Turf is made with recycled plastics like shredded tires and old tennis shoe soles. Carpet companies have been developing newer varieties, to make it look more authentic but these blades, forever green and upright, are definitely artificial. They are set in a porous backing that allows water to go through. The benefits include no watering or pesticides, and it's easy to clean up after dogs.

Cities, professional sports teams, high schools and colleges are starting to use artificial turf in public spaces. This heavily trafficked soccer field at McCarren Park in Brooklyn was a dustbowl--the grass stomped to oblivion--so instead of trying to keep people off, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation used turf that can take all the soccer playing and it has a springy feel to it. (Northside Car Service was playing the Metro Line Car Service this afternoon on the main field.)