Cleaning Artificial Grass

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Every day, more homeowners are switching to artificial turf with help from Grizzly Turf & Pavers, the leading artificial grass installer in Southern California. We constantly hear reviews from our customers about how easy their synthetic grass is to take care of compared to their previous natural grass lawn!

While you won’t need to worry about mowing, watering or fertilizing your synthetic turf, It’s worth noting that you’ll still need to give it a little TLC to keep it looking its best. By following these three essential steps, you’ll be sure to have a clean, green artificial grass surface for years to come!

Prevent Matting by Cross-Brushing Your Artificial Turf

Over time, your artificial grass blades will experience matting – the flattening of your blades due to foot traffic, furniture or excessive use. Matting can cause issues with your artificial turf’s drainage, resulting in water buildup and bacteria growth.

Preventing matting is easy – just use an artificial grass brush or rake to cross-brush your blades. This will keep your blades standing upright and help remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or tree branches. When cross-brushing your synthetic turf, be sure to use a brush with synthetic bristles to prevent long-term damage to your lawn.

Dogs are Fun – Their Waste Isn’t

While it’s well-established that dogs are our best friends, it doesn’t seem to feel that way when it comes to cleaning up after them. If neglected, pet waste – both solid and liquid – can penetrate your synthetic grass surface, resulting in foul odors and bacteria accumulation.

As soon as you see your furry friend doing his “business” on your artificial turf, take action to clean it up. Use a garden hose to wash away urine and let your synthetic turf’s drainage do the rest; pick up solid waste and hose down the affected area to remove any residue. For more pungent odors, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water to clean and disinfect your artificial grass.

If All Else Fails, Leave it to the Pros

We get it – turf cleaning may not always be feasible with your busy schedule. Between work, taking care of your family and handling unexpected daily challenges, artificial turf maintenance can become one of those things you want to do but simply can’t find the time to get done. If that’s the case, the solution is simple – let a professional handle it!

At Grizzly Turf & Pavers, we partner with TurFresh, the trusted name in turf maintenance, to help our customers find a turf cleaning solution that best fits their needs. Professional artificial grass maintenance services like TurFresh have everything they need to re-bloom your turf blades, top-up your infill and disinfect your artificial grass, leaving it looking as good as the day it was installed. 

Weeds and Artificial Grass

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Artificial grass is the perfect way to have a lush, evergreen landscape without the tedious maintenance you’d typically need from natural grass. Gone are the days of excessive watering, mowing and fertilizing when you have a synthetic grass surface that practically takes care of itself!

However, one of the questions we regularly get asked is, “what about weeds?” Homeowners are constantly worried about the presence of weeds after their artificial grass installation – and for a good reason. We want to help put your doubts at ease, which is why we’ve put together this helpful guide to preventing and removing weeds from your artificial grass.

Can Weeds Appear on Artificial Turf?

While less prevalent than on natural grass, weeds can still be problematic with synthetic turf. Your artificial grass won’t be overrun with weeds, as synthetic grass is initially designed to create an environment that doesn’t encourage weed growth. High-quality artificial turf is manufactured with multiple layers made of several different materials – this makes it difficult for weeds to push through without the sun and water they need.

A reliable artificial grass installer like Grizzly Turf & Pavers will install synthetic grass with a weed barrier that can provide an additional layer of protection, securing your lawn in the process!

How to Remove Weeds from Artificial Turf

If you find weeds growing on your artificial grass, there’s no reason to panic – chances are, seeds were blown onto your lawn by the wind or falling leaves. This means that removing the weeds won’t be as stressful as it would be on natural grass!

Weeds are likely to grow on the artificial turf surface, meaning they haven’t taken root in your soil. To remove the weeds, gently uproot them and dispose of them accordingly.

