Now that you have made a choice to use sod, I shake you warmly by the hand. You have joined the ranks of people who are smart and shake their fist at the slowness of seeds. You want your lawn and you want it now, for crying out loud! And by Thor’s hammer, here’s your bill! I see by the terror in your eyes that you did not expect sod price to reach these heights. Well fear not, here is a list of tips to help you cope and cut corners when the sod comes.
1. Do not hire people to lay sod for you—you can do it yourself. I suggest researching the topic of installing the sod and maybe practicing on dark nights where no one will think it suspicious that you are cursing the ground for not being immediately sod friendly. Additional tip: ask friends and family to help you. It is cheaper than hiring professionals as you will only have to feed them pizza and also, when something goes wrong with the process, you can blame someone for it instead of lamenting about sod prices on your own. No self-hatred tonight! Woohoo!
2. Here’s a little secret that you might’ve wanted to know before going ahead and ordering that sod—you can actually lessen the sod price by going to the sod farm yourself and cutting out the middle man. I mean what were you thinking man? Calling that garden centre and ordering. Sod. From. Them. Did you learn nothing in college or you years being the middle child? Did you forget how smoothly you brothers began to wrestle down the stairs without you blocking their way and weeping about brotherhood? Cutting the middle man—it is a phrase for a reason.
3. This isn’t actually a cheap sod tip but I hope it will make you feel better about paying the sod price in full. Planting sod makes for great erosion control. Yes, I’m not kidding just to make you feel better. Yes, I do have an explanation if you’d just let me finish. The sod creates a roof of sorts that can protect your erosion prone property from direct rainfall. Isn’t that just the sweetest? It makes me think of that famous saying, “ask not what your sod can do for you, and ask yourself what you can do for your sod.” Or was it “sod—the gift that keeps on giving”? I forget.
That’s it—my way helpful, friendly tips on cutting corners with sod. Now, don’t feel bad—i can assure you, the sod price is truly worth a good immediate lawn. And while i must leave you with your head shaking in disbelief, i will leave with the hope that you find true friends who will lay your sod for/with you.
In natural grass or garden turf maintenance, there are three primary requirements – mow, water and fertilizer.
The first task in proper turf or lawn maintenance is all about mowing. The reason is quite simple – grasses grow tall and big. Nobody would like to play on a turf-covered ground wherein the grass is high enough to hide the tennis ball. Homeowners would not like to see their garden with overgrown grass because it metaphorically screams negligence.
Adequate irrigation is required to supplement the watering needs of lawn in case of insufficient rainfall during seasonal changes. In areas where limited water supply is a common problem, it has become mandatory for garden turf owners to conserve as much as necessary. The rising cost of water bills is also a driving factor to minimal watering and the frequency is on-necessary basis.
Fertilizer is the last step to complete the cycle of turf maintenance. These chemicals, either made out of natural by-products or manufactured by other means are applied to the soil. Growing grass tends to absorb all the nutrients in the soil to sustain their growth and over time, these nourishments are depleted. Thru fertilizer, the nutrients level goes up again.
All of these steps are essentially wiped out by the introduction of synthetic garden turfs. Synthetic or artificial turfs are the modern alternative for natural grass. These products have gained popularity because of the environmental remedies it presents such as water conservation, less harmful chemicals in the soil or ground and safer playing surfaces.
Across the globe, many countries have adapted synthetic garden turfs in their residential homes and commercial establishments. Synthetic grass also imitates the behavior and appearance of natural grass that one cannot completely distinguish one from the other by simply looking and touching.
Synthetic grass does not grow, eliminating the need for a mower and the associated labor cost of hiring a gardener or caretaker. Synthetic garden turf does not require watering, thereby minimizing the utility cost and maximizing the environmental benefit of water preservation. Synthetic grass does not absorb soil nutrients and as such, no need for application which translates to less cost in the garden turf owner.
Upon artificial turf installation, the only maintenance equipment one may need is a handy broom and a small scalpel. Cleaning of garden turf, at least on a weekly basis through broom brushing is important to maintain the look and feel of these plastic products. Owners should not let dirt and dust settle down onto the base of the turf to prevent the tufts from sticking together. In case that the synthetic turf has an infill material, brushing will also distribute these materials evenly.
