[color-box]Please read our Artificial Turf Facts to help you understand more about our artificial turf. Have more questions, please call us (714) 833-9773 [/color-box]
Artificial Turf Facts
The market for artificial grass is growing quickly with drought. With better manufacturing techniques combined with an increasing awareness of environmental and economic benefits. We are now seeing more and more residents installing artificial grass for their landscapes.
Drainage Rate:
Artificial grass drains quicker and more effectively than that of natural or real grass. We use a Drainage System and Installation Process that is highly perforated that allows water drain at a rate of more than 30 inches per hour per square yard.
With the exception of most synthetic putting greens, nearly all landscape turf is perforated and allows for easy drainage. A good drainage system can not only help with clean up, but it will also contribute to preventing spores and bacteria from building up within the artificial grass system.
Artificial Turf Blades:
Each of these turf blade shapes serves a different purpose and creates a different effect for your lawn.
Oval Fiber:
The fibers feel soft to the touch while maintaining durability. Commonly found in many different landscape installations.
Diamond De-Lustered Fiber:
Synthetic turf that features a diamond de-lustered shape maintains a soft but sturdier feel. It works ideally as a landscaped grass for commercial and residential areas.
Vista Fiber:
Shaped like the letter ‘V,’ the Vista blade creates a more durable and sturdy feel and allows for the turf, as a whole, to have stronger durability.
3D “W” Fiber:
The 3D ‘W’ fiber is a healthy fiber that can withstand large amounts of pressure and helps the turf, as a whole, bounce back to its original state. The blade offers multiple support points which allow for greater durability and a “memory” effect. The turf will bounce back to its original state, despite the surface weight.
Flattened Oval with Spine Fiber:
The Flattened Oval with Spine turf fiber gives the grass a realistic appearance and creates a stronger blade core.
Omega Fiber:
The Omega blade shape is most often in artificial pet turf as well as shorter pile heights.
Mini “C” Shaped Fiber:
The Mini C-shaped gives the artificial turf a natural look and helps the synthetic grass feel soft to the touch, and applied to any installation. However, most commonly found in residential and commercial property landscapes.
Mini “W” Shaped Fiber:
Shaped like the letter ‘W,’ the Mini “W” blade shape creates higher durability, as a whole. Used in landscapes with high foot traffic; the Mini W blade is ideal for any playgrounds or sports field.
“M” Shaped Fiber:
The “M” shaped blade creates more durability making the turf ideal for heavy foot traffic. Used primarily for areas that experience high amounts of foot traffic, the “M” blade is great for landscapes with high amounts of foot traffic.
Artificial turf saves precious time, environmental resources, and money in the long run. From public parks and recreations to schools, businesses, and homes, many have been able to reap the benefits of a low maintenance yard alternative that require no water. Though it is synthetic in nature, it looks and feels just like a natural lawn, minus allergens, pollen, and mud. It is also pet-friendly and safe for households with small children. Artificial grass is the ideal solution to saving time, effort, money, and precious resources.
Brief List of Artificial Grass Benefits:
- Low maintenance: Once turf installed, artificial grass requires minimal watering.
- No fertilizers or weed killers: Artificial Grass only requires of infill to help the blades stand tall. Our infill products are safe and non-toxic to the environment and people.
- Environmentally friendly: Not only does artificial grass help air quality by eliminating gardening equipment; it also saves on the exterior water bill.
- Superior Drainage: Unlike natural grass, artificial grass drains at a higher right and will not accrue mud or potholes. It will also dry faster and provide more outdoor time for fun activities or sports.
- Robust and durable: Most artificial turf blades, tufted into the polyurethane backing, and each fiber is designed to handle large amounts of foot traffic. Feel free to play all kinds of activities on your synthetic grass.
- Looks beautiful all year long!.
Natural Lawn Cost vs. Artificial Grass Cost:
Although the initial cost of installing a natural lawn is less than half an artificial grass initial cost, a customer can potentially realize their return on investment in about 2.5 years.
