Artificial Grass Installation

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Artificial Grass Installation

Having artificial grass is a long-term investment that allows you to benefit from a maintenance-free yard for your quality landscape. It can be used for a play area that’s durable enough for active children and pet companions or just as a decorative area for a yard.

Artificial Grass Installation

Did you knоw that nоt you can have a beautiful, garden space without a natural lawn? We can construct gаrdеnѕ with аrtіfісіаl grаѕѕ using various ѕhаdеѕ оf grееn tо gіvе it a rеаl lооk. Northview Landscaping understands there are many ways to рrоvіdе уоu with a quality landscape.
We offer рrеmіеr lаndѕсаріng аnd tаkе рrіdе іn the work thаt wе саrrу оut. Hеrе at Northview Landscaping, wе strive for only thе mоѕt еxсерtіоnаl artificial lаwn rеѕultѕ fоr оur customers. All landscaping is an investment. With artifical grass installation, yоu аrе nоt оnlу investing in аrtіfісіаl grass, but you аrе investing іn your рrореrtу. This can be a more affordable and sustainable wау оf kееріng uр your оutdооr space.

Living іn Sonoma County we саn see thе еffесtѕ оur hot аnd drу climate hаѕ оn nаturаl grаѕѕ; іt іѕ almost impossible to keep іt lооkіng grееn аnd luѕh all year round. It takes tіmе, dеdісаtіоn, mоnеу, but mоrе than аnуthіng еlѕе; wаtеr. Yеѕ, lоtѕ and lоtѕ оf wаtеr tо even аttеmрt tо keep a lawn lооkіng grеаt. Here in Sonoma County, every dау, hundreds оf thоuѕаndѕ оf gаllоnѕ оf water аrе wаѕtеd wаtеrіng grаѕѕ that is not utilized. This іѕ аррlісаblе tо hоmеѕ, оffісеѕ, раrkѕ, аnd hоtеlѕ, аѕ thе ongoing соѕt оf mаіntаіnіng green areas in аnу development, whether іt іѕ residential, commercial, оr, hоѕріtаlіtу саn bе extremely еxреnѕіvе.
Rіght hеrе at Northview Landscaping, wе understand that having a quality landscape means different things to different people. Thіѕ is the rеаѕоn we offer a rаngе оf аrtіfісіаl grаѕѕ options for our clients. Yоur Artіfісіаl Grаѕѕ Inѕtаllаtіоn wіll bе hаndlеd аnd mаnаgеd bу оur professional tеаm that ѕресіаlіzе іn Artіfісіаl Grаѕѕ Fіttіng аnd Inѕtаllаtіоn in Sonoma County, in оrdеr tо еnѕurе thаt оur еxсерtіоnаl ѕеrvісе trаnѕіtіоnѕ frоm іnquіrу, tо рurсhаѕе, tо іnѕtаllаtіоn.

Northview Landscaping оffеrѕ Artіfісіаl Grаѕѕ Inѕtаllаtіоn for gardens, hоmе gаrdеnѕ and раrkѕ, if you are thinking аbоut Artіfісіаl grаѕѕ іnѕtаllаtіоn іn Sonoma County, give us a call.
Ovеr thе раѕt few уеаrѕ, thе uѕаgе оf artificial grаѕѕ as an alternative in quality landscape design hаѕ increased at аn еxроnеntіаl rate. This is esspecially true in hоt lосаtіоnѕ whеrе rеаl grаѕѕ struggles to grоw. Also, the popularity is attributed to the ease of maintenance – artificial grass doesn’t need regular seeding, fertilizing or water. And you don’t need to mow it!
The grass itself is of high quality and durability, and wіth the variety оf green ѕhаdеѕ аvаіlаblе, уоu can mаkе уоur lawn look rеаl wіth fаkе grass. The inert nature of the material means it is safe for pets and children.
With Northview Landscaping оur аrtіfісіаl grass installations аrе attractive, аdарtаblе, аnd safe.

