artificial turf

 Alternative approaches Hartin said the best alternative to any artificial surfaces are living plants. “We want to increase the population of our habitat pollinators, and plant climate-resilient plants that provide shade, buffer sun exposure, provide windbreaks, help reduce stormwater runoff and reduce soil and water erosion. And you can’t do that with synthetic grass,” she said. There are several drought-friendly approaches to landscaping, including warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and Buffalo grass, or doing away with grass altogether and planting trees or drought-resilient varieties of plants that are endemic to California. Hartin said that even though plants require water and maintenance, their cooling benefits and ecosystem benefits go far beyond the water savings one could get through synthetic turf. “You have choices,” she said. “What we plant today is going to maximize society and urban ecosystem benefits by the time that you’re in your later years.”

 Research by the National Toxicology Program shows that high heat can cause chemicals to leach out of the crumb rubber base of synthetic turf, which is made of recycled tires. These leached chemicals are known to cause cell death in humans. Synthetic turf, like other artificial surfaces including asphalt and pavement, heats up by several degrees more than living lawns. According to Kelly Turner, associate director of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation’s Heat Equity Initiative, the material can trap heat and radiate it back slowly, staying warm for longer periods of time. “It is one of the hottest surface materials,” she said. “It is hotter than asphalt.” Janet Hartin, horticulture expert at UC Extension in Los Angeles County, measured various types of surfaces in Palm Springs, where air temperatures around 100˚F are common during the summer. On days around 100˚F or more, she reported temperatures of synthetic turf and other artificial substances around 175˚F.

 Synthetic turf is a man-made, non-living replacement of turfgrass that requires no water or maintenance. The grass blades are made of fibers such as nylon or plastic while the base is typically a crumb rubber made from used tires, plastic pellets or sand. Synthetic grass usually contains PFAS chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS chemicals are a known carcinogen which can interfere with hormones, reproduction, immunity and cause developmental delays in children. Adam Smith, an associate professor of environmental engineering at the University of Southern California, said although research is still being done to understand fully what the health implications of the chemical are, current research suggests that “PFAS is absolutely bad for human health.” “Certainly, in terms of the drought, (synthetic turf) seems great, but there’s all of these downsides,” Smith said. According to experts, these chemicals can enter the human body through contact with skin, b...

 The cost of artificial turf materials in San Jose ranges from $1.60-$6.80 per sq. ft., while the cost of artificial turf installation in San Jose ranges from $8.50-$15 per sq. ft. (varying based on scope of work, size, and intended use).  Check out our Best Artificial Turf Installers in San Jose page to compare turf installers nearby. Keep scrolling to learn more about the factors that affect the cost of artificial turf materials in San Jose! Buying artificial grass online in bulk is a great way to save money! You'll typically receive a better rate and larger discounts when buying higher volumes of product. So, if you're planning on using artificial grass for multiple DIY turf projects, consider buying in bulk to take advantage of extra savings and avoid extra delivery fees!

 To install artificial grass around your focal points, you'll need the following tools and materials: Steps for Installation: Measure and Clear the Area: Measure the area around your focal point where you wish to install the artificial grass.  Prepare the Ground. Clear this area of any existing grass, rocks, or debris. Install Weed Barrier: Lay the weed barrier fabric over the cleared area to prevent weed growth. Add a Sand Base: Apply a layer of sand (about 1 to 2 inches deep) over the weed barrier, which will help with drainage and keep the grass stable. Roll Out the Artificial Grass: Unroll the artificial grass over the prepared area. Use a utility knife to cut the grass to the desired shape, ensuring it fits snugly around your focal point. Secure the Grass: Secure the grass to the ground using joining tape and adhesive, ensuring it fits tightly against the base of your focal point. Brush the Grass: Finally, use a stiff-bristled broom to brush the artificial grass. This mak...

 When installing the best artificial grass accessories around a focal point, keep these points in mind: Quality: High-quality artificial grass will look more realistic and last longer. Drainage: Ensure the base allows for good drainage to prevent water from pooling around your focal point. Maintenance: Although artificial grass requires less maintenance than natural grass, it does need occasional brushing to keep it looking its best.

  Boring and gray don’t have to be the only words to describe the path leading up to your home’s front door. Whether it’s a driveway or a stepping stone path, adding a vibrant splash of green can liven it up. Artificial grass can be cut into straight, curved or random patterns that will contrast nicely with concrete, pavers, gravel or stones. Done right, it can create an effect that seamlessly blends driveways and pathways with the front entry or an indoor living space lying just at the edge of your backyard. When it comes to artificial turf applications, the possibilities are practically endless. All it takes is some creativity and professional assistance from companies like Synthetic Grass DFW.

  If you find the typical fences dull and incapable of giving you the exact level of privacy you want, consider using artificial grass for upright installations. For example, you can have your own “living wall” constructed, minus the tedious work and high maintenance costs. A living wall functions as both tall privacy fence and the focal point of your backyard. If you’d rather keep your fence at its current height, however, you can just line it with artificial turf. This will give it a hedge- or bush-like appearance, and it also works well for hiding anything that might detract from the look of your backyard, such as trash bins or storage spaces. When mounted properly, turf can dramatically change the landscape.

  No backyard space for your dream garden? That’s usually the case for people who live in high-rise condos and multi-level apartments. But lack of usable outdoor space shouldn’t be a problem for anyone who has access to artificial turf. Add a touch of green to your dwelling by installing it on a rooftop or terrace you might hardly ever use. It’s your choice whether you want to put in containers for natural plants or place some artificial potted plants around. Either way, nobody will know that your garden is purely or partly synthetic because artificial grass looks so life-like. With some outdoor seating and a table, it could easily be an ideal spot for a casual hangout or al fresco dining.