Invented over 50 years ago, artificial grass is a surface of synthetic fibres made to look identical to natural grass. Today, you can find it nearly everywhere you look, from residential lawns to sports centres and stadiums.
Compared to conventional grass, artificial grass is able to stand up to heavy use whilst needing no trimming or irrigation – making it perfect for those who need a low-maintenance lawn. However, this isn’t to say that it’s “maintenance-free”. Like all man-made products, artificial grass does have a limited life span. However, with the proper maintenance and care, you can expect it to last up to (and even beyond) it’s estimated lifespan.
When caring for artificial lawns, one of the main issues owners face is moss. This typically takes the form of dense green clumps or mats and often occurs in damp or shady locations. Luckily, the method for removing moss is straightforward and can be done with relative ease. The basic steps are outlined below.
Preparation
Before you start, here’s a list of things that you’ll need:
A soft-bristled broom/brush or plastic rake
Moss killer (preferably non-oil-based)
Pruning shears or loppers
Once you’re ready, you’ll need to brush/rake the artificial turf – we recommend you do this either weekly or whenever debris accumulates.
When it comes to brushing/raking, you should alternate your direction each time to ensure a deep clean. This will also help prevent all the fibres from leaning in one direction.
Once all debris is clear, take your pruning shears/loppers and go around the garden/lawn and trim back any overhanging branches and overgrown vegetation. This will allow for better circulation of air whilst allowing more sunlight to reach the lawn. The goal here to try and eliminate the conditions that favour moss development.
Used artificial grass costs 50% to 75% less than new artificial grass, which is great on your budget!
However, used artificial grass may come with punctures from the forklifts that moved them. Proper installation of the used artificial grass will hide these punctures, but they could possibly allow a sliver of sunlight to reach the soil beneath it. Where sunlight can reach the earth, weeds will grow. This means that a weed suppressant membrane is even more critical when you install used artificial grass.
If you are interested in used artificial grass but have pets, regular maintenance and pet-friendly infill can mask any odors trapped by weed barrier.
Weed barrier fabric can mean the difference between a lush, realistic layer of artificial turf and lumps that weeds have pushed up. As long as you don’t have plans for the ground under your artificial turf, weed barrier can add years to the lifespan of your artificial grass with no downsides.
First, let’s go over why you need a base layer. The base layer creates a level platform and provides drainage for artificial turf. When installing a synthetic grass base layer, excavate 3 to 4 inches of topsoil. The best materials for the base layer are 3 inches of class II road base followed by an inch of decomposed granite (also known as granite dust).
You can lay weed barrier fabric under the base layer, over the base layer, or both.
Lay the landscaping fabric under the base layer to prevent contamination and provide a ground stabilization membrane.
If the native soil is hard (as opposed to clay-like), there is no need to install weed barrier fabric under the base material. Simply lay the weed suppressant membrane over the base.
Wondering why you should invest in a weed barrier? A weed barrier:
1. Blocks Weed Growth
The fabric blocks sunlight from reaching the soil. Weeds need sunlight to grow. Even if a stubborn weed pops its head out of the ground beneath your artificial grass, the weed barrier cloth physically stops the weed from reaching the artificial turf. As its name suggests, it acts as a barrier between the weed and the synthetic turf.
2. Prevents Soil Aeration
When soil is aerated, more oxygen gets into the soil, promoting weed growth. One of the most significant natural sources of soil aeration is the earthworm, eating its way through the soil, loosening it up, and leaving tunnels for water, nutrients, and air to reach weed seeds buried in the dirt.
The more earthworms in your soil, the more likely it is that weeds will be able to grow and thrive. Landscape cloth for synthetic turf is a barrier that will keep the earthworms at bay. They won’t want to live where they can’t reach the surface. With fewer earthworms, weeds will have a more challenging time reaching your turf.
3. Provides Ground Stabilization
You want a solid base for your artificial turf. If there is loose or rocky soil beneath your artificial turf, you could end up with bumps and dips that make it less comfortable to walk on. Weed barrier fabric adds stability, especially if it is a woven weed barrier. It provides an extra layer of firmness and helps prevent soil erosion, so you don’t have to worry about the elements destroying the base of your artificial turf.