Preventing Weeds on Synthetic Grass

Naturally, your first course of action to address any weed issues on your artificial turf is to do everything you can to stop them from growing in the first place. Here are some helpful tips to proactively avoid weed growth on your synthetic grass:

  • Brush away debris – Getting rid of blown-in seeds is pivotal to preventing weed growth. To do this, use a synthetic turf brush or rake to sweep away seeds, leaves or any other debris that could foster weed growth. Be sure to use a brush with synthetic bristles to prevent any permanent damage to your artificial grass!
  • Secure your yard – Seeds can hitchhike on dry leaves and grow in damp climates. Trimming trees and pruning hedges are excellent ways to avoid fallen leaves and mitigate seeds blowing into your yard. Use a leaf blower regularly to move fallen leaves, and make sure to weed out any flower beds you may have.
  • Get help from the pros – Professional artificial grass maintenance services are an effective way to get ahead of any weed problems you may encounter. Professional turf cleaning services will brush your synthetic grass and disinfect your yard, preventing any unnecessary bacteria growth.

Artificial Grass Tips for Pet Owners

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If you’re considering artificial grass installation, chances are you might also be a concerned pet owner. If that is the case, you may be wondering how your synthetic grass installation will affect your furry friends. 

At Grizzly Turf & Pavers, we want to put your mind at ease – while there are some factors to keep in mind when installing your artificial turf, we can help you every step of the way to ensure that synthetic grass makes sense for you and your dogs.

Artificial Turf Quality is Everything

In most cases, artificial grass is artificial in name only. High-quality synthetic grass should look and feel as close to natural grass as possible – this means that you’ll need to pay attention to the quality of your synthetic turf.

When consulting with your artificial grass installer, ensure that the synthetic grass used has been certified pet-friendly. Artificial pet turf from Grizzly Turf & Pavers has been specially engineered to the highest quality using state-of-the-art technology and materials – our synthetic grass can withstand even the most vigorous pet activity, making it the most reliable landscaping solution on the market for your pets. 

Protection against Odors

Pet owners everywhere know that great enjoyment with their pets also requires a fair amount of responsibility – this is especially true when it comes to cleaning up odors. Natural grass aborbs pet urine, which can create some undesirable odors, so it’s no suprise that pet owners flock to artificial grass as a pet-friendly alternative.

Ask your artificial grass installer to install a turf deodorizer during your installation process. At Grizzly Turf & Pavers, we’ve partnered with TurFresh, the nation’s leading artificial turf maintenance service, to offer our customers a turf deodorizing experience like no other!

Artificial Grass Installation Quality

Despite the quality of your artificial grass, it will only be as good as the team installing it. It could be tempting to attempt a DIY artificial pet turf installation, but this is something that should be left to professionals.

A professional artificial grass installer like Grizzly Turf & Pavers will work with you to identify any safety and health hazards that could affect your pets in the long run. We offer a 2-year labor guarantee in conjunction with our 15-year product warranty – we stand by our work, and we will work with you to ensure your utmost satisfaction.

If you’re ready to make the switch to artificial pet turf, contact Grizzly Turf & Pavers today. From consultation to installation, our team of artificial grass installers and customer service specialists will answer your questions and address any concerns – that’s The Grizzly Difference.

Maximizing Playground Safety with Artificial Grass

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There are few certainties in life – one of them, however, is that children will always love playing in playgrounds. Unfortunately, another certainty is that there will always be children falling on playgrounds. If your playground isn’t properly protected, kids run the risk of serious injury; this is most common on playgrounds with natural grass. 

Thankfully, artificial grass provides a much-needed alternative to troublesome natural playground grass. With artificial playground turf, children will enjoy playing on a comfortable, level surface with minimal risk of injury – and best of all, your playground will look fantastic after every use!

Why is Natural Grass Hazardous for Playgrounds?

Even the best-maintained natural grass can pose serious safety risks for children on playgrounds. Don’t let the natural green color fool you – with natural playground grass, you’re compromising functionality and safety for simple aesthetics. Some of the ways natural grass can be unsafe for playgrounds include:

  • Lack of cushioning and protection in the event of an uneven landing
  • Improper support to protect against slips and falls
  • No drainage – soil will compress and increase the risk of slips
  • Bare patches can accumulate mud when wet – this will cause children to slip and compromise the secure placement of your playground equipment

How Does Artificial Grass Help with Playground Safety?

