Faux grass is drought alternative

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The drought is leading some people to go to extremes in search of a green lawn.

In neighborhoods across Central Texas, crispy, dry blades of grass soak in the hot summer sun, but one front yard is glowing green.

"Its great," said Chris Neighbors. "No watering, very little or no maintenance- in most cases."

Neighbors owns Texas Custom Turf and said the demand for the synthetic grass is through the roof. It was once reserved for football stadiums, but now it's going in to neighborhoods.

"We've had a lot of calls about people wanting to not have to worry about watering or mowing or dragging out the weed eater anymore and doing all that hassle," said Neighbors.

The artificial grass is manufactured at Tiger Turf in Austin and goes from the factory to the front lawn.

"I've had people call and say water restrictions- I can't water my yard when I want to- I can only water so many hours of the day and its not convenient," Neighbors said. He wants the city of Austin to offer rebates to residents who install the turf and in turn, cut down their water usage.

But the Water Conservation Department will not endorse the product.

"We would encourage people to plant native plants and foliage," said Kevin Buchman, spokesperson for the Austin Water Utility.

The turf has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. When compared to the price of sod, some customers find the synthetic grass cost prohibitive at five dollars per square foot.