Gaining Popularity

Reasons Turf Has Gained Popularity
By Drought Lawn


Artificial turf, also known as synthetic grass, has come a long way since the days when it was considered something that was used on sports fields. Improvements in the quality of materials used to produce artificial turf have made it a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to enjoy a lawn that's going to be virtually maintenance free. Here's a closer look at some of the reasons why synthetic grass makes perfect sense for today's busy, environmentally aware, budget-conscious homeowners:

It Looks Great and It's Perfectly Safe
A common misconception with turf is that it's not safe. The process of manufacturing turf has improved greatly since synthetic grass was first introduced for commercial use in the mid-1960s. The turf that's installed today has become increasingly for residential installations. Synthetic lawns are designed to be as safe and durable as possible. It's actually the durability of turf that makes it a popular choice at kennels since it can't easily be dug up or chewed on by pets. Another myth associated with turf is that it's not all that attractive. In fact, today's turf is incredibly realistic in appearance, so much so that it's highly likely that sly homeowners could easily leave neighbors wondering why their lawn always looks absolutely perfect. Unlike the turf of yesteryear, today's artificial grass is designed to retain its color, meaning that fading isn't likely to occur - even in regions with a lot of sun or precipitation. Artificial turf has also gained popularity because of its:
• Longer life expectancy
• Better drainage
• Long-term savings
• Versatility (in terms of coloration, design, style, length and shape)

It's Drought Resistant
Communities throughout the mid-west and many parts of the western United States, including several cities and towns throughout California, including Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville and Lincoln, that are highly susceptible to annual droughts. Large cities typically affected by drought like Sacramento, often place restrictions on water use - with lawn watering often considered non-essential. Turf, on the other hand, is unaffected by weather conditions and the lack of rain. Consequently, residents in places like Folsom can still enjoy beautiful, green lawns without facing fines for going over water usage limits.

It's 'Green' In More Ways Than One
Once termed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" when first used at the Houston Astrodome in 1965, artificial turf is more environmentally friendly than ever. In some cases, recycled materials are used to manufacture artificial grass, adding to the "green" value of the finished product. Some local governments are offering rebates and other incentives for residents who make improvements to their home that will likely have minimal environmental impact. One Southern California rebate program offers residents $2 per square foot for the removal of their lawns. For homeowners not too keen on the idea of completely going without grass, turf is a viable and realistic-looking alternative that allows homeowners to still get the look of grass without the need to use the thousands of gallons of water per year it can take to keep a lawn properly irrigated in humid climates.  The average lawn in California uses approximately 99 thousand gallons of water a year. Artificial turf also offers the following environmental benefits:

• No carbon emissions (from gas-powered lawnmowers)
• No need to use fertilizers or pesticides
• No run-off from chemicals used to treat living lawns

More Free Time
Mowing the average lawn can take anywhere from 1-2 hours of your time weekly. Since synthetic turf requires no mowing, no watering, no weeding and no trimming, busy homeowners can spend more time with their family and enjoy their weekends. There's also no watering or daily upkeep to worry about, which can also be a plus for senior homeowners. Synthetic grass can also make life easier for property managers by reducing maintenance costs and reducing the need to constantly check up on the condition of lawns at various sites.

Resolving Landscaping Issues
There always seems to be that one area of the yard where the grass is either too dry or too brown. Artificial turf is a cost-effective solution that many landscaping issues. If, for instance, a homeowner is moving into an older home that has a lawn that needs a lot of work, whether it be replacing old grass or dealing with patches of dead grass, they can quickly achieve the "healthy lawn look" with artificial grass. Unlike natural grass, turf doesn't require a lot of attention after it's initially installed - and there's no need for homeowners to wait to see if it's going to take hold and grow or worry about birds snacking on the seeds. Another reason for the growing popularity of turf is the fact that there are many ways it can be applied. Homeowners can, for example, opt for turf for use in problem spots and retain natural grass for parts of a landscape with ideal growth conditions.

Adding Up the Savings
While every homeowner is going to have different needs, artificial turf can still easily add up to significant savings for anyone. The initial purchase and installation is an investment that's going to more than pay for itself over time, especially when considering the accumulated cost of lawn maintenance, which can be extensive for larger properties. This doesn't even include the potential for a boost in property value, curb appeal and retail value that many homeowners tend to enjoy when opting for high-quality synthetic turf. Our artificial turf installation professionals can help customers determine their potential savings when providing an initial estimate.

Artificial grass has many potential benefits beyond what can realistically be achieved with natural grass. For dog owners, it's a surface where dogs can run and play without tracking in weeds, dirt and mud when coming back inside. For families with children, artificial grass can cut down on wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas where normal grass would be easily damaged. Thanks to a growing list of practical and aesthetic uses, artificial turf is quickly becoming a cost-effective alternative to traditional grass that can provide a problem-free, green landscape.

For more information on how a synthetic lawn can save you water, time and money contact us today at www.droughtlawn.com or by calling 530-506-5046. It’s your turn to help turn California green again.