Artificial turf is the best of both worlds – you get the lush, green look of natural grass with enhanced safety and security! Synthetic grass is the clearly superior alternative to natural grass for playgrounds for various reasons:

  • Exceptional Shock Absorption – Most artificial playground turf is supported by some form of padding, depending on the manufacturer. This additional level of protection reduces the risk of injury when children fall, proving especially useful during those troublesome jungle gym falls.
  • Outstanding Durability – Over time, natural grass can wear out with the movement of heavy play equipment and constant foot traffic. Artificial turf is designed to withstand high levels of wear and tear without losing its integrity, resulting in continued safety for children and peace of mind for their parents!
  • Meets Strict Fall Height Requirements – Most artificial playground turf – including the synthetic grass products used by Grizzly Turf & Pavers – are required to adhere to the fall height standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Our artificial playground grass is guaranteed to cushion falls ranging from six to 10 feet, guaranteeing your children’s safety.

What Are the Best Places to Install Artificial Grass?

No matter the location, artificial grass is the ideal surface for kids of all ages. Whether your primary concern is safety or aesthetics, synthetic grass is the perfect complement for public spaces with a presence of children. 

Some excellent examples of artificial turf use in public spaces include:

  • Parks – Artificial grass is the perfect landscaping for areas with high foot traffic
  • Schools – A safe surface for children to play – and it keeps operating costs down!
  • Daycare facilities – Synthetic turf is perfect for toddlers just learning how to walk. The soft surface will keep them safe as they tumble while taking their first steps!

If you want to find out more about whether or not your children can benefit from artificial playground grass, contact an experienced artificial grass installer, such as the experts at Grizzly Turf & Pavers. Our team of synthetic grass installers and customer service specialists can walk you through every step of the process, from consultation to installation. Experience The Grizzly Difference and make your artificial grass vision a reality today!

Caring for Your Artificial Grass Putting Green

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From avid golfers to hobby golf enthusiasts, nothing is more exciting than having a personalized artificial turf putting green. With a backyard synthetic grass putting green, golfers of all ages can practice their short game from the comfort of their own homes. However, like most things in life, synthetic grass putting greens aren’t all fun and games. 

While it’s true that artificial turf is easier to maintain, you must remember that low maintenance does not equal no maintenance. By following these quick and easy steps, you’ll keep a fresh, evergreen artificial grass putting green that meets even the most stringent golfers’ expectations.

Brush Your Synthetic Turf

Start by removing any branches, leaves or other debris from your artificial grass putting green. Next, brush your synthetic grass blades to keep them upright. By keeping your blades standing as they should, you’re ensuring the same quality of ball roll as the day you had your artificial turf putting green installed. 

When brushing your synthetic grass putting green, always remember to use a brush made specifically for artificial grass or a soft rake. Brushes and rakes with metal bristles will damage your synthetic turf.

Rinse Away Debris

Say goodbye to harmful chemicals – rinse down your artificial turf putting green with your standard garden hose. Monthly turf rinsing will help clear out debris, pollen and dust and prevent future buildup.

Artificial Turf Brooming – with More Power

If your synthetic grass putting green is in high demand with heavy foot traffic, consider using a power broom to keep your artificial turf blades upright. Power brooms help fluff synthetic turf, improving the quality of play for everyone!

 

Clean up After Your Pets

Artificial turf is a dog’s best friend – as such, it is extremely common for your furry friend to relieve themselves on your synthetic grass putting green. While it is tempting to put off doggy waste cleanup, it is crucial that you clean up the mess right away. 

Pick up solid waste with a turf-friendly rake and a dustpan; urine can be hosed off and rinsed as you would any other debris. 

Address Minor Stains

Like pet waste, minor stains should be cleaned up as soon as you notice them. Because synthetic grass is stain-resistant, cleaning up spills should be a very minimal task – just use eco-friendly soap and a small amount of vinegar to clean up any small stains and mildew!

Pull out Weeds

Although a rare occurrence, weeds can still grow out of your artificial grass. Weeds can come through cracks, small holes and your turf’s edges. 

For these reasons, it’s essential to pull weeds out as soon as possible to prevent future growth.

Leave It to the Pros

If maintaining your artificial turf putting green seems like too daunting of a task for you to take on, we completely understand – thankfully, you can always let professional turf maintenance experts handle it!

