Its Time to Fake it

People are always very particular about their lawns and for good reason. A back yard is a perfect opportunity to try out new ideas, implement new landscape designs, maybe even start gardening as a hobby. So it is only natural for people to be picky about every single aspect from the design to the type of grass used.

There are literally dozens of innovative ways to design a lush green lawn but artificial grass has moved into the domestic spotlight over the last decade. It was and still is one of the most widely used grasses in sports and has also gained prominence in the residential sector and is now a common addition to many homes.

These benefits are not unfamiliar to people. Low maintenance, low cost, no mowing or cutting, natural green look; these are some of the hallmark features of fake grass. However in today's post we will look beyond that and highlight some of the other reasons why it would be a good idea to invest in artificial grass instead of the natural alternative.

Rooftop Gardens

If your home sports a rooftop garden, then artificial grass would be a great option to consider. In fact in many cases it might be your only option. Rooftop gardens cannot support the weight of a natural lawn and soil. Artificial grass is lighter, easier to install and on top of that, it enhances the look of rooftop gardens.

Barren Areas

While not uncommon, there are some areas where growing grass naturally can prove to be next to impossible. This could be due to a number of reasons ranging from extreme weather and drought conditions to very quality of the soil itself. Such situations are another one of those dead ends, where artificial grass would be the only logical way forward.

Pet Friendly

Fake grass is pet friendly because it is made with environmentally friendly fibers and is easy to clean. Pets can make a lawn messy in no time. Cleaning it can be a daunting task should on natural grass surface. With artificial grass, it is a walk in the park.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

This may not rank in the top ten list for most people when it comes to lawn and landscape design but people who are cautious about being green tend to use artificial grass for their front lawn and back yard. It is made of environment friendly components and its eco-friendly. More and more people opting for this approach in order to make the environment cleaner, safer and healthier.

High Quality

Arguably, the number one reason why fake lawns are so popular is because of its high quality and realistic appearance. In some cases, you can't tell one from the other. For homeowners, this means they get the lush green natural grass look as well as the eco-friendly benefits of the artificial grass, which makes it a no brainer.

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned scenarios then it's time to use fake grass. It is a great investment no doubt and for some people, it's not a matter of choice but rather of logic and reason. The point to take from this post is that no matter what the situation, artificial grass can transform your lawn into a lush green landscape. For more details on this topic, contact Artificial Lawns or browse the complete range online.

How To Look After Your Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is low maintenance; not no maintenance. Whilst it does not require watering or mowing like traditional lawns, there is some upkeep required to make sure it stays in good condition. Just like with any home (or in this case garden) furnishing, you need to care for your artificial lawn on a regular basis so that it lasts longer and proves to be a good investment. A little goes a long way and carrying out just a little light maintenance work once a month can save you a huge job at the end of the year. So let's take a look at how to care for your artificial lawn in a way that keeps it green and lush for longer.

Brush It Off

When artificial lawns are newly laid they have a sand infill that slowly structures the turf. In order to ensure the turf is in optimum condition when it settles, it is important to tend to the lawn regularly over the first 6-8 weeks. All you need to do is lightly brush the grass on a regular basis, but not too forcefully as it could misshape the turf.

After this initial period (6-8 weeks) and for the rest of the lawn's life, you will only ever need to brush the lawn to give it a spruce up. Brushing it just once a month is ideal but make sure you brush it in all different directions so you keep the turf pile bouncy and upright - think fluffy not comb over.

Of course, you will need the best brush for the job and we suggest a medium soft bristle brush which will be gentle but effective on the artificial grass. Although brushing with a soft-bristled brush might seem like light work, it will make a noticeable difference to the appearance and condition of your lawn.

De-Debris Your Lawn

Artificial grass lawns have a membrane backing that, though ideal for letting water run through, minimize the risk of unwanted plants and weeds that grow through normal grass patches. That said, the tenacity of certain weeds and mosses means the odd one may come through anyway so it is best to be prepared and know how to tackle weeds and moss should they appear. Unlike when you weed natural grass, you can't go digging through your artificial grass with a trowel or fork. Instead you have two choices; the first is to focus purely on the cosmetic, taking off the tops of weeds when they show through the grass, without really addressing the root of the problem. Alternatively you could use a moss or weed killer BUT make sure it is a water based solution, so as not to damage the grass. Once the moss and weeds are dead you can simply remove them by hand or brush them off.

Any organic debris like leaves and dead plants should be removed from your artificial lawn as quickly as possible. This is because a build-up of organic matter can damage the lawn's drainage and encourage weed growth. You can collect the debris by hand, with a brush or even using a leaf blower - just make sure you keep on top of it.

Stubborn Stain Removal

The resistant material of an artificial grass lawn means you ought to be able to remove most satins and marks quickly, using hot soapy water (washing up liquid is fine for the job. Tougher oil marks and such can be removed using a cloth and some mineral spirits. If you have to clean up animal mess then make sure it is removed as soon as possible, followed by a wash of the area if needed.

