How to Prepare Your Artificial Grass for Spring

Spring is rapidly approaching, which means the time for home redecorating and cleaning is soon upon us. If you own an artificial turf lawn in Rocklin, chances are you’ve got some lawn furniture that needs to be moved or some weeds cropping up in the corners. While synthetic turf is far easier to care for than a natural grass lawn, there are still some basic things you should do to get ready for springtime.

Clear your lawn area.

First things first, you’ll want to pick up lawn equipment like patio furniture, planters, children’s playsets, and anything else you currently have resting on the lawn. This will make it easier to clean and fluff your lawn going forward, and it will give you a chance to refresh and rearrange your outdoor living area. Rotating and moving around this lawn equipment will also ensure that you don’t wear out certain spots before the rest of the lawn.

Check the lawn for any damage.

While artificial turf is very resilient, harsh winter weather can still cause damage to your lawn or its seams and edges. Again, this rarely occurs for professionally-installed lawns, but tears and buckles can happen on occasion. If you do spot any damage, don’t worry; it is very easy to repair small patches of synthetic turf without having to replace the entire lawn.

Clean your lawn.

Winter winds and rain can deposit twigs, leaves, and other debris on your lawn, where they can decompose and impede the turf’s drainage. You’ll want to rake or brush this debris away, but be sure to not use a metal tool. Plastic or synthetic bristles are perfect for digging out debris without harming your turf. After that, you’ll want to rinse your synthetic grass lawn with a garden hose to wash off dust and smaller debris. Lastly, areas that are used as a pet’s bathroom will need extra attention. Pet urine can leave unpleasant odors behind, which you can wash away with a mix of water and distilled white vinegar. The best solution, however, is a specialized deodorizer product that can chemically neutralize the ammonia in pet urine. 

Groom your lawn.

Grooming is critical for high-traffic areas or spots that frequently have heavy lawn equipment resting on them. If you have furniture or backyard sports equipment that remains in one spot for too long, it can cause the synthetic turf to flatten and look matted. Not only is it visually unappealing, but it also impedes drainage. You can re-fluff your artificial grass with a broom or brush, but again, remember to use a tool with soft synthetic or plastic brush bristles.

Remove weeds.

Weeds normally can’t sprout up through artificial turf, especially if you’ve had a weed barrier installed beneath it, but they can grow along the edges of the lawn where the turf edges have been disrupted or sediment has settled. Since the early spring is usually the rainiest part of the year for California, weeds are most likely to sprout up during this time. So, while you’re grooming your lawn, make sure to tug up any weeds that you see. 

Consider remodeling or new additions.

Spring can be a great time for exterior renovations, as the rainy season helps soften the soil and makes it easier to work with. This could be a good time to add a new section of artificial turf to your lawn, implement decorations like flowerbeds or hardscapes, or anything else your imagination can dream up!

If you’d like to install a new synthetic grass lawn at your Rocklin home this spring, you can trust the professionals at Artificial Turf by Fenix. With an artificial grass lawn, you’ll spend less time having to maintain your lawn and more time actually enjoying it. Call us today at (877) 673-8873, and we can give you a free estimate on your project.

Why Artificial Grass is Perfect for the Rainy Season

With winter more than halfway done and spring fast approaching, homeowners in Sacramento are beginning to wonder if their artificial turf lawn will be able to handle the coming rainy season without suffering damage. While California is more infamous for earthquakes than any kind of harsh weather, Sacramento and the surrounding area still gets an average of 20 inches of rain every year. Fortunately, an artificial grass installation is good at handling both droughts and heavy rainfall as long as the proper precautions are taken.

First and most importantly, the synthetic turf itself is almost impossible to damage by rainfall. Artificial grass has blades made of a waterproof polyethylene material, which lets them dry out quickly rather than retain water after the rain is finished. Artificial grass is also supported by a porous backing that lets rainfall flow through unimpeded rather than trapping it on the surface to create puddles and pools. If properly installed and maintained, a synthetic grass lawn will quickly dry out after a storm. Additionally, because artificial grass doesn’t require soil to grow in, there will never be any risk of it creating mud and tracking that inside on your shoes or a pet’s paws. Synthetic turf is also extremely durable, with the blades tightly bound into the backing, making it almost impossible to track the blades inside as well. Our turf products are capable of draining 30 inches of rain per hour per square yard, meaning that they can easily handle California weather. Therefore, as long as you keep the drainage system clear, you shouldn’t have any problems with pools or puddles on your Sacramento artificial turf lawn.

