Tag: artificial turf

Greenland TurfTurf Ideasartificial turf
16 Feb 2017
February 16, 2017 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized , , ,

12 Synthetic Turf Ideas !!

12 Stunning Modern Installations

by Katie Dillon

These days, homeowners collaborate with professionals to design and install stunning artificial grass as part of a modern garden. Artificial grass blades have evolved from a shiny green plastic spotted a mile away to such a life-like look that it’s impossible to tell the grass is fake until you touch it or notice there are absolutely no brown spots in sight.The installations below use interesting combinations of materials, colors and live plants to compliment the once tabooed fake lawn. In fact, they are so magazine-worthy that neighbors will surely turn green with envy.

Remember that you don’t have to install a full lawn as artificial grass can easily be used between pavers, in side yards and other smaller applications.

1. Artificial Grass In the Driveway

Artificial Grass In the Driveway

This home in Leucadia incorporates artificial turf between concrete slabs to create a look that seamlessly blends the driveway into the front entry to create a feel of openness.

2. Liven up a Shady Patio

Liven up a Shady Patio

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This Los Angeles home brightened up an otherwise shady patio with a small artificial lawn. Not only is the grass soft to the touch, but it certainly adds a warm feel to this bedroom. Slippers or not, it’s easy to venture out into this comfortable space.

3. A Kid’s Paradise

A Kid's Paradise

If the kids toss sand out of the sandbox, getting it back in is much easier with artificial turf surrounding the play area than real grass. Provided it didn’t just rain, sweep or blow the sand back in without it sticking to potentially wet soil. Let them play ball games like tetherball, pictured at the end of the lawn in this photo, soccer, catch and more.

4. Use Multiple Materials

Use Multiple Materials

There’s a lot to look at here, right? Aside from the adorable dogs on the concrete, the wood decking, yellow wall with sculpture, architectural plants and tree in the center of the artificial lawn provide a first-time guest with plenty of focal points.

5. Non-Linear Design

Non-Linear Design

Who says that the lawn has to exist within a boundary? This playful design and modern seating injects youth into an older Beverly Hills estate.

6. Use Between Natural Stone

Use Between Natural Stone

This Mediterranean design incorporates slate squares between strips of artificial turf to liven up a rustic look without much maintenance.

7. Functional and Pretty

Functional and Pretty

Those needing a large strip of artificial turf may as well give it a practical purpose. We’ve seen everything from bocce ball to putting greens to large chess boards.

8. The Only Water Is in the Pool

The Only Water Is in the Pool

Artificial turf also isn’t always short like it is on a putting green. The lush grass between the concrete pavers in this photo provide a soft cushion under post-pool bare feet. Add interest by using a railroad pattern and soften the entire look by choosing wood patio furnitureversus metal.

9.  Play Checkers

Play Checkers

Give depth to an otherwise small backyard by incorporating a contemporary checker design, as displayed in this European-style garden with muted hues of greens and lavender. The tall trees and fountain provide a sense of privacy, as well.

10.  Add More Green

Add More Green

It’s hard to distinguish the living green from the artificial green in this photo.  In this case, irrigating the grass on the steps here would have been difficult and, perhaps, wasteful so the owner opted for artificial turf even against a backdrop of a living wall and other lush greenery. The vases on the table provide a much-needed pop of color.

11. Integrate a Pop of Color

Integrate a Pop of Color

Liven up an area of turf by adding color contrast. These homeowners choose a pretty bright blue accented with orange. Lady palms in the background add a tropical vibe to the space.

12. Reach for the Sky

Reach for the Sky

For those with city apartments, artificial grass in combination with modern container plantings is the perfect solution for adding an unexpected pop of greenery to an outdoor living area. There isn’t a need for any space to feel like a concrete jungle.

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost?

Of course, the answer is that it depends on your geographical region, design and installation requirements. We do have a great deal of information regarding the cost of artificial grass that homeowners can use as a reference point. Have a look. Remember that you will save on your water bill over time, if you’re adding artificial grass to an are of the home that would otherwise be irrigated. And, there’s no need for a gardener to spend time mowing it either.