For a typical 1,200 square foot natural grass lawn, the installation will cost about $2.50 per square foot, which totals at $3,000. With an irrigation system, the cost can add up to $4,500.
A standard 1,200 square foot synthetic grass lawn can cost about $8.00 per square foot and requires an initial investment of about $10,800.
After natural grass lawn maintenance, which includes irrigation, fertilization, chemicals, irrigation repairs, the total annual cost adds up to approximately $2,268.
Artificial Grass landscape requires little water along with an annual power brush cleaning to fluff the blades, which will cost about $175.
The choices to save money, time and water are yours! Consider these calculations and invest in a lawn that works for you.
Artificial Grass Installation and Maintenance FAQ:
Artificial grass installation can be basic; however, no two artificial grass installs are done the same way. There will always be unique situations for each landscape; however, there are fundamental differences in specific artificial grass needs. A typical artificial turf installation can last anywhere between one to three days.
For a basic artificial grass installation, consider these steps:
Pre-Installation:
Remove existing materials and rough grade the area to create a solid sub base. Rough grade the area to uncover everything underneath, including electric wiring, irrigation, and pipes: Cap sprinklers at the tube level to avoid any leakage. Install bender board to provide a clean separation of plants and turf.
Base Preparation:
Install ½” or less crushed base to allow for proper drainage. Install this layer three inches thick. Distribute base and make sure it is level to account for any sloping areas. Install drainage area. A smooth base will account for the surface level appearance for the project.
Compacting Base:
Compact base by vibrating, tamping and rolling the gravel as this ensures the base is solid and then drive the nails into the turf.
Weed Retardant Layer (optional):
The weed cloth layer prevents any growth from coming up out of the base through the turf: Not recommended if the installation involves pet usage. Overlap weed fabric edges by six inches and secures with as many flat head nails as possible to prevent the material’s movement. Trim the fabric to fit the area and leave a quarter inch gap along the hardscape or border areas to allow for easier tucking.
Laying Turf:
Find a straight edge of the artificial turf or a vertical edge for alignment. Square to fit the space and minimize cutting and fitting on all four sides. Secure the grass edges with nails to hold it in place. *Remember to soldier the turf towards your privileged viewpoint, in other words, consider the natural blade direction of the grass.
Custom Fitting Turf:
Over cut the grass by one inch along the edges to provide excess turf necessary for tucking. If there are doubts, cut the synthetic turf larger than estimated and trim later. Use a seaming tool to seam edges together. Cut the seams in an S-shape to avoid the turf pushing up. Install nails ever six inches along the sides and drive them ¾ of the way down. Remember to move the surrounding fibers with another nail or staple, then tap the nail head all the way to the backing. Use U-shaped pins for the seams to join the turf edges together.
Tucking Turf:
Hide the edges of your turf against the hardscape by using a metal bar known as a “wonder bar.”
Apply Infill:
Use a power brush to force grass blades up for infill to be applied. Apply your specified infill layer. The infill layer acts as a balance to hold the blades upright and provides the turf with more weight.
Final Groom:
Power brush the artificial grass once again to force infill granules into the base of the turf lightly. Remove any excess debris.
Putting Green Installation Tips:
Compact base 1-2 inches thicker than your standard base: Always use road base first to compact and isolate putting green area only. Install 1/8 inch of silica sand on top of the compacted base layer.
Depending on the turf product you use, the golf cups are set at grade level even or 5/8 inch above the final grade level. Cut and shape the green and attached your fringe. Use a viber plate to distribute the sand infill into the putting green materials.
Artificial Putting Green Installation will take one to three days complete; depending on the turf product and square footage.
Playground Installation Tips:
Always refer to the safety specifications beforehand. Frame your turf area with wood panels. Level your base and place playground padding over the top of the base layer. When laying the playground pads down, leave between 1/8 -1/4 inch between each pad to allow for the pad’s expansion and contraction.
Be sure to nail each pad down to the base from the middle of the pad. Place your artificial grass on top of the playground pads and nail turf to the framed area with deck screws or polished nails. Be sure to use a non-abrasive infill, such as Durafill, which will disinfect.