By hiring a professional turf maintenance service, you’re ensuring that your synthetic grass putting green stays greener for longer. Experienced turf cleaning professionals will use state-of-the-art technology and turf deodorizers and disinfectants to give your artificial grass putting green the clean look and feel you deserve!

What to Know about Drainage

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One of the most significant benefits of installing artificial grass has got to be the elimination of puddles and wet spots. Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf won’t leave behind puddles and create safety hazards in the process.

But how does synthetic grass make this happen?

The answer lies in one critical factor: drainage. Drainage allows liquids – including water and pet urine – to penetrate an artificial grass surface, keeping your landscaping dry and healthy. At Grizzly Turf & Pavers, we want to make sure you make an educated decision when purchasing artificial turf – and it begins with knowing all the facts about drainage.

How Does Drainage Work?

When artificial grass is manufactured, special backings are sewn into the synthetic turf material. These backings are perforated in several distinct ways to create drainage. 

Once your artificial grass installation is complete, any water will percolate through your synthetic turf and drain into your lawn’s sub-base and foundation. Natural grass drainage can be unpredictable; its drainage level is only as good as the quality of the grass itself.

With artificial grass drainage, you get improved, consistent drainage every time. Generally, the perforations found in synthetic grass backings measure approximately ½ centimeter in diameter, with a drainage depth of more than 30 inches per hour per square yard. The result is a dry artificial turf landscape that is safe to use year-round!

Causes of Poor Synthetic Grass Drainage

Although artificial grass drainage outperforms natural grass, it doesn’t mean synthetic turf doesn’t have its own drainage issues. A secure, well-installed artificial turf surface will guarantee effective drainage every time – however, some factors could affect the drainage of even the best artificial grass:

  • Installation errors – Even the slightest miscalculation by an artificial grass installer can result in misplaced turf and blocked drainage. 
  • Geology – Uneven surfaces can cause natural puddles that affect the efficiency of your synthetic turf drainage system. Additionally, any clay-based soil will also adversely affect your drainage.
  • Infill – Too much infill can lead to clogged drainage holes; conversely, inadequate amounts of infill can result in an improper base installation.

How Can You Prevent Poor Drainage?

Preventing poor drainage begins with knowing your landscaping. If your lawn contains soil that naturally drains water, you won’t have to do much to prepare. However, if your yard has historically had issues with drainage, you’ll need to consult with your artificial grass installer to determine the best possible solution. 

What Can Help Improve Drainage?

An experienced artificial grass installer – such as the experts at Grizzly Turf & Pavers – can assist you by suggesting a more drainage-friendly sub-base for your synthetic grass installation. By installing the proper sub-base, you can effectively eliminate any significant drainage problems.

If you have a surface that is detrimental to your drainage, your artificial grass installer can help remove it and replace it with more suitable sub-base materials. Commonly-used sub-base materials include crushed or decomposed granite, limestone chat, and washed limestone.

For more information, let the experts at Grizzly Turf & Pavers answer your questions! Our team of artificial grass installers is always ready, willing and able to help make your synthetic grass installation vision a reality.

Return on Investment

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It’s no secret that choosing to install artificial grass is a significant investment; vast amounts of time and money have to be spent to ensure that your landscaping looks every bit as immaculate and stunning as you envisioned. While the price tag associated with synthetic grass installation can seem intimidating, we here at Grizzly Turf & Pavers want to assure you that your investment will see returns that will benefit you and your family for years to come.

How Long Until You See a Return?

In most cases, homeowners see a return on their artificial grass installation investment within five to seven years. When you consider that the average lifespan of synthetic grass is 15 to 25 years, it doesn’t take a math expert to realize that you’ll see your ROI fairly quickly!

Of course, the form of return on investment you’ll see can vary on a few distinct factors. No matter how you look at it, you’ll see guaranteed savings after installation!

Return on Costs and Time

It’s been researched that homeowners spend up to $6,000 per year maintaining a natural grass lawn. Activities such as mowing, fertilizing, seeding and watering can undoubtedly take a toll on your budget, leaving you frustrated and wondering why there’s “more month at the end of your money” instead of the other way around.