In fact, the rainy season can even be a benefit for your synthetic turf lawn. While artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered for nourishment reasons, it does benefit from occasional rinsing to clean off dirt. This means that when it rains, you get a rinse for free. However, rain can deposit debris like leaves and fallen branches, which you should remove by hand or brush away. If you do use a brush, get one with synthetic bristles; metal bristles or wires can damage the blades of your turf. 

After a particularly hard rain, there’s a chance that your lawn can look flattened and matted. This usually happens after heavy amounts of foot traffic, but rain can force the blades of grass down as well. Fortunately, a simple brushing after the rain has fallen will help lift the blades and have them standing on end once more. This will help keep the turf upright and prevent the infill from compacting, which keeps debris from gathering as well. As stated before, however, make sure that you use a tool that won’t harm your synthetic grass lawn. 

With just a little maintenance and vigilance, your Sacramento synthetic turf lawn should be able to withstand the rainy season without any hassle. When it comes to synthetic grass, trust the experts at Artificial Turf by Fenix. We can help you pick out the perfect type of turf for your needs and install it at your home or business at an affordable rate. Call us today at (877) 673-8873 to learn more about our synthetic grass products and services or to get a free, no-obligation estimate.

How Artificial Grass Saves You Money

A major point of concern for any Sacramento home improvement or renovation project is making sure that it saves you money in the long run. Energy-efficient lightbulbs, improved insulation, water-saving faucets, and more are all common ways homeowners are shaving dollars off of their utility bills. But did you know that an artificial grass lawn can also help you save money? With synthetic turf, not only can you have a lush green lawn all year round, but you can also end up coming out ahead financially compared to having a sod grass lawn. 

While there are initial installation costs to consider, the vast majority of money spent on a lawn will be its long-term maintenance. This is where the differences between synthetic and natural grass truly shine. A natural grass lawn needs to be watered, mowed, trimmed, fertilized, seeded, and treated with pesticides regularly, all of which add considerable costs over the years. And this is assuming that everything works as intended to! If your lawn’s irrigation system or your mower breaks down, you could be forced to spend hundreds of dollars to fix the issue. 

A synthetic turf lawn, meanwhile, has far less rigorous maintenance requirements. Typically, artificial grass will only require a bi-annual brushing with a power broom and an occasional rinsing to remove dirt and debris. This means far less time and money spent on keeping your artificial turf lawn looking green and beautiful. 

Let’s break down the long-term costs for an artificial lawn versus one consisting of natural grass over the span of a single year. A synthetic turf lawn covering 350 square feet will cost you roughly $90 a year for brushing and rinsing it with water. Meanwhile, a natural grass lawn will cost roughly $250 a year for watering, $1200 a year for landscape maintenance, and $200 a year for fertilizer, for a total average cost of $1650 over just a single year! Some will point out that the initial installation of natural grass is cheaper than synthetic turf. This is true, but if you have to get a new irrigation system and a new lawnmower to go with it (both of which can cost up to thousands of dollars), any initial savings you enjoy can quickly evaporate.  

It’s not just money you end up saving, however. With artificial turf’s low water requirements, you can help alleviate the pressure on one of our state’s most precious and precarious resources. Additionally, the low maintenance needs mean you can spend less time having to work on your lawn and more time actually enjoying it. 

If you’d like to explore the possibility of installing a synthetic turf lawn for your Sacramento home or business, come to the experts at Artificial Turf by Fenix. We can consult with you on your turf options and help you choose the best type that will help you save money. After that, we’ll perform a professional installation that will give you a pristine lawn for years to come. To learn more about our synthetic turf products or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (877) 673-8873.

Artificial Turf for Athletic Facilities

In Sacramento and across the country, fitness centers and gymnasiums are starting to use artificial turf instead of natural grass or more typical flooring surfaces like vinyl or linoleum. Artificial grass has already seen widespread use for lawns and landscaping purposes, but many of the characteristics that make it an ideal choice in those industries also make it excellent for athletic facilities.

