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An artificial grass putting green can bring many hours of enjoyment.  Whether in a backyard, community, or commercial setting, the benefits of an artificial turf putting green are numerous.  Properly maintaining a synthetic turf putting green only requires a small amount of regular care to keep the green looking great, ensure its longevity, create optimal playing conditions, and enable it to perform up to expectations. 

Even though Astro Turf putting greens have been around for quite some time and are easy to take care of and maintain, the tips below will ensure that your modern putting green stays as nice and playable just like the day it was installed.

1. Brushing (Regularly): Consistently utilizing a medium to stiff brush or broom, a specialized grooming tool, or a power brush to comb the turf fibers against the grain will help prevent matting and compaction, redistribute the infill material, and keep the grass fibers pointed upright, thus ensuring a smooth and consistent putting surface for an even ball roll.
2. Cleaning: The removal of leaves, twigs, dirt, and rock debris from the artificial grass surface regularly will help cut down on unwanted buildup and keep the putting surface in pristine condition for putting.  A leaf blower comes in handy in this process, along with gently spraying the turf with water to remove any fine particles or dirt.  Be careful not to use any harsh detergents or chemicals as they could damage the synthetic grass fibers.
3. Spot Cleaning: If any stains appear on the turf, treating them promptly will keep the stain from setting into the turf fibers permanently.  Using a mild detergent solution and a soft to medium bristled brush to gently scrub the affected area, while subsequently rinsing the area thoroughly with water, will typically resolve the issue.
4. Infill Management: Some artificial turf requires infill material such as rubber pellets or sand to provide stability and turf fiber support.  Checking the infill levels from time to time will allow for any top-up necessary to maintain proper cushioning and correct ball roll. 
5. Weed Control: Occasionally checking around the perimeter of the putting green surface for any signs of weed growth will help maintain the synthetic turf for many seasons.  The prompt removal of any weeds manually or with weed killer formulated for artificial grass will keep them from spreading even more.
6. Proper Drainage: Ensuring that the putting green has proper drainage to keep water from pooling on the surface goes a long way in keeping the green from sustaining long-term damage.  Some artificial turf systems are constructed with built-in drainage systems to prevent any water buildup.  Periodically checking and adjusting the base materials beneath the turf can also help if the issue of drainage continues.
7. Repair any Damage Quickly: If any tears, rips, snags, or other damage is noticed, repairing it promptly will prevent further deterioration or damage.  There are repair kits available for turf patching or sewing, but it’s always advisable to let the pros take a look and rely on their expertise to repair any turf damage.
8. Heavy Objects: Avoiding the placement of heavy objects on the putting green surface for extended periods will help keep the turf from experiencing any indentation, tearing, or degradation caused by the weight and stationary position of the object.
9. UV Protection: Since many synthetic turf putting greens are exposed to direct sunshine, applying a UV protectant spray may help prevent fading and the degradation of turf fibers over time.
10. Professional Inspection and Maintenance: The scheduling of periodic but regular professional turf inspections by a qualified turf installation company can identify any signs of wear and tear early on so any issues can be addressed before they become potentially significant.  The maintenance of an artificial putting green by a professional turf service company can provide more thorough cleaning, grooming, and regular maintenance if the putting green receives heavy use or if one doesn’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves.

A well-designed and constructed artificial grass putting green is a joy to have in a backyard, community setting, or commercial area for use regularly to improve one’s golf game or just have fun.  By implementing the putting turf maintenance tips above, the synthetic golf green should be enjoyed for many years and allow for continued practice and fun.

Synthetic, or artificial, grass can provide many benefits during both wet and dry weather or in humid or arid environments.  Artificial turf’s benefits extend to all weather conditions and at any temperature.  This versatility is causing a surge in artificial grass interest among both homeowners and businesses looking to maintain a good-looking turf environment no matter the moisture level or temperature.  The benefits of synthetic grass or “AstroTurf” in both wet and dry weather conditions are beginning to be more widely known, and the more homeowners and businesses discover, the more they like the appeal of synthetic turf.

