New York Home and Garden News

Artificial Grass Business Booming In North Texas!

Companies that manufacture or install artificial lawns are experiencing a boom in business, due to the drought-like conditions and watering restrictions in many North Texas cities.

But the synthetic lawns today aren't the same plastic AstroTurf made popular in the 1970s. The products on the market now, are not just used for putting greens and football fields either.

Tim Dvorak, owner of the company Synthetic Grass Pro, and gets calls every day from homeowners inquiring about artificial grass.

"I discussed this with many turf manufacturers, that's a big thing they notice. As soon as there are drought restrictions, watering restrictions, or an ordinance like the City of Dallas two-days a week restriction, it really just makes this industry explode," said Dvorak.

Today's synthetic lawns are made to stay cool underfoot, drain water well, and last for 10-15 years. The products come in different shades of green, different textures, and mimic different varieties of natural grass. Choosing artificial can be expensive upfront: prices range from $7.50 to $15 a square foot.

Many homeowners with artificial grass installed in their yards feel that the investment was worth it.

"The initial cost is expensive, but it's already paid for itself over the four years. Not having to re-sod it, not having to water. The yard guys[come less often]. So it's more than paid for itself," said Dvorak.

Many homeowners can be skeptical at the beginning, until they see the fake grass first-hand.

Not all cities in North Texas are on board with artificial grass, though.

Frisco does not allow artificial turf at this time, and many homeowners' associations have rules.

Highland Park passed an ordinance restricting artificial turf to back yards.

Other cities, however, have no rules in place limiting synthetic grass. Those cities include Dallas, Arlington, Denton, and University Park.

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July 31, 2014 | Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Maintenance, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Artificial Turf Installation, Artificial Turf Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Faux Grass, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn And Landscape, Grass For Dogs, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Drought Tolerant Plants, Pet Turf, Pet Turf, Paver Patio, Paver Patio, Putting Greens, Putting Greens, Playground, Playground, Backyard, Backyard, Drainage, Drainage, Artificial Grass Installation, Artificial Grass Installation

California drought worsening: New water restrictions carry penalty of up to $500

As California imposed its first-ever statewide rules to punish water wasters, a new survey showed why state officials say the drastic measures are needed: Californians actually increased their water use amid the worst drought in decades.

The new rules, approved by the State Water Resources Control Board on a 4-0 vote, impose new restrictions on outdoor water use starting Aug. 1 that could result in fines of up to $500 per violation.

Gov. Jerry Brown in January asked Californians to slash their water use by 20 percent. But a new state survey released Tuesday showed that water use in May rose by 1 percent this year, compared with a 2011-2013 May average.

The survey of 267 water providers by the water board found that water consumption in the Bay Area dropped 5 percent. But in coastal California, south of Santa Barbara, consumption rose 8 percent.

"California is in the worst drought we've seen in our grandparents' generation or beyond," said Felicia Marcus, the water board's chairwoman. "Fields are going fallow. Thousands of people are going to be out of work. There are communities that are out of water -- they're bathing out of buckets and water trucks are coming in to help them.

"But many parts of California don't seem to realize how bad it is," she said, "because they are so far away from their source of water. We are all in this together, and this is not a time to waste water."

The new rules ban washing cars without a nozzle on a hose; watering driveways or sidewalks; using potable water in ornamental fountains; and over-watering landscaping so that water runs off into roads and adjacent properties. Recycled water is exempt.

Under the new statewide rules, any agency that does not impose mandatory conservation measures could be subject to state fines of up to $10,000 a day. But it remained unclear Tuesday whether local agencies will be able to keep in place rules that don't include enforcement or penalties.

More than 60 percent of a regular residential home's water usage goes to lawns, in order to fight the drought effectively, changing real lawns to artificial grass or other low water requiring plantation becomes almost imminent. Synthetic grass company,Global Syn-Turf, Inc. offers more than 50 different type of artificial grass products with distribution centers throughout California: From Sacramento to Fresno to San Francisco Bay Area to Greater Los Angeles, you will be able to find their wonderful product to fit your preference.

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July 30, 2014 | Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Maintenance, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Faux Grass, Lawn Care, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Cat Grass, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Water Facts, Water Facts, California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Gardeners, Gardeners, Artificial Grass Installation, Artificial Grass Installation

What is a Dog Run?

