Beautify Your Lawn with Faux Grass

Each February as winter gives way to spring in Southern Oregon it's not unusual to see yellow, patchy, muddy grass everywhere you look. But that's not the case with Medford resident Beverly Callahan's lawn.

"People walk by my house and do a double-take. My grass is emerald green and lush year round. Yes, it's fake, but it doesn't look fake to me. No one knows it's not real grass until they bend down to feel it and get a better look."

Callahan like many other homeowners was tired of struggling to keep her lawn looking good, so last summer they hired Home Country Club, based in Grants Pass, to install synthetic landscape turf in her front and back yard. This is a trend that's becoming more and more popular. Home Country Club's owner, Doug Norby, explains:

"For some people it's just difficult to grow grass. The trouble can be too much shade or poor drainage. Sometimes when there are a number of mature trees on the lot they can take up all the water on the lawn. Aside from that it can be a lot of hard work maintaining a lawn."

With synthetic turf there's no need to water, no mowing, fertilizing, herbicide and pesticide applications. With a synthetic lawn the grass is always cut, always fresh, always green. Ecologically sound, they eliminate an excessive amount of expensive wasted water which ends up in the sewer system, as well as containments from lawn chemicals. The only ongoing care is blowing or raking leaves and debris from the turf. With minimal maintenance most lawns will last 15 years or more.

Norby, a longtime golfer and co-owner of Dutcher Creek Golf Course, started Home Country Club in 1999 by installing synthetic backyard putting greens.

"With a putting green in their backyard, golfers can work on their short game whenever they want," Norby says. "Tiger Woods and scores of other pros practice daily on synthetic greens at their homes." Norby's crew typically installs fringe around the greens for chipping. Areas for pitch shots and sand traps can also be added.

Much like artificial Christmas trees, new technology has improved the appearance of today's synthetic turf. Made from tightly knit polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, it looks natural and has become more desired by the public for various applications. Increasingly kennels and pet spas are using synthetic turf. Dogs can't dig it up and create messy holes in the ground. The turf will not stain, liquids drain right through it, and solids can be easily pick up and removed. Then the whole area can be rinsed off.

Another popular use for synthetic turf is children's play areas at daycare centers and at homes. "What sold me on Home Country Club turf" says Grants Pass resident James Self, "is that the kids no longer bring in dirt and mud from the yard. My wife loves that."

Because the turf is installed with an infill of sand and a crumb rubber top dressing it's softer than the ground under most natural lawns. "Toddlers go wild on it" Norby's wife Barbara says referring to her 19 month old grand-daughter who loves to play on their backyard green. "The softness of the turf provides better protection against falls, bruises, and cuts, plus there are no insects to deal with."

Costs for Pro Design artificial grass range from $7.00 to $8.50 per square foot including materials and all labor, and depending on size and location. Additional charges occasionally apply depending upon access to your area and style of turf installed. Please call us at (541) 479-8258 (within Rogue Valley) or toll-free at (866) 720-4653 (from Northern California to Portland) for a free onsite evaluation.

 

Is this AstroTurf?

No, this is not the old "Astroturf" that you may be familiar with. Synthetic lawn technology has improved dramatically over the years, resulting in a product that looks and feels amazingly like real grass.

How is the turf installed?

First we remove and dispose of any existing sod or materials. Next we prepare the sub-base for positive drainage. Then we cut the turf to fit into your landscape and stake down the edges. We then "infill" the turf with sand or Cryogenic Rubber to make sure the turf fibers stand up and to add ballast to the lawn.

What is the "infill"?

We use either sand or cryogenic rubber as our infill material, which is then power-broomed into the fibers to make sure they stay standing-up. This also serves to add ballast to the synthetic yard.

What is the maintenance required?

Very little. Occasionally blow-off, rake, or pick-up any leaves or other debris. You can also use a hose to wash any foreign waste that lands on the turf. That's it! No mowing, no watering, no fertilizing, no re-seeding. Save hours upon hours of time normally spent doing yard work. Just sit back and enjoy your lawn.

Are pets OK on the turf?

Yes. In fact, we've installed synthetic lawns specifically for kennels and dog runs. The turf is pet-friendly and will not stain. Simply pick-up waste like you would on your current lawn and use a hose to wash off anything else.

How long will it last?

With proper care artificial lawns should last 12 to 15 years or more depending on usage.

How many synthetic lawns and artificial putting greens have you installed?

In the 9 years Home Country Club has served Southern Oregon and the Rogue Valley, we have installed over 200 lawns and putting greens.

Do you offer any warranties?

Yes, there is an 8-year manufacturers warranty on the turf, as well as a 2-year workmanship warranty. Home Country Club is located in Grants Pass and is at your service as needed.