Versatility

Synthetic grass is useful in both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoors, synthetic turf installations are more comfortable to walk on and exercise on than hard or rubber flooring. Outside, a synthetic turf field looks fresh and green year-round without the need to be watered.

Low Maintenance Costs

Because artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered or mowed, businesses can spend far less money on water and lawn maintenance equipment. This, in turn, means being able to spend much less on upkeep for long-term operations. Maintenance for a synthetic turf field consists of simply rinsing it with a hose to wash away dirt and occasionally brushing it to remove larger pieces of debris.

Durability & Safety

Thanks to the turf’s perforated backing and drainage grid underlayer, synthetic turf can drain water extremely quickly. This means that outdoor fields don’t develop puddles, which makes it far less likely for people to slip and fall while running on damp turf. A common problem for grass fields is that the soil they grow in develops holes, bumps, and divots as people exercising damage the ground. These irregularities can also cause people to trip and fall and suffer injuries. Artificial turf, on the other hand, is far tougher than natural grass, and it can endure rough use like sled pushes and pulls, heavy foot traffic, dropped exercise equipment, and more without suffering from cracks, ruts, or indentations. Another unique feature of synthetic turf is that it can be installed with shock-absorbing pads underneath the turf that reduce pressure on people’s joints and cushion a fall when it does occur.

Style & Customization

Because synthetic turf looks good with only minimal maintenance, it presents a clean and professional atmosphere for businesses. Additionally, green carries connotations of vibrancy, energy, and good health, all fitting elements for a fitness center to project. Synthetic turf can come in numerous different colors, pile heights, backings, and yarn compositions, and it can be customized for almost any application. Some businesses, for instance, prefer cork or rubber infill and padding, while some prefer none. Synthetic turf can also feature inlaid lines, numbers, and hash marks for training purposes, or business logos that reinforce brand awareness in customers and patrons.

If you own an athletic facility in Sacramento and are interested in installing synthetic turf in your business, contact Artificial Turf by Fenix today. Our design and installation experts can help you in every step of the process of choosing the right artificial grass design for your home or business. They’d also be happy to provide you with a free estimate when you call us at (877) 673-8873.

Artificial Grass Winter Maintenance Tips

While artificial grass is far more resilient than an organic lawn, it still requires a degree of maintenance and care during the winter months as temperatures drop and the weather becomes harsher. While snow may not be a major concern for the Sacramento area, there are still certain steps and precautions you should take when caring for your artificial grass lawn, whether you’re a private homeowner or a commercial interest. 

Dealing With Fall’s Leftovers

While caring for your artificial lawn during the winter, there’s a good chance that there are still leaves and plant debris finding their way into your synthetic turf from the fall. While your fall maintenance routine should take care of the majority of fallen leaves, it’s still a good idea to clear away any plant matter that ends up on your lawn. This will reduce bacteria created by rotting leaves and make sure that mushy, organic matter doesn’t get stuck between the blades of synthetic turf. 

Check Your Nails

The changing of the seasons and weather can affect the materials you use to secure the lawn to its base. During the winter months, make sure that your lawn is firmly secured, and if any nails are rusting or broken, be sure to replace them.

How To Handle Frost

While synthetic grass can withstand severe temperature fluctuations, both heat waves and cold snaps, there are still precautions you should take. During cold weather, ice can form on the blades and can pose a slipping hazard to anyone trying to walk or run on it. When ice forms, it is usually best to let it melt naturally and drain away via your lawn’s drainage system. If you do want to remove the ice from your lawn, whether as an aesthetic choice or to let children or pets play on it without risking someone falling, use a plastic snow shovel or a tool like a bristle broom. Metal tools are harder, and therefore rougher on the grass. You can also use heated towels or rags to melt away the frost. 

Cold weather can also make blades brittle, and these brittle blades can be damaged if stepped on. If you do have to cross cold synthetic grass, walk lightly or take preventative measures like placing a tarp or plastic sheeting. This can keep moisture from forming on the turf. Coverings are also helpful if severe weather is on its way; these will make for easier cleanup and protect the blades from whatever punishment the weather might put them through. 