In addition to the financial strain of taking care of natural grass, homeowners spend inordinate amounts of time ensuring that their natural grass lawn looks spectacular. It doesn’t matter if you have a green thumb or not – homeowners would rather spend more time doing the things they love most.

With synthetic grass, tasks like watering and mowing are a thing of the past. Cut your water bill significantly by reducing outdoor irrigation and watch the savings pile up! Not to mention, you won’t need to worry about spending hours outside mowing with artificial grass.

Maximize Your Curb Appeal

Let’s say the home you’re in isn’t your “forever home” – artificial grass has something for you too! If you’re planning to sell your home before the average five-to-seven-year period, there is still a way to get a quick ROI. Prospective homeowners are always looking for ways to minimize their maintenance costs when inspecting a new listing – finding a synthetic grass lawn would be one less thing for buyers to worry about. A newly-installed artificial grass lawn can boost your home’s asking price, giving you back your investment sooner than you thought!

Artificial Grass and the California Drought

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California is facing its harshest drought in recent history – accordingly, homeowners are being asked to do their part and reduce their water usage. However, this task may be easier said than done when you have a natural grass lawn in your backyard. On average, homeowners have to use up to 40,000 gallons of water to preserve their lawns annually, which begs the question: how can you cut back on your water use and keep your home looking stunning?

The answer is artificial grass.

Synthetic grass is the perfect solution for your home’s drought-ridden woes. By installing a new artificial turf lawn, you’ll benefit from numerous advantages while contributing to the state’s conservation efforts. And the best part? Your home will still look fantastic.

Less Maintenance = Less Water

As previously mentioned, having to withhold from using thousands of gallons of water every year may not be realistic when you’re trying to keep your natural grass lawn looking green. In a perfect world, homeowners would have to water their lawns up to 3-4 times per week just to keep them well-maintained. Thankfully, artificial grass is the perfect alternative to homeowners’ water woes.

Synthetic grass is made of inorganic materials like polyethylene and nylon, meaning that the blades will never grow! Sure, you may still need to occasionally water your artificial turf just to clear it of debris and dirt, but you’ll be using drops compared to the thousands of gallons that natural grass owners use.

Braving the Elements with Artificial Grass

You don’t need to be a meteorologist to know that with drought comes extreme heat – this is especially true if you live in cities with desert climates. The inability to water natural grass, combined with potential triple-digit temperatures, could result in your lawn drying up very quickly.

Thankfully, artificial grass is constructed to withstand harsh climate conditions! If you live in an area that endures high temperatures, there are several options to purchase UV-resistant artificial turf, allowing you to stay cool even as the thermostat rises.

Conserve and Impress at the Same Time

The functional benefits of artificial turf can be exhaustive, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t look good! Along with enjoying a reduced water bill and your lawn feeling cool underfoot, you’ll get to boast your lawn’s aesthetics with an evergreen artificial grass surface that stays green while your neighbors try to do the same with their natural grass lawns!

For added visuals, make sure to add drought-friendly and drought-resistant plants to give your new artificial grass lawn some fantastic-looking texture!

Choosing the Right Turf

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Every day, more home and business owners throughout Southern California are switching to artificial grass – and it’s no surprise why! Synthetic grass is the ideal way to maximize your property’s landscaping while saving time, money and water during a time when doing these things is essential.

However, we understand that choosing the perfect artificial turf for your needs can be a daunting task – luckily, Grizzly Turf & Pavers is here to help. If you still need assistance picking out the right artificial grass, contact us, and we’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.

Qualities of Superior Artificial Turf

No matter what style of artificial turf you choose, it’s essential that you pick one that is built to last, optimizes functionality and provides the best possible look for your property’s aesthetics.

Superior quality synthetic grass should include different qualities, including:

  • Realistic look and feel: Gone are the days of neon-green unrealistic-looking artificial grass – Grizzly Turf & Pavers’s products are manufactured to replicate the best-manicured landscapes. Our artificial turf is soft to the touch and comfortable enough for all skin sensitivities.
  • Excellent drainage: Drainage can make or break any artificial turf product; without it, your landscaping is vulnerable to water buildup and bacteria accumulation. Choose a synthetic grass product that provides effective drainage that can withstand the elements.
  • High blade density: Lower pile heights and blade densities can make your artificial grass look patchy and without aesthetic appeal. The best artificial turf will have a blade density high enough to provide maximum lushness.

