A lot of homeowners have switched from natural grasses to artificial turfs because of the benefits that are gained from them. Lawn grasses are converted to an eco-friendly alternative that provides the same amount of curb appeal.
In some states in the US, natural grasses are prohibited. It is because of their high temperatures, frequent dry season, and water scarcity. This makes artificial turf installation a popular option.
Artificial turfs are synthetic fibers that serve as an alternative to natural grass. They are installed in yards, outdoor commercial spaces, or parks. They provide the same greenery effect outdoors without the need for regular mowing, trimming, or irrigation.
Turf and artificial grass are both synthetic grasses. The difference is in their use and how they are being installed. Turfs are mostly used in sports while artificial grass is for landscaping.
Demand for artificial turf has grown over the years because of its low maintenance and instant solution to water scarcity problem. It has proven to stay lush green over years and is a great option for home landscaping and for sports and recreational area use.
Pros:
1. They are economical.
2. They are environment-friendly.
3. You’ll get to have pest-free lawns all year round.
4. They have low maintenance.
Cons:
1. They have expensive installation cost.
2. They do not promote biodiversity.
3. They do not have the ability to absorb heat.
Yes. A well-maintained artificial turf can add value of about 10% to your home.
Artificial turf can either be made of Nylon, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene material.
Nylon is the best type of artificial turf. They are the strongest and relatively the most expensive material among the three.
Depending on the size of your yard or turf materials to be used, the average cost of turf installation ranges from $5 – $15 per square foot. They include labor, legal fees, and other incidental cost of installation.
Density affects the face weight and durability of artificial turf. The denser they are, the more durable they will be. Premium-grade artificial turfs weigh 3-5 kilos per square meter.
Prepare a sharp blade to cut a turf straight, curved, or side of your patio edge or paver.
When cutting in a straight line:
Turn the turf upside down and mark a line that will serve as your guide.
When cutting on a curved shape:
Use the tip of the blade to cut the turf following the shape of the object. You can do the cutting after every 5 inches cut to make sure that you are correctly doing it. The gap between the object and the turf should only be 1/8 inch.
When cutting on the side of your patio edge or paver:
Lay turf on the edge of the patio or paver and press them firmly on the ground. With one hand holding the knife, grab the edge of the turf and pull them to expose the backing. Keep holding and pulling the turf up while cutting them with the straight line of patio or paver as a guide. Again, the aim is a gap of only 1/8 inch between the paver and the turf.
1. Remove dirt, weeds, or plants.
2. Determine the pH level of your soil.
3. Add topsoil when necessary.
4. Level and firm the area
5. Lay the turf.
1. Prepare the Base.
2. Compact thick base material.
3. Roll out and lay turf in the same direction.
4. Seam turf together using an adhesive to keep them in place. Make sure that the fibers stay in one direction.
5. Cut excess on the edges using a sharp blade.
6. Add infill materials.
7. Spread infill thoroughly using a rake.
8. Trim edges for the final touch.
Infill materials adds density and supports artificial grass to stay up. They can be made of crumb rubber, silica sand, antibacterial coated sand, or all-natural organic infill. There are also infill materials that can store water which gives them the ability to absorb less heat.
The best infill is the one that meets your need and priority. If you live in an area where the climate gets really hot, get an infill that is designed to absorb heat. If you have kids and pets, choose an infill that has anti-microbial and all-natural organic properties that will eliminate foul smells.
Choosing pile height depends on the usability of your lawn. Longer pile heights are more flexible but are less resilient. The average pile height of artificial turf is between 10mm to 50mm.
Yes. You can lay artificial turf over concrete following the correct procedure to properly install them.
No. Artificial turf should be installed on clean ground and with no forms of life on the surface. Mulch and grasses should be removed when putting them.
Yes. They can be installed in flat or sloped areas. The trick is to keep them secured on whatever grounds and have good drainage.
Absolutely yes. Artificial turf can be put on decking just make sure that they are still in good condition. Also, the gap between decking boards should be less than 1cm.
Weeds should NOT grow through artificial grass. Before installation, it is important to kill any life forms including weeds to prevent them from growing and damaging your grass.
Good quality synthetic grass should last 10 – 25 years depending on how you maintain them.
1. Prepare water with mild soap or cleaning solution.
2. Spray them all over your lawn.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water.
4. Sprinkle with deodorizer to eliminate unwanted odors.
Harmful chemicals that can ruin your turf should not be used for cleaning them. Also, avoid spilling oils, laying objects with sharp edges, or grilling anywhere in your turf area.
No. You should never use a vacuum when cleaning the turf. They might suck the infill materials and damage them.
Compared to a natural grass, artificial turfs do not wither, but they can fade after so many years exposed to different elements outdoors.
Artificial turf should be replaced immediately when it has already shown signs of wear and tear. It is to prevent them from having more damage that could result in additional costs.
Repairing of artificial turf depends on the extent and nature of the damage. An expert landscaper could help you assess what can be done when your turf gets damaged.
Yes. Artificial turfs do not absorb heat like natural grasses. They can get really hot when the weather temperature is high.
To make your turf cooler on hot days, you can either sprinkle them with water or get some extra shades like planting trees or installing sunshades. You also have the option of choosing light-colored or cooler infill materials.
No. They do not burn and cause a fire, but they melt when exposed to elements like fire or extreme heat.
It is important to keep your turf moistened. Water helps in keeping them moist and comfortable to feel on your feet, especially during summer.
Good drainage is a product of laying your turf properly. If you want them to drain well, it is best to seek a professional upon installation.
No. One of the benefits of artificial turf is less watering needed for them to flourish. They can be good for the environment because installing them helps you conserve more water.
There are good quality turf fibers are gentle to the skin. In choosing the turf material to be used consider the type of fibers that are non-abrasive before purchasing.
1. Skip rubber infill materials. Opt for the ones that are child and pet friendly.
2. Always wash hands after spending time outdoors
3. Avoid laying food or beverage on your lawn surface.
4. Clean your children’s toys after use.
5. Keep an eye on your kids while they play outdoors. Do not allow mouth contact with playground surfaces.
Yes. You can install an artificial turf on your own as long as you have the basic knowledge and the right equipment to do it.
1. Know how you will utilize your lawn.
2. Research on the different types of turf material and identify what suits your need.
3. Ask for samples before purchasing.
4. Almost all turfs look the same. Go for those which are durable and of premium quality.
While it can add to the cost of installation, a professional contractor can perfectly lay turf in your yard at lesser time than doing it on your own. Additionally, when it comes to filling turf on edges of curved structure or side of pavers, experts have all the materials and technique on how to do it better and faster.
If you are living in Las Vegas, Landscape Creations has been providing quality services in the state of Nevada for over 27 years.
Start building your dream backyard and help us make them come true. Contact or visit us anytime for all your landscaping needs and we will be happy to assist you.