What is Synthetic Turf or Artificial Grass
Synthetic grass or artificial grass is a type of surface designed to resemble natural grass. Although it is meant to have a natural appearance, it is manufactured using solely synthetic materials. Artificial grass also tends to be harder than natural grass.
Traditionally, synthetic grass has been used in sports arenas where natural grass is difficult to maintain, particularly indoor arenas. The first break through in the use of synthetic grass was in the Astrodome located in Houston, Texas in 1965.
Artificial grass has now become hugely popular in residential properties and a recent boom has seen artificial grass companies increase to meet the demand. This boom is because of many factors, the main being that artificial grass has come along way since the early astro turf products found on small sports grounds like 5 aside pitches, this velvet like material is a poor example of how far artificial grass has come.
In the early 1970s, artificial grass came under scrutiny due to safety and quality concerns. Some installations, often those done by the number of companies that sprang up to cash in on the trend, began to deteriorate. The turf would wear too quickly, seams would come apart, and the top layer would soon degrade from exposure to sunlight. Athletes and team doctors began to complain about the artificial surfaces, and blamed the turf for friction burns and blisters.
The engineering and design of both artificial and biological turf systems are constantly improving. As new stadiums are built, the owners and architects strive to give a more old-fashioned feel to the structures, which usually means no dome or a dome that allows the use of biological turf.
Recent installations of artificial turf have included new advancements that serve both economic and environmental needs. Large holding tanks are built beneath outdoor installations. The water that runs off the surface is held in the tanks, and used later for watering practice fields or nearby lawns.
Benefits of Artificial Grass Lawns
- Looks like real grass, unlike some other synthetic turf products
- Affordable
- Long-lasting investment with an estimated lifespan of twenty years
- Commercial quality fibres with high UV protection
- All year round use
- Suitable for installation on many types of soil conditions
- Incredibly low maintenance
- Pet friendly
- Will add value to your home
- Save money and time with fertilisers, mowing, pesticides, re-seeding