One of the most rewarding things you can do in life is to adopt a pet in need. With the addition of a new pet, you can get the undying loyalty, love and cuteness overload that has been missing from your life. Bringing a pet into your home will require you to put certain safeguards in place to ensure your furry family member doesn’t get hurt.

For the estimated 90 million families in the United States who own pets, providing these animals with a safe and spacious yard is a top priority. Most people fail to realize that hardscaping elements and some grasses can create a hazardous environment for some pets. Read below to find out about some common pet injuries you can prevent when investing in artificial turf.

Broken and Torn Nails

At one time or another, you will probably have to deal with a pet nail injury. When dogs are let outside, they tend to zoom around to get some of their energy out. If the yard a dog is running in has hardscaping elements like asphalt or concrete, it can lead to damage to their nails or paw pads. If these nail injuries are overlooked, they will get progressively worse.

Instead of allowing your dog to run in a yard full of hazards, you need to think about investing in artificial turf. This covering is much softer and more forgiving them hardscaping elements.

Flea and Tick Infestations

While natural grass can be very appealing, it can also present lots of problems for your pets. Usually, natural grass is a breeding ground for things like fleas and ticks. If these pests are allowed to get onto your dog’s fur or skin, it can cause them a lot of pain and discomfort.

Generally, dogs will pick up fleas and ticks when they are rolling around on the grass. If you are tired of picking these pests out of your dog’s fur, then it is time to consider natural grass alternatives like artificial turf. By replacing your natural grass with artificial turf, you can take away the moist and shady conditions where these pests like to hide.

Avoid the Risk of Chemical Poisoning

The average homeowner uses a number of chemicals when trying to keep their lawn in pristine shape. While these chemicals can help to keep a lawn healthy, they can also be hazardous to a pet. If your pet is exposed to harmful lawn and garden chemicals, it might need immediate medical attention. Rather than exposing your pet to these chemicals, you need to find an exterior lawn covering that is always green and doesn’t require chemicals.

The best option to meet these needs is artificial turf. Once you have artificial turf installed around your home, you will quickly realize how appealing and functional it is.

Are you looking to have high-quality artificial turf installed around your home? If so, the professionals at Texas Custom Turf are here to help you out.

It’s not uncommon to see wrinkles in artificial turf. They occur because of the method and duration the turf is stored in. While wrinkles in turf can be taken out before it’s installed, and you can take steps to keep them from showing up in the future, wrinkles that appear after the turf is installed are usually challenging and expensive to fix. 

If you want to prevent wrinkles in your artificial turf, be sure to use the tips and information found here. 

Unroll and Warm the Turf 

A good first step to take when installing artificial turf is to unroll it in the full sun and leave it there for a minimum of an hour (two hours is even better). The sun’s warmth will help relax the backing material, which can be extremely stiff, helping the blades stand upright, and all creases will be released. By now, most of the wrinkles should be gone. 

Remove Organic Debris and Soil 

While it may seem annoying, you need to remove the soil. This isn’t a corner you should try to cut. Removing the soil from an installation site is essential if you want the product to last. Organic soil will contract and expand based on the climate and create an unstable footing for the turf. As time passes, a lot of wrinkles will appear. 

In most situations, removing three inches of soil will be sufficient. Once removed, replace the excavated soil using a non-expansive base mixture, such as Crushed Miscellaneous Base or Class 2 Roadbase. While you are excavating the soil, be sure that you remove roots and other debris that would begin decomposing as time passes. As the material breaks down, it may create gaps that could create divot-like holes in your yard. 

Compact the Subbase Properly 

It’s essential that you properly compact the subbase. A good goal to shoot for is between 95% and 98% compaction. To get this result, install the base in layers that are about one to two inches thick. After every subbase layer is installed, moisten it using a hose and a vibratory plate compactor a few times. 

Invest in a Carpet Kicker 

When installing artificial turf, having a carpet kicker is a must. Like carpet, turf comes in a roll, and the material is compressed. A few extra tugs are needed when it is being installed to make sure it is pulled out and taut. 

To use this, orient your turf and rough cut it to fit the general shape of the space. Anchor one side to the perimeter line using a row of five-inch non-galvanized nails that are spaced six inches apart. Once the anchor nails are set, use the carpet kicker to stretch the turf away and out. As you stretch and kick, loose turf will start to bunch. Right in from the bunched-up material, hammer the non-galvanized nail to secure the hold. 

If you want to avoid wrinkles in your artificial turf, be sure to keep the tips and information found here in mind.

Have you enjoyed your artificial turf lawn for several years, but lately, it has started to look old and worn? While quality artificial grass can last for 10 to 15 years, time will take its toll. For example, there may be fading, the seams can begin to separate, and fray and bacteria and mold may have started to build up. You may even notice heavy traffic patterns that don’t rebound very easily. 

If you are ready to refresh your artificial grass, you have a few options. 

Don’t Take it to the Dump

If you plan on removing the old artificial grass, don’t take it to the dump. Most artificial turf is recyclable, and while this isn’t always the case, recyclers can separate the infill material and poly-plastics used for making the backing and blades. 

After the turf has been cleaned and processed, it can be used for making everything from t-shirts and tote bags to dressing for real grass. 

