interesting one and arose out of the social desire to in-effect ward
off what could be seen, as far back as the 1950s, as an increasingly
unhealthy tendency by youngsters not to exercise.
History has it that birth of synthetic grass began through attempts by
scientists trying to develop a type of grass that would not only allow
children and adolescents to play on regardless of the weather
condition but encouraged them to do so, in other words, a surface that
they enjoyed using or a user friendly surface. Hence the advent of
fake or artificial grass.
The result was one of the early prototypes of what we now know to be
fake or artificial grass. The earlier types were not only hard under
foot and made for impracticality especially where sports and children
were concerned given the tendencies to fall but were very unpopular.
Conversely, however, in terms of workability and endurance this
surface proved itself worthy, with the originally playing field where
the fake grass surface was installed lasting twenty years of solid
wear.
Claims that in terms of practicalities due to poor drainage and its
tendency to rot artificial grass has limited applicability are
unsubstantiated. Furthermore, highly contentious arguments revolving
around the argument that artificial grass causes more on-field
injuries when used in sports-grounds is again unfounded and may be
derived from factions wanting to see this type of surfacing a thing of
the past. The claim by the industry is that if laid correctly no
problems should occur. In fact, if anything, this type of surface
should encourage better drainage enabling competitive sports to
continue play with less interruption time due to rain.
Today the advances in artificial grass surfaces are enormous and can't
be down-played. It is common practice to no longer use asphalt as an
underlay beneath the surface of the grass which has increased the
shock absorption provided by the grass, decreased the retention of
heat during summer and further improving the drainage ability of the
grass. Finally and possibly most importantly no longer does artificial
grass look, both on and off T.V like the earlier versions of fake
grass, that is, FAKE.
Typically artificial grass is approximately 3cm thick (from base to
blade tip). The material of the 'blades' themselves are a
polyethylene-polypropylene blend which are then woven into a mat-like
backing (much like that of carpet). The only maintenance that is
recommended is that the surface be given a once over each month, which
involves rubbing it down. It you were to get this done professionally
it is estimated that it would cost no more than a couple of thousand
dollars a year. While this may initially sound a lot when compared to
the water costs alone for the real thing - there is virtually no
comparison. For those still sceptical and missing the small things
associated with 'real' grass consider this. In America, consumers
missing the smell associated with cut grass can purchase, that is
right, purchase a can whose contents promise that 'just cut smell'!
But wait there is more……in addition, other requests by customers have
included wanting to have the newly laid 'fake' lawn have the same
effect as when you just cut real grass and there are the alternating
light and dark bands of grass. This too can be achieved…..ah the
marvels of modern society.
Once perceived as being exclusively for those at the lower end of the
socioeconomic scale, time-and resource-poor, fake grass has now become
the stable for all regards of income bracket. With everyone becoming
increasingly time-limited and wanting immediate results - 'visual'
perfection - artificial grass answers both these requirements.
The advantages of artificial grass
As already mentioned fake grass has many advantages being both low
maintenance, cheap and providing reliable year-round good looks for
those concerned with their gardens aesthetic appearance. Especially in
areas where water is particularly scarce and or for areas whether
there is heavy usage - i.e. constant foot traffic - then artificial or
artificial grass may provide a practical solution. What is more, with
fake or artificial grass there is no limit to the amount of area you
wish to cover and up-keep is negligible especially when compared to
the requirements of real grass. Golfing greens require the employ of a
number of full-time 'green keepers' whose job it is to solely look
after the lawns!!!! For those without this luxury in budget or time
the alternative is clearly …….artificial grass. No need for
pesticides, watering, mowing, and replacing of dead patches etcetera.
While slow to catch on in many Westernized countries, Asian nations
who are resource tight have long used fake grasses for their
play-grounds, private lawns and commercial turfs. Furthermore, using
artificial grass removes the threat of degradation by human or other
pests. The laying of fake grass is also immediate - like that of
carpet. Another advantage is that is does not have to be a permanent
fixture but can be lifted at any time.
Posted by grassestimate.com Bay Area synthetic lawn installer -
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