A Solution for a Busy Lifestyle

In Southern California, live lawns require maintenance. Artificial grass also works for homeowners who travel and also rental properties. Maybe you have a dog and want an alternative to a lawn where he or she can play. We can also help with durable synthetic pet turf.

Your Turn…

Are you considering artificial grass? Do you have questions? Contact Install-It-Direct.

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22 Jan 2017
January 22, 2017 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized , , ,

Why has synthetic turf become so popular ?

Natural Turf grass was the fad for many years dating back to the 1960’s as wealthy suburban homeowners used nursery grown grasses for their lawns and backyard gardens. However, in recent years it’s popularity has declined.  Artificial turf took its place because the reason was simple. The cost of maintenance was sharply reduced. One no longer had to feed the grass with costly fertilizers, pour thousands of gallons of water and constantly cut and maintain the natural grass. Easy maintenance and low cost were the factors responsible for the rise of synthetic turf.

Q: What is synthetic turf?

The latest generation of synthetic turf is a grass-like surface covering that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function.  When used on athletic fields, it provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery.  As a landscape cover, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free surface that doesn’t need to be watered or fertilized.

Q: How is synthetic turf made?

Most synthetic turf systems installed today include a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and resilient “grass” blades that are infilled with a granular filler to resemble natural turf.  “Infilled” means that the man-made grass blades are interspersed with a top soil created with sand and/or granulated recycled tire rubber or other infill materials that provide the necessary stability, uniformity, and resiliency.  Each blade customarily stands above the infill material.  The typical blade length and system characteristics are determined by the specific activity requirements.  In some applications, the synthetic turf system includes a pad or elastic layer underneath the turf, often in combination with lower pile height and less infill.

Q: Why has synthetic turf become so popular over the past few years?

Synthetic turf is a smart solution for playing fields and landscape that have become unsafe and unsightly from overuse or severe climatic conditions. A grass field simply cannot remain lush and resilient if it is used more than three to four days a week, or in the rain, or during the months when grass doesn’t grow.  This fact, coupled with an escalating need for durable fields that accommodate multiple sports teams and activities, the high cost of maintaining a grass sports field, and the need to conserve water, have prompted a rising number of schools and parks to turn to synthetic turf to meet their program needs.  Today’s synthetic turf is designed to simulate the experience of practicing and playing on the best grass fields.

Demand has grown to the point where more than 6,000 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are now enjoyed in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums.  About half of all NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf and, since 2003, over 70 FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup matches have been played on synthetic turf soccer fields.

Q: How does synthetic turf impact the environment?

Synthetic turf has a measurable, positive impact on the environment. Depending on the region of the country, a typical grass sports field can use between 500,000 to a million gallons of water or more each year. During 2010, between three to six billion gallons of water were conserved through its use.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day. Therefore, a savings of three billion to six billion gallons of water equates to the annual water usage of over 20,000 to 40,000 average American families of four.

Tax credits and rebates are being offered to residential and corporate users by an increasing number of local governments in light of the tremendous impact on water conservation. The Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates that every square foot of natural grass replaced saves 55 gallons of water per year. If an average lawn is 1,800 square feet, then Las Vegas homeowners with synthetic turf could save 99,000 gallons of water each year or about $400 annually. In Atlanta, homeowners could save $715 a year, not including much higher sewer charges.

The estimated amount of synthetic turf currently installed has eliminated the need for nearly a billion pounds of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which has significant health and environmental implications.  For example, according to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in their state, with common examples including over fertilizing lawns and excessive pesticide use.

In addition, synthetic turf helps reduce noxious emissions (the EPA reports that a push mower emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars and a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars) and reduces grass clippings, which the EPA states are the third largest component of municipal solid waste in landfills.

Q:  Which sports can be played on synthetic turf?