The media has, at times, featured an artificial grass lawn or area in an arid desert zeroscape environment and it looks spectacular.  The synthetic turf stands out from all of the brown sand, dirt, and rocks that are typical of many arid landscapes.  Also, synthetic turf can be a real money saver in arid climates since water is so scarce and expensive.  However, artificial grass is great for wet, humid environments as well.  As any pet owner who has experienced artificial grass in rainy conditions can attest, it’s much easier to clean shoes or a pet off after they have been on synthetic grass versus a muddy lawn.  Artificial turf is an all-weather and all-climate solution for both home and business owners. 

There are many reasons why artificial grass is becoming more popular with homeowners and businesses for any weather conditions, but 10 of the most frequently discussed reasons are listed below.

5 Artificial Grass Benefits during Wet Weather:

1. Improved Drainage: Artificial turf with permeable backing and fill often features much better drainage than most grass.  Where puddles can often form on natural grass yards, artificial grass installations are designed and installed to wick away up to 30 inches of water per square yard. 

2. Mud-Free: With synthetic grass, gone are the days of people and pets tracking mud into the home on their shoes or paws.  Artificial grass doesn’t turn into a muddy mess during wet weather from oversaturation or pet or people traffic.  This ensures a clean, mud-free, and usable surface during or after rainfall without creating a mess. 

3. Quick Drying: It can days or even weeks for natural grass and dirt to dry and not be muddy.  This limits yard or common area use until the grass dries and the ground firms up again.  With artificial grass, the drying process is fast and the area can be utilized with no or little wait.  

4. Erosion Control: Artificial grass provides a tough and durable layer of protection between the elements and the ground.  With this additional buffer, erosion is hard-pressed to have its way.  The added stability that artificial turf provides will result in less maintenance and repair costs in the long run. 

5. No Grass Damage: When natural grass becomes too saturated with moisture it can be easily damaged, uprooted, or prone to mold, mildew, or fungus.  Artificial turf doesn’t typically experience these problems and is ready for foot traffic almost immediately after inclement weather.

5 Artificial Grass Benefits during Dry Weather:

1. Water Conservation: Artificial grass requires minimal water.  Occasionally it is good to hose off artificial turf to rinse dirt and debris away, and weekly if pets use the turf, but compared to a natural grass lawn that needs upwards of 1.5 inches of moisture each week during the summer, thousands of gallons of precious water can be saved each week during the hot months of the year.  Artificial turf dramatically helps with water conservation for all areas of the country, but especially for those regions facing drought or water scarcity. 

2. Saves Money: Water is a natural resource that continues to get more expensive.  There is only a finite amount of fresh water on this planet and artificial grass installation can recoup a lot of its original cost by saving on irrigation costs. 

3. Consistent Appearance: Synthetic grass maintains a lush, green appearance throughout the year, no matter what the weather and temperature.  This can be particularly advantageous during dry periods or during the winter when natural grass will go dormant and turn brown. 

4. Reduced Allergens: There can be many allergens associated with natural grass that can cause allergic reactions and discomfort for those with allergies.  Artificial grass can provide relief from allergens by minimizing them, especially during dry weather when allergen levels may be higher. 

5. Durability: Artificial turf is more resilient to extreme weather conditions, including heat and drought.  It doesn’t become dry, or brittle and die off like natural grass can.  Synthetic grass also doesn’t become too saturated in wet conditions and isn’t typically prone to mold, mildew, or fungus when installed and maintained properly.  It is more aesthetically pleasing during extreme conditions and tolerates a lot more foot and animal traffic.

In summary, artificial grass offers numerous benefits in many weather conditions, whether wet or dry.  Synthetic grass provides a versatile, low-maintenance and ultimately less expensive alternative to natural grass, and artificial turf’s ability to resist both mud and drought makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of uses and climates.

The installation of an artificial grass putting green will be a valuable asset for your home or business and a great selling feature if the property is ever listed for sale.  A synthetic grass putting green is an attractive option for golf enthusiasts, homeowners who want more excitement in their yards, and businesses, condo, apartment, and townhome complexes that want to offer more activities for their residents. 

