequestration, no filtration of rainwater, and no support for the surrounding ecosystem.

Not to mention: under the hot sun, artificial turf can reach temperatures far higher than concrete or asphalt, making it uncomfortable and even unsafe during peak summer months. Choosing warm-season grasses or ground covers like Kurapia (a low-water flowering option) offers real ecological benefits while keeping your yard inviting and alive.

Overseeding vs. Winter Rest

Another way to stay environmentally conscious is in how you handle the off-season. Homeowners traditionally overseed warm-season lawns with cool-season grasses for a year-round green look. While this can maintain visual appeal, it requires winter watering and extra care.

An increasingly popular alternative is embracing “winter rest.” Allowing your warm-season grass to go dormant during the colder months means turning off the irrigation and letting nature take its course. When spring returns, your lawn will bounce back — healthy and ready for another season — without the waste of off-season watering.

The New Joneses Lead the Way

The best yards today aren’t just about perfect stripes and pristine edges — they’re about smart choices that work with the environment, not against it. Whether you choose a low-water warm-season grass, explore ground covers like Kurapia, or blend native plants into your design, you’re contributing to a healthier future.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to offer solutions that let you have the best of both worlds: a stunning California and Arizona lawn and a conscious approach to sustainability.

Ready to join the new Joneses? Visit westcoastturf.com and explore grass varieties, installation tips, and expert advice on building a lawn that looks great — and does good.

When you invest time and money into maintaining a beautiful lawn in California or Arizona, the last thing you want is for pests to ruin your hard work. From grubs to chinch bugs, these unwelcome invaders can wreak havoc on your turf, turning a lush lawn into an unsightly patchwork of brown and dying grass. In California, especially with its diverse climate zones, pests can vary in types and behaviors, making it essential for homeowners to stay proactive about lawn care. As a trusted provider of premium sod for California and Arizona, West Coast Turf is here to help you identify and combat the most common pests that could be damaging your lawn.

1. Grubs: The Root Destroyers

Grubs, the larvae of beetles like the Japanese beetle and the June bug, are one of the most common and damaging pests for California lawns. These white, C-shaped larvae feast on the roots of your grass, disrupting its ability to absorb water and nutrients. As they burrow into the soil, they can cause widespread damage that often shows up as large, irregular brown patches in your lawn.

Signs of grub damage:

• Brown, patchy areas of grass that pull up easily from the soil.
• Small dead patches that seem to spread quickly.
• A lawn that feels spongy underfoot due to the roots being eaten away.

Grubs are often most active during the summer and early fall, so it’s important to take preventive measures during these times. If you notice the signs of a grub infestation, act quickly to minimize damage.

How to protect your lawn:

• Preventative treatments like granular insecticides or natural alternatives such as nematodes can help control grubs before they cause damage.
• Aerating your lawn helps improve soil health and root systems, making it less susceptible to grub damage.
• If you already have grubs, apply treatments in the early summer, when they’re in their larval stage.

2. Chinch Bugs: Small but Mighty

Chinch bugs are another common pest found in both California and Arizona lawns. These tiny, reddish-black insects suck the sap from grass blades, causing the grass to wilt and die. Chinch bugs prefer hot, dry conditions, which makes them especially problematic during California’s long summer months.

Signs of chinch bug damage:

• Irregular patches of yellowing or browning grass, often in sunny or drought-prone areas.
• Turf that feels spongy or soft when stepped on.
• Grass that looks dry despite regular watering.

Chinch bugs are particularly harmful to cool-season grasses, such as fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, which are commonly found in lawns throughout California. Their feeding weakens the grass, making it vulnerable to further stress from heat and drought.

How to protect your lawn:

• Apply insecticides targeted specifically for chinch bugs. Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully for the best results.
• Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, which helps the grass better withstand pests like chinch bugs.
• Consider reseeding or replacing sod in areas heavily damaged by chinch bugs to restore your lawn.

3. Sod Webworms: Moth Larvae that Ruin Your Turf

Sod webworms are larvae of small moths that live beneath the surface of the turf. These larvae feed on grass blades, causing patches of dead, brown grass that can spread quickly if not controlled. Sod webworms are especially active during the warmer months and can severely damage lawns that are already stressed by heat or drought.

Signs of sod webworm damage:

• Small, circular patches of dead or dying grass.
• The presence of small moths flying near the turf, especially in the evening.
• Increased activity from birds or other animals searching for the larvae.

How to protect your lawn:

• Use insecticidal treatments specifically designed for sod webworms. Applying treatments in the late afternoon or early evening can help target the larvae.
• Maintain a healthy lawn by watering properly and aerating regularly to reduce compaction.
• Encourage natural predators, like birds and beneficial insects, to help manage the population of sod webworms.

4. Ants: More than Just a Nuisance

While ants might seem harmless at first glance, certain species, such as Argentine ants or fire ants, can cause significant damage to your lawn. These ants create nests and mounds in your grass, disturbing the root system and soil structure. Fire ants, in particular, can sting, which makes them a health hazard for pets and children.

Signs of ant infestation:

• Mounds of dirt or raised areas in the grass.
• Dry, patchy areas where ants have disturbed the soil.
• A sudden increase in the number of ants in your lawn.

How to protect your lawn:

• Use targeted ant baits or insecticides to treat visible mounds. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective treatment.
• Keep your lawn properly watered to discourage ants from nesting in dry areas.
• Reseed or replace sod in areas with extensive ant damage.

5. Lace Bugs: A Hidden Threat to Your Grass

Lace bugs are another common pest in California lawns, particularly in areas with hot, dry summers. These tiny insects feed on the undersides of grass leaves, causing small yellow spots and a general decline in turf health. While lace bugs don’t always cause immediate, catastrophic damage, their feeding can weaken grass and make it more susceptible to other issues like drought stress and disease.

Signs of lace bug damage:

• Yellow or spotted patches on grass blades, often appearing on the lower side of leaves.
• General decline in the overall health of the turf, especially in stressed areas.
• Grass that seems to be wilting or drying out despite proper care.

How to protect your lawn:

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to target lace bugs and prevent them from spreading.
• Regularly check the underside of grass blades for signs of lace bug infestation.
• Fertilize and water your lawn to keep it healthy and more resistant to pest damage.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Lawn Healthy and Pest-Free

Pests are a constant threat to California and Arizona lawns, but with the right care and attention, you can minimize their impact and keep your lawn looking its best. At West Coast Turf, we’re committed to providing top-quality sod and expert advice to help you manage your lawn’s health year-round.

If you suspect that pests are harming your turf, act quickly to prevent further damage. Whether you need advice on pest control or you're looking to replace damaged sod, our team is here to help you maintain a healthy, thriving lawn. By staying vigilant and using the right treatments, you can protect your turf from the pests that threaten it and enjoy a lush, beautiful lawn for years to come.

For all your sod needs in California and Arizona, trust West Coast Turf—your go-to partner for a beautiful, pest-free lawn. Visit our website at westcoastturf.com for more information,