What to Consider When You’re Ready to Choose

Aside from quality, there are other factors that you should consider before you make your final decision on your artificial turf, including:

  • Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and which factors are most important to you. Don’t sacrifice quality for affordability – pick a synthetic grass product that will provide a solid return on investment.
  • Usage: Whether you want a casual backyard, a sprawling commercial landscape or a professional-looking artificial grass putting green, find a synthetic turf product manufactured for your exact needs and specifications.
  • Who will use it: If you have fur babies or human babies, you’ll have to consider them when choosing the right synthetic grass. For pets, you’ll need pet turf with efficient drainage; for children, choose artificial turf that is soft and can protect from falls.

How to Read a Spec Sheet

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So you’ve decided to finally invest in artificial grass – congratulations! Now that you’ve opted for the most sustainable, money-saving landscaping option on the market today, you may find that choosing the right artificial turf can get a bit…technical. Fear not; Grizzly Turf & Pavers is here to help you make sense of those complex spec sheets that come with all our state-of-the-art synthetic grass products, helping you make the right choice for your synthetic turf needs.

What is a Spec Sheet?

Spec sheets have all the information you need to know about any artificial turf product – they’re designed to provide you with a wealth of technical knowledge to ensure you’re buying the right synthetic grass for your home or business. However, if you’re not familiar with turf terminology, reading a spec sheet can be as confusing as reading another language; that’s why we’ve compiled a list of terms you need to know to help you make the most informed decision.

Yarn Characteristics

This section gives you all the details on what your artificial turf’s yarn is made of. Yarn characteristics provide information on specifications, such as:

  • Yarn type: Details of the thread used to manufacture the artificial turf’s blades. Monofilament is the most common type of yarn you’ll find in this section.
  • Composition: This is precisely what it sounds like – here, you’ll find details about what the artificial turf is made of. Polyethylene and nylon are the two materials you’ll see in this section the most.
  • Denier: The unit of measurement used to determine the linear mass density of synthetic turf fibers.
  • Colors: In most cases, this section will have a shade of green. You’ll find popular colors such as field green, olive green and lime green.

Turf Characteristics

Here is where you’ll find information on what makes the overall artificial turf look so good! On your spec sheet, you’ll see the following turf characteristics:

  • Pile/Face weight: The weight of the artificial grass fibers, not including the backing underneath – this is weighed in ounces per square yard. As a rule of thumb, the greater the face weight, the denser your product will be.
  • Pile height: How the length of artificial turf fibers is measured, typically in inches. Shorter pile heights are better suited for heavy-traffic landscaping to prevent matting, whereas longer pile heights are for light to moderate traffic.
  • Gauge: The distance between rows of stitching in artificial grass. An ideal gauge is usually ½ inch or less, depending on the synthetic turf’s weight.
  • Thatch: A textured type of yarn placed below the face yarn designed to enhance recovery after use. Thatch colors will come in a shade of brown.

Backing Characteristics

Backing is what gives artificial grass the support it needs to keep its tufts secure. Backing characteristics on your spec sheet include composition, weight, finish coating (usually polyurethane) and tuft bind – the amount of force needed to pull tufted blades out of the backing.

Manufactured Rolls

Possibly the most straightforward specification, here is where you’ll find information regarding the roll of artificial grass you’re buying. Specs include width, length, shipping weight and the diameter of the roll.

Particulate Infill

Infill is the material used between your artificial turf’s fibers to provide ballast and cushion. Infill gives a softer feeling underfoot and minimizes damage upon impact. Your spec sheet will display your infill’s type, weight, height and colors.

Additional Information

Your spec sheet will have some extra facts that are important to know about your artificial turf, including:

  • Recommended maintenance: Instructions on how to keep your synthetic grass looking as good as the day it was installed.
  • Drainage rate: Statistics that tell you how much rain and water your artificial grass can drain per hour per square yard, keeping your synthetic turf dry.
  • Environmental information: This can include the manufacturer’s lead-free certification and proof of non-toxicity.