 

After harsh weather, artificial grass can look flattened or matted. To get it upright and erect, you can try “fluffing” it with a rake, broom, or brush. Again, you’ll want to use a plastic tool instead of metal to gently lift the blades. 

 

Whether you need a low-maintenance lawn for your Sacramento home or turf that will look good all year round for your business, Artificial Turf by Fenix and its synthetic grass lawns are the perfect solution for your requirements. If you’d like to start exploring options for artificial grass, you can contact us by calling (877) 673-8873. We’re eager to work with you to develop the perfect landscaping solution for your needs, both private and public.

Why Synthetic Turf Face Weight Matters

Artificial grass installation is a significant long-term investment for your Sacramento home. In order to ensure that you love your turf for years to come, you want to make sure that you take the time to choose the synthetic grass product that’s right for you. Many homeowners think that all artificial grass products are the same; however, there are dozens of options available that all vary greatly in face weight, pile height, color, and drainage rate. All of these factors dictate how your lawn will look and perform once the turf is installed. One very important aspect of synthetic turf to understand before you commit to a product is the face weight, both what it is and why it matters.

What is synthetic grass face weight?

Face weight is a measurement of how many ounces of yarn are used per square yard of turf. This excludes the weight of any infill and backing; it only measures the weight of the blades themselves. Turf products with higher face weights are softer and thicker than products with a lower face weight. An average range for residential synthetic turf face weights is about 40 to 80 ounces per square yard. Many homeowners prefer a higher face weight for their installation because it provides an enhanced appearance and greater durability. Since it is a measurement of weight only, a product with a high face weight may have fibers that are thicker, that are more densely tufted, or that are taller (or all three). Because of this, it’s important to take other factors such as pile height into consideration when choosing your desired artificial grass product.

How does face weight affect my artificial turf installation?

The face weight of a synthetic grass product helps determine its durability, appearance, product quality, and overall cost. The higher the face weight of your artificial turf, the denser the turf will be. This means that it will generally be more durable and able to withstand high amounts of foot traffic. Although it’s a slightly larger financial investment, choosing a higher face weight product will be a better long-term investment and will keep your yard looking perfect with less required maintenance. If you choose a product with too small of a face weight for your expected foot traffic, this could result in severe matting and damage over time. If your property has kids and pets running around, hosts a lot of social events, or is a commercial project, choosing a higher face weight artificial grass product will be a wise investment that stands up better in the long run.

The first step to any successful Sacramento artificial grass installation is choosing the perfect product for your needs. Knowing what face weight is and why it matters will help you choose a product that will stay beautiful and in pristine condition for years to come. If you need assistance picking the ideal artificial grass product for your home or business, call Artificial Turf by Fenix. We can present you with a range of product samples that will help you better determine the look and feel that you’re hoping to achieve. Give us a call today at (877) 673-8873 to find out more or schedule a free estimate.

What to Look for in an Artificial Grass Installer

There are many artificial grass installers in the Sacramento area, but few who will provide both impeccable installation quality and exceptional customer service. Artificial grass is a long-term investment for your home and a design focal point, so you want to ensure that it is installed to the highest standard. Before you commit to any installation project, look for these key things in a potential artificial turf installer.

Reviews & Testimonials

This is a step that most homeowners take when searching for an installer, and there’s good reason why. Researching an installer’s customer satisfaction rating and reputation in the industry can help you avoid customer service headaches later down the line. Take the time to read through their reviews on websites like Yelp or Google and view photos of previous installations they’ve performed. These testimonials will give you a good idea of how your project will turn out in the end. Testimonials provided by the company will always tend to be favorable, so ensure that you’re researching unbiased and unfiltered reviews from third-party sources. Finding honest feedback from local residents will provide you with a more accurate idea of an artificial grass installer’s installation quality and customer service skills, saving you time and money down the line.

Quality Products

No matter how skilled an installer is, you need high-quality products for a high-quality result. Make sure that you’re choosing an installer that only uses market-leading synthetic turf products. High-quality turf grass should look and feel just like natural grass, not matted or plastic-like. When any reputable installer comes to provide you with a free estimate, they should bring a sample of turf products with them for you to feel. Make sure that you take the time to assess the samples and gauge their quality as best you can. A trustworthy installer will be able to answer any and all questions that you have about the difference between the products, the benefits of each, and which one would be most suitable for your needs. Even years after the installer has left, the product will still be a stand-out part of your home’s exterior, so make sure that you are receiving a high-quality product that you are fully happy with.

