Helpful Tips for Preventing Wrinkles in Your Artificial Turf

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.

How To Prepare The Ground Around Your Home For Artificial Turf

Over the past year, American consumers have spent over $400 billion on home improvement projects. The average homeowner understands that the right improvement projects can add lots of value to their property. One of the main things a person will notice about the outside of your residence is the condition of the lawn. If you have tried everything to get natural grass to grow outside of your home with no success, it is time to consider investing in synthetic turf. 

Before you can have turf installed on the outside of your home, lots of prep work will have to be performed. Making sure the ground outside of your home is ready for new turf can make the installation process much easier. Read below for advice on how to prepare the ground around your home for artificial turf. 

Checking For Underground Hazards

Before you start the turf installation process, you will need to know exactly where you are putting this synthetic covering. Measuring off and marking the areas you want professionals to install the turf is crucial when trying to avoid problems during this home improvement project. Once you know where you want the turf to go, you can move on to the next step, which is checking for underground hazards. 

Electrical wires, gas lines and plumbing pipes are usually just under the surface of the ground surrounding a home. If any of these elements are disturbed, it can lead to you and the crew you have hired to install your new turf being exposed to lots of danger. Rupturing a plumbing pipe can also result in indoor water damage, which is why you need to find out more about the hazards lurking under the ground. If you have access to your home’s building plans, you should have no problem pinpointing these hazards. 

Topsoil and Existing Grass Has To Be Removed

Most homeowners fail to realize that the topsoil and existing grass they have in place need to be removed before new turf can be installed. Ideally, you want to excavate these elements and go down no more than four inches below the ground. Allowing professionals to handle this time-consuming process is probably a good idea. These professionals will have access to a turf cutter, which cuts the amount of time required to remove topsoil and grass down considerably. 

Assess Soil Drainage

The biggest mistake you can make before having new artificial turf installed is failing to check how well your soil drains. While turf will drain through the backing of your artificial turf, you need to make sure the soil underneath drains properly. Ignoring this part of the preparation process can lead to water build-up and extensive damage in the long run. The best way to avoid this problem is by working with professionals to assess your soil drainage capabilities and address any problems that may exist. 

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits provided by artificial turf, it’s time to find out more about the services offered by Texas Custom Turf.

How to Handle Old Artificial Grass

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.

A Pretty Nice Green

One way to appreciate the potential of synthetic turf for an outdoor lawn or space is to actually get some pictures and look at how nice this looks when it’s installed. Think about it – this can be a great solution for any kind of residential or business use. 

Shades of Green

Some people think of artificial turf as having a kind of disgusting neon lime shade of green to it. Maybe they had a bad experience with the stuff in the 80s, or just think of it as inferior to that lush green color of natural grass.

In reality, you can get very nice muted greens for an outdoor space that look elegant and classy, not like a low-rent mini golf course or a cheap hotel!

Golfing and More

People also fail to appreciate the broad use and application of synthetic turf these days. They might be familiar with using it for a putting green, but what about a dog park or outdoor fitness area? What about a nice outdoor quad for a high-end college campus?

Really, you could dress the stuff up and take it anywhere. It’s not just for low-end properties or a relic of a bygone era. It’s really a good alternative to mowing a lawn, which is now looking more and more like an antiquated waste of time and money. 

Which brings us to our next point…

The Planet and You

Here’s one major reason why a lot of people are changing their opinions on synthetic or artificial turf.

We’re kind of in a bind when it comes to our carbon footprint and its impact on the planet.

The climate science is getting more dire and people are trying to create solutions.

Now think about installing a nice artificial turf where there used to be grass. No more spraying, no more mowing – hardly any maintenance at all. You’re saving massive amounts of time and money, which is good from a business or property management perspective, but you’re also saving all of that energy which is related to jobs that are conventionally done with tools using fossil fuels.

So think about artificial turf – it can be a pretty nice green for your property. Ask us about  how affordable it can be to choose and install synthetic turf on your property, and everything that it will bring to your home or business. You’ll be surprised at the options that you have, and how they can dress up a property’s exterior!

The Benefits of Installing Artificial Turf Around Your Swimming Pool

The Benefits of Installing Artificial Turf Around Your Swimming Pool

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.

