Ban artificial turf from nature strips says report to Orange council

The staff report to Tuesday night's meeting said artificial turf was a trip hazard, expensive, increased radiant heat, killed grass and was often not well maintained.

It said there was growing demand for its use from builders and property owners in Orange.

"Council is starting to receive an increase in the number of enquiries to install synthetic turf within council's road reserve. This report serves to recommend council not allow the installation of artificial turf within the road reserves," it said.

Road reserves cover the area between front fences on both sides of a road, including nature strips and the road.

"Due to the current water restrictions council does not allow the watering of lawn/turf within the city and builders want to make their developments more 'sellable' by placing lawn in front of the house," it said.

"Council has also been approached by private owners in established areas requesting permission to install synthetic turf for presentation purposes."

However, Cr Tony Mileto said he supported the use of artificial turf made from sugar cane by-products.

Cr Mileto said it was sustainable and did not require watering.

"We've just experienced one of the worst droughts in history. We can't keep pumping 70 per cent of the water onto lawns and gardens," he said.

The report also said artificial turf outside Wade Park and on roundabouts was laid more than 10 years ago and the practice had not been repeated.