The scalpel is important to remove sticky chewing gums or any debris that may be attached to the garden turf assembly. If left untreated or unmaintained, these gums may become a potential source of plastic deterioration which could entail replacement of affected turf patch.
The maintenance advantages of artificial garden turf certainly have an edge over the natural ones. In case that garden owners would like to know more about synthetic turf materials, it is best to consult the manufacturers or the local hardware turf supplier.
Sports turf is a dense grass that covers the playing field for protection of the players themselves as well as to keep the area good-looking. These are either natural growing grass or synthetic in nature.
Natural grass on sports stadium minimizes the occurrences of skin injuries such as abrasion on the players. It also protects the soil or ground by keeping it intact and tight. Heavy foot traffic on uncovered ground has the tendency to lose the top soil in the process, making the whole area uneven and unleveled. This in turn can lead to incidents or accidents by tripping onto the lumpy or shallow areas. This may then result to physical injuries such as twisted ankles and even to broken bones. Just imagine players under vigorous running activities and they suddenly lose their balance just because of unleveled ground. Exposed soil is also vulnerable to heavy wind and rains. Nobody would like to play in the mud or to dusty grounds which is catastrophic for a sports facility owner.
Synthetic sports turf, on the other hand, is manufactured grass using plastic or nylon fibers. These are designed and shaped to imitate that of the real grass. The tufts are attached to a backing fabric which in turn is stapled or nailed to the ground.
During the early production of synthetic sports turf, it was a common complaint by the players that the plastic grass are abrasive than the natural soft ones. It also does not conform to the shape of the object when stepped into such that it also sometimes hurts the exposed skin of the players. It as also found that on very hot weather, the synthetic sports turf are also way hotter than the traditional grass that thrives on water.
- Figure 1: Installation of Synthetic Sports Turf in a exposed playing field
To address these, some synthetic grass manufacturers does not only make products that imitate the natural ones but also to behave like one. The raw materials used undergo different processes to make it much softer than it used to be. An infill material was also discovered to create the effect of “cushion” as provided by the natural grass. These infill materials are sowed deep in the sports turf. Examples of infill materials are silica sand and rubber pellets.
Sports stadium that has shifted from traditional grass to synthetic ones are football fields, baseball fields and soccer fields. Some tennis courts and golf areas have also undergone transition to artificial turf.
Low maintenance was the primary factor in consideration of these sports facilities. Unlike the natural grass, synthetic or artificial sports turf does not require watering in order to achieve its green and luscious look. It also does not require constant mowing, thereby eliminating the need for maintenance personnel such as gardeners or mowers. It also does not need pesticides or fertilizers but prior to installation, one may need to have a weed killer to be applied on the area. The weed killer eliminates the possibility of weeds growing underneath the blanket of synthetic grass.
The price per square foot of an artificial grass is also a lot cheaper and wholesale or bulk buying may also tend to even lower the prevailing market price. Installation is also relatively easy as it is only a one-time endeavor.
Most of the synthetic sports turf will last for more than five years, especially when carefully monitored for normal wear and tear. Some companies also offer replacement warranties.
People are forever going on about how expensive things are these days, what with the price of oil going up and whatnot, but they rarely stop whining to think and ask themselves why it all cost so much. Sure, it’s not fair to say that people have no right to complain but they do need to verify reasons as to why these things cost so much. In the landscaping business, it is almost always sod that takes a bad rap, so I have taken it upon myself to enumerate the reasons why the price of sod is so high.
On the average, sod is grown for 2 years. That is 730 days of daily care and cultivation. Sod farmers need o be extra vigilant to the needs of the grass they are growing because their sales depend on it. Even if we don’t figure in the equipment they use, the price of sod should still be higher than seed because this is basically grass that other people have grown for you. It takes an intense growing out period for grass to develop well and the manpower that it demands is well worth what you pay them.
For quality sod to fully mature, constant irrigation is a necessity. Irrigation is, of course, the simulated application of water to soil and it is a vital part in any crop growing business. It protects plants against frost, prevents the soil from bunching up, acts as a drainage system, and restrains dust—all important facets in terms of agricultural quality. When you pay the price of sod, you pay for the quality that comes with it.
