Are you striving to get active in the new year? While you certainly can exercise on a grass lawn, it is not particularly motivating. From slippery and uneven ground to mud and grass stains, living grass can make working out a pain. This is where artificial grass comes in. For years, artificial grass sports turf has been used in fields and stadiums as a safer, more durable alternative to natural grass.
When you install artificial grass in your yard or home gym, you too can benefit from a long-lasting and inviting workout space. Strength training, yoga and CrossFit workouts outdoors are enjoyable with a comfortable and resilient surface beneath you. Plus, when you install artificial grass you no longer have to worry about holes or patches. This can prevent a tripping hazard and can possibly prevent twisting an ankle.
Start a New Hobby
The new year is a great time to dive into a new hobby! There are many you can start from your own backyard. For instance, golfing is one of the world’s most popular hobbies, and with artificial grass, it is easy and convenient to set up at your house. Our Dallas landscaping crew can install artificial grass backyard golf and putting greens. An artificial lawn is also ideal for hobbies such as gardening, photography, yoga, tennis, and more. The options are endless when you install artificial grass in your backyard.
Save Money
Let’s face it – watering a grass lawn can be expensive, especially in areas that do not get a lot of rain. When you install artificial grass, watering and costly maintenance are no longer needed. All that adds up to great savings. Unlike real grass, artificial lawns stay looking green and lush without any chemical help. And because the material does not provide food or a living area for bugs, pest problems are virtually eliminated.
The lack of pesticides and fertilizers is good for the environment. Plus, it helps you save more money. While artificial grass has a higher installation cost than living grass, the monthly savings from artificial grass quickly pays for itself – and continues to save you money year after year. In fact, artificial grass is one of the best investments you can make for your home.
Synthetic grass, with all its varieties and applications, can be bought at literally hundreds of retailers in the United States, United Kingdom, and elsewhere. In some cases, consumers have the option of purchasing direct from large-scale manufacturers, small “mom and pop” sod farms also selling fake turf, and major brick and mortar and online retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, Homebase, LazyLawn, Amazon, Wickes, and many others. Local lawn care and landscaping companies also may sell artificial turf products or could make a recommendation based on their own experiences and customer preferences.
If you are committed to buying artificial grass, research the options and become knowledgeable about what is available the cost, and other factors that could influence your purchase decision.
If you have decided that your project – an outdoor deck, play area, or a backyard in dire need of something new – requires artificial grass, the best time to lay it is when the weather will allow. Laying artificial grass during fall or winter is not advisable, as the plastic could freeze or crack in extreme conditions. Nor can it be installed during heavy rain or wind. Beyond that, there are some things to consider:
Convenience. Like so many other things in your life, home improvement projects – including landscaping – are often done when it is most convenient. This could mean a certain time of the year when you have more time, or when you simply feel like installing artificial grass.
Timing the installation to avoid naturally occurring events, such as later in the year when leaves begin to fall, or a rainy “season” depending on where you live. If you have had problems with natural grass not growing and anticipate that happening again – then that is another good time to install a synthetic alternative.
Money is perhaps the most important factor. Artificial grass costs about as much to install and care for a natural turf when you amortize it over six or seven years, but you still need the funds. You will have to buy the fake turf, as well as supplies and tools like sand, rakes, adhesive, and others necessary to do the job correctly. Is there a time of the year when you expect to have extra money on tap?
Artificial grass was developed in the early 1960s and came on the market in 1964, with its first application being a youth playground. Soon after, it gained enormous popularity when it was installed in a monstrous, indoor baseball stadium in Houston; Texas called the Astrodome. Within a few short years, fake turf was being installed on football and soccer fields worldwide.
Deciding on which artificial grass is the “best” really depends on personal choice. Some other factors to consider are price, pile height, color, size of the piece, drainage capability, and more. Any number of brands are available at retail centers as well as online stores, and each one will make a “pitch” to appeal to your taste and budget. No matter, all synthetic sod is made of plastic but here are three types:
Nylon, a tough yet lightweight synthetic polymer. It has the stiffest pile of the different kinds of fake turf and is famous for its ability to withstand being stretched or exposed to environmental extremes. The drawbacks? It has a coarse texture and may not have the same appearance as natural grass and is expensive.