Whether you have a whole pack of poodles or just one dog, dog runs are useful, and your hairy friends will enjoy playing and running around in them. There are different types of dog runs, and when you decide what type of a dog run to use according to your available space and budget, make sure that you have a pretty good idea what dog run is and how you can employ it.

A dog run is a restricted area where the dog is safely kept and have enough space to exercise. A dog run can be private or public, designed for a single dog, or for the entire pack, like, for example, a public dog park.

Backyard Dog Run

If you are a homeowner, you may allocate a unique space on one side of your house, or inside your yard. The easiest setup presumes metal fence, but if you like to use the wooden fence instead, make sure that your dog won't tear it up. Choose shadowy place with easy access to water. Dogs should always have fresh water and a shady area to rest when it is hot outside.

If your backyard is big, often it is difficult to keep your dog inside the fence. Chaining a dog is not an ideal option for multiple reasons. In general, chained dogs often more neurotic, aggressive, anxious, and unhappy than unchained dogs. They can get bitten more often by other animals. They are not getting enough exercise. In some regions long-term chaining of dogs, it is prohibited by the law. Keeping your dog inside a dog run area while you are not around is safer and much healthier for both of you.

If your backyard is too small, it is a better idea to fence your dog to make sure he can't escape and also to protect items he or she may chew on.

If you use chemicals or fertilizers for your lawn, remember that it is not safe for animals. It might potentially create rashes and allergies, vomiting and liver problems. Synthetic turf surfaces are much safer for dogs if you want them to be in a good health.

If you keep your dog inside a dog run with a natural grass surface, you will start to see brownish spots in a matter of months. No matter what you do, either try to hose it down or soak the area with nitrogen, it is impossible to get rid of them. Grass dies from dog's urine. It never happens if you have synthetic grass inside your dog run.

Portable Dog Runs

As an alternative, portable dog run can be useful to keep a dog out of trouble. It is more used for travel, but can be good as a temporary solution in some circumstances. Most pet stores carry portable dog runs. Dogs have much more freedom to do their "business" than traveling on a leash.

Dog Parks

Public, fenced-in, off-leash dog parks are another category of the dog run. Some dogs love socializing with their friends, but it is no for everyone. You can be removed from the dog park if your dog is active in an aggressive fashion. Check carefully your dog reactions to other dogs before entering the run with your dog. Otherwise, dog parks are the best, safe environment for your dog to run and play.

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July 30, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Dog Park, Dog Park, Pet Paradise, Pet Paradise, Dog Run, Dog Run, Dog Parks, Dog Parks

Bernhard Langer - The Record Breaker

Bernhard Langer received first place in the Senior Open Golf Championship! Global Syn-Turf congratulates him on not only receiving first place, but also breaking over fifteen records as well!

Langer's 13 stroke winning margin over his rival Colin Montgomerie was enough to obtain the trophy as well as break the former stroke margin record of 12, set in 1997. His rival Colin calls it a "great performance." Bernhard's win puts him at rank 2 overall, just behind Colin Montgomerie.

The course looked greenly vivid, and the putting green artificial grass looked well maintained and real. The environment was great, and Bernhard not only won but broke records as well. It truly was a wonderful event to watch.

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July 28, 2014 | Golf, Golf, Bernhard Langer, Bernhard Langer, Golf Courses, Golf Courses, Pga Golf Leaderboard, Pga Golf Leaderboard, World Golf Championship, World Golf Championship, Pga Golf Tournament, Pga Golf Tournament

Bernhard Langer- The Record Breaker

Bernhard Langer received first place in the Senior Open Golf Championship! Global Syn-Turf congratulates him on not only receiving first place, but also breaking over fifteen records as well! Langer's 13 stroke winning margin over his rival Colin Montgomerie was enough to obtain the trophy as well as break the former stroke margin record of 12, set in 1997. His rival Colin calls it a "great performance". Bernhard's win puts him at rank 2 overall, just behind Colin Montgomerie. The environment was great and Bernhard not only won but broke records as well. It truly was a wonderful event to watch. Bernhard Langer endorses Global Syn-Turf's artificial grasses. You can find the finest artificial grass right in his backyard in Palm beach, Florida.