2 years of obsessively fighting weeds and pests is not an easy job. So is mowing the grass to an even layer and making sure that it stays healthy despite the effects of the pesticides that they need to use. The right blends of fertilizers also have to be taken into account. It is a funny world we live in when you can have the option of buying grass that is fully grown, and have it shipped and installed in your home and yet, you still think you’re being cheated on the price of sod.
It would also be essential to think of the benefits that you would get when you choose to purchase sod—weed control for your garden, erosion regulator for your soil, and an aesthetically pleasing lawn that took only a few hours to plant and will only take a couple of weeks to be fully capable of withstanding traffic. There’s an equivalent value for the benefits of the products that we feel will make our life easier, and sod is no different. When you pay the price of sod, you pay for the quality and labour that went into it. You pay for all the problems that you will never have. You pay for that sigh of relief when your neighbour’s experience a weed outbreak and you don’t. All that just for the price of sod.
The sport of Lacrosse considers three main things when it comes to their playing field namely durability, playability, and safety, which are the reasons behind their choice of synthetic grass surfaces. In the Lacrosse community, over 400 organizations are beginning to favor artificial turf surfaces over natural grass and things are really looking up for artificial grass when it comes to this high impact sport. There are a number of prestigious colleges and universities that have begun installing artificial grass replacing the natural grass in their playing fields proving how synthetic grass surfaces are more capable of withstanding intense play. Not only do these teams play on synthetic grass surfaces but they also train on them.
What Lacrosse needs is a stable and leveled field space considering that it is known as one of the fastest sports played on two feet. Other kinds of heavy duty equipment are also used in this sport and thesynthetic grass surfaces are better in holding up against the wear and tear from these. Compared with natural grass, artificial grass is much stronger making it able to remain flawless throughout the entire season of the sport. Not only does it provide the best possible firmness for this sport but it also allows for better traction for the players’ maneuverability.
What fake grass grounds offer include superior cushioning, shock impact, and comfort considering that the foundation for artificial grass usually involves an infill consisting of sand, crushed rubber, and silica. Because of this, serious injuries from high impact are prevented. A smooth and leveled surface also comes with artificial grass and this makes the ball roll better during play. Aside from having fluid play, consistency and speed are also satisfied by synthetic grass surfaces making it the best material for Lacrosse fields.
Even if synthetic grass surfaces are more expensive to purchase than natural grass, in the long run its durability leads to cost efficiency. It requires minimal maintenance practices and seldom needs watering and so it is relatively cheaper to preserve than natural grass fields. Maintaining synthetic grass surfaces involves brushing off surface debris and sweeping the artificial grass once in a while to maintain its quality. Because it needs minimal watering, the field is prevented from being water logged and what this does is prevent the development of bacterial spores.
The great thing about artificial grass surfaces is that it has its own way of diffusing water and draining itself of any other liquids like rain. Artificial grass is better in withstanding weather transitions as compared to natural grass and this allows it to be used for extensive training and play keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. Considering how it is able to drain liquids, artificial grass is great to use during games played in the rain and unlike natural grass it can always maintain its lush and green appearance.
For a high speed and high impact sport like Lacrosse, synthetic grass surfaces are the ideal options because of the benefits it can offer that cannot be matched by natural grass fields. It offers durability and cost effectiveness that can only come with artificial grass. Many institutions have already installed synthetic grass surfaces in their playing fields and many more are converting their natural lawns to make use of artificial turf. Much sooner than later, we will probably be seeing a hundred percent artificial grass fields for sporting events like Lacrosse.
A turf is defined as a thick growth of grass that covers a surface. Natural grass tends to grow in soils given enough water and sunlight. In time, and if without outside interference, these grasses will cover up all the available space. Some may find a use for it such as plants normally prevent soil erosion and green scenery is always a sight to behold. However, some find that maintenance of grass or turf, can be money and time-consuming.
Natural turf requires constant trimming, regular fertilizers and pesticides application, adequate watering and exposure to sunlight. While natural grass tends to provide cushion between the feet and the solid ground, some people find that another alternative must be developed in lieu of natural turf. Thus came about synthetic turf or manufactured grass.
Synthetic turf is also known by other names such as artificial grass and fake turf. These are manufactured plastic that is formed and shaped like that of the needle-like appearance of natural grass.