Bonus Tips

·         Try not to use sharp objects on your grass

·         Make sure you keep your chewing gum and adhesives well away from your synthetic lawn

·         Keep motor vehicles off the artificial grass, except for wheelbarrows, bicycles and wheelchairs which are fine on it

·         Don't keep/use sources of heat on the artificial grass (or too near to it). Smoking, bonfires and fireworks are all no-goes and barbecues are best done of safe, solid surfaces like gravel or slabs

·         Watch out for the damage children and pets can do to artificial lawns. Dogs will normally be put off digging in the presence of artificial grass but on the odd occasion they do dig, they run the risk of ripping the underlay. Similarly, if children purposely pick off blades of synthetic grass your lawn will look bald because the grass won't grow back. An artificial lawn is ideal for kids and pets but make sure you pay attention to how they treat it

These are just a few, simple steps to maintaining an artificial lawn so it stays in top condition, for longer. If you have any other queries on how to care for yours or if you would like to discuss the benefits of artificial grass in more detail then get in touch with RC Artificial Grass today - we're always happy to help with any questions or queries you may have!

Forecast: Blue Skies and Green Grass, All Summer Long

Summer is here and that means there are a few unbearably hot days ahead for us. It also means that many of us will end up with a crispy brown topping on our beloved lawns. As much as we associate lush green lawns with lazy summer days, grass doesn't actually fare too well when we get into long periods of double figure temperatures. Summer is edging closer and days get hotter so water usage bans will no doubt come into effect soon, followed swiftly by sorry-looking brown lawns and dustbowl gardens. There is a way you and your garden can fend off the scars of summer though. If you want to keep your garden looking green and tidy, even in the height of the summer heat, then artificial grass can help. Here are a few of the ways an artificial lawn could help you out this summer:

Handle the Water Usage Ban Like a Pro

So, when they eventually impose a water usage ban how will you manage? Easily. Artificial grass is low maintenance and because it doesn't need to be watered, there is no need for constant watering which is great because you can't miss what you don't use. Not only do synthetic lawns eliminate the need to water, they don't turn drown and crispy when we have an extended dry spell which means even if there's a little bit of a drought, you can still enjoy a lush green lawn.

Sunny Days Are No Sweat

As nice as it is to find an excuse for spending hours on end in the sun, the novelty wears off when doing so means you have to slave away mowing the lawn. Luckily for you, artificial grass doesn't actually grow so it doesn't need mowing or trimming. That means you can save time and effort, spending you afternoons enjoying your sunny garden instead of sweating it out and getting it ready for everybody else to enjoy!

Bake Away

An artificial lawn's health and appearance isn't dependent on the weather as natural grass is. So even when the sun is baking and baring down on it all day long, you won't end up with sorry-looking yellow patches or a dried up dustbowl beneath the dead and damaged grass.

Perfect for Al Fresco Parties

One of the best things about summer is how social people can be; long days spent exploring the outdoors together or quiet evenings on the patio with ice cold drinks and fabulous company. Having lots of social gatherings on dry and brittle summer grass can leave you with a worn, patchy lawn if you have natural grass. However, with artificial grass you can have the kids playing in the garden all day, every day and adults partying in it all night long without any serious wear on the lawn itself.

Hassle-free Holidays

Going on holiday often requires some sort of prep to ensure the house is locked up tight, someone is picking up your mail and your pets are taken care of whilst you're away. On top of these preparations, many of you will have to arrange for someone to water and mow your lawn when you're away; this extra hassle isn't necessary though. With artificial grass you can jet off without worrying about the garden. Whether you're going on a last minute weekend break or a three week stint around Europe, you won't come home to a crispy brown lawn or an out of control jungle.

These are just a few of the ways in which artificial grass can help make your summer easier and keep your grass greener - whatever the weather. So if you want a lawn that can stand up to the pressures of showers and heat waves without so much as a flinch, call RC Artificial Grass today and we will be happy to help you find the ideal artificial lawn!     

Artificial Grass Purchasing Checklist

Artificial grass has countless advantages as compared to real grass which seems like a bad deal when compared with artificial grass. It stays green throughout the year, requires little to no maintenance, no mowing and doesn't need any kind of fertilization either. These are just some of the many reasons why artificial grass has gained such so much popularity in such a short amount of time.

When purchasing artificial grass, you need to know exactly what you are looking for in order to refine your search and get the right kind of grass. We have created a checklist of some of the things that you should look for when purchasing artificial grass.

Know What Type of Grass You Want  

There are some types of artificial grass that are completely made from recycled materials such as tires and rubber soles of shoes. If you are an environmental activist and are worried about your carbon foot print then this piece of information would be important for you. Again, it's important to know the different between natural and artificial. The only reason people opt for artificial grass is because they want to avoid natural grass altogether.

Check the Stitching

This is very important because if you get it wrong you could end up with a lawn that would be more of a nuisance than a scenic view. . Fake grass is actually sewn into a mat like surface that is usually made of rubber or latex. Make sure that you check how many stitches the manufacturer has placed in a ten centimeter area to hold the grass firmly to the padding. The more the stitches are, the better the quality and the stronger the artificial grass will be.