Add Green Through Quality Artificial Turf

Add Green Through Quality Artificial Turf

Do you want to have a green surrounding but do not have time to maintain a lawn? Synthetic turf may be the solution for you.

While people buy homes and have enough yardage around to have a lawn and plant trees and shrubs, they may be reluctant to go for grass lawns because it requires a high level of maintenance. Overgrown grass lawns are unappealing, a haven for insects, and are not weatherproof. You may have to commit to a few hours each week for weeding and mowing, hours you may want to spend on something else.

Artificial Turf To The Rescue

Synthetic lawns are game-changers. They come with so many benefits that you would be hard-pressed to find good reasons for natural grass.

Maintenance: It is true that cleaning and grooming will still be necessary; it is still easier than natural lawns. Hosing down the turf to remove dirt, using a rake to remove leaves and other debris caused by the wind, and you may need a hard brush to straighten the turf with some regularity.

Durability: The material in synthetic turf is polyethylene. Polyethylene is soft and can resist wear and tear longer making artificial turf long-lasting.

Cost-saving: Synthetic turf means there is no money going towards watering, fertilizing, and mowing. Monthly utility bills will be lower.

Eco-friendly: As artificial turf requires no pesticides, you are free from chemicals. Since mowing that requires electricity is no longer needed, you also consume less energy preventing air pollution and fuel waste.

Mud-free: Once the artificial turf is laid out evenly, you are free from muddy prints and patches. Your pets cannot dig up holes in the turf, and rain cannot cause splattered mud all around.

Safe from germs: With the availability of anti-bacterial grass, artificial turf can keep the lawn germs and bacteria-free making it safe for pets and children.

Where Can You Use Artificial Turf

Urban dwellers would have little to no access to greenery, even if they lived in homes instead of apartments. A lawn made of synthetic turf will give them some greenery all year round while requiring minimal effort from them.

Schools and universities using synthetic turf will save on funds that can be spent elsewhere. These are places that endure a lot of foot traffic and are open to various sports activities throughout the year. Having a natural grass lawn will require a greater level of maintenance with such extensive use. Therefore, these spaces are better served with artificial turf.

Modernization With Turf

Modernization With Turf

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.

Five Useful Ways To Install Synthetic Custom Turf

Five Useful Ways To Install Synthetic Custom Turf

Most of us know all about using synthetic turf products for playgrounds, golf greens and other related residential commercial or municipal uses. But what about some of the more obscure ways to dress up a property with this evergreen material?

 

We’ve seen these five things done in public and private outdoor spaces, but they’re not talked about quite as much as some of the other types of projects that we do. Here are some interesting ideas if you’re trying to get this type of product on-site.

 

Stairs

 

Yes, custom turf can cover aging concrete stairs or other types of similar installations. Here you can kill two birds with one stone, because while synthetic turf is an attractive covering that’s low-maintenance, it also helps with texture that supports traction. So it can help you to prevent some types of slip and fall injuries, which is good if you have any responsibility for the health and safety of visitors.

 

Poolside Installation

 

If you’re the type who hates to run around on hot concrete, synthetic turf can be a good option for the area directly around a public or private pool. As mentioned above it can help with traction in these situations, too, and help to shield you from some types of liability that can be problematic if someone falls.

 

Pet Stops

 

Most of us are familiar with using wide expanses of synthetic turf in a municipal dog park, but you can also think about adding small rectangles or other shapes to your exterior for a designated area for dogs. These smaller areas wouldn’t be dog runs per se, but they would offer dogs a place to discreetly do their business, and a way to keep a high-traffic property cleaner.

 

Dance Floors

 

If you’ve built an outdoor amphitheater and you want the crowd to come, think about adding some custom turf directly in front of the stage. It will help with maintenance and is much more resistant to crowds of moving feet than your traditional grass seed.

 

Fitness Stations and More

 

Have you ever done yoga outside on synthetic custom turf?

 

We have, and it’s pretty awesome. So if you have a multi-use public space that you’re in charge of, think about getting some of these small areas turfed to provide for all sorts of neat outdoor activities.

 

Talk to Texas Custom Turf for more about how you want to use synthetic custom turf for your property. This stuff is low maintenance, easy to clean, and a good investment. We’ll show you how!