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July 28, 2014 |

Skyrocketing Water Costs Make Homeowners Switch to Artificial Grass

A surprisingly high number (80%) of U.S. households have a private lawn. The collective cost on our daily lives is significant. Consumers as a whole annually spend around $40 billion per year to maintain and improve their yard, and the growth accelerates as the U.S. population matures. Lawns, flower gardening, shrub care, general landscaping, and artificial grass are all essential components of local economies. The personal and public benefits are well-documented.

A healthy and green landscape traps pollution, prevents runoff, improves the air we breathe and can significantly increase property values. Gardening is a healthful activity both physically and emotionally. Contact with nature for the typical urban dweller is often limited to the patch of green that surrounds their home. An estimated 63 million U.S. adults watch wildlife around their home.

- Improper design, plant selection and maintenance of our lawns and gardens can negatively affect our environment and waste precious water resources.

- Improperly applied pesticides and fertilizers that end up on impervious surfaces can be washed into a nearby stream with the next rain.

- Urban areas generate nine times more runoff than a woodland area of the same size.

- Selecting appropriate plant varieties and proper maintenance of turf areas can significantly reduce water use and off-target movement.

This fact sheet was developed as a resource for responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping and to provide background information.

Total lawn acreage and average size 27.6 million acres of artificial grass in U.S.; 21 million acres in home lawns.

80% of all U.S. households have private lawns.

Average American lawn is 1/3 acre.

Close to 80% of homes has a lawn and account for 18 million acres.

50 million homeowners maintain residential lawns.

In the U.S, alone, it is estimated that there are more than 31 million acres of grass. Over 80% of this grass is found in residential lawns.

A comprehensive 1995 study estimates that the total amount of residential lawns in the United States ranges from 14 to 26 million acres, with 17.7 million acres as a conservative estimate. Artificial grass has been growing tremendously in popularity in states such as Texas, California, New Jersey, etc. The national average lawn size is about 1/5 of an acre for the 85 million households with a private lawn. Estimated average lawn size varies from state to state, ranging from 0.06 acre in Washington, DC to 0.51 acre in Georgia. Residential lawns comprise the largest part of turf grass in many states for which data are available, and this component is increasing. In North Carolina, residential lawns account for 69% of total turf grass area in the state and have increased in acreage 29.8% between 1994 and 1999. In Virginia, 52% of artificial grass acreage is in home lawns, and this component has increased 43% between 1982 and 1998. Artificial grass is becoming a clear choice for homeowners who are tired of overwhelming water bills.

Courtesy of www.projetevergreen.com

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July 25, 2014 |

Florida and Phoenix Jump Head First into the Amazing World of Synthetic Grass!

From Florida to Phoenix fake turf decor is "all-the-rage"! If you have been thinking of redecorating why not start off with small accents! Immerse yourself into a creative project... Searching for the right idea? Look no further... synthetic turf to the rescue! There are so many practical applications for synthetic turf we thought that maybe you would be interested in a few unconventional applications designed to get your creative juices flowing!! We all know that a fake sod is perfect for ground cover, but artificial grass can be a beautiful accent to just about any new project you may have in mind. From patios to walls, let this be your reminder that everything does not always have to stem from its practical or "standard" use.

1. Patio or deck areas: This one is a great example! Create a tranquil sanctuary every time you enter your back yard by using fake grass as accent pieces designed to inspire and sooth. These additions are a great and inexpensive way to jazz up your humdrum outdoor areas. Start by using the gorgeous stuff as a cushion cover or maybe a stool to begin, and before you know it, your back yard will be a place where everyone will want to gather and contemplate their creative aspirations.

2. Indoor applications: Do you have a small area in your home that needs a boost? How about applying synthetic sod to bring it to life? Start by cutting an important piece big enough for one of the primary walls. Use heavy duty spray glue to attach and kick up your heals, the synthetic stuff will almost immediately begin its inspirational song with its calm and peaceful look and feel.

