Poor Drainage and Waterlogging: Longevity of artificial turf depends on proper drainage. Insufficient drainage can cause waterlogging, which harms the turf and serves as a haven for mildew and germs. Make sure the base is sloped correctly during installation to enable effective water discharge. To avoid jams and obstructions, the drainage system should be regularly inspected and maintained.
To sum up, artificial turf can offer a lovely, low-maintenance substitute for real grass, but it is not impervious to damage. The lifespan of your artificial grass can be increased by adopting preventive steps, being aware of the most frequent causes of artificial turf damage, and protecting your investment. If you want your artificial grass to stay and look good in your outdoor space, regular maintenance, appropriate installation, careful use, and avoiding damaging components are essential.
Here are just a few hardscape design ideas that many homeowners choose to add significant “wow” factor to their home:
Flower Beds
Go beyond the basic flower bed and explore ways to add flower beds into your hardscape design. Flower beds can be added to the tops of retaining walls or the ridge of a fire pit to add a pop of color. Walkways or steps can be lined with flower beds for a more structured look. A “potted” flower bed featuring pots of various shapes, sizes, and colors adds visual interest and is beneficial when starting several new plantings at once.
Designing the right interplay between flowers and stone or man-made hardscape materials can be one of the most interesting aspects of a hardscaping project. Be sure to consider seasonality and the balance of annuals and perennials when planning your flower bed design.
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable gardens can be thoughtfully incorporated into any hardscape design — whether working around existing beds or designing new ones. Vegetable gardens may be at ground level, or in raised, tiered, or terraced beds that maximize space and connect the natural to the man-made.
Choose materials for your vegetable garden beds that will add color and texture to your hardscape design. For example, if your garden is near a stone patio, a wooden or galvanized steel bed will provide a nice contrast. And, as with flowers, vegetables and herbs can be planted to yield a pleasing color palette when fully grown.
Enter through this arbor way and be amazed by the beautiful pink flowers in bloom. Hydrangea trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but make sure to prune them properly and at the correct time of year.
Fieldstone Walkway
Fieldstone walkways create a natural, elegant, and easy to follow front yard entrance way. Flat fieldstone is the most natural looking stone and when installed correctly, can become a smooth surface to follow along. Often, fieldstone comes in varying heights and widths and therefore finding the correct stone is very important for creating a smooth walkway. Front entry walkways are very important for curb appeal and adding an edged garden bed with various plants and shrubs will enhance the natural look of fieldstone.
Woodland Garden
A client of Moodscapes was struggling for years trying to get lawn to grow in a section of their backyard. The area could not get enough water from the ground and the grass always ended up dying. It was built on a large tennis court many years ago and was located in a very shady area. We decided to take a new approach and create a woodland garden with stepping stones throughout. In the end, the project created a space for the whole family to sit, converse and enjoy. This created a solution to the ongoing issue of not being able to use their backyard, through a combination of hardscape and landscape.
Hardscape design often requires more site work than a typical landscaping project. While hardscape does not typically involve building large structures, remember that you are constructing something that requires a solid foundation if it is to last. It may be necessary to spend time leveling the ground and/or laying in foundations to create the right base for the project.
As with landscape projects, you will need to consider which hardscape materials are the right fit for your space — both in terms of budget and aesthetics. The color of your home’s exterior, existing plantings (or new ones you’ve planned), and surrounding softscaping elements like soil, mulch or water features are all important to think about. A material you love for its looks may not provide the right functionality, or may be over your budget.
Hardscape projects also need to take into consideration the size of the space and the balance you hope to achieve between man-made and organic spaces.
Perhaps you want to create a hardscape that takes up the bulk of your outdoor space and minimizes the need for lawn care. Perhaps you want to think of hardscape solely as transitional space between indoors and your yard. Hardscape can also improve accessibility to your home and its outdoor spaces.
Ensuring sufficient play space for children and pets or for the amount of entertaining or gardening you hope to do must also be part of the design process.
Have all those glittery and tinsel decorations you have carefully placed around the garden created shimmery dust all over your artificial lawn? Do not stress, a quick hose down is all that is needed to clean the area back up again without creating a muddy mess!
Power tools Hanging up lights and decorations or just maintaining the garden fence before you begin to decorate may require the use of some power tools. Power tools often generate a decent amount of heat so make sure that you don’t leave them on your artificial lawn as they may cause synthetic turf to melt.