Benefits Of Adding Hardscaping To Your Property

Benefits Of Adding Hardscaping To Your Property

Artificial turf affords home and property owners luxurious, low-maintenance lawn options that can fit beautifully with any hardscape design. Hardscapes add visual interest and structure to landscape design, increasing your home’s curb appeal and enhancing your outdoor living spaces.

Hardscaping is also referred to as landscape architecture and incorporates everything non-vegetation in your landscape. Hardscape consists of features that include human-made or natural elements in the design. These designs can range from fully functional such as walkways, seating, decks, fire pits, and pergolas made from stones, woods, artificial turf, and concrete to ornamental installations like fountains, sculptures, and decorative elements.

Hardscaping Enhances Outdoor Spaces

Hardscaping provides many benefits to your overall landscape design. By adding elements of function and beauty to your outdoor spaces, you can increase the value of your property as well as improve your property’s conservation of water. Water usage has decreased drastically through the implementation of artificial turfs, paving stone walkways and patios, and rock gardens.

Water Conservation And Low Maintenance Spaces

Once your hardscaping is installed, it requires very little maintenance to remain in optimum condition. Replacing natural grass and sod with artificial turf decreases the amount of water and resources used in your outdoor areas. Grass and flower beddings take exorbitant amounts of water to thrive, require constant upkeep with foods and chemicals, and ultimately cost homeowners time and money in care and maintenance. You can significantly reduce these expenses and save precious resources and energy by increasing the amount of hardscaping used in your outdoor design.

Increasing Outdoor Living Space

If you want to get the most out of your outdoor spaces, hardscapes create designated areas for your favorite activities. Patios and outdoor kitchens provide options for entertaining outdoors, gazebos and fire pits offer intimate spaces for gathering with others or relaxing by yourself, and artificial turf can increase activities in areas for your favorite hobbies or sports. You can define your outdoor spaces to meet your needs, increasing your enjoyment of your property.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

When properly designed and installed, hardscaping can improve your home’s curb appeal, adding value to your property. Upgrading pathways, landscaping coping, and defining specific areas for relaxing or entertaining purposes increases your home’s overall appeal. Hardscapes planned to reduce erosion and reduce weed growth such as gravel, rocks, and artificial turf keeps landscaping looking its best year round, attractive to both the eye as well as to potential home buyers.

Three Resources You'll Find on Our Web Site

Three Resources You’ll Find on Our Web Site

What’s different about Texas Custom Turf? How do we help customers to practically install synthetic turf solutions and get their properties looking better and easier to maintain?

 

Here are three resources you want to peruse if you are considering this type of project for your property. Learning more up front will help you to visualize and imagine what your property space will look like after one of these jobs is done.

 

Applications

 

On this part of the web site, we break down different residential and commercial applications. We talk about using synthetic turf for pet areas or golf course areas, or other types of property exteriors. You start to get a window into how this works, and a vision for how it’s going to apply to your property. By seeing different “classes” of projects, you also see the versatility of synthetic turf solutions – and that gets a lot of people thinking in a whole new way!

 

Visual Gallery

 

Here, with pictures of our past work, you see the neat, angular lines and contoured curves that Texas Custom Turf can provide at a property by putting in turf the proper way. You visualize how this stuff looks, and why it looks so great after installation. You start to plan in more detail – and you can look at the shape and size of the lot you’re considering, to see what’s practical there.

 

FAQ

 

The frequently asked questions part of our web site allows you to work through some of your initial concerns with synthetic turf. Can I clean it? How does it drain? These are excellent questions, and we answer them for you up front, so that you know what you’re getting into if this is your very first turf project ever.

 

Find all of this and more for effective help with custom turf installs.

 

This type of synthetic turf material is great for many different uses. It’s very durable and stands up to the elements well – that’s some of what our customers talk about when they explain how they used this material for different use cases including recreation, household areas, or around a commercial business that needs a good manicured look for an exterior space.

 

Go with a firm that has authority on turf. Talk to a company that knows it stuff when it comes to synthetic turf management and installation. We go the extra mile with customer service that helps you get the most out of your job. We’re happy to consult on your next turf project. It’s even easier than you think it is!