4. Protects Synthetic Grass
Besides stabilizing the ground beneath the artificial grass, the weed barrier cloth cushions the artificial turf from whatever is in the soil beneath it. Sharp debris, such as pebbles and rocks, can puncture your artificial grass (if there is no base layer). A layer of weed barrier cloth under your turf adds protection. You want to avoid punctures in your synthetic grass because they can weaken the turf and make it susceptible to more damage.
5. Prevents Base Contamination
Weed barrier can separate the native soil from the base layer (also known as the sub-base layer). If contaminants are in your native soil, you could also get impurities in the base layer unless weed barrier fabric is in place. A weed barrier helps keep the base layer clean.
When you install artificial grass, you may not think you’ll have to deal with weeds. After all, you are covering up the native soil.
Properly installed new or used artificial grass will indeed prevent weeds from growing through the turf’s backing.
However, weeds can still push against the bottom of the artificial turf and disfigure it.
Weeds are uncommonly good at finding ways to grow in unlikely places. Thankfully, there is a solution: use weed barrier fabric to prevent unsightly lumps and bumps in artificial turf projects.
Although we recommend weed barrier in most cases, there are some situations where you should avoid installing it under synthetic turf.
Low-quality artificial turf installation or damage to the sub-base layer can cause serious issues that can’t be fixed without professional attention. These problems include:
Poor drainage causing mold and mildew.
Debris buildup under the surface causing unevenness, bumps, and pooling water.
Compaction and uneven surfaces affecting the appearance and lifespan of the turf.
Soil erosion (poorly installed artificial turf can’t control soil erosion).
If you encounter serious artificial turf issues, quick DIY fixes won’t help. It’s best to let professionals handle the problem since it may require digging up the synthetic turf to fix the sub-base layer.
Before restoring artificial turf, you must understand where the damage comes from. By digging deeper into the underlying cause, you can prevent the problem from happening again.
Weeds and wildlife
If you don’t install weed barrier fabric or gopher wire underneath the artificial turf, pests and weeds can try to make their way through the surface. This can lead to bumps and wrinkles.
When artificial grass surface becomes uneven, it doesn’t just affect the appearance. It makes the turf more susceptible to UV light and heavy foot traffic damage. Bumps can also become a tripping hazard.
Transportation
During transportation, forklifts and other heavy machinery puncture the artificial turf to move it. That’s why inspecting the turf during installation is imperative.
Extreme Heat
While UV-resistant artificial turf does an excellent job protecting the green sheen of the turf, it does not handle extreme heat well. Since the turf is made from synthetic materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, it can melt or deform after coming into contact with hot objects.
These issues can occur when a cigarette or coal from the grill falls on the turf. Sunrays reflected from windows or other objects can have the same effect.
Extreme heat softens infill and causes compaction. This, in turn, affects cushioning and drainage. Swings in temperature from very hot to very cold can cause the turf to expand and contract. This results in wrinkles and bubble formation.
Freezing Cold
When temperatures drop below 32°F, artificial turf fibers may become stiff. This makes them less flexible. Meanwhile, frozen infill causes the surface to become hard and less cushioned. This makes it easier to damage the turf with regular use.
Similar to extreme heat situations, the turf contracts and expands when temperatures fluctuate. This may cause the artificial grass to wear out faster.
Heavy Foot Traffic
The fibers can become matted if many people and pets regularly walk over the artificial grass. Meanwhile, installing heavy lawn furniture or parking a car on artificial grass can lead to large matted patches. Matted fibers make the surface look less natural.
Uncleaned Pet Waste
If pet waste remains on the artificial grass’s surface for too long, it can cause unpleasant odors and bacterial growth. The artificial turf will lose its lush color and develops permanent stains over time. Meanwhile, the waste can contaminate the infill and clog drainage systems.
Cleaning and restoring artificial turf after pet waste remains there for a long time may be impossible. You would have to replace the contaminated patch.