There are a lot of applications before for natural grasses that are slowly replaced by artificial turf such as playing fields and residential lawns. Synthetic turf alone comes cheap in price power. However, there are a lot of auxiliary items that goes with synthetic turf application such as seaming tapes, infill and base materials and staples or nails. The price also depends on the quality such as color, specification type and UV protection.
A synthetic turf has a variety of uses, and with each type of usage comes a specific requirement level.
Synthetic turf boasts of minimal maintenance cost. This is true when compared to traditional ones since synthetic maintain their appearance well and in long spans of time. The utility bills go down, the use of harmful pesticides is limited and the need for gardeners and lawn caretakers decreases. As such, the return of investment upon synthetic turf purchase is realized earlier than anticipated.
When sports authorities have begun shifting to synthetic turfs, several complaints were heard. Some say that the synthetic turf does not provide as much comfort during contact compared to natural ones, thereby increasing the risk of abrasion injuries. To meet the rigorous requirement of sports players, manufacturers continuously improved their products. This led to developing more natural-like synthetic fibers. An infill material such as rubber crumbs and sand also makes the overall texture to become soft and flexible.
Synthetic turf can also be installed even to areas previously restricted due to environmental and impracticality reasons.
The long life span of durability and aesthetics of synthetic turf makes it more appreciable than traditional grass. Some synthetic grass, with proper drainage and use may reach as long as thirty years. However, in case of severe deterioration and wear, one can easily replace the damaged part.
Natural grass tends to follow the weather season. During hot seasons, there is very little water stored in the ground which makes the grasses all dried up. During wet seasons, you will see that the same place is full of vibrant green. For some who requires that continuous green patch is available all year round then synthetic grass is definitely the right choice.
It all boils down to the requirement and preference of the users in choosing which kind of grass to place in the area.
Most garden enthusiasts would agree that green grass is the foundation of every beautiful garden. No garden would be complete without that green soft carpet of nature. Today however, green grass can either be authentic turf or synthetic lawn. Turf wars have been widespread making consumers take sides on which one is really better. How do you decide which is the better option or the one most fitting? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of each type of grass to aid you in making an informed choice.
When you’ve actually had the chance to roll over a field of authentic grass or just rest on it under a shade, nothing will ever come close to what is real just as nature has intended. Since real grass is a living thing, its ultimate advantage is that it has the ability to absorb and transform carbon dioxide into oxygen. This natural process gives authentic grass an inherent ability to detoxify and cool its surroundings organically. Real grass is the ideal surface as compared to artificial grass for it offers a cool and comfy playground, which doubles as protective insulation for accidents. Another advantage is that when it rains, natural grass as the ability to absorb water preventing floods or water overflow in gardens. Also, real grass holds the soil together making it stable and it prevents possible soil erosion. When matched with synthetic lawn, its installation cost is less pricey. When authentic turf is taken care of well, it may just be nature’s perfect green surface.
The down part of having a natural lawn is that it needs an intricate up-keeping routine. It requires to be watered to maintain their green hue and to look healthy. It makes use of about a gallon of water per square meter of lawn, which can accumulate to up to millions of gallons of water a year worldwide. Real grass will turn brown if not watered especially during dry climate. It also demands repeated trimming, fertilizing, weeding, and aerating among many others. The maintenance cost can collectively become very expensive as compared to synthetic turf. Also another disadvantage is that products used to maintain the lawn can actually pollute the environment except if you take the initiative to utilize environment-friendly and organic products.
The main selling point of synthetic lawn is that it boasts an almost maintenance-free grass that does not have to be watered, fertilized or trimmed ever! Very minimal work is required to keep it clean with simple occasional raking, vacuuming, and sanitizing. This can virtually cut your costs by a lot even when installation costs are included in the computation as compared to costs accumulated by maintaining a natural lawn. No chemical fertilizers and artificial maintenance products translate to a healthy and safe environment for everyone. With no time wasted in doing lawn upkeep, most of your time can be spent enjoying the outdoors. Because synthetic grass provides a flat, non bumpy surface that promotes safety, it is just right for kids playing outdoors. With constant use, artificial turf is so resilient that it does not wear out for a long time. Even during summer, it won’t look any less spectacular because it stays green all year long.
