Artificial grass is gaining popularity as we wrap up 2020 and enter 2021.  Fake grass lasts a long time without needing much maintenance and wide range of applications make us believe this trend is not going to slow down anytime soon. 

We are about to cover everything you need to know about artificial grass in this blog post.

Artificial turf in a luxury apartment courtyard with flowers and landscape rocks

Why is artificial grass so popular?

Artificial grass is so popular because it offers many of the same qualities as 'real grass' without nearly the amount of amount of maintenance an live lawn requires.

Artificial grass is also referred to as synthetic grass, synthetic turf, artificial turf, astro turf, or fake grass among other terms.

With recent advances in technology, synthetic turf is lasting longer than ever.  There is a larger upfront cost to installing a natural lawn, but over the years artificial turf often provides a positive ROI .

Artificial Turf Indoor Soccer Field

What can artificial grass be used for?

Here are several uses for artificial turf:

  • Backyard putting greens
  • Indoor putting greens
  • Bocce ball courts
  • Pet turf areas
  • Athletic fields
  • Lawn replacement
  • Playground flooring
  • Patios - indoor or outdoor
  • Accents in landscaping

Really, any area that currently has live grass could be replaced with artificial turf.

Obviously, the use-cases do not stop there though.  Many playgrounds are choosing to replacement traditional mulch or rubber mulch with synthetic turf.  With padding installed under the turf, it provides a safe flooring for the playground without the mess of loose mulch getting kicked around.

Artificial turf is not limited to the traditional green color we are used to when we think of grass.  Using a dyed fake grass on a bocce ball court or patio offers a unique look and feel this is sure to add interest.

How to install artificial grass?

Depending on the application of the turf, the installation steps can vary.  But,  we want to get you a quick general idea of what goes into installing artificial turf so you know the basics of what is involved.

Installing fake grass all starts with preparing the base or substrate.  This included everything you do not see under the turf on top.  Padding and drainage are definitely things to consider when preparing the base to lay the turf upon.

Seems and borders need to be tended to so they blend naturally and provide a finished look once complete.

Some turf requires rubber infill that needs to be swept into the turf.

It's a fairly straight forward process, but special tools are often required and it is best that someone very familiar with artificial grass recommends the proper substrate needed for your specific application.  Often the artificial turf supplier can provide you with specific instructions if you would like to install the turf yourself.  Hiring a landscape company that offers artificial turf installation is always an option.

Artificial turf with 2 hammocks

Where to buy artificial grass?

So don't see synthetic grass for sale at too many local businesses.  Searching for artificial turf on the internet is a great option if you are in the market to buy artificial turf.  Our fair warning is to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable business!

The last thing we want is for you to buy some poor quality turf because of low prices found online with pictures that 'look great' on the screen.

We recommend starting with the helpful artificial turf experts at Callaway Greens.  Callaway Greens installs artificial turf from Atlanta to Chattanooga and sells artificial turf manufactured in Dalton, GA.  

Shop artificial grass at CallawayGreens.com.

Should my landscape company start offering synthetic turf installation as a service?

iGoPro Lawn Supply catering to lawn and landscape companies and is happy to sell lawn and landscape parts and supplies directly to residential consumers as well.

If you are a lawn and landscape business owner we would definitely encourage you to consider adding artificial turf installation to your service offerings.

The reason we recommend you consider becoming an artificial turf installation company is because it is a really hot topic!  Since artificial turf's popularity has grown so rapidly, so quickly, there are simply not enough qualified installers out there to meet the demand of the market.  It would be a great niche service offering to add to the other services your lawn or landscape company offers with minimal competition.

 

Ryan Sciamanna