 

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When to Choose Synthetic Grass Installation

Artificial Grass Installation

Having artificial grass is a long-term investment that allows you to benefit from a maintenance-free yard for your quality landscape.

Ultimate Guide on Artificial Grass

The invention of artificial grass dates back to the 1950s. The product’s first outstanding milestone happened in 1964 when the Moses Brown School in Rhode Island adopted it as a playing surface. Artificial grass became more popular after its first use in professional sporting events at the Houston Astrodome in Texas in 1966. Since then, the application of artificial grass has evolved dramatically. You’ll find it in playgrounds, residential gardens, golf courses, offices, balconies, and rooftops, among others. Let's discuss artificial grass in more detail.

What Is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is a surfacing material engineered to imitate grass. It's usually made of nylon, polyethylene, or polyurethane, all of which are common in items like plastic bags and bottles. The product is excellent for areas unfavorable for grass growth, or where grass maintenance is unwelcome or impossible. If water is scarce in your area, or you care about water conservation, artificial grass is the way to go. You may also use it when colors other than green are desirable. There are many alternative names for artificial grass including but not limited to:
  • Synthetic grass
  • Synthetic turf
  • Artificial turf
  • Fake grass
  • Astroturf
  • Artificial lawn
Synthetic turf comes in different colors and hues, such as green, red, yellow, black, blue, pink, and more. You can find almost any shade if you search the market extensively. Some manufacturers can create custom-colored artificial turf to suit your needs.

What Is the Best Artificial Grass

When searching for synthetic grass, several considerations are vital. Your choice will influence the visual appeal of your lawn, as well as its longevity. The first thing to think about before going shopping is the material. Here is a comparison between conventional forms of synthetic lawns.

Nylon Grass

Synthetic turf made with nylon withstands elements better than polyethylene and polypropylene artificial grass. It comprises of strong plastic fiber. If your children and pets are to be playing in your lawn regularly, nylon grass may be a great choice.

Polyethylene Grass

Polyethylene artificial turf is a sensible option for property owners who want quality without spending too much. The product has a natural look, and it feels just like real grass. Maintenance for polyethylene turf involves occasional brushing.

Polypropylene Grass

Of the three options mentioned here, polypropylene artificial grass is the cheapest. Unfortunately, it has the shortest life, but it's still useful. You can use polypropylene turf in small areas and regions of low foot traffic. Find more durable materials for expansive fields. Besides the construction of the turf, insist on a product treated with a UV protectant. Untreated synthetic grass can fade or change its color after some period of exposure to the sun. Old or substandard products may contain lead and other harmful substances. Look for synthetic grass that is free from such elements for the safety of your family and to avoid pollution.

Benefits of Artificial Grass

Artificial turf has many advantages over natural grass. The most striking of them is the non-requirement for irrigation. Drought won’t affect your lawn, and your water bills won’t hike as a result of watering the grass. Apart from the water requirement factor, here are some more benefits associated with having an artificial lawn.

Minimal Maintenance

Artificial grass requires very little upkeep. When properly installed, it can go for several weeks without your involvement. You can enjoy more time with your family and friends instead of spending most of the weekend on lawn care.

No Mud and Puddles

Before installing artificial turf, landscapers usually level out the ground and smoothen it to eliminate valleys and depressions that would trap water. They also create small channels to drain excess water after a downpour to prevent pooling. With natural grass, mud develops in bare areas after irrigation, and this doesn't go well with pets and kids. Additionally, too much water in depressed sections can destroy your lawn.

No Ruts and Bare Spots

High volumes of foot traffic create pathways, bare spots, and ruts in lawns or gardens covered with natural grass. The field loses its visual appeal and becomes more susceptible to soil erosion. Conversely, synthetic turf is highly resilient and withstands the pressure of foot traffic better. As long as there's sufficient infill, the blades of artificial grass will get back to position after withdrawing the weight.