Thanks to its life-like appearance, Polyethylene is a favorite choice for installing artificial grass in an area where natural grass once grew. Its blades are softer, look more natural, and are a deeper green. It also holds up well to the weather and regular use.
Polypropylene is the least durable and expensive of three types of artificial grass. It has a fine texture but is not made for high traffic areas or constant use. Though it may be an attractive option if you are on a budget, also keep in mind it may need to be replaced faster or more often than synthetic turf made from nylon or polyethylene.
Some of the top brands in the United Kingdom are:
Tuda Luxury 30mm
Berlin 26mm
Namgrass Elise 27mm
Banbury Heavy Density 30mm
Now Garden 30mm
Parkgate 37mm Artificial
Namgrass Eclipse 25mm
Buzz Grass Mat
Prestige Artificial Grass
Casa Pura Artificial Grass
In the United States, consumers flock to a variety of top brands, including:
One of the reasons many consumers choose artificial grass is because it is durable and maintains its deep color and lush texture for many years, with only minimal maintenance. Contrast that with natural turf, which must be cut, watered, and cared for with fertilizer; you may even need to maintain the soil on which it grows by adding special nutrients for root health. Though synthetic grass is durable, it has a natural enemy in dogs who treat it as they would real grass – as a place to play, poop, and pee. If you own a dog, artificial turf is a go-to choice for many reasons.
Synthetic turf deters digging. Dogs are smart and know the best spots to dig in your yard. As a result, your rich, deep green lawn may be rife with bald spots, holes, and little mounds of dirt to cover what they may have buried. And, of course, dirt will end up in your house. But with an artificial lawn, little Fido will soon learn he cannot dig into it the way he could with your other grass.
Natural grass is under constant attack by dog poop, which causes damage in the form of brown or yellowed grass that will eventually die and turn to weeds. With artificial grass, that threat is greatly reduced. Poop can easily be cleaned up, and plastic grass cleaned with soap and water.
Dog urine is the big offender. Because it is nitrogen-rich, it can destroy grass by seeping into the roots and creating dead spots. And it smells, too. While dog urine will seep through the weed barrier, it will pass harmlessly into the sand and soil beneath without killing anything along the way.
Any time dog feces are left behind; it invariably attracts all sorts of nasty critters like flies and parasitic organisms. A fake lawn is ecologically friendly and is known to repel fleas, ticks, and ants, but also snakes. If you clean up after your pet dog, you should not have to worry about flies or other invaders from nature.Assuming you have a dog or are soon to be a dog owner, then you want to look for an artificial lawn best suited for your four-legged friend. Dog-friendly fake turf is manufactured with features which make it appealing to your situation.
It is made from polyethylene or polypropylene material and comes with a porous backing ideal for drainage.
It should include anti-microbial properties to defend against odors and toxins.
The dog-specific artificial grass is infill-free and airs well. Turf that includes infill retains moisture, which fosters the growth of toxins and odors.
Which brand is best for dog owners? There are many to look out for, including SynLawn, Pet Zen Garden, Golden Moon Pet Grass, Perfect Turf PetGrass, Pup-Grass, and many others. Your local veterinarian may have suggestions for specific dog breeds. Finally, stay away from artificial grass marketed toward dog owners if the product includes infill, or foundation filling – the turf’s built-in drain system – that is made from decomposed granite, pea gravel, rubber, or mulch.
If you’re interested in saving a buck or two, you might attempt to install your new turf yourself. But installing artificial turf isn’t as easy as rolling a carpet out. It’s best to leave the installation process to trained professionals.
Artificial turf installation is physically taxing. What can take the pros a few days to install might take you weeks.
The process of installing artificial turf involves:
Taking precise measurements.
Removing the original surface.
Applying multiple layers of materials.
Compacting the ground.
Sloping.