One of the cons of synthetic lawn is that its manufacturing process requires so energy use that tons of carbon dioxide are emitted thereby polluting the environment immensely. Another downside is that installations costs are very pricey and although it lasts for several years, eventual replacement is needed translating to more expenses and even added environmental garbage. Although synthetic lawn does not turn brown during the summer, it does tend to store heat making it uncomfortable to use. Also, some flooding has been reported for earlier versions that do not have ample drainage.
Every garden is a work of beauty. It depends on you, the garden owner, whether you would choose to have authentic grass or a synthetic lawn. It is up to your discerning abilities with the presented pros and cons of each which one is perfect for your garden. Ultimately, it’s the consumers who decide who will win the turf wars.
Yes, there are a number of benefits to gain from synthetic turf grass from conserved water to saved money to saved time not to mention safety and maintenance ease. However, the ultimate question remains for those who are considering to replace their natural g rass lawns, which is are they ready to give up the smell of fresh grass for this easy to maintain and cost effective option that is artificial turf grass. Some may be willing to forego the scent of fresh grass in the morning for this efficient synthetic turf grass considering that this option provides more benefits than the natural variety in the long run.
Nowadays, people go for what is convenient because we are living in a fast paced world. Whatever is convenient has leverage over those which need time and much effort. This is probably why synthetic turf grass is the favored option for most homeowners. Other than having artificial turf grass look and feel like the real thing, it needs no constant watering which saves you money in monthly water bills. In addition, you need not mow this plastic grass which saves you so much time. And another factor that adds to its cost efficiency and money saving advantage is that you need not use any pesticides or fertilizers to maintain your synthetic turf grass.
The most you need to do is brush off the debris once a week and probably water it down occasionally considering that you have children and animals in your home. This is how you clean synthetic turf grass as plain and simple as that. You can finish cleaning your artificial turf grass in as fast as you can say unnatural turf grass!
There are various monetary incentives apart from long term savings that come with synthetic turf grass. In some areas, government bodies even offer tax rebates if you remove portions of your natural grass lawn and this is part of the green movement as there are more eco-friendly elements that can be associated with synthetic turf grass as compared to natural grass.
The elimination of pesticide and chemical use is one of these eco-friendly factors that make synthetic turf grassultimately greener than natural grass. Most people fail to recognize the fact that these harmful chemicals can seep into the underground water sources that in turn merges with oceans and other bodies of water extending the harm it can cause from the yard to the open seas.
Artificial lawn grass eliminates the need for such chemicals as there is no need to apply anything but water to make your synthetic turf grass look great for the entire year. There is also no need for mowing which lessens the gas emissions into the environment from motorized lawnmowers. You save time and save the environment at the same time and you get a fantastic looking grass lawn to boot! With the use of synthetic turf grass comes the saying that no good deed goes unrewarded.
Still, you cannot do anything about those people who find this unnatural turf grass somewhat insulting or a violation against nature. Oftentimes, these people compare synthetic turf grass to Velcro on lawns and there are also some areas that have banned the use of this artificial turf grass amidst the benefits it clearly provides both people and the environment. Sad but true.
Well, the debate goes on but whatever the result is, clearly synthetic turf grass has made itself and its benefits known to man and hopefully the skeptics will not be afraid to try this amazing product for themselves and see how well of a job it can do.
Are you a parent perpetually worried that your kids will have an injury while playing in the playground? Do you feel like you need to be a hawk with your eyes forever watching them at play? Feel like your toddler or preschooler will just come crying after a fall in the playground? Don’t worry because these are common concerns of a loving parent. However, you need not fret anymore because technology has found you the perfect playing surface for you kids.
After years and years of searching for that perfect playing surface for kids, playgrounds all over the world are now covered with a guaranteed safe, definitely durable, and extremely low maintenance synthetic turf created especially for playgrounds. This special kind of artificial grass is a product of research for that fitting material that would provide kids safety and comfort while playing. This synthetic turf for playgrounds are built with a thick rubber padding that comes with inherent shock absorbing properties thereby easily preventing injuries during falls or accidents.
Gone are the days when kids come crying after going over the slide bruising a knee or injuring an elbow after falling from the monkey bars. Another important feature of this playground fake turf is its velvety and nonabrasive top surface that will never scratch your kids’ supple skin. Never again will toddlers have scrapes after falling on the see-saw. Because synthetic turffor playgrounds have a super flat surface, children will never accidentally trip unlike on a regular playground with grass bumps and little hills. Overall,fake grass for playgrounds and playpens provide total safety, protection, and comfort for kids of all ages freeing their parents from being on the lookout all the time during playtime.