Aesthetically, an artificial lawn looks as green, well-trimmed, and natural as the ordinary, well-maintained lawn next door, but the effort and cost are dramatically reduced. It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference visually, and each blade is reinforced with comfortable, strong padding to keep your artificial turf feeling soft to the touch. Most importantly, today’s artificial grass is durable. It can last well over 15 years with minimal maintenance, making it a great long-term investment for any home community or rental property. For more information on how artificial grass can benefit your home, rental property or business, contact us today!
Once you have your backyard entertaining spaces arranged and furnished, it’s time to get ready for your next gathering.
Keeping your guests comfortable should be at the forefront. To make your guests feel at home from the minute they set foot in your backyard, strive to carry over the aesthetically pleasing nature of your landscape into all elements of your outdoor entertaining space.
Adding cozy touches like outdoor throw pillows and blankets for cooler days is a great way to show your guests that you thought carefully about their comfort during the time they’ll be spending in your backyard. Leave these comfort items arranged on your outdoor furniture so guests can grab them as needed.
There’s another major factor to consider when it comes to guest comfort: bugs. While they have their place in this world, we certainly don’t want them crashing our parties.
In the days leading up to your gathering, make sure any water features in your yard are functioning properly, as mosquitoes may come and lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Planting herbs that naturally repel pests, such as lemon balm, lavender, citronella, and marigolds, can help to deter some of the mosquitoes hanging around your neighborhood.
Also, consider using mosquito barriers, a product with garlic as an active ingredient, to keep pests at bay and prevent your guests from having to swat and scratch their evening away. These barriers use natural chemicals, helping you to avoid the harsh ingredients that are often found in conventional pest control products.
Artificial grass is excellent for households with pets, but you’ll need to manage their waste to maintain its condition. Here’s how:
Solid Waste: Use a scoop to remove solid waste. For any residue or less solid messes, clean the area with a mild detergent. If there are any lingering stains, spray the spot with white vinegar and blot dry.
Urine: Simply rinse the area with water to dilute and remove urine. The built-in drainage system of artificial grass prevents puddling, ensuring a clean and dry surface.
Consider designating a specific area of your yard for your pets to make cleanup easier.
Indoor Putting GreenLove golf? Create your own indoor putting green! An indoor green allows you to practice your putt regardless of the weather and adds a unique feature to your home. Building one is easier than you might think: construct a frame, lay down the artificial grass, and cut out holes. This fun addition can turn any space into a golfer’s paradise.
Low-Maintenance Roof GardenNo yard? No problem. Transform your flat roof into a lush, green retreat with synthetic turf. Cut the turf to fit your roof, secure it in place, and add planters, outdoor furniture, and decorative elements. This easy upgrade provides a beautiful, maintenance-free space to relax and enjoy nature.
Vertical GardensBrighten up dull walls by covering them with synthetic grass. This creative approach brings a touch of the outdoors inside without the hassle of live plants. Measure your wall, cut the turf to size, and use appropriate fixings to attach it. This unique feature can transform any room, making it vibrant and inviting.
Conceal Unsightly FeaturesHide unattractive outdoor items like waste bins or compost heaps with artificial grass. Build a box or frame around the item and cover it with turf to seamlessly blend it into your garden. This clever solution not only conceals these necessities but also adds to the overall aesthetic of your yard.
Pool SurroundsReplace traditional pool tiles with synthetic grass for a non-slip, visually appealing surface. Artificial grass around your pool provides a safe, comfortable area to walk on and enhances the look of your poolside year-round. This durable, easy-to-maintain option is perfect for creating a luxurious, resort-like feel in your backyard.
Designing a floral paradise with artificial grass involves innovative approaches to integrate flowers seamlessly. Raised flower beds offer a structured layout for planting colorful blooms, enhancing the visual appeal of your lawn’s edges. Using pots and containers allows for easy customization and mobility, enabling you to experiment with different flower combinations and arrangements. Integrate hanging plant baskets strategically to add vertical interest and maximize space utilization. Opt for low-maintenance flowers and incorporate rocks or stones to create texture and contrast against the lush green backdrop of synthetic turf. By designing with creativity and practicality, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant sanctuary that celebrates the beauty of both artificial grass and natural blooms.
