Ten Things you need to know about Artificial Grass

1. What is Artificial Grass Made from
Through years of research and development, artificial grass has been modified and transformed into what we now know as “third generation” grass. With constant evolution, artificial or synthetic grass as it also known has become the high quality material we know today.
In most cases the actual green blade of artificial grass is comprised of a polyethylene material, a common form of plastic that can be found in items such as bottles and plastic bags. The polyethylene comes in a solid pellet form and is heated down along with any colour tones and UV resistant additives. The thatch layer of artificial grass is made from a polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon material. The thatch layer provides the turf with an added layer of support and blade recovery.
Artificial grass blades are inserted into the backing in rows through a tufting machine, which is basically a huge sewing machine with hundreds of needles. This machine gives the grass blades and thatch a more secure hold which also increases the turf’s life and durability.
2. What is the history of Artificial Grass
Artificial Grass began as a part of a solution to help improve inner city youth’s physical fitness in the 1950’s, and has blossomed into an entire commercial industry.
The first large synthetic grass installation took place in 1964 at a school in Providence, Rhode Island, in the USA – The grass was referred to as “Chemgrass.”
In 1966 the Major League Baseball Team the Houston Astros installed Chemgrass at their Houston’s Astrodome stadium, which was in need of a consistent playing field as environmental conditions did not permit a decent atmosphere for natural grass growth installed. Chemgrass became officially known as “Astroturf”.
Artificial turf became a surface success that continued to climb slowly but surely through the 1970’s with sports arenas throughout the United States, Canada and also within the United Kingdom.
Fast forward to the middle of the 1990’s to third generation artificial turf which featured a much softer polyethylene blade fibre. This turf is what you will find on any residential, commercial or sports landscape today. The third generation synthetic grass also features longer fibres spaced farther apart as well as a “thatch,” or dead grass yarn positioned between the grass blades and the backing.
After many product modifications, second and third generation artificial grass became a staple for FIFA at the 2010 World Cup Games in South Africa. In addition to taking root on the lawns of homeowners in the United Kingdom.
3. “Thatch” Revolution – the making of Artificial Grass
Invented about nine years ago, an artificial grass thatch layer was added to the grass that ultimately revolutionised a landscape’s look and feel. Made from polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon, the thatch layer helps with grass blade recovery while the brown, green or tan colour tones break up the look of the artificial grass to give it a much more natural look.
4. How Artificial Grass helps the environment
  • Water Conservation: Research tells us one square foot of artificial  grass can save up to 55 gallons of water in one year.
  • Pesticides:It may rid your plants and grass of annoying bugs, weeds and other overgrowth, however, pesticide chemicals have proven harmful side-effects that not only hide in your lawn but eventually seep into your local water table. 
  • Carbon Emissions:Petrol-powered gardening equipment like lawnmowers can represent nearly 5 per cent of air pollution in the UK. An artificial lawn requires minimal upkeep and therefore would eliminate the need for these items.
An artificial lawn not only benefits the end user, it has multiple environmental advantages. By eliminating water and chemical waste as well as reducing carbon emissions, artificial turf can be the solution to many on-going environmental problems.