Synthetic turf sports fields for football, soccer, field hockey, baseball, tennis, lacrosse and rugby has traditionally represented the greatest percentage of the synthetic turf market.  However, drought conditions and low water in many areas has prompted irrigation restrictions, which has dramatically increased the demand and regulatory incentives for synthetic grass in landscape and golf applications.

Q:  Can synthetic turf hold up under heavy use?

Yes, one of the important advantages of synthetic turf is its ability to hold up under very heavy use. While natural turf shouldn’t be played on during or immediately after a rain storm, after the application of pesticides and fertilizers, or during the months when grass doesn’t grow, synthetic turf is always ready for play.  Regular maintenance is important to enable synthetic turf to withstand the heavy use that it is often subjected to.

Q:  Is synthetic turf safe?

During the past few years, more than 75 independent, credible research and studies from groups such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and statewide governmental agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health and the California Environmental Protection Agency, have validated the safety of synthetic turf (many of which can be found at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.)  For 40 years, under EPA oversight and OSHA-regulated manufacturing, not one person has ever reported ill effects related to any materials associated with synthetic turf.

Q:  Does synthetic turf fade?

Synthetic turf is U.V. stabilized to provide colorfastness, and the warranty includes a guarantee against fading.

Q. Is synthetic grass pet friendly?
Yes.  Cleaning up after your pets would be the same as natural grass – simply use a rake, scooper, and water to clean.  Always Greener also offers and highly recommends a quarterly or semiannual cleaning and maintenance program that will rejuvenate and increase the life and performance of your lawn.  Call us for more details.

Additional pet related info.

1. No more muddy paws and mess being tracked into your house.
2. No more dead patches of grass.
3. Hygienic. Urine will wash through the artificial grass just like normal grass. Solid waste will need to be scooped up and disposed of. If you are worried about odors and general cleanliness we can recommend our Artificial Grass Disinfectant, it can be attached to your hose.
4. Digging! Gigantic holes in the middle of your lawn are not pleasing to the eye. Dogs usually dig because of odors from within the ground or to bury things. With synthetic grass, the odors are minimized and even if your dog tried to dig, he would soon realize that the backing is too strong for even his paws.
5. Synthetic grass installed with infill is always nontoxic – important when considering your dog or other pets. The artificial grass is generally anti-microbial so microorganisms and bacteria find it difficult to establish themselves. Generally it is a more hygienic environment. The infill also helps the grass look better and last longer.
6. Artificial grass is not attractive to insects – they can’t eat it. In fact, there is no organic matter for them so they move on to the next yard. Ticks and fleas tend to stay away.
7. Properly installed artificial grass will allow rain water to drain away quickly. This helps to ensure that your lawn is always available for your dog or other pets to play on.

Q. Synthetic grass gets hot.  What can be done?

When it is 90+ degrees outside the artificial grass is going to be uncomfortable to sit on/ play on – however if you mist it with water it will stay cool for several hours.  (Its not that the fibers get hot – what happens is sort of like a car with closed windows – inside the car gets much hotter as the UV rays go through the window, heat a surface, convert to heat with a different wavelength and then stay trapped inside the car.  Artificial grass is the same way – the rays hit the backing, convert to heat energy, but get trapped by the thatch/infill – so the top of the fibers don’t really get warm but if you dig your hands/knees into it you will really feel the heat.

28 Dec 2016
December 28, 2016 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized , , ,

Turf Solutions for Shady Spaces

Grass For Shade: Growing a Good Lawn in Shady Areas

Posted by in Constructing a New Lawn, Featured, Troubleshooting & Restoration| 0 comments

Shade is the sworn enemy of the keen grass grower. Like the majority of plant life on our planet, grass needs light, and finding a good grass for shade is a tricky business. Shady areas on your lawn represent spots where your grass is starved of the nourishment it needs to grow well, but don’t worry, there are a few solutions to the low-light condundrum. In this article I’m going to take you through them and see if we can create you the ideal lawn for shaded areas.

