The Grass is Always Greener

SYNTHETIC GRASS HAS COME A LONG WAY IN RECENT YEARS AND IS BECOMING A POPULAR ALTERNATIVE TO REAL GRASS THAT MAY EVEN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME. THIS LOW MAINTENANCE, AESTHETICALLY PLEASING ADDITION TO THE YARD LOOKS MORE REAL THAN EVER BEFORE AND REQUIRES VERY LITTLE MAINTENANCE, ALLOWING YOU TO ENJOY YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS ALL YEAR ROUND. JESS RIGBY TEAMS UP WITH TONI DECLASE, NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR RETAIL AND WHOLESALE AT TIGERTURF TO EXPLORE THE REASONS BEHIND THE RECENT RESURGE IN INTEREST IN SYNTHETIC GRASS ALTERNATIVES AND THE MANY BENEFITS THIS PRODUCT HAS TO OFFER.

TigerTurf started out in New Zealand in the 1980’s and is now one of the world’s largest synthetic turf manufacturers, creating surfaces not only for backyard landscape lawns but also for full-sized hockey fields and other sporting venues. The company’s services are in high demand too; DeClase explains that, “in the last two years we have had many more enquiries and samples sent out to domestic customers, with steadily increasing numbers of installations of multisport, tennis and basketball courts. Homeowners want to be able to have fun safely in their own backyard now.” DeClase has been working in the synthetic grass industry since 2007 and has seen a lot of changes over the years, and, though she has worked for different grass manufacturer’s, she was happy to return to TigerTurf for their high-quality products and services.

A HOME LANDSCAPING DREAM

TigerTurf’s grasses are manufactured from top quality TenCate yarn, making them an incredibly durable landscaping feature, and they are also aesthetic; the grasses on offer are diverse and include a variety of different textures but also colours! But of course, for those seeking a simple, traditional, natural look, there are a number of options available including the lush green ‘Envy’, ‘Summer Envy’ and ‘Serenity’, which have all been developed to display the characteristic appearance of a natural lawn. DeClase speaks in particular about one of her very favourites, the ever popular ‘Summer Envy’ lawn which she says has a “sun-kissed look that is soft and inviting with golden yarn woven among the grass.” If you are feeling more adventurous however, or are wanting to create a special outdoor space for children, there are also nine coloured lawns to choose from.

DeClase explains that the lawns are safe for both children and animals, “as they are never muddy or hard and dusty and there are no harmful chemicals or heavy metals used in TigerTurf products.” For comfort too, the surface is soft and non-abrasive, so it is kind to young knees and elbows and is perfect to sit or picnic on. The surface is also extremely pleasant to walk on and fantastic to look at from your windows

DeClase reminds us too that you can decorate the space as you wish with gardens, trees, pools and outdoor furniture, which can be set comfortably on and around a lush TigerTurf lawn. She says that these additions will look great and that, “landscape designers love to use our high-quality landscape products as a consistent green palette for their amazing designs, urban and rural. A manicured, tailored design can look sharp and stylish set in a rich green lawn, used as inviting paths amongst avenues of trees and gardens, including surrounding pool areas with synthetic grass.”

In terms of practicality, the lawns retain a dry, level surface that is safe for constant wear, which makes them perfect for families and pets who can enjoy them throughout the year without the need to worry about constant maintenance.

In fact, the only maintenance required is the occasional raking of the surface and the removal of the rare weeds that’s pop up through the surface.

There is also no need to worry about the climate in which you live as these lawns are suited to all environments and all seasons. They won’t suffer in the summer heat or in the cold of winter, however if you live in an area prone to flooding it is important to review the installation technique to ensure that the lawn is secure. The team at TigerTurf can, of course, expertly assess the area and assist you with the installation requirements.

AN ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

The choice of synthetic lawns is not only great for you and your family, but also for the natural environment. “With very little spray required, your garden is safe for everyday use; vegetable beds and fruit trees are safe from toxic sprays,” says DeClase. “No fertiliser is needed, avoiding the contamination of waterways and the application of expensive lawn products and, with no mowing needed, petrol fumes, noise pollution and lawn mower expenses are no longer a problem.”

The TigerTurf team manufactures lawns for areas of all shapes and sizes, but these lawns are especially well-suited to inner city dwellings with smaller outdoor areas. DeClase asks, “why buy a lawn mower for a small difficult area?” and explains that, “Natural lawn is most likely one of the most high-maintenance areas in your garden that demands a lot of attention, having synthetic grass with minimum maintenance means you can enjoy your backyard all year round. Who doesn’t like a Tiger in For the home sportspeople, TigerTurf is perfect for home tennis courts and the team can even make you a perfect little putting green!

The use of synthetic lawns certainly merits consideration when landscaping your property as the benefits are numerous and the outcome is stunning. Synthetic lawn has come a long way since the original, plastic looking artificial turf that graced the 1970s and 1980s, and artificial grass really can improve your landscaping design and reduce, if not eliminate, the maintenance hassles that a traditional lawn entails.

Images Courtesy of Tiger Turf and Pexels