First, you’ll need to remove and dispose of any material that makes up your surface. That might be natural grass or even a patch of gravel. Once the land is bare, you’ll need to slope the ground to ensure proper drainage.
Next, you would compact the ground, apply the base material that holds the artificial turf steady, compact the ground again, and then secure a geotextile weed suppressor.
Finally, you would apply the turf, trim the edges, nail it down, and then add the infill material that weighs down the turf and supports the blades.
Here are five reasons why you should stick to the pros instead of attempting a DIY artificial turf project:
A professional can advise you on the best blade types, material, and turf brand for your yard.
Installing the turf yourself may lead to costly mistakes, such as drainage problems. You risk spending more money in the long run if you install the turf yourself.
Artificial turf is expensive. It’s wise to have a professional install such a valuable investment so that you reap the rewards down the line.
If the turf is not properly installed, pets have an easier chance of destroying it.
Installing the turf yourself means you won’t have a warranty.
Even though synthetic turf is made of plastic, it’s usually not recyclable. After 10 to 25 years, the turf will take up space in a landfill.
✗ It gets hot
Artificial turf can get hot in the sun, making it uncomfortable to walk on. Even athletes have a difficult time withstanding the heat radiating off the turf’s surface.
✗ It’s a breeding ground for bacteria
If you do not sanitize synthetic turf, it can host bacteria.
✗ Harmful runoff
Artificial turf has toxic elements that enter the waterways through runoff. There are also concerns that artificial turf may be harmful to people.
✗ Produces waste in the manufacturing process
Before your fake grass becomes your new lawn, it has to go through an entire manufacturing process that involves waste and carbon emissions.
✗ Rougher than real grass
Artificial grass can feel stiff, though some blade shapes and turf materials are softer than others.
✗ Impacts the soil’s ecosystem
When artificial grass is installed, the soil layer underneath will no longer retain its stellar ecosystem.
✗ It does not absorb carbon dioxide
The earth needs plants to absorb the carbon dioxide polluting the air. A natural lawn will absorb carbon dioxide, while an artificial lawn will not.
Do you have a pet? It is every pet owner’s dream to have a lawn that is pet-friendly.There areartificial grass that dogs cannot dig. And because artificial grass does not come with any soil, your dog stays clean and odor-free.
Who would have thought that one can actually “grow” artificial grass. To have a grass that you will never have to water is simply awesome! Isn’t is amazing that it is available already today! The future is now!
Having a good drainage system is also the key. Some artificial grass keeps the liquid then it just simply saturates it. The better ones makes sure that the liquid drains right away making sure that your area stays dry, odor and bacteria free.
When deciding on a supplier, find out how their drainage works.
Some artificial grass available can also help keep temperature lower by as much as 15%. This is possible by the grass reflecting the sunlight thus decreasing heat build-up. This is perfect for the hot summers in places like Dallas, Texas!
Many people like the smell of fresh cut grass. If you are one of them, you won’t believe that you can enjoy this all year round. And you don’t even have to mow your lawn to get a whiff of that scent.
Companies like Best Artificial Grass in Dallas, Texas offer products with “fresh-cut technology for the zero maintenance, year-round green, beautifully smelling, freshly clean lawn”.
When shopping around for artificial grass suppliers every homeowner must consider few things before deciding on which company to sign up with:
1. Budget
You must remember to think of having artificial grass as a long term investment. While the initial cost to have artificial grass installed is more than your usual live grass, think of all the long term benefits you will reap with this good decision.
People who have artificial grass in their homes will tell you that in the long run , it is not only more cost efficient, the but the convenience it brings cannot be ignored.
Imagine having a lush, clean and green yard all year long without having to water, mow and clean. Ever! You will have more time to relax and enjoy your time at home with your family.
In the area of Dallas, Texas there are several suppliers of artificial grass. But you must remember to choose a supplier who can offer you the best deal, including a warranty. Some give warranty but the warranty is only for a few years. Make sure you decide on one that gives a warranty of at least 10 years.
After sales service, while virtually unnecessary should be available to you. I say “virtually unnecessary” because good artificial grass is practically maintenance free!