Tag Archive for: General Tips & Tricks

Cleaning Artificial Grass

Every day, more homeowners are switching to artificial turf with help from Grizzly Turf, 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’teg

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, 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

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 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

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, 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 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, 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 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 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.

Choosing the Right Turf

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 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’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

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 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.

Protecting Your Artificial Grass Investment

At Grizzly Turf, we aren’t surprised to know that our customers take their new synthetic grass installation seriously. Accordingly, we get asked all the time how property owners can preserve their new investment. We want you to make the most of your new, beautiful artificial grass landscaping – we’ve broken down the basics of synthetic grass and how you can protect your new investment.

How Does Artificial Grass Work?

For the most part, artificial grass is created using three essential materials: nylon, polypropylene and polyethylene. By combining these three materials, we can create a synthetic grass product that can withstand the elements and the toughest of foot traffic. This durability makes artificial grass the perfect choice for homes with large families, commercial complexes and sports fields!

What Makes Synthetic Grass a Good Investment?

More than ever, property owners are seeing the value in artificial grass installation and deciding to make the switch – and it’s no surprise they’re doing so! Artificial grass is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and is the ultimate low-maintenance landscaping solution. People from all walks of life can immediately enjoy spending time on artificial turf and bask in its natural look and feel. And speaking of low-maintenance, artificial grass doesn’t require mowing or excessive watering – your investment will immediately pay for itself!

How to Protect Your Artificial Grass Investment

When you make the choice to invest in artificial grass installation, you’re making the first step toward preserving your new synthetic turf landscaping for years to come. However, if you want to ensure that your synthetic grass performs at optimal levels, consider taking these extra steps:

  • Trim the branches of nearby trees that could fall on your artificial grass. Fallen branches and debris can cause significant damage to your synthetic turf.
  • Use a strong brush to sweep away debris. For artificial grass surfaces, you’ll need to use one with synthetic bristles to prevent damage to your lawn.
  • Stay ahead of cleaning any messes left by pets. Pet waste can be cleaned using a water and vinegar mixture or by contracting a professional artificial grass maintenance service.