A very good example of the effects of shade on a lawn – notice the bare areas on the left

The Problem with Shady Grass Covered Areas

In urban areas the effect of shade is particularly prevalent as houses are often built close together, land obviously being at a premium. People usually want a bit of vegetation around too, and trees that grow far too big are often planted by the owner or a neighbour. To make things worse, hedges and shrubs are often allowed to grow far too large in pursuit of privacy.

The main factors that affect turf grass vigour under heavy shade are:

  1. Lower ground and air temperatures
  2. Less air movement
  3. Increased humidity
  4. Increased carbon dioxide
  5. Tree and shrub roots competing with grass for nutrients and water

How to Recognise the Effects of Shade

The symptoms that characterise grass shade problems are many and varied but the following are the most common and recognisable:

  1. Photosynthesis, that is the process by which grass converts radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy, is reduced by shade therefore the plant has less energy to utilise in the growth process
  2. This results in reduced root, shoot, tillering and stolon development
  3. Tillering and stolon growth tends to be more upright, which restricts turf establishment as these are the means by which grass fills in a sward
  4. Reduced tolerance to stresses such as heat, cold, drought and wear resistance
  5. Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases

An interesting effect concerning shade can be seen when you have a turfed area that is shaded in the morning only. When it’s exposed to full sun later in the day that area will wilt much quicker than areas that receive full sun all day, or even in the mornings.

How to Solve Your Shady Lawn Problems

The first solution you should seek is removing the source of the shade. Trees, shrubs and hedges, if on your own ground, can be controlled by pruning and thinning. Trees in particular should ideally have the bottom branches trimmed up to eight to ten feet from the ground, and the crowns thinned if possible. If planting from new, make sure they are suitable for the size of the garden. Tree roots spread to around the same height as the tree so, when planting, insert a barrier between the lawn and the rootball. With established trees, a narrow trench can be dug and the roots pruned before inserting a barrier.

When You Can’t Remove the Cause of your Shady Lawn

In most cases where shade affects a lawn it is not possible to do much about it. The trees are too high, or the hedge doesn’t belong to you. This is where it is essential to ensure the grass growing there is the best suited to that environment, and here’s where you’ll need a shady grass seed, particularly suited to that lighting.

The fine leaves of the fescue family makes them most suitable to survive shady areas as they are adapted to make the most of what light they receive. Creeping red fescue, both strong and slender, are both very good grass seeds for shady areas, and tall fescue with its deep rooting a real feature, are ideal in a shade tolerant grass mixture. The bent grasses are not so good, with velvet and creeping bent being the best of them but very expensive, so normally a little browntop bent is added to the mix which will give it more body. Rye grass is not recommended as a grass seed for shade as it is not very tolerant. (See our shop for a shade tolerant grass seed mix).

How to Look after a Lawn Sown with Grass Seed for Shade

The grasses that are most suitable for use in shaded areas, the fescues in particular, do not require high levels of nutrition. In fact, too much fertiliser can be positively detrimental to the survival of these grasses, so care must be taken when applying any kind of nutrition. My advice would be not to apply anything in heavily shaded areas.

Because of the reduced tolerance to stress, maintenance procedures in shaded lawn areas should be less intensive than on lawns receiving normal light levels, ie :- higher height of cut, less frequent mowing, lighter scarifying and aeration.

A shade covered lawn, solved by using woodchip around the tree

A wood chipped shady area

Shady Lawn Alternatives to Grass

Wood Chip and Gravel Areas

There are of course some alternatives to grass in shaded areas, particularly where tree roots are a severe problem. Lawn edging can be put in and the affected area filled with wood chips, or even gravel. Both of these drain well, although the wood chip certainly looks more natural.

The use of wood chip or gravel avoids the problems associated with shade on grass altogether, by simply not requiring the grass to grow in these areas. While the setup to the right looks attractive, I would always sink the edging to ground level to make cutting easier.