The Question Of Long or Short Blades

Blades are another important factor and which ones you get depends entirely on your usage. If you are simply purchasing the artificial grass for your lawn or backyard then the length of the grass blade does not really matter as you know that you have to get the one that has short blades. If you will be using it for sports purposes, then you need to know the precise length required of the artificial grass.

Factor in Maintenance

One of the primary benefits of artificial grass is low maintenance. However, there are further level of low maintenance when it comes to fake grass. There are some kinds that require a special kind of cleaning on an annual or half yearly basis, ideal for those who are really limited on time. However before you make the purchase do inquire about the cost of this cleaning and whether it is feasible for you or not. Low maintenance may not always mean low cost. Find that out beforehand.

Always opt for high quality brands as they are likely to provide you with the best products at the best prices possible. Take your due time in inspecting the grass before making a final decision so that you do not regret it later on. 

Artificial Grass Purchase List

Artificial grass has countless advantages as compared to real grass which seems like a bad deal when compared with artificial grass. It stays green throughout the year, requires little to no maintenance, no mowing and doesn't need any kind of fertilization either. These are just some of the many reasons why artificial grass has gained such so much popularity in such a short amount of time.

When purchasing artificial grass, you need to know exactly what you are looking for in order to refine your search and get the right kind of grass. We have created a checklist of some of the things that you should look for when purchasing artificial grass.

Know What Type of Grass You Want  

There are some types of artificial grass that are completely made from recycled materials such as tires and rubber soles of shoes. If you are an environmental activist and are worried about your carbon foot print then this piece of information would be important for you. Again, it's important to know the different between natural and artificial. The only reason people opt for artificial grass is because they want to avoid natural grass altogether.

Check the Stitching

This is very important because if you get it wrong you could end up with a lawn that would be more of a nuisance than a scenic view. Fake grass is actually sewn into a mat like surface that is usually made of rubber or latex. Make sure that you check how many stitches the manufacturer has placed in a ten centimeter area to hold the grass firmly to the padding. The more the stitches are, the better the quality and the stronger the artificial grass will be.

The Question Of Long or Short Blades

Blades are another important factor and which ones you get depends entirely on your usage. If you are simply purchasing the artificial grass for your lawn or backyard then the length of the grass blade does not really matter as you know that you have to get the one that has short blades. If you will be using it for sports purposes, then you need to know the precise length required of the artificial grass.

Factor in Maintenance

One of the primary benefits of artificial grass is low maintenance. However, there are further level of low maintenance when it comes to fake grass. There are some kinds that require a special kind of cleaning on an annual or half yearly basis, ideal for those who are really limited on time. However before you make the purchase do inquire about the cost of this cleaning and whether it is feasible for you or not. Low maintenance may not always mean low cost. Find that out beforehand.

Always opt for high quality brands as they are likely to provide you with the best products at the best prices possible. Take your due time in inspecting the grass before making a final decision so that you do not regret it later on. 

Choosing The Right Grass

When it comes to choosing the right grass you have to take some things into consideration.

The first thing that many people consider is the cost of grass and which option will be cost-effective. The two main options of grass are normal ‘real' grass and the other is the increasingly more popular, artificial grass. The cost of artificial grass might be more expensive than ‘real' grass in the outset but it more than makes its money back.

When considering maintenance, artificial grass takes a lot less upkeep than normal grass in the sense that it does not need to be cut, it doesn't change color and saves money on buying gardening tools to preserve it.

So, for many people artificial grass is the right grass. It can be installed virtually anywhere within the home, whether it is your front garden, your rear garden or even in your home or office. It can be selectively measured to fit any space and with professional installation it will fit perfectly.

Fake grass for lawns is the best option for those people who just simply do not have enough time to do the continual maintenance that comes with real grass. It is also the best option for those people that struggle to keep their garden green all year round. So for most people, it is the best option entirely.

Contact RC Artificial Grass for more information by clicking HERE.

The Benifit Of a Fake Lawn in Los Angeles

Everyone loves a luscious green lawn that adds beauty to almost any garden but sadly not everyone has the time and effort to put hours into cultivating their lawn to make it look as gorgeous as they would perhaps like.

This is why people all over the Los Angles are looking to fake grass lawns to gain the luscious green lawns that they dream of.

You may find that a fake grass lawn costs a lot as an initial investment, but the time and money you will save through mowing the lawn, watering the lawn, feeding the lawn and the cost of products to improve and maintain your ‘normal' lawn soon add up. Although, minimal maintenance is required with an artificial lawn.

The most obvious use for fake grass is to be used in place of a lawn but it can also be used as flooring in a dogs kennel or a good ground that can be easily cleaned in a run for a dog or any other pet.
Some people choose fake grass lawns to carpet a patio area, to eliminate a dirt patch and the subsequent dust or by a pool patio.

Fake grass is great for a pool patio as it is not real grass that will stick to feet and get into the swimming pool and it will also not be as slippery as a plain surface that can become dangerously slippery when wet. If you are considering upgrading your lawn why not speak to an artificial lawn expert and see what they recommend for your home.