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5. Cleaning your artificial grass – Whens its needed and how to do it
Now that you’ve forgone the lawn mower and have opted for artificial turf, maintaining your lawn, putting green or commercial property can be efficient and easy. We’ve broken it down for you into several easy ways you might consider when cleaning your beautiful evergreen lawn.
Here are a few guide lines for cleaning your synthetic grass landscape:
  • Although debris can often make your lawn appear that much more natural, you will need to rake the lawn as you would a normal grass lawn to clear away any debris’ decomposition. A carpet rake or a leaf blower are great tools for this type of clean up! Depending on your location, a simple weekly cleaning should do the trick!
  • There may be certain areas of your landscape that might not stand as tall due to extra foot traffic. Simply use a broom or a brush and brush against the natural grain to help each blade stand up.
6. How to clean up after your pets
If you have a synthetic grass lawn that is frequently used by your furry friends, some special attention is required once they “do their business.” Here are a few turf cleaning tips that will make you and your pet happy and your turf last longer and smell fresh:
  • If your pet’s waste is solid: After the waste dries, remove as you would normal grass, then rinse. If the waste is loose, remove and spot treat with the appropriate disinfecting cleaner, such as any enzyme cleaner, distilled Turf Fresh or vinegar.
  • If your pet’s waste is liquid:Although liquid waste will be more difficult to locate on your turf, it is best to assume your animal is using the entire area. Attached the sprinkler setting to any hose nozzle will allows the water to be evenly distributed through the entire turf system (turf, infill, backing and base materials).
What to avoid when cleaning up after your pet:
  • Harsh acids
  • Cleaners containing alcohol
  • Pressurised water
By avoiding these items, you can preserve your turf so it will last longer!
7. Its not just used on lawns
Artificial grass continues to become more than a commodity for home owners and commercial property owners across the nation. It’s a great way to conserve water, prevent harmful chemicals from entering our natural resources and saves thousands of pounds over time. However, synthetic grass has not only become common place for landscapes.
Creative thinkers have taken this product to a whole new level by introducing fake grass to places where regular grass cannot otherwise take root.
  • Rooftop Gardens:The world doesn’t have to be grey, brown or black on top of your roof! Cities like London and Birmingham have adopted the “rooftop garden” as a way to incorporate eco-friendly designs to the otherwise monotone sky scapes.
  • Household items:From puppy pads to pillows, artificial grass can be found on all types of home items. Companies adopt the green look for their sandals, porch rugs and other indoor/outdoor furniture.
  • Walls: Artificial grass is not just for your landscape! The wide world of Pinterest showcases areas such as outdoor wall scapes, patios, even bedroom headboards that are synthetic grass..

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8. Why choose artificial grass for your lawn
  1. Low maintenance: Once it’s installed, artificial turf requires very little mowing or watering.
  2. No need for a lawnmower: Lawnmowers become costly, need repair and make up five percent of the country’s air pollution.
  3. No fertilisers or weed killers: Artificial turf will only require certain types of infill to help the blades stand tall.
  4. Environmentally friendly: Not only does synthetic grass help air quality by eliminating gardening equipment, it also saves a ton of water, in both quality and quantity.
  5. You can forget about spending hours pulling weeds!
  6. Long lasting: Artificial grass can last up to 25 years before needing to replace it. Most synthetic turf products are built with the latest synthetic turf technology are designed to withstand high amounts of foot traffic and all types of weather conditions.
  7. Superior Drainage: Unlike natural grass, synthetic grass drains at a higher right and will not accrue mud or pot holes. It will also dry faster and provide more outdoor time for fun activities or sport team practice.
  8. Strong and durable: Most artificial turf blades are tufted into the polyurethane backing and each individual blade is designed to handle large amounts of foot traffic. Feel free to play all kinds of activities on your synthetic grass.
  9. Looks beautiful: Artificial grass always appears perfectly groomed and remains green year round.
  10. Saves Time: Instead of spending the weekends manicuring the lawn, you can spend more time relaxing in your garden.
9. Paving, walkways, driveways – what to consider

Installing Artificial turf in between pavers and other hardscape can create a beautiful visual symmetry to your landscape. Synthetic turf and pavers can not only brighten up an otherwise standard hardscape, it can also create a beautiful design aspect to your lawn or commercial property. Here are a few things to consider when “turfing” around pavers and hardscape:

  1. The turf must go the same grain direction: Similar to installing wood, artificial grass also follows a grain direction so the look remains consistent.
  2. User good quality turf: A thicker face weight will allow extra wear and tear on your hardscape. For example, when you install synthetic grass between concrete pavers on a driveway, a pro turf will allow more foot and car traffic and will have a faster recovery time.
10. Artificial Grass – its not just Green

Artificial Grass doesn’t just have to be green…it can be pink, blue, black, tan or brown! A turf’s colour tone is often incorporated in pellet form with the polyethylene base pellets. The two are melted together and then extruded into faux grass. People are becoming more creative with incorporating colour turf into certain landscapes, playgrounds or poolside ground cover. Whatever the creative fancy, colour turf can add a vibrant touch to any application or product.