There has been a lot of noise recently about concerns regarding the safety of synthetic turf with regards to the toxicity of the infill and how it might affect the health of those who play on it. When the cost of synthetic grass makes it a significant investment, it is probably a relief to many companies to hear the results of the latest study.

A recent year long study conducted by an environmental science firm by the name of Milone and MacBroom has come to the unequivocal conclusion that there is “no concern with regards to the safety of synthetic turf fields”.

To come to this conclusion there was testing done on the storm-water run-off from three different fields for a year with analysis done on the concentration of metals to determine whether aquatic life would be at risk. They found that there was no increase in the pollutant levels.

Similarly, air samples were collected around synthetic turf fields to determine whether toxic gases were emitted. The testing has shown that no pollutant was detected at four feet above the paying surface.

One of the criticisms that is often heard about artificial grass fields is that the temperature is considerably higher than natural grass. It has been found that the synthetic grass blades do heat up but they cool rapidly when the sunlight is interrupted or when water is applied.

This latest study indicates that improvements in technology for artificial grass is rendering many of the opposing arguments no longer valid. So when it comes to trying to decide whether to switch from natural grass to synthetic grass, those making the buying decision should be even more confident that what they are buying is environmentally and socially safe.

No Comments » Posted by Admin / Synthetic Grass

There are two different ways of forming a lawn – by laying down turfs and by sowing seed. Which of these two methods is better depends entirely on the requirements. If a lawn is wanted quickly, it can be got by using turfs; but if a good lawn is required at small expense, and there is sufficient patience to wait for it then by all means let seed be sown.

The disadvantage in laying down turf is that the defects of an old lawn are thus implanted, and gain renewed vigour on a new. With seed sowing we have, so to speak, a carte blanche to work upon.

The first thing to consider is whether the ground is drained. If not, then that work should at once be performed. In heavy soils the drains will need to be nearer the surface and nearer to each other than in a light soil. In no case should they be less than eighteen inches from the surface.

Next you need to dig and trench the ground to the depth of eighteen inches if possible, and in any case not less than one foot. In this work an eye should be kept to making the soil level by freeing the surface from lumps and hollows.

It is a good plan to work among the soil some well-decayed manure and some leaf soil and, if heavy, some lime. With a heavy soil should be incorporated some good loam, free from weeds; and an opportunity here presents itself of disposing of a good quantity of sifted coal ashes. The digging must be of a uniform depth, whatever that may be.

No Comments » Posted by Admin / Grass

In most cases, it is best to water your lawn just once a week, unless the weather is extremely hot or dry. When doing your weekly watering, you can place an empty tuna can on the grass and let the water run until it is filled up. This will help you know when you have watered enough to give the deep roots enough moisture without over watering. Watering in this way will also help your lawns develop a deep root system which will also help them survive periods of drought.

Another aspect of lawn and garden maintenance is proper fertilization and weed control. Good basic maintenance techniques will go a long way in keeping the lawns of your home and garden healthy, thriving and with few weeds. Spring is the best time to fertilize lawns as this is when the grass is “waking up” and will need the extra nutrients from the fertilizer to assure healthy growth. The best garden lawn fertilizers will have a combination of nitrogen, phosphates and potash.

In addition to a “spring feeding” of your lawn garden, you can also boost the health and vitality of the grass in your lawns with a second round of fertilization during the summer. This will help assure that your grass is healthy enough to help push out the weeds that might try to take root and you can also use a fertilizer that combines a weed-killer to control these unwanted plants.

No Comments » Posted by Admin / Grass

The new house is built, everything inside looks immaculate and you couldn’t be happier. Now take a peek out the back window and what do you see. If you are like a large proportion of homeowners who have just been through either a major renovation or a complete house rebuild, the chances are you’re looking out on a demolition site with half bricks, rubble and clay sitting all around the yard.

Now it’s time to try to make the yard as pristine and wonderful as the new house. The first step of the transformation may involve setting out plans for the garden beds leaving the remainder of the yard as lawn. At this point you may consider one of two solutions for putting in a lawn, either turfing the yard with natural grass or electing to go with a synthetic grass.

Both are acceptable and both carry a series of positives and negatives, some real and some perceived. The choice is yours, what will your decision be?

No Comments » Posted by Admin / Grass