Synthetic Turf/Fake Grass?? (Tempe: home, to buy, costs)

[Sunvixen]

Hi all,

Anybody have any ideas and/or opinions on this stuff?

I read on another thread that some communities do not allow you to desert-scape, so does artificial turf count as "grass?"

Anybody know how long this stuff lasts? Does it fade? Does it attract/repel pests...

I read about it and watched installation videos on youtube, and other than the initial expense, they make it seem like you would have to be crazy NOT to use it. Other than becoming a bit warm in direct sunlight, it seems like it's got a lot of great positives...No cutting, no watering, good drainage, no grass stains, soft to walk on, pets like it...

What are your thoughts? If you only wanted to add about a 10' x 20' area, do you think that it's a good do-it-yourself project?

Does anyone know of any spots where I could see some next trip out?

ANY info is appreciated!!!

The top pic is examples of different kinds if artificial turf in Tempe. WARNING: Very cute doggie pic ahead!

[labratinaz]

When we put a small patch in our back yard we discovered there are 2 basic kinds of grass. Same kind of fabric, installed differently.
1) Nailed down edges with 3 inch nails.
2) Filled in above the fabric with filler (sand and carbon particles) that help keep the grass strands more vertical.

We went around to the different show rooms to look at their grass. When we noticed the 3 inch nails rusted and easily pulled out of the ground, we opted for the more expensive back filled product.

Go visit the show rooms. Touch the product. Enjoy not having to waste water!!

[Sunvixen]

I will keep that in mind.

Okay, about the filler...does it harden? Does it get onto things or does it stay put?

How does it feel to walk on?

[silverbear]

I just had some installed this week. We have a portion of our backyard that we want to convert to a kids' play area. We didn't want to use the water necessary for real grass and also wanted the grass in an area that is heavily shaded by mature trees. All three landscapers who bidded on the job recommended artificial turf over natural grass. So far, I'm very satisfied; I won't know for a few years, though, about my return on investment.

[Garson]

I just had some installed as well - and it is beautiful! It is guaranteed for 10 years. It is initially costly but we will save in the long run on water and fertilizer. Having had real sod installed in the past - it is sooo nice to look out at the green yard and not have to wonder if the water system is working well...looking for yellowing spot s etc. It looks very realistic though! So far we could not be happier. I would however check around for different companies, there are only a couple of manufacturers I am told so they are all pretty much working with the same costs but the prices they charge vary greatly.

[Panks]

Originally Posted by Sunvixen

The top pic is examples of different kinds if artificial turf in Tempe. WARNING: Very cute doggie pic ahead!

Thank you for the heads up! She's cute enough to need a warning

[Sunvixen]

Hey thanks a lot you guys, I really appreciate it. I've probably walked on some myself and didn't even know it! I'll check out the showrooms next time I'm out there.



(I swear this is the BEST board of people...really helpful folks!)

[joninaz]

It looks nice but I'd be hesitant. It's kind of like a shag carpet, which is hard to keep clean when indoors, let alone exposed to the elements. We have dust, dirt, wind, monsoons, storms... it's a chore keeping patio furniture clean, the stuff almost always needs to be rinsed off/wiped down after even a few days outside.

I'd think the thicker, longer synthetic grass would be a magnet for dirt/leaves/twigs. Maybe I'm wrong, but I spend plenty of time keeping that stuff off my hardscape, so having a surface that is prime for entanglements wouldn't be my choice. Then again, I have a lot of plants/shrubs so my landscape might shed a lot more than others. I'd probably spend as much time trying to keep it clean as I might trying to keep real grass manicured.

Maybe it's a good idea to test on a small area for a year to see how it fares over the seasons.

[sierraAZ]

Costco right now carries the nicest fake grass I've seen. I'm thinking about it, too, and those I saw at a home show and at Lowe's are not as thick and pretty. The problem is it's sold in rolls (kinda like carpet...) and if you need just a bit more you have to buy another roll. Yes, it gets hot, but I read you can water and cool it if it's a problem for you.

[Sandy Eggo]

I found this site looking for turf in San Diego, but I thought I would share something of interest in a San Diego Magazine. Looks quite a quite informative discussion of turf.

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