Tired of long hours of maintenance and care in your Ottawa backyard, just to watch your grass turn yellow under the harsh summer sun?
These days, there is an alternative — and while we recognize that it’s not the right fit for every homeowner and every backyard, this post will share some more information about the reasons and steps involved when installing artificial turf at your property.
Why install artificial turf?
So, first and foremost, why consider moving from real grass to artificial turf anyway? Well, here are some of the main reasons:
Consistent Look: Artificial turf stays green year round, while regular lawn areas can certainly suffer on hot days or become patchy and dead.
Low Maintenance: A normal lawn requires hours of mowing, fertilizing and maintenance just to stay looking neat and tidy. On the other hand, a properly installed section of artificial turf requires very little maintenance to stay looking its best.
Durability: In high foot traffic areas, regular grass can get trodden down, while turf continues to look its best no matter how many people come through. Properly installed turf can last for 10-20 years, depending on the quality of materials and the type of environment.
What is the process of installing artificial turf at your home?
First, the site needs to be properly prepared and graded to provide a solid foundation for the turf.
Next, your landscape professional will lay a base which normally includes gravel and sand to assist with drainage. This will also include weed barrier fabric so that you aren’t fighting weeds growing up through the turf.
After this, it’s time to roll out and trim the turf to match the area that is being covered. The edges and seams are then secured firmly in place so they won’t shift or move over time.
A fill is then poured over the turf, usually consisting of silica sand or rubber, before the final grooming is done to give the turf a nice, professional finish.
What about artificial turf for playgrounds and commercial areas?
Certainly! A more common use for turf is at playgrounds and office buildings that are looking to lower maintenance costs and give a more consistent experience. Commercial installation of artificial turf works in much the same way as it would for a residential home, though normally with the understanding that it will get a lot more use, meaning more wear and tear.
Still, with installation from a professional contractor and quality materials, you can expect artificial turf to last for many years to come.
Time to get started!
Once all the questions are cleared up and confirmed, it’s time for the work to start! Having a landscape company like VS Landscape come in for an open and honest consultation is a great way to learn more about the process and any potential costs.
If you have any additional questions or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!