In recent years, the demand for artificial grass has been on the rise, and it’s easy to understand why. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious and water scarcity becomes a pressing issue, traditional lawns are being reconsidered. In Los Angeles, where the climate is arid and water resources are limited, artificial grass offers a sustainable and visually appealing alternative. Lawn Kings Inc. is at the forefront of this movement, providing innovative solutions that revolutionize the way we think about maintaining our outdoor spaces. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why artificial grass is the future of your home’s lawn in Los Angeles.
Water Conservation: Water scarcity is a significant concern in Los Angeles, and maintaining a traditional lawn requires a substantial amount of water. Artificial grass, on the other hand, is a game-changer in terms of water conservation. It eliminates the need for watering, reducing water consumption significantly. With artificial grass from Lawn Kings Inc., homeowners can contribute to conserving this precious resource without compromising the aesthetics of their outdoor spaces. By opting for artificial grass, you can play your part in mitigating the water crisis in Los Angeles.
Year-round Greenery: Maintaining a lush green lawn in Los Angeles can be challenging due to the region’s hot and dry climate. Natural grass often withers and turns brown during periods of drought or extreme temperatures. Artificial grass, however, stays vibrant and green all year round, regardless of the weather conditions. With Lawn Kings Inc.’s premium artificial grass, you can enjoy a consistently beautiful lawn that complements the overall aesthetic of your home, enhancing its curb appeal.
Low Maintenance: Maintaining a traditional lawn is not only time-consuming but also requires constant attention and resources. Regular mowing, fertilizing, and weed control can be tedious tasks for homeowners, especially those with busy schedules. Artificial grass provides an excellent solution by significantly reducing the maintenance required. With Lawn Kings Inc.’s high-quality synthetic turf, you can say goodbye to mowing, watering, and the need for harmful chemical treatments. This low-maintenance alternative allows you to spend more time enjoying your yard rather than working on it.
Durability and Longevity: Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather, which can take a toll on natural grass, causing it to become patchy and worn out over time. Artificial grass from Lawn Kings Inc. is specifically designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, intense sunlight, and extreme weather conditions. Built to last, their synthetic turf products maintain their quality and appearance for many years, providing a beautiful and functional lawn for your home. Investing in artificial grass ensures a long-term solution that saves you both time and money in the long run.
Environmental Benefits: Aside from water conservation, artificial grass offers numerous environmental benefits. By eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, it reduces pollution and promotes a healthier environment. Additionally, artificial grass doesn’t require gasoline-powered lawnmowers, reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution. By choosing Lawn Kings Inc.’s eco-friendly artificial grass, you are making a positive impact on the environment while enjoying a visually appealing and low-maintenance lawn.
You want your home’s landscaping to look pretty and lush, but you want your yard to be useable, too. Creatively incorporating artificial grass increases livability because it gives you more – and more satisfying – options. And every option comes with enduring good looks and miniscule maintenance requirements that make faux grass a smart investment. Artificial grass gives you more ways to improve your yard and more ways to enjoy it.
We noted earlier how easy and practical it is to cover concrete with artificial grass. There is no reason to put up with a patio that is aging, boring, or just too hot to enjoy in summer. Even if your deck is elevated.
If you have a tiny yard, adding a rooftop lawn and garden space can exponentially expand your outdoor living options. If you have only an upper-level balcony, you can cover the unbecoming concrete or wood and create your very own barefoot-friendly oasis. (This works even for apartment-dwellers, because artificial grass is as easy to remove as it is to install.)
Greening your roof is all the rage. It looks cool, and it can keep your home cooler as well because it adds insulation without the weight of natural grass. Using artificial grass to create a rooftop lawn is even smarter. Why? We’ve said it before, but it always gears repeating – fake grass can “grow” anywhere without requiring water, chemicals, or even sunlight. Faux grass installations drain efficiently so there’s never a worry about water build-up. And, obviously, you don’t have to mow or otherwise tend this grass. An occasional rinse or brush with a broom and it’s all good.
