Is it Grass or Synthetic Turf?

Is it grass or synthetic turf?

People often mistake high quality synthetic turf, or artificial grass, for natural grass. This is not surprising given the realistic appearance of the turf. One factor that usually differentiates artificial grass from natural grass is its exceptional quality over time. Synthetic turf requires little to no maintenance because no mowing, watering, or fertilizing is necessary to sustain its perfection. Cleanup is a breeze with a vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, or garden hose. Artificial grass is perfect for dry climates where its average life spans around 10-15 years. During dry seasons it is easy to avoid brown, dried out grass if you have artificial grass that stays delightfully green year around. Artificial grass is environmentally engineered to meet the most stringent environmental standards and its components are 100% recyclable. Whether you are looking for a lawn surfacing for a playground, landscape, or simply recreational use, artificial grass can offer you a superior, hassle-free turf.

A growing number of child care facilities and parks are substituting real grass with synthetic turf surfacing on playgrounds. Artificial grass is a great alternative to messy loose fill systems and other overpriced poured in place systems. Also, artificial grass prevents stains on children's clothing and minimizes allergic reactions that often result from playing in natural grass. Antimicrobial turf is capable of killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms are responsible for most common infectious diseases so it is important that children have minimal exposure to them. When synthetic turf is properly installed over crushed stone base with supplemental padding, it provides a safety net against falls, which in turn increases the overall safety of the playground.

Synthetic turf is green year around which makes it a great surfacing feature for landscapes. These turf systems are ideal for public common areas, shopping centers, and other open spaces. The artificial grass has the ability to neutralize pet urine and is much cooler than alternatives such as concrete or asphalt. The use of synthetic turf in landscaping not only looks well-groomed, but will cut time and costs associated with maintenance. According to a recent U.S. Geological study, 7.8 billion gallons of water is consumed daily for outdoor uses, mostly devoted to maintaining landscapes and athletic fields. Also, seventy million pounds of pesticide are applied to landscapes each year, polluting groundwater and sending phosphates and nitrates into lakes and streams. Using artificial grass as an alternative to natural grass helps protect the environment and ensures that plenty of clean water is available for future generations.

Artificial grass is great for a number of recreational activities. In particular, athletic fields and golf courses can be greatly enhanced by the alternative. The replacement of natural grass with synthetic turf on an athletic field can result in a low maintenance, professional looking field. If installed with a large grade stone base with inlaid drain lines, the field can be used during various weather conditions without destroying the turf. Synthetic turf used for putting greens on golf courses can dramatically cut costs associated with water and other maintenance. About 2.5 billion gallons of water are used everyday to irrigate golf courses worldwide. Ironically, 2.5 billion gallons of water would be sufficient to support the world's population of 4.7 billion people. The use of artificial grass for athletic fields and golf courses creates a comfortable, safe, and durable playing surface for the user that can enhance playing characteristics.

When deciding whether you want to use natural grass of synthetic turf, consider the trade-offs and benefits. Over time, the cost savings associated with maintenance will pay for the artificial grass. The maintenance of natural grass is not only time consuming, but results in pollution and wastes resources. By using synthetic turf as an alternative to natural grass you will cut costs and help protect the environment.

Written By: Lucinda Vopalensky
Creative Recreational Systems, Inc.
http://www.creativesystems.com/
California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Luci Vopalensky Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. www.creativesystems.com/ California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington (916) 638-5375

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