Donate Your Old Turf

In some areas, organizations and municipalities use “second-hand” turf that is still in decent condition for batting cages or other areas. You can donate your turf or even sell it to these organizations that will clean and sanitize it, then reuse it. 

Start Shopping for New Artificial Turf

Replacing your old lawn will update your home, just like replacing the roof or repainting the exterior. You can choose to replace your lawn exactly how it was or give it a bit of a makeover by changing up the shape or size of your lawn. 

With artificial turf, this is simple. That’s because you don’t have to worry about natural grass limitations, such as mowing, dense shade, or other problems. 

Chances are you will be impressed by the changes artificial turf has undergone in the past few years or since you last purchased it. Today, synthetic grass is more durable and tougher than ever before. It’s also more realistic and prettier. You can even purchase it in varied shades of green. 

Choosing the Right Type of Artificial Turf

You will find that there are different types of artificial turf you can choose from. For example, you can find perfect options for children’s play areas, while others are best for dog owners. Take some time to consider what will be going on in your yard to determine the type of artificial turf that best suits your needs. 

Choose Professional Disposal 

If you don’t plan on keeping any of your artificial turf, you can call the professionals to haul it off for you. Sometimes, the company you purchase your new turf from will handle this. In most cases, it will be included in the installation price. 

If you are ready to say “out with the old and in with the new” for your artificial turf, be sure to keep the information above in mind. It will help ensure you get the quality lawn you want and restore your home’s curb appeal. In the end, purchasing and installing new artificial turf is a smart investment.

The summer heat in Texas can get quite brutal. One of the best ways to beat the heat temporarily is by taking a dip in a swimming pool. Over 10 million homes in the United States have a pool. If you are lucky enough to have a pool right outside of your back door, keeping the area around this investment appealing should be a top priority.

Having a lush green landscape around your pool can make the outside of your home much more appealing. Instead of using actual grass in this area, you need to consider investing in artificial turf. Below are some of the benefits that come with installing artificial turf around your swimming pool.

Avoid Tracking Mud All Over the Place

Most pool owners are quite familiar with common moves like the swan dive or cannonball. When these moves are performed correctly, lots of water will fly out of the pool. This can lead to puddles of water developing, which can be problematic if your pool is surrounded by actual grass. Not only will these puddles be damaging to the grass, it can also result in the formation of mud.

Tracking mud from your pool into your home can be a very aggravating experience. If you are tired of your walkways and the interior of your home being covered in mud, then it is time to find an effective solution to this problem. One of the best ways to say goodbye to this problem for good is by investing in artificial turf. Not only will this lack of mud help you keep your home clean, it will also keep your pool much cleaner.

Artificial Grass Won’t Allow Water To Pool

The last thing any homeowner wants is for the area around their pool to look like a large mud puddle. Whether you are dealing with rain or overflowing water from your pool, proper draining is the only way to avoid these puddles. The perforated backing on artificial turf allows for water to flow through with ease.

This means you will not have to worry about the aggravation and damage caused by puddles of water. The initial cost of artificial turf will be worth it due to the appeal and functionality it will provide.

The Durability Factor

Natural grass is appealing but is also fragile when exposed to high levels of foot traffic. If this foot traffic occurs when the natural grass is wet, it can result in large chunks being torn from your landscaping. Not only will this make the landscaping around your pool unappealing, it will also allow for more water to pool in this area. This is why you need to invest in artificial turf. This covering is extremely durable, which means it will look great for years to come with a limited amount of maintenance.

Are you ready to put artificial grass around your pool? If so, then it is time to put the team at Texas Custom Turf to work.

One thing that modern property managers often understand is that just because something has always been some way, doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way forever.

Certain types of new trends are making their way into the building and property management worlds. For instance, you have innovative lock systems that do away with the need for a hefty jingling key ring and all the inconvenience and legwork that entails. You also have automated smart home and property management systems for remote HVAC and other efficiencies. But what about outdoors? Is there a way to change the way you handle these systems for massive efficiencies, too?

The Power of Turf

Synthetic turf is like that, too.

This innovative product replaces the labor-intensive grass that actually can cost a property owner many thousands of dollars over the course of several years. Lawn care can be expensive and contribute to global warming, all in the name of keeping up with a very specific principle that’s eliminated when you order modern synthetic turf materials installed on your property.

Manicured Outdoor Spaces and Maintenance

In so many ways, people who are managing the exterior of a property are at war with Mother Nature.

Nature wants things to grow in a particular yard or exterior space. It’s not just grass that grows out of control if not mowed or tended. Various types of weeds and junk trees also proliferate.

In replacing grassy yard space with synthetic turf, you get a one-time installation that eliminates regular heavy maintenance work week after week, for a number of years during a temporary growing season.

In other words, just get out your calculator and figure up the cost and environmental impact of your lawn care, and then think about doing away with all of that entirely.

Then check out our gallery of modern spaces equipped with this synthetic turf that is essentially extremely low-maintenance and an excellent investment for a greener property life. What you might see is an excellent opportunity to change how you approach property planning and get rid of some of the most troublesome costs that you face over time.

There are also many different ways to lay out these artificial materials. We can help to provide the consulting that leaves you with a better end result, with turf that is strategically integrated into your property’s infrastructure. Working around buildings and appurtenances takes some planning, and we are happy to be a partner in that process. Browse the site to brainstorm what this might look like at your site.