Artificial grass putting greens are low maintenance, offer a consistent playing surface, allow for year-round use in any weather, are durable, versatile, help conserve water, and are resistant to pests and allergens.  Not to mention, they are a lot of fun!  Installing a synthetic turf putting green is certainly a project that an experienced do-it-yourselfer could manage, but if putting green installation experience is of value to achieve the very best installation possible, it could be advantageous to let a professional putting green installer manage your project.

It’s quite easy to maintain an artificial grass putting green, but the key is to maintain it regularly so debris doesn’t pile up and make it unusable.  With consistent care, it will last a long time and give optimal performance.  Below are some ten tips on how to properly maintain an artificial grass putting green. 

Ten Tips for Maintaining an Artificial Grass Putting Green 

1.      Regular Cleaning:  The removal of debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, and rocks regularly will help the putting green look its best.  A leaf blower comes in handy for removing debris via a stiff air current to not grind it further into the turf.  A broom will help as well to keep debris from accumulating too much on the surface. 

2.      Brushing:  The utilization of a stiff brush or power broom to comb the synthetic fibers on a regular basis will help keep the artificial grass blades upright and help to keep any infill evenly distributed, thus allowing for a smooth and accurate ball roll. 

3.      Rinsing:  By occasionally rinsing down the putting green surface, dust, pollen, and small particles will be rinsed away so the artificial grass blades will maintain their flexibility.  Washing off the surface is also a great way to get rid of any bird or accidental pet mess. 

4.      Weed Control:  Even though synthetic grass does not typically make a good substrate for weed growth, it is still possible that a few weeds could pop up, especially if dirt is allowed to blow in and settle into the substrate.  It’s good to occasionally inspect the edges and seams for unwanted vegetation.  A good practice is to remove weeds as soon as they are noticed to prevent them from spreading further.  A good weed killer or preventer may be necessary if weeds continue to infiltrate the artificial turf. 

5.      Stain Removal:  If stains appear on the putting green, it’s a good idea to promptly remove them using a mild detergent or a specialized artificial grass cleaner.  Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach, since they can damage the artificial grass fibers. 

6.      Infill Maintenance:  Whether the infill is silica sand, rubber granules, or similar, it’s good to ensure that it is evenly distributed across the entire putting green.  This will help in maintaining proper ball roll, speed, and consistency when putting. 

7.      No Pets:  The best policy is to encourage pets to avoid putting green areas in the first place.  This can be done through training or barriers to entry.  Even though pet waste can be easily picked up and the residual rinsed off, the last thing anyone wants is a lingering pet smell while putting.  If an accident does occur, promptly pick up any pet waste and rinse the affected area as soon as possible.  The majority of artificial grass is manufactured to be pet-friendly and easy to clean. 

8.     Avoid Furniture or Equipment:  It’s better to not have heavy furniture or equipment on the putting surface so the grass fibers aren’t compressed to the point of creating an uneven surface.  If furniture has to be placed on the putting green, it’s good to move it periodically to prevent any wear patterns. 

9.      Inspect Regularly:  Inspecting the putting green every so often can identify any signs of wear and tear, or loose seams.  It’s a good idea to address any issues right away to prevent them from getting worse. 

10.  Annual Maintenance:  Considering a thorough yearly maintenance program may be a good way to avoid any costly repairs.  Professional maintenance programs are available at most artificial grass companies and may include services such as power brushing, infill top-up, seam inspections, patching, and more.  

In summary, it is a good idea to regularly spend some extra time maintaining an artificial putting green surface to avoid any costly repairs down the road.  Checking with the artificial grass manufacturer for specific care instructions and following their guidelines and specific maintenance requirements should help keep your synthetic turf putting green in top condition for many years.

Pets can put stress on a natural grass lawn.  The constant paw traffic in heavily used areas can wear grass thin or kill it completely.  And the dirt left behind can turn into a muddy mess when it rains.  Pets can also dig holes in natural lawns, dig under fences, or burn the grass with their urine.  It can take a great deal of planning and maintenance to keep a natural grass lawn looking its best.  These are but a few reasons why Artificial Grass could be advantageous for pet owners.

There seem to always be new and potentially better solutions for keeping pets healthy, clean, and safe.  Artificial Turf may be a convenient and practical option for pet owners to address this need.  It may be just the solution for maintaining a good-looking lawn with minimal impact from pets.  Below are some benefits and considerations to keep in mind for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for pets if Synthetic Grass is installed.  