Good Warranty

Unfortunately, even top-of-the-line turf products can be subject to manufacturing errors. In case of this, make sure that you choose an installer who provides a clear warranty with all installation. Artificial grass products come with a manufacturer warranty that ranges anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the product. A trustworthy installer will always be fully transparent about this warranty and honor it if you experience any premature or abnormal wear. If an installer doesn’t have a product warranty clearly listed on their website, or if they’re not familiar with the warranty terms when directly asked, move on to another synthetic turf installer.

If you’re looking for a skilled and trustworthy synthetic grass installer in the Sacramento area, look no further than Artificial Turf by Fenix. We proudly service the Greater Sacramento area with consistent 5-star service. All of our installations come with a product manufacturer warranty and your satisfaction is guaranteed. To find out more or receive a free installation estimate, give us a call today at (877) 673-8873.

Your Guide to Weeds & Artificial Grass

Sacramento residents love synthetic turf due to its many practical benefits, from its evergreen color to its ability to conserve water. One benefit of artificial grass is that it’s far more weed resistant than a natural grass lawn. However, it is still possible for weeds to occasionally grow on a synthetic turf lawn. When this happens, many turf owners have questions about how this happens and what the proper procedures are for getting rid of them. That’s why we’ve created this guide to weeds and artificial grass for all of our quizzical clients. 

Does artificial grass get weeds?

Although weeds are rare in artificial grass, they do occur. Weeds most often grow around the edge of the turf because the structure of the turf itself makes it extremely difficult for weeds to thrive. With a lack of water access, no soil for nutritional support, and a tightly woven backing that prevents penetration, there are many factors working against the weed seeds and preventing them from growing. However, every once in a great while a weed will manage to take root and grow through a small hole in the perforated backing. It is possible for your synthetic turf to grow weeds, but it is rare that it will do so.

How to prevent weed growth

If your home doesn’t have any pets running around, then installing a weed fabric underneath your synthetic grass lawn is an effective way to prevent any weeds from growing between your turf blades. Weed fabric is designed to prevent weeds from growing by creating an added layer of protection. It’s eco-friendly; UV resistant for sun exposure; and resists mildew, rotting, and insect invasion. However, it isn’t ideal for homes with pets due to pet waste seeping into the fabric and causing odors over time. We also recommend cross-brushing your synthetic turf lawn regularly in order to remove airborne seeds. This is especially important during the summer months when weed seeds are more prevalent than ever.

How to treat existing weeds

If you already have weeds growing in your artificial grass lawn, you may be wondering how to safely and effectively remove them. Pet-friendly weed killers are the best way to kill existing weeds, just like with a natural lawn. Weed killer doesn’t need to be applied often; once or twice a year should be sufficient to keep your lawn clear all year long. You can also spray your lawn with apple cider vinegar to kill seeds that are germinating. Its all-natural, non-toxic formula is safe for kids and pets. Finally, pull any visible weeds that you see, so the weed killer doesn’t leave unsightly, decomposing pieces that interrupt the beauty of your evergreen artificial grass lawn.

Artificial grass creates a beautiful landscape while eliminating laborious routines and exorbitant expenses associated with natural grass lawns. However, the occasional pesky weed can quite literally slip through the cracks. With easy weed control procedures, you don’t need to let a weed or two deter you from enjoying your gorgeous synthetic turf lawn. If you’re a Sacramento resident looking to switch to low-maintenance artificial grass landscaping today, give Artificial Turf by Fenix a call at (877) 673-8873. We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate for your next project.

Eliminating Pet Odor with Synthetic Turf

Sacramento pet owners love artificial grass because it stays beautiful and evergreen no matter what your furry friends try to do to it. You can avoid brown patches, broken blades, and even pet odor thanks to the convenience of synthetic grass products. By utilizing the incredible pet-friendly turf products available on the market, you can effectively eliminate pet odor and keep your lawn looking and smelling fresh all year long.