If turf needs to be seamed together, use seaming tape and glue, as opposed to nails, to avoid potential injury to children.
A typical artificial grass playground installation with padding will take about two days to complete.
A breakthrough feature of artificial grass is the fact that it is designed to be pet-friendly in every respect. Approximately 65% of all households with artificial grass are dog owners as well. Our artificial grass pet system is a state-of-the-art design that is safe for dogs and children.
Artificial Grass Pet Installation Process:
- An application of artificial turf deodorizer to the base layer will neutralize the ammonia smell from pet urine.
- A drainage membrane will be layered on top of the base to account for proper drainage.
- Proceed with your artificial grass installation and incorporate Infill mixed with more artificial turf deodorizer.
- The installation may up to 3 days to complete depending on the square footage of the landscape installation.
View our Artificial Grass Maintenance Tips:
Maintenance is minimal for artificial turf. Artificial turf has a perforated backing, and because of this type of backing, a consistent rinse off your turf will wash away dirt and debris and keep the product clean. Most artificial turf is made from polyethylene and will not absorb stains, although it is recommended to wipe or rinse spills with water.
Picking up loose objects and materials helps turf to keep its manicured aesthetic. Clean periodically and treat it as you would grass, – you can rake it or use a leaf blower. Use a stiff hard-bristled brush to clean the blades of turf, keeping it upright.
Artificial Grass and Extreme Weather:
Yes, it does in direct sunlight in temperatures above 80 or 90 degrees, similar to concrete patios and decks. However, with a light mist from the hose, it will cool instantly.
Although artificial grass is best known as a landscape option for areas that experience drought or dry climates, yet it also ideal for a zone that withstands large amounts of rainfall. Artificial grass will percolate water faster than natural grass, which it will subsequently dry faster than natural grass.
Synthetic turf leaves no muddy potholes which allow sports teams more practice time and no mud stains or muddy paws for your clothing and homes.
If the environment experiences snowy conditions, once the snow melts, the excess water will percolate, and the turf may require a touch up with a rake or power broom.
For areas prone to mudslides or storm surge, try to take as much debris off of the turf as possible, until the grass blades are visible: Power washer and more infill may be necessary.
Others Artificial Grass FAQ:
City Rebates:
For the past few years, artificial grass has become an alternative landscape by communities across the United States. Much of the nation remains in a stagnate drought which has a stranglehold specifically on the United States southwestern region.
According to University of California Irvine’s Center for Hydrologic Modeling, the average lawn needs about 34,000 gallons or 670 bathtubs full of water to be maintained.
As a result, states such as California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas offer rebates through their local water district to help save drought conditions.
If your city offers artificial turf or turf removal rebates, check with your local city and water district for rebates.
For example, some programs such as the SoCal Water Smart offer turf removal which is a great start for water-saving landscapes.
Property Value:
There has been no specific research that would suggest artificial grass has an impact on your home’s property value. Homeowners have their value and often examine the pros and cons of artificial turf for their future property.
Much like solar panels, any property feature that’s eco-friendly can raise the property value. Thus, artificial grass yard is considered an eco-friendly property feature.
Hardscape and Artifical Grass Applications:
Artificial grass and pavers can not only brighten up an otherwise standard hardscape, but it can also create a beautiful design aspect to your lawn or commercial property. Here are a few things to consider when adding turf around pavers and cement:
- The turf must go the same grain direction: Similar to installing wood, synthetic grass also follows a grain direction, so the look remains consistent.
- Use a “Pro” turf: A thicker face weight will allow extra wear and tear on your hardscape. For example, when you install synthetic grass between concrete pavers on a driveway, a pro turf will allow more foot and car traffic and will have a faster recovery time.
- Remember: Whichever hardscape you decide to set the turf between, the hardscape must be down 1/4” to 1/2”. Order more turf than the actual installed square footage.
Call us Today (714) 833-9773.
Green-R Turf of Orange County – Anaheim CA, 92801.