Artificial Grass Benefits 

1)      Durability:  High-quality artificial grass for pets is designed and manufactured to be durable enough to resist the wear and tear of pet activity such as scratching, digging, and walking/running over the same path over and over. 

2)      No Mowing:  Artificial grass requires no mowing.  That can be music to many ears.  Gone will be the hours of mowing required each week to properly maintain a natural grass lawn.  Those hours typically spent mowing can instead be spent participating in more desired activities. 

3)      No Dirt or Mud:  Synthetic grass doesn’t create any dirt or mud, so pets are much less likely to track soil into the house.  This can be overly advantageous for pet owners in wet climates or during moisture-laden times of the year.  This will save on floor upkeep, paper towels, and hand towels used for wiping off feet. 

4)      Easy to Clean:  Artificial turf is typically easier to clean off than natural grass.  Solid waste is easily removed and disposed of and urine or vomit can readily be rinsed off with a hose.  Routine maintenance such as rinsing and brushing will help keep the artificial grass clean and odor-free. 

5)      No Lawn Chemicals or Pesticides:  Unlike all the chemicals and pesticides needed to properly maintain a natural lawn, artificial grass doesn’t require fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, so there is a major reduction in potential exposure to harmful chemicals for both pets and their owners.  And the days of pulling or killing weeds will be a distant memory. 

6)      Little Water:  Since artificial turf isn’t alive and therefore doesn’t grow, it needs no water to survive.  It benefits from a water hose rinse off now and again and once a week for heavy pet use, but synthetic grass saves water and money and helps protect our natural resources. 

7)      Less Allergens:  Since synthetic turf doesn’t produce pollen like many grasses do, it can help reduce allergic reactions to grass pollen from pets.  This is particularly beneficial for pets with allergies and may help prevent grass allergies from developing in the first place. 

8)      Good Longevity:  A quality artificial grass lawn can last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.  This is a long time to have a consistently green lawn without having to spend money on watering, mowing, chemicals, pesticides, grass seed, aeration, and other maintenance typically required for the proper maintenance of natural grass lawns. 

9)      Handles any Weather:  No matter if Mother Nature dishes out rain, hail, sleet, ice, or snow, artificial grass can handle any weather condition with ease.  Whereas natural grass suffers in these weather conditions, goes dormant, and sometimes needs to be replanted, synthetic grass weathers all storms and continues producing a vibrant, green, and healthy-looking lawn. 

10)   Drainage:  Artificial turf is specially designed with perforations to drain away excess water or liquids.  The turf is manufactured with many small drainage holes so water is whisked downward and away as quickly as possible.  In addition, some installations may utilize a drainage system beneath the turf. 

Synthetic Grass Considerations 

1)      Non-Toxic Materials:  Ensuring that the artificial grass chosen is made from non-toxic materials will provide a safe environment for pets and family members since pets and kids both like to play on the ground.  Some older synthetic turf may have had some issues, but newer turf has come a long way. 

2)      Cooling Properties:  In hot climates, synthetic grass can become pretty warm during the middle of the day and become uncomfortable for pets.  Some turf products are designed with cooling technology to reduce surface temperatures.  Artificial turf can also be hosed down, shaded, or placed under trees to eliminate this issue. 

3)      Infill Type:  Some artificial grass projects use infill material to provide support and stability for the turf.  Be sure that the infill material is safe for pets and if ingested, doesn’t pose a health risk. 

4)      Quality Installation:  The proper installation of artificial grass is key to its longevity and performance over time.  The synthetic turf must be securely installed, especially along the edges and in the corners to prevent lifting or damage from pet scratching or digging in those areas. 

5)      Supervision:  While typically safe for pets, artificial grass usage should be supervised, especially for puppies or dogs prone to chewing on surfaces.  

6)      Regular Inspection:  While artificial turf is virtually maintenance-free, periodic inspection of the turf for signs of wear and tear or insect infestations is important for maintaining a quality turf yard or area.