Artificial turf can avoid the problem of grass for shade altogether

Modern artificial grass can look great and solves a lot of problems

Artificial Grass For Shady Areas

Another very good alternative to these is installing artificial grass. The new generation of artificial grasses look and feel very natural, drain well, and are extremely durable. There are a huge range to choose from too, with a variety of different looks and feels. You should be able to find something that suits your garden no problem at all.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend installing artificial grass in heavily shaded areas, or small lawns that are heavily worn for other reasons. The labour saving costs are substantial and it can looks really authentic. Artificial grass is also much more environmentally friendly than using slabs to cover worn or patchy areas as water drains through the material rather than running off.

If you’d like to have a look through our artificial grass range have a look in the artificial turf area of our shop today.

Duncan

Duncan Gray

Duncan has been a Golf Head Greenkeeper thirty five years, with experience in sports pitches, public parks and bowling greens, including the world bowling championships at Ayr Northfield. Since 1991 he has run a turf advisory company, including Lawn Care services, and this has now morphed into Lawns For You and the site you see today. More about Duncan… Google+ Duncan

 

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22 Dec 2016
December 22, 2016 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized , ,

The Benefits of a backyard Putting Green

What is backyard putting green? A backyard putting green is a synthetic area of grass that is custom made for you. They provide a realistic and quality surface for playing golf – similar to a real golf course. This provides an excellent way to play golf either practicing by yourself or with friends without the need to travel or pay. The artificial putting greens are much cheaper and easier to install and to maintain. The real grass will certainly cost you more. Plus, you will have to have professional installation in order to set all the specific irrigation systems.

Synthetic grass indoor putting greens can add substantial value to residential properties. It is an environmentally friendly addition to any home, requiring no watering or mowing. Having such an addition can help keep your skills up to par, or even get the entire family involved for a fun-filled sport. Synthetic grass putting greens are built using a special design of grass that is shorter than other grass blades so that they are functional to provide just the right conditions for a putting green.

There are a growing number of synthetic lawn putting greens being installed. As long as you have enough room for a reasonable sized green that will give you more than merely a couple of holes, such an installation should be well worthwhile. This is expensive and takes up a lot of time. With artificial grass golf turf, no watering, mowing, or any other type of aforementioned maintenance is needed. Imagine an immaculate looking putting green that requires absolutely minimal maintenance-artificial turf golf surfaces.

Until a few years ago, there were very few choices for people searching for alternatives to live yards. There were only a few types of synthetic turf grass available, and most of it was so bad looking that most people would be ashamed to put it in their yards. Some of that old synthetic yard material was even used by nearby miniature golf courses instead of green paint to simulate grass, but it was nowhere near as wide spread in make use of as it is today.

Backyard putting greens are designed to resemble a professional golf course. You can get them custom made with your own specifications. This gives you room to practice professional golf in the privacy of your backyard. The two main types of synthetic putting greens are nylon and propylene. Look to indoor artificial turf putting greens to brighten up any residential or commercial area.

20 Dec 2016
December 20, 2016 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized

Job: Fulltime (+40 hours per week) Landscapers

Are you a top producer who is looking to show your landscaping skills and be fairly rewarded? Are you able to manage job sites and read landscape drawings? At Greenland we offer: Full Time, Year Round employment, Shared benefit package and an Excellent work environment..  We are installers of synthetic turf, irrigation systems, 12 volt LED lighting and in the winter we plow snow.  We are busy 12 months of the year offering many opportunities to add new skills to your tool kit.

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21 Dec 2015
December 21, 2015 0 Comments By mcserhati Uncategorized , , ,

Website for synthetic turf launched!

Greenland has now launched our new website for all the synthetic turf enthusiasts.

www.greenlandturf.com

Direct to your door.  We can now provide all of the turf supplies required for the do-it-yourself turf market.  Shop our Rymar turf products complete with warranties lasting up to 15 years.  All of our products are complete with a Urethane backing for greater longevity and durability.   Rymar is a leader is high end turf products for the Canadian climate.

