Smart plan, you had earlier this year – installing artificial turf just in time for a full summer of fun. Finally, this year, you can do what you really want to do with your weekends, instead of mowing and all that other lawn maintenance routine. Sunbathing sounds nice, doesn’t it? It’s the ultimate in relaxation. Nonetheless, there are a few things to watch out for.
1. Romping kids and pets
You won’t be the only one enjoying backyard fun on the lawn. Better keep one eye on the action, so you aren’t inadvertently run over by small feet or paws.
2. Tickles
You know how the tips of grass blades tickle your body when you lay on the lawn? Fake grass does that, too. No wonder it feels so natural. Of course you can always sunbathe on a towel or mat – or better yet, a lounger.
3. Splashes
Artificial turf is ideal for pool surrounds, so if you have a pool, you’ll probably be sunbathing nearby. If the rest of the gang is horsing around in the water, splashes are inevitable. But the chlorine and pool chemicals you use to treat the water won’t harm your faux grass. You may want to give it a rinse with the hose once water play is over. And you may want to move yourself a bit farther away, so you don’t get splashed, too.
4. Spills
Spills happen when you’re living life in the back yard. Beverages from sugary pop to alcohol. Food, from BBQ sauce to mustardy hot dogs to ice cream. But your artificial grass is resilient, so worry not. Sweet things and other foods are sticky, so they might attract ants and other insects you don’t want. Thankfully, a thorough rinse with the hose and your grass is green and clean again.
And that mustard? Our behind-the scenes experts at Heavenly Greens keep trying to find something that will stain artificial turf, but we haven’t succeeded yet. So wash away that mustard, too, and get back to your sunbathing.
What if you spill your sunscreen, or something “scary” like nail polish? Simply wipe the grass clean using a little nail polish remover on a soft cloth. Wash that off with a little soapy water, then rinse.
5. Warmth
You are sunbathing, right? Faux grass can feel warmer than natural grass, but it’s a far cry from the heat that radiated off your former patio. No sweat, though, you can easily cool the grass by hosing it off. Artificial turf dries five times faster than the real thing, so you’ll be reclining on your grass again in no time.
6. Flat spots
If you’re out there so long the grass retains something of your body’s impression, you can re-fluff it by gently brushing it with your fingers or a stiff bristle brush. This is the recommended technique for restoring fluffiness to high-traffic spots, too. (And as a side note, if you have chronic problems with a particular foot-traffic pathway, talk to us about using pavers or flagstones interwoven with artificial turf instead.)
Artificial turf from Heavenly Greens is better for sunbathing than natural grass
How cool is that?! No army of little insects crawling up your arm or leg from the grass, no horrid grass allergies to ruin your sunning experience, no worries about health and safety issues for humans or pets. No residues of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. in your lawn, just a soft, inviting expanse.
So go ahead. It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, thanks to your artificial turf. With a refreshing beverage and a good book, you’re ready to sunbathe to your heart’s content.
