Life & Work

Keeping your lawn green throughout the year

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A mansion with artificial grass. PHOTO | COURTESY

Maintaining a lush green garden can be a daunting task especially with the various hot and wet seasons that leave your grass with puddles of water during the rains as is the present case or with dry patches during the dry season.

However, with artificial grass from Turf Masters, a landscaping company in Kenya, the possibility of having a green landscape all year round is now a reality.

Because we have fairly good weather throughout the year, you may not need this grass all over your home but there are areas that could do with greenery all year round.

The first time I came across this artificial grass was at the Ideal Interiors expo this year where a part of the indoor exhibition floor was covered with this grass. It looked real and the feel on your feet was even more magical.

Imran Jaffer of Turf Masters says they stock various grass types with varying height and texture for different areas of the home and house.

“We work on various projects from home garden landscaping to children’s play grounds, sports fields and golf fields,” he says.

With most apartment buildings nowadays taking up the green initiative by including landscaped gardens, play areas and balcony gardens; the use of artificial grass works well on such projects.

Most people with a big balcony and an open rooftop will prefer to have artificial grass instead of a concrete floor as it gives the illusion of the outdoors.

Office spaces which are now being transformed into cool and more relaxed atmospheres are also integrating artificial grass on floors and walls instead of an all-concrete look.

Children’s play grounds and other sports fields such as football fields, hockey fields, golf and even tennis courts are some of the areas where artificial grass is best suited.

The wear and tear of a sports field can be expensive to maintain due to the nature of their use but the use of artificial grass is a cost effective option.

One of the advantages of artificial grass in playing fields is that the turf is in-filled with sand and rubber granules for greater shock absorption should someone fall or for durability.

“Our in-filled artificial grass for sports areas provides greater shock absorption, providing a safer environment to play in as it also gives a more natural ball bounce,” says Jaffer.

Artificial grass for sports areas have a longer pile height of between 45mm to 60 mm with a lower stitch rate but with more durable fibres.

For landscaping and recreational use, the finish is more natural, with a shorter pile height ranging from 20mm- 45mm. The incorporation of ‘dead grass’ within the green fibres enhances the ’natural´ look and makes it softer.

This grass is available locally and is sold in rolls and joined together using a special tape or strong adhesive. Nails may be used when the grass is for landscaping.

The cost of this grass ranges from Sh2,500 to Sh3,500 per square metre depending on the type of grass selected.
Installation costs are charged separately and depend on the ground condition as well as the size of the field to be covered.

Jaffer says that based on the application, artificial grass fibres are made of nylon, polypropylene or polyester.
“The backing is primarily polyurethane, however, this can be replaced by latex for a cheaper but less durable solution,” he says.

Turf masters supplies grass that has been UV tested and is certified for having no detectable traces of lead, enhancing its safety.

Installing

During preparation to lay the foundation for the grass, the contractor ensures that there is good drainage for water during the rainy season especially on concrete floors and that it can withstand all weather conditions.

“The grass is manufactured with drainage holes punched into the backing allowing it to drain freely on gravel,” says Jaffer, adding that concrete bases require a slope to ensure any water runs off the surface to the drain.

As for artificial grass on sports fields or on a landscape, preparation of the ground is essential. This includes excavating up to 2 feet and putting a base layer consisting of coarse and fine aggregate that is compacted for maximum stability while allowing for drainage.

Laying of the grass is done according to the specified design by ensuring the blades are pointing in the same direction. The grass can also be trimmed into any shape and size one wants.

A final touch of spreading sand is done to enhance durability, heat absorption and to also support the grass blades.

Maintenance

Artificial grass has a typical expected lifespan of 7-10 years, depending on the usage and traffic it is subjected to.

It is also low maintenance as one only needs to give it a brush every week to get rid of any debris or wash any spills off using water and a mild detergent.

Artificial grass for sports requires brushing equipment to ensure the infill is well spread out. Occasional topping up of infill may be required due to infill migration during game play.

This kind of grass does not require watering, adding fertilizer, weeding or trimming, and you will be sure to always have a smile on your face every time you step outside, whatever the weather.

After all, the grass will always be greener on your side, and will leave your neighbours green with envy.

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