We will also be stocking rubber mulches, zeofill and sand infill products.

Drop by and see our full inventory of turf products.

 

 

 

19 Feb 2015
February 19, 2015 0 Comments By barry Uncategorized , , , ,

Cost Benefit Analysis for Synthetic Turf Sport Fields

Synthetic Turf System Investment Return Analysis: Athletic Applications

Implementing an Artificial Turf Supply fake grass system is an investment that supports a substantial maintenance and operations savings over an extended period of time, while allowing substantially increased facility use.

Natural Grass vs. Synthetic Turf

The following is a hypothetical study of the comparative costs and benefits of a Synthetic Turf System. Costs are for operation of an 80,000 sq. ft. field over a 10-year period.

Natural Grass Synthetic Turf
PRICE INSTALLED $ 125,000.00 $ 410,000.00
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE $ 40,300.00 $ 3,300.00
RE-SODDING (EVERY 3 YEARS) $ 375,000.00 —
TOTAL 10-YEAR COST $ 903,000.00 $ 433,000.00

Over the course of 10 years, an Artificial Turf Supply outdoor turf systems out performs natural grass for total cash outlay, while providing a surface that is warranted to appear and perform like a world-class professional athletics facility. Such natural grass facilities are often maintained at higher cost than synthetic turf with annual re-sodding and higher maintenance overhead.

A resurfacing of an Artificial Turf Supply Synthetic Turf System can be conducted, as needed, at a fraction of the cost of the original installation, allowing facility managers to continue to see cost benefits increase with time. What is of greatest importance to facilities and team management is the utility of the field.

All of the Artificial Turf Supply field turf systems are designed for extensive, heavy-duty use and can withstand 10 times the activity of a natural grass field. Over a 10-year span, the Artificial Turf Supply Synthetic Turf System could accommodate over 8,000 uses – about 10 times the maximum usage for the same field in natural grass. Natural grass facilities’ ‘uptime’ can further be compromised by environmental conditions such as drought, inclement weather, heat, cold and the time of day that they are maintained and used. An Artificial Turf Supply Synthetic Turf System is not affected by any of these environmental stresses, which could quickly result in a sub-standard surface or the need for costly repair or remodel in natural grass applications. If you’re ready to buy turf now, please order turf grass here.

The comparison chart on the following page shows the advantages of an Artificial Turf Supply Synthetic Turf System that go far beyond the mere cost of the system. We also have a turf calculator for your convenience.

SYNTHETIC GRASS NATURAL GRASS
UTILITY
Can accommodate sustained use, even under environmental stresses, amounting to 8-12 times the annual use of a natural grass surface. Requires recovery between events, after rainfall, watering & for maintenance activities. In optimal conditions, it can only accommodate 1/10th (10%) of the activity a synthetic surface can endure.
APPEARANCE
Will appear as a well-maintained and groomed grass-playing surface with minimal effort. Requires regimented maintenance for best appearance. May discolor or die in unsightly patches.
SAFETY
Even, consistent surface lends to fewer injuries over natural grass. All-rubber infill material softens impact, provides positive traction and a better, more consistent Gmax rating. About 40% fewer injuries observed in independent study. Uneven surface, which could compact to hard, high impact areas or slippery, unpredictable mud conditions. Lower, less consistent Gmax rating, higher abrasion and presence of such hazards as irrigation system appurtenances compromise safety.
PERFORMANCE
Faster playing surface throughout field with consistent, enhanced traction. Balls will react similarly to well-groomed grass, providing realistic play athletes expect. Inconsistent & sometimes-patchy growths can cause unpredictable ball movements & leave those playing vulnerable to injuries from unexpected & inconsistent surfaces.
WARRANTY
8-year insurable, manufacturer’s warranty or 10-year extended warranty is available. Rarely warranted, except for quality of original installation.

Artificial Turf Supply