With much of Central Texas grappling with drought conditions, a surprising lawn alternative is becoming increasingly popular. Turf grass is the largest irrigated crop in the United States, using three times as much water as corn, according to a study by NASA scientist Cristina Milesi. And the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 30 percent of the average home’s water is used outside. Unfortunately, the environmental benefits of lawns’ carbon dioxide intake are outweighed by the negative impact of water usage. New artificial turfs can give you a green lawn that stands up to year-round abuse.