This synthetic turf for playgrounds is also perfect for easy clean-up after playtime. Whether kids brought ice cream, cookies, chips, water, juice, or milk for playtime, which no doubt will leave their trail on the playground, fake grass is instantly cleaned with just a fast hose down with water. The built in holes for drainage in the synthetic turfensures that all the mess will just be washed off the surface. In cases in which “accidents” may happen because kids will always be kids where vomit, urine or poop may unintentionally be released on the play surface, artificial grass is effortlessly cleaned with any regular household cleaner and water.
Solid “accidents” can easily be picked up and scrubbed clean while liquid “accidents” can be hosed down then scrubbed clean. There is no need to worry because synthetic turffor playground has a special antibacterial coating where bacteria will not adhere to the surface thereby germs will not spread unnecessarily. Kids will no longer get sick from playing on a dirty playground. This revolutionized play surface may just be heaven sent as the huge mess regularly left by kids after playing easily disappears with very little effort.
Synthetic turf for playgrounds is the ultimate play surface as kids can play in lush greenery all throughout the year without having to worry about rough play causing damage to the grass. It stays green any time of the year! Artificial grass is created for the wear and tear brought about by active play by children in their young age. It is definitely durable and will last years of play without being worn out. Whether indoor or outdoor, nothing beats synthetic turfas the perfect play surface for kids.
Nowadays, synthetic lawn grass is becoming highly popular not only for homeowners but in sports fields as well. There is such a rage over artificial lawn grass that it makes you wonder why people are beginning to favor it over natural grass. Those who produce synthetic lawn grass today have redesigned it to look like the real thing and so apart from how it looks and how it feels there are still a number of differences that can be seen when you compare fake lawn grass with natural grass.
First and foremost, when it comes to natural grass, to maintain it you will need everything from chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides to name a few. Other than exposing yourself to these harmful agents, you will also be spending a great amount of time tending to the grass. This is where synthetic lawn grass becomes the better option especially if you have children and pets at home because agents like these can cause injury through poisoning. It is possible for these agents to seep into the water source that migrates with the oceans as well. In terms of being eco-friendly, the point goes to artificial lawn grass.
There are some people who may be skeptical when it comes to choosing fake lawn grass over the natural kind. Well, here is another reason why synthetic lawn grass is the better option. Natural grass often cannot withstand the elements and weather changes from extreme drought to rainfall can destroy your lawn in an instant. You end up with dry patches of brown or yellowish grass or you can end up with no leftover grass. The beauty in synthetic lawn grass is that it can last you for years. Even in the harshest of weather conditions, artificial lawn turf will be able to keep its lush green appearance. Your lawn will be fantastic the entire year round.
Time is another issue with natural grass for you need to have a regular mowing schedule as part of the maintenance regimen of your lawn apart from the chemical treatments but with synthetic lawn grass you may need to water it down once in a while if you have children and pets but the most it will demand is the occasional brushing off of debris.
In sports, synthetic lawn grass can provide athletes with a safer field to train and play and this is because natural grass does not come leveled and in sports the smallest of stubbles can cause a great deal of injury making artificial lawn grass the better choice. With fake lawn grass, you get a compacted and leveled field free from dips, mounds, bumps, and holes. You can prevent a lot of twisted ankles this way.
The cost or price is where natural grass ha the initial edge because it is cheaper to purchase natural grass than synthetic lawn grass but in the long run you will be able to save more money if your home has an installation of artificial lawn grass. This goes back to the maintenance regimen that natural grass demands. It needs to be mowed, watered, and constantly doused with pesticides and other chemicals plus fertilizers on top of everything. All of these will eventually add up and with the minimal care necessary for synthetic lawn grass you can really save a lot of money that you can use for a rainy day instead of shelling them out for your lawn.
So, do consider synthetic lawn grass because you can gain a lot from it. From being child and pet friendly to providing a safer surface for playing or sports to being less demanding when it comes to maintenance, you will never go wrong with synthetic lawn grass. Just make sure that the supplier from whom you will be obtaining your artificial lawn grass is credible and makes use of the highest quality materials to make the fake lawn grass.