3. Unconventional floor is covering: Spice things up with a splash of texture and style. Cut a remnant of artificial grass to create a rug, or maybe a recover your wooden baseboards. The is a quick, easy tip to create an awe-inspiring dream for nature lovers.

and finally

4. Get wild!! From cars to cup holders the options are limitless. Let your inner voice tell you what needs synthetic grass to bring it to life. You will be surprised by what you can come up with.

When when your "Picasso" is complete...don't forget about us! Send us a photo of your MASTERPIECE! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

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July 23, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Faux Grass, Faux Grass, Lawn Care, Lawn Care, Outdoor Carpet, Outdoor Carpet

High School - New Turf Sports Fields

Even though it "feels like" we were hunting aster eggs a few days ago, our favorite season is almost upon us... FOOTBALL SEASON!!! Whether you favor the professional teams or maybe college sports is your thing, to matter where you are you can almost smell and feel the energy brewing! Now take that feeling and multiply it by 1000.This must be what it is like for the 60+ High Schools across the United States that will be playing their first home game on a new field of synthetic turf. The list of schools is a "Who's-Who's" of high school sports and the number of teams is growing by the day! When I sat down to write this blog I soon discovered that it would be an easier task to list those who "DID NOT" install a new athletic sports field this year. And I will add that those schools on the "DID NOT" list were only there because they are waiting for their own installation of artificial grass to begin!

Like I stated, the list of educational institutions is vast, however states like Oregon, Louisiana,California, and West Virginia are but a few of the schools we will be hearing about for the next several months. Keeping in mind this list only refers to the High Schools using the amazing new playing surface. There are countless Universities and other venues popping up every single day! The schools that will have their first pitch, first touchdown, or first point on fake will witness first hand what an impeccable and refined surface they are playing on. A field that was tailor made to fit the needs of an athlete of any kind. There is only on question that comes to mind...what will you do with all of your "newly acquired" spare time? Time that you used to spend cleaning up muddy footprints. Well? I guess, lets go warm up the grill!

Say hello to A FEW of the schools and teams that will enjoy their first game on new modern turf that was designed with the player in mind...

Mountaineer Stadium, TX

University of Idaho, ID

Oregon University

Nolan Catholic, TX

Boys Latin, Maryland

Washington High School, Washington

DePew, High School, IN

Pomona Unified, Pomona, CA

Ouachita Christian, Monroe, LA

Jupiter High School, Palm Beach, FL

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July 22, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Faux Grass, Landscaping Business, Landscaping Business, Water Shortage, Water Shortage, Sports Turf, Sports Turf, Football Field, Football Field, Sports Athority, Sports Athority, Stadium, Stadium, Artificial Grass Installation, Artificial Grass Installation

Curb Appeal

Don't you wish that any small investment always yielded a massive return? Well, choosing synthetic turf can turn your small investment into a positive for our planet and put some cash in your pocket. One of the biggest advantages of being a home owner is that when you decide to sell your home, you have the opportunity to improve your chances of selling by doing certain things to develop your property's "Curb Appeal"! Increasing your "Curb Appeal" could make your resale skyrocket!!. The replacement of spotted landscapes, the careful placement of artificial turf grass, and the overall, well thought out, landscaping of the property surrounding your home can significantly enhance the "curb appeal." The increase of "curb appeal" will result in an increase in the resale value of your home.

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July 21, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn Care, Lawn Care

Another day, another win for "fake grass"

Chalk up another win for synthetic grass!!!

It is always wonderful to log in the morning and find great and interesting news in the in synthetic turf industry! This morning has proven to be one of those days as well.

As of yesterday it has been decided that the new playing surface for the newly renovated University of Kentucky stadium scheduled to be completed in 2015 will be..."Drum roll please..." You guessed it, ARTIFICAL GRASS! According to the Lexington Herald, Coach Mark Stoops confirmed Thursday of, "Kentucky's plan to move to a synthetic playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium when the renovations are completed for the 2015 season."

All of you manufacturers, retailers, installers, and supporters need to give yourselves a much deserved pat on the back! As well as another feather in your caps!

The era of "fake grass" has finally has done what others never expected...the industry has changed the once negative connotation that fake or artificial meant something negative. It appears that fake grass is now the WAVE OF THE FUTURE!!!! Go, Go Plastic Turf! ...