No Stains

Quality artificial grass won't blot your clothes or shoes. You can let your children play the much they want without worrying about stains. On the other hand, natural grass can form stubborn green and brown smudges on clothing when kids or sportspeople slide across it.

Light Not a Must

Like other plants, natural grass needs sunlight to grow and stay healthy. But it's not the case with synthetic turf. With other factors held constant, it maintains its color and size, whether in the sun or under shade.

Less Pollution

Artificial turf doesn’t need fertilizers and pesticides to keep it in fine fettle. This fact brings about two key advantages – no spending on chemicals and no harm to the environment. For grass to remain green and lush, you need to apply fertilizer from time to time. Fertilizers contribute to the overgrowth of weeds and algae when washed and drained to water bodies. Pesticides, on the other hand, can be disastrous to both humans and animals after seeping into the soil or contaminating water. Another adverse effect associated with natural grass relates to mowing. Gas-powered lawn mowers emit harmful gases that contaminate the air we breathe and increase the carbon footprint.

Enhanced Durability

Natural lawns require tender care and maintenance throughout the year. They can get destroyed after a single event of vigorous activity like a party or a football match. Conversely, synthetic turf is resilient and highly resistant to wear and tear. It's suitable for areas like recreational grounds where people are always visiting. You can lay it in patio surfaces, putting greens, tennis courts, and so on. The ease of cutting and shaping synthetic turf makes it ideal for oddly shaped areas.

Cost-Effectiveness

If you evaluate the value you get after years of using artificial grass, you'll realize that the product is cost-effective. The initial cost of installation can be considerable, but it cancels out when spread over the period the turf remains in service. Considering the money saved on water and maintenance over time, the value of synthetic turf surpasses that of natural grass after a few years.

How Artificial Grass Is Installed

There’s a lot of work involved laying synthetic grass correctly. Below are the typical steps.
  1. Prepare the Field
A critical step before everything else is measuring your garden. It enables you to make reasonable estimates for the necessary materials. Make an educated guess of the artificial turf, underlay, and supplies required to finish the project. Purchasing too much is wasteful while realizing a deficit while the project is underway can be frustrating. Define what you need beforehand and have a budget for the whole job.
  1. Remove the Existing Lawn
This is the most labor-intensive task in lawn installation, but it can be smoother if you have specialized tools. You can start by mowing to clear the ground. Next, you’ll need to cut at least two inches into the ground with a shovel to make squares about ten by ten inches. By digging the squares out, you’ll manage to remove most of the roots.
  1. Lay a Sand Foundation
You need just enough sand to bind the top of the sub-base. Too little sand will not serve the purpose while too much of it might cause the finish to be unpleasantly bumpy. Professional turf installers have the tools and skills necessary to judge the right amounts of sand to lay on different surfaces. A lawn roller helps with leveling, but you can make do with a wooden plank for small areas. If you're doing it yourself, aim for about 75 mm depth of sand, which you can get right with the aid of a ruler. Do this for a small portion and make realistic approximations for the rest of the area.
  1. Cover with a Geotextile Fabric
To maximize the life of your artificial lawn, lay a geotextile membrane between the sand base and the turf. It minimizes the chances of weed growth. It’s not a must, but it protects your synthetic grass from any unwanted elements below.
  1. Lay the Artificial Grass
This step needs meticulous planning to minimize the number of cuts you have to make. If you have to join two or more pieces, ensure that the grass on all sections runs in the same direction. Aim to finish laying your artificial turf within the shortest time possible. Let it rest for at least 24 hours for any creases to fall. Stretch the grass for maximum flatness and a neat finish and anchor it with pins at the edges.
  1. Trim Grass to Shape
There will always be some pieces of elevated grass blades and fabric. Use a pair of sharp scissors to level the turf to a perfect finish. Be sure with the length since you'll have to live with the look assumed after trimming.
  1. Join Pieces Together
After confirming that the grass on adjoining pieces runs uniformly, proceed to bind the parts. If there is a manufacturing edge strip, cut it off and butt the edges together. Fold back the edges and place the jointing tape underneath with the smooth side facing downwards. The ends of the turf should meet at the center of the tape when released. Apply adhesive on the rough side of the tape and press the mats into the wet glue. Apply pressure for maximum contact until cured. Skill is paramount for a secure, neat, and less visible joint.
  1. Spread Sand Infill
Spread some kiln dried sand infill as you go and build up the layers in sequences. Don’t apply it all at once. The infill increases shock absorption of the turf, keeps bacteria at bay, and increases the durability of the synthetic grass.

