Synthetic Grass May Be the Way to Go

By Buffy Pollock, Mail Tribune

By the time Central Point resident Oscar Carlson had a synthetic lawn installed last summer, the now 88-year-old figured he'd spent far too many sunny afternoons behind a noisy lawn mower.

Decades into retirement, Carlson received a flier in the mail advertising artificial turf. Though not something he might have considered, other than for a good laugh at anyone who would opt for fake grass, he checked into it.

Much to his surprise, it was a great idea.

Gaining leaps and bounds in popularity, synthetic turf does all the good things grass does -- and none of the bad. Consider this. A perfectly green lawn that doesn't require mowing, stays nice all year and doesn't need to be weeded, fertilized or sprayed for bugs.

Carlson wound up having some 2,800 square feet of front and back lawn replaced by Home Country Club of Southern Oregon. Home Country Club owner Doug Norby says earlier renditions of synthetic grass might have been too similar to not-so-real looking sports fields, but new technology offers a range of blade heights, grass type and color.

While grass contributes some oxygen to the atmosphere, it detracts far more from the environment due to water and chemicals used to keep it green, and air pollution caused by lawn mowers.

"It's [synthetic lawn] actually one of the most environment-friendly products. There are no contaminants, no metals... it's a very clean product that you don't have to mow, water or weed," Norby says.

For installation, old sod is removed and trucked away. A layer of crushed gravel is laid and compacted. Rolls of synthetic turf are brought in, rolled into place and staked around the edges.

Once in place, layers of sand -- up to two pounds per square foot -- or rubber infill are "power broomed" into place to ensure grass stands up straight and to hide the base of the lawn, creating a realistic look.

Homeowners have a range of grass types from which they can choose, from Kentucky bluegrass and fescue to rye. Grass is also available in a range of thicknesses and three basic heights, from "just cut this weekend," Norby says to "needs cut this week." ...

To read the rest of this article please see "Synthetic Grass May Be the Way to Go" published in the May 2007 issue of the Medford Mail Tribune's HomeLife Magazine. Copyright © 2007 Mail Tribune.

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.