In summary, artificial grass can be a great pet-friendly turf option when properly chosen and installed for the right surface and pets.  And it can save a lot of time and money long-term versus natural turf.  When considering your pet’s needs, the climate type, and the quality of the synthetic grass products available, your pet will be ensured of having a comfortable, clean, and healthy environment in which to roam.

Summer becomes even more fun when a pool is included in the festivities.  When a pool is being used, shoes are off and there can be a lot of foot traffic around this aquatic feature.  Therefore, it’s advantageous, if not imperative, that the pool surround remains cool to the feet, non-slippery, soft, and doesn’t promote the tracking of dirt or mud into the pool itself.  This is where Artificial Grass shines.  During pool parties or even everyday use, natural grass can get muddy and slippery and needs constant upkeep.  Natural turf also requires regular maintenance, chemicals, mowing, weeding, etc., and grass clippings can become another pool contaminant.  Synthetic Grass won’t get muddy and slippery like natural grass, and Artificial Turf not only saves water, but it always looks perfect.

Summer can be hot anywhere in the country, but in the deep south and southwest U.S., especially, temperatures can reach 100 degrees or hotter during several months each summer.  Artificial grass for pool areas has so many advantages over natural grass when all things are considered.  Choosing the wrong pool surround material can lead to slipping, falling, burned feet, muddy messes, and more.  There are many options to consider when planning for or updating a pool area, but artificial grass features more advantages than any other option.  Some of these advantages are listed below:

Low Maintenance

Compared with natural grass, artificial turf requires minimal maintenance.  With synthetic grass,  there is no watering, fertilizing, insect or weed control, dethatching, aeration, mowing, trimming, edging, etc., which saves time, effort, and money in maintaining a pool area.

Durability

Synthetic grass is purposely designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and any weather conditions.  It doesn’t wear down with repeated use like natural grass can, which makes it a much more durable option for pool surrounds where kids, adults, and pets frequently walk, run, or lounge.

No Mud

No matter what kind of natural grass is put down, enough traffic in wet conditions can turn the best-looking grass into a muddy mess around a pool. Unlike natural grass, artificial grass holds up very well when moisture is introduced.  This helps keep the pool area clean and mud-free, even after rain or numerous cannon balls.

Slip Resistant

Even though artificial turf isn’t completely slip-resistant, it can be much less slippery than natural grass which tends to mix dirt with water for a muddy and slick mess.  With its artificial composition, it naturally creates more traction. 

Saves Water

Natural grass requires a lot of water to properly maintain its health and appearance year-round.  This is especially problematic in areas that are short on water or dealing with water restrictions.  Artificial grass only requires occasional rinsing unless pets frequent the area.  Many thousands of gallons of water can be saved each year when synthetic turf is used around pools versus natural grass.

Looks Good Year Round

Synthetic grass maintains its vibrant green appearance throughout the year, regardless of what season it is.  This ensures that any pool area will always look appealing, inviting, and well-kept regardless of the season or weather.

Soft Surface

Providing a soft and comfortable surface on which to walk, sunbathe, play, or exercise, artificial grass creates a pleasant and safe environment for families and guests to gather around a pool area without having to worry about dried-out grass, stickers, insects, or sunbaked ground.

Heat Reflectivity

Some artificial grass varieties can help reflect some heat rather than absorbing it all internally.  This can be advantageous for pool deck areas where people are typically barefoot and hot surfaces are a touchy subject, literally.

Pest-Free

Nobody likes stepping on a fire ant mound next to a pool with their bare feet.  The same goes for ground-dwelling wasps or bees that can be present in natural grass turf.  There are a host of insects that can sting, pinch, burn, or somehow injure someone if stepped on.  Synthetic turf provides an almost pest-free area that is much safer to walk on.

Dries Quick

When artificial grass has a good drainage system, it dries out quickly.  This allows for the surface to be utilized sooner than natural turf without the risk of slipping or creating a muddy mess.

Design Advantages

Natural grass is susceptible to design challenges, shade, lack of water, too much water, poor maintenance, and so on.  Artificial grass can be put down in any shape or design and has very few design limitations.

Better Drainage

Artificial grass installations can be designed to feature the latest and greatest drainage systems that wick away a lot of water quickly, whereas natural grass areas may take hours or days to completely drain.  Synthetic grass is designed with lots thousands of perforations or holes that allow water to move through the turf at a fast pace so water doesn’t pond or stagnate.