Artificial Grass Installation Cost

Synthetic grass usually comes with a significant upfront cost, with some sources citing $5 to $20 per square foot. We use a premium product at Northview Landscaping that generally goes for between $12 and $20 per square foot. The price will depend on factors like the price of the turf and the amount of labor required. However, there will be zero or negligible maintenance overheads for the rest of the lawn's life. It is, therefore, essential to keep your artificial turf in prime condition to achieve the best value. A well maintained artificial lawn can last for more than 15 years, and that's where it beats natural grass. Professionally laid sod will be cheap to install, but it will continually cost you money and hours of maintenance.

Does Artificial Grass Get Hot?

Artificial lawns have one drawback – they can get significantly hotter than natural grass in warm weather. But it's not the worst landscaping solution in this respect. Asphalt and concrete, for example, can heat up incredibly during the hottest summer days. Fortunately for synthetic grass, there are several ways of dealing with the heat. Here are seven tips to keep your artificial grass cooler:
  • Choose light colors for the turf and infill (avoid rubber infill)
  • Erect shade sails to block the sun and serve as resting spots
  • Install a retractable awning for use on hot days
  • Install synthetic turf under a shade, like in a garden with trees
  • Use a sprinkler or garden hose to cool the surface
  • Bring a portable canopy for events at the yard
One thing you should note is the quick cooling of artificial turf after introducing a shade. Whether it's from the clouds or a canopy, the surface temperature will drop fast as soon as something blocks the sun. You should consider installing a shade over part of your lawn if you have concerns about synthetic grass and heating.

Artificial Grass and Safety for Kids and Dogs

Children and pets love outdoors. Before installing synthetic grass, most parents will think twice about their children's safety. We shall explain a few truths regarding the experience of kids and pets with artificial lawns. Standard artificial turf is non-toxic and non-allergenic. It's often less contaminated than chemical-treated grass, and it doesn't have pollen. However, watch out for older or low-quality products that may have a lead, a harmful substance when ingested. The toughness of artificial grass reduces the chances of the development of potholes, which are a risk factor for fall accidents. The ground remains level, reducing the possibility of puddles when it rains. The material also dries quickly. Furthermore, the sand base and infill of artificial grass increases shock absorption. The tuff reduces the possibility or extent of injury if someone trips. Whether natural or synthetic, grass can be a breeding ground for germs. Trusted manufacturers of artificial turf lawns treat their grass with anti-microbial products to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Besides that, it's easy to clean synthetic turf if a pet soils it.

Care for Artificial Grass

Artificial turf is a low-maintenance surfacing material compared to natural grass, but some people neglect theirs altogether. Some are not sure about the correct way to look after it. First off, there's no watering or mowing like when you have natural grass. Your primary obligation is to keep the lawn clean and neat to preserve its beauty and increase its lifespan. Here is how to take care of your synthetic grass to maintain its color and lush for longer.

Brushing Your Artificial Lawn Regularly

If yours is a newly installed lawn, you should give the sand infill time to settle since it structures the turf. Going forward, you will need to brush the grass periodically, say once per month. It's advisable to use a broom with stiff, natural bristles. For best results, brush the grass in all directions to keep the blades upright and uniform. There will be a noticeable change after every brushing session. Visit areas of high foot traffic more often to prevent them from appearing flattened.