Efficient Drainage

One way that artificial grass helps homeowners avoid pet odor is through its highly efficient drainage capabilities. Artificial Turf by Fenix’s turf products all drain at a rate of more than 30 inches of water per hour per square yard, so pet urine will drain through the turf and off of your property in no time. There’s no pooled liquid on the surface of the grass, helping your lawn stay sanitary and smelling fresh.

Antimicrobial Infill

All synthetic turf is installed with infill, a material poured between the turf blades to help them stand upright in your lawn. Specially engineered, pet-friendly turf infill products are now available for homeowners who have four-legged friends they need to accommodate. This non-absorbent, antimicrobial infill can withstand harsh conditions such as pet urine to keep your artificial turf looking as good as new for years to come. This infill captures the ammonia in pet waste and prevents it from turning into a gas, thus preventing odor from escaping. Protecting your synthetic turf from stains, odors, and deterioration will help you protect your investment while keeping your lawn sanitary.

Spot Cleaning

In addition to your artificial grass installation products, there are ways to periodically clean your lawn in order to keep it as fresh as possible. If you notice your pet has left waste on your turf, or if it’s just been a while since you’ve rinsed your lawn down, spend a minute or two going over it with a hose to help drain any leftover waste from your synthetic grass. You can also use turf freshening products specially formulated to clear away pet odor, such as Turf Fresh, for spot cleaning and general upkeep. Products such as these are biodegradable, non-toxic formulas that will leave your lawn smelling fresh and clean without doing any harm to your little ones. The spray can be applied as needed, so it’s a quick and easy way to give your synthetic grass lawn a refreshing spot clean.

If you’re ready to transform your Sacramento home with pet-friendly artificial grass products, you may be wary of pet odor collecting in the fibers. However, synthetic turf is the perfect solution for pet owners who want a low-maintenance landscaping solution. Efficient drainage, antimicrobial infill, and various turf cleaning products make eliminating pet odor a breeze. To find out more about our artificial turf products or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (877) 673-8873. We’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate at your earliest convenience.

Product Spotlight: Everglade Fescue Pro

If you want to transform the appearance of your Sacramento home with minimal maintenance and high return on investment, there’s no better option than synthetic grass installation. Artificial turf is created to look and feel exactly like natural grass, but without the high costs and inconveniences associated with real grass. There’s never daily watering or dead patches to worry about; you’ll be able to enjoy lush, green grass all year long. One of our most popular products for achieving this is Everglade Fescue Pro. With Everglade Fescue Pro, you can achieve a lush, dark green lawn that makes you the envy of the neighborhood with virtually no effort. 

Everglade Fescue Pro is specifically created to replicate the look and feel of real grass. It features a 1.75-inch blade height in a mix of field green and olive green blade tones with brown thatch. These specs give the synthetic grass an ultra-realistic appearance while their innovative Omega fiber shapes provide enhanced durability and a soft touch that is safe for both kids and pets. It features a plush 75-ounce face weight that allows it to withstand high foot traffic and gives it a lush, full appearance similar to a supremely-maintained natural grass lawn. This makes it perfect for homes that need high durability but still want to maintain a soft, lush, and realistic appearance.

 

Everglade Fescue Pro is an extremely low-maintenance landscaping solution for all homeowners. It has a uniquely formulated polyurethane coated backing where each grass blade is triple reinforced through tuft bind technology. This makes it extremely durable and difficult for kids or pets to damage. The backing is also perforated for easy drainage, with a drain rate of more than 30 inches of rain per hour per square yard. Whether you’re enduring the driest summer or endless storms, your synthetic grass lawn can handle it all and come out the other side looking as pristine as the day it was installed. Everglade Fescue Pro is also heat and frost resistant. In addition, it’s UV stabilized so it can resist sun fading for years on end. WIth Everglade Fescue Pro from Artificial Turf by Fenix, you can transform your home and become the envy of the neighborhood. 

For a convenient residential landscaping solution that saves time and money while enhancing your home’s curb appeal, choose Everglade Fescue Pro synthetic grass for your Sacramento home. Our products are among the best in the industry, with a 15-year manufacturer warranty to support that claim. Our installations are performed right the first time, and our exceptional customer service speaks for itself. To find out more about Artificial Turf by Fenix installations or our vast artificial grass product selection, give us a call today at (877) 673-8873. We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your next project.