In closing, artificial grass installations can have numerous advantages for pool surrounds that natural grass can’t provide.  From being more durable, better drained, less muddy and slippery, longer lasting, design-friendly, water-saving, less maintenance and soft, artificial grass is worth considering for any turf needs around pools.

Growing grass in a perfect environment can be challenging even during the best of times, but throw in limited space, shade, soil inequality, watering challenges, dense vegetation, abundant foot traffic, compacted soil, maintenance issues, and unique microclimates, and the task just got tougher.   Small yards, by definition, have many of these potential issues, but with fewer resources to deal with them.  Most grass needs plenty of sunshine to thrive, as do most trees and plants.  There are some shade-tolerant grass varieties, but they are either developed for cold weather or warm weather and won’t grow well in the wrong climate zone.  Some can straddle the fence and go a little cooler or warmer but are susceptible to extreme changes either way.

Growing grass in small yards can be difficult for the following reasons:

1. Limited Space: There is only a finite amount of room for grass to grow in a small yard.  The smaller space means more competition between grass, plants, and trees for limited resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and growing space.  When grass is competing for space with trees and bushes, the grass typically loses out with its smaller and shallower root system.  This limited space also means that any damage or stress on the grass such as consistent pet or foot traffic and yard projects have a larger impact on the turf.
2. Shade: Most grass needs at least four hours of direct sunlight each day just to survive, and it needs five to six hours of direct sunshine to thrive.  If grass doesn’t receive this amount of sunlight, photosynthesis may be hard-pressed to happen. Some shade-tolerant grass varieties need less sunshine to survive, but they are cold or warm-weather specialty grasses and many have to be planted by seed.  Numerous possible obstructions work to keep sunlight from reaching the ground in a small yard environment.  These include trees, shrubs, fencing, buildings, utility equipment, play structures, etc.  When sunlight is scarce, grass with stretch toward the light and become thin and weak in doing so.  Any shade can deprive grass of its ability to photosynthesize and grow strong, thus stunting grass growth.  When there is too much shade, the soil is often not fertile enough to support healthy grass.  Therefore, strong grass growth may suffer.
3. Soil: Variations in soil quality, pH, and compaction can occur easily in small yards. Good soil amendments can help, but it can still be an uphill battle. Also, poor soil conditions brought on by nutrient deficiencies or poor drainage can impact the growth of grass.  Fertilizer and good aeration are important for good soil conditions that are conducive to strong grass growth.
4. Water: Small yards may receive more runoff from nearby roofs and structures, making the ground overly moist and attracting grass fungus.  Watering at night can also cause fungal problems for the turf that may not get enough sunlight to evaporate the water quickly enough.  In addition, poor drainage or the overwatering of such a small space can lead to shallow grass roots, which weakens grass over time since the roots can’t grow deep due to the lack of oxygen because the water is filling the air holes in the soil.
5. Foot Traffic: Soil compaction can be a concern with small yards since there is a limited area in which people and pets can walk and play, leading to concentrated foot traffic in areas.  Larger yards don’t have this problem since there is a lot more space for visitors to spread out.  The soil compaction and concentrated damage to the grass in small yards makes it harder to grow in those conditions.
6. Yard Maintenance: Since large lawn equipment is hard to use in small spaces, it may be more challenging to maintain a small yard.  Proper lawn care is essential for a healthy, good-looking yard.
7. Microclimates: Since there can be varying degrees of moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and wind in a small yard setting, it’s important to choose the appropriate grass varieties to increase the chances that grass growth will be successful.

To overcome the challenges listed above and successfully grow grass in a small yard, consideration needs to be given to grass varieties that are perfectly suited to specific conditions in the area to be improved.  Soil amendments, consistent watering, managing foot traffic, careful yard maintenance, and minimizing shade should also be considerations.  If none of this sounds appealing and there is just too much competition from shade, vegetation, foot traffic, lawn equipment restrictions, or poor soil quality, then a good alternative is to install artificial grass instead of enduring all the upkeep needed to grow grass in a small yard.