Keep the Turf Free of Debris

When discussing the installation process of artificial grass, we mentioned the role of geotextile fabric in averting weeds. But even with the membrane, moss and some unwanted plants may still penetrate. If this happens, you can pluck the weeds from above and ignore the roots below the turf. Alternatively, destroy them with a mild weed killer. If you must use this method, go for a water-based solution to minimize the possibility of damaging the turf. Brush the moss and weeds off once they dry up. Organic matter can clog the drainage system of your synthetic lawn and trigger weed growth. For this reason, you should remove leaves as soon as they land. Pick them by hand or use a rake or leaf blower.

Seasonal Maintenance

Depending on where you reside, seasons may dictate how you take care of your artificial lawn. For instance, you'll use your synthetic turf more in summer than when it's cold. Therefore, you'll need to brush the most frequented areas more often at such times. If your area receives hail in winter, let the ice melt off and drain naturally. An attempt to remove ice forcibly can lead to the thinning of your turf's grass blades.

Remove Stains Immediately

The material of artificial grass necessitates quick stain removal. Your first bet for eliminating marks should be water and home detergent. You can remove stains like blood, coffee, alcohol, and so on with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. If that doesn't help, clean the area with about 3% ammonia solution. For stains like ink, crayon, grease, and oils, apply the methods described above and see if they work. If they don’t, attempt to remove the stain with mineral spirits. Rinse the area gently and blot up any excess solution.

Best Artificial Grass Manufacturers

Some of the renowned Artificial turf manufacturers include:

Watersavers Irrigation Inc.

Based in San Rafael, Watersavers Irrigation provides artificial turf and an assortment of landscaping tools and supplies. You can also find heavy machinery like shovels for hire.

Home Depot Brand

The company sells a variety of home improvement items, including synthetic grass. Their artificial turf varieties cut across a wide range of prices to suit your budget and needs.

Synlawn Artificial Grass

Synlawn is an American synthetic grass manufacturer with a collection of artificial turf for residential and commercial applications. They have a financing plan for interested customers.

Applications for Artificial Grass

People are turning to artificial grass due to the incredible benefits it's providing. Its exceptional beauty comes with low maintenance and no irrigation, among other rewards. Uses of artificial grass today are unlimited. Examples of landscaping application areas include:
  • Residential gardens - Follow this link to view our residential gardens artificial grass installations.
  • Commercial premises -  Follow this link to view our artificial grass installation on commercial premises.
  • Sports fields - Follow this link to view our artificial grass installation on sports fields.
  • Play areas - add links
  • Rooftops - add link
  • Putting greens - add link
  • Gyms - add link
  • Dog runs - add link+

Other Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Artificial Grass

How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?

The average lifetime of synthetic grass is about 15 years subject to the quality of the turf and maintenance.

Does Artificial Grass Fade?

Modern synthetic turf features UV inhibitors incorporated in the yarn to retain color for the entire life of the product. With proper care, artificial grass will remain lush for more than a decade.

What’s the Impact of Artificial Turf on the Environment?

Compared to natural grass, synthetic lawn is more environmentally friendly. Since there’s no watering, it helps in water conservation. It doesn’t require harmful pesticides and fertilizers to thrive. Lack of mowing means zero carbon emissions.

Does Artificial Turf Require a Drainage System?

No. It comes with a self-drainage solution.

How Do You Treat Weed in Synthetic Grass?

Weeds are rare, but if they sprout, pull them out or use a gentle weed killer.

Can You Install Artificial Lawn Over Natural Grass?

It’s possible but not recommended. For best results, remove about two inches of soil, level the ground, and lay a sand foundation before installing your artificial grass.

Why North View Landscape

For about two decades, North View Landscape Design has been serving the people of the DC metro area with a range of landscaping solutions. Our expert landscape designers cover everything related to artificial turf. From residential gardens to putting greens and rooftops, North View Landscape has what it takes to makeover your property with first-rate artificial grass designs. Our prices are competitive, and we don't push you with services you don’t want. Contact us today to discuss your next landscaping project.