We get it. There’s a lot to know when it comes to Artificial Turf. So much so, that we recommend hiring a professional. Whether or not you hire a pro, or install it yourself, here’s what you need to know before you switch to artificial turf. If you’ve got any other questions, surely let us know.
1. What Is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass consists of coloured filaments made from nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene that’s threaded into a rubber backing to look like real grass. The backing is laid on a gravel compacted drainage layer and secured along the edges. Then, adding sand creates an infill system that weighs down the turf and protects the backing.
2. How Long Does It Take to Install Artificial Grass?
To install artificial grass on a 1,000-square foot lawn takes 1 to 3 days for a crew of 4 trained and experienced landscapers. Locate a Bella Turf installer near you. It may take longer to install the turf yourself, but doing-it-yourself is common, and you can see our how to install artificial grass instruction guide here.
3. Does Artificial Grass Look Real?
Artificial grass looks real if you purchase a high-quality product. Many people wrongly confuse “cheap pet grass” with true artificial grass. Bella Turf offers the world’s finest grass. Many fake grasses have a thatch layer that mimics real grass such as Bermuda, Fescue, and Zoysia to create a more realistic look. View our artificial turf and putting green product options here.
Color
Grass should contain at least three colors (two greens and a straw color). This matches the look of real grass, which is full of a variation and thatch. If there is only one color, it will not be realistic looking. View an example the different color options we have at Bella Turf:
Texture
Blades should be three-dimensional and have uneven tips that mimic the cut tips of real grass. Examine blades of real grass, and you can see the dimensions.
Blade Length
Real grass is about 1 ¾” tall and artificial grass should be the same. The blade should be held erect by granulated sand, not crumb rubber.
4. Where to Buy Fake Grass?
You can purchase fake grass at local home-improvement stores, Costco, or from a Bella Turf Authorized Dealer. If you’re covering a large area, it’s best to hire a professional turf company who has the experience, but if you have a small area(s) to cover, you could purchase and install your own turf.
- 1. Authorized Bella Turf Installers — Bella Turf Artificial Turf is sold across Canada at participating landscape stores. Please use our Dealer Locator to locate installers near you. These installers will guide you through the process, purchase the product, complete the installation, and deal with cleanup, making everything easy as possible for you the home owner.
- Costco Artificial Grass – Costco only sells its own brand of artificial grass which is manufactured by Pregra. They have three main styles– bluegrass, fescue, and Bermuda These tend to be of lower quality and more affordable.
- RONA – RONA stocks the Bella Turf product across their stores in British Columbia. They carry fake grass for landscaping, pet areas, playgrounds, and patio areas.
5. How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
Artificial grass should last about 15 to 25 years. The actual life of the product will depend on the quality of artificial grass you purchased and how well you maintain it. Read our article on how to keep your artificial grass looking new.
6. What Is Astro Turf Laid On?
Astro Turf is typically laid on a gravel compacted drainage layer with a infill layer. The same permeable backing that lets water drain through can also let weeds grow through. You can also use a artificial turf foam underlay to add additional cushioning to your lawn. Read all about the artificial grass installation process and the recommended artificial grass bases here.
7. How Much Does It Cost to Re-Turf a Lawn?
If you have previously installed turf, it will cost less to re-turf. You will save money by skipping the groundwork (base) preparation, and your gravel base layer may still be intact. You’ll also save money on reduced dump fees. However, if your artificial turf is installed correctly (we recommend a Bella Turf Authorized Installer) it should last 15 to 25 years.
8. Is Artificial Grass Worth The Money?
Compared to real sod grass, a synthetic lawn will pay for itself in about 5-6 years and lasts for 15 to 25 years on average. Artificial grass doesn’t require mowing or fertilizing, and can save 50 gallons of water a year per square foot. The environmental benefits of artificial grass are real, and you could be the first in your community to set the eco-friendly standard. If you are in the home you plan to reside for 5+ years, you might be able to save yourself years of lawn care and landscaping costs by switching to artificial lawn.
9. Is Artificial Turf pet and kid-friendly?
Yes! Even more so than natural grass is! The benefits of artificial grass amplify along with the number of kids or pets you have. Artificial grass keeps feet (and paws) clean and not muddy, Aritficial grass also avoids the common grass-allergy that many pets have, and it keeps harmful pesticides and fertilizers out your pets mouth and off their skin. If you are worried about your kids falling on the turf, you can feel good knowing that with the Turf Cloud foam underlay installed, Bella Turf artificial grass can be a softer surface than normal grass and dirt is!
10. Does Artificial Turf come with a warranty?
If you purchase Bella Turf Artificial Grass, you may be covered under our 10 Year Landscape Grass Warranty. Please call or email us for more information.
Bella Turf product is sold exclusively through Authorized Bella Turf Dealers located across Canada. Please use our Dealer Locator to locate an artificial grass installer near you.
Last updated on Wednesday, April 13 @ 2:06 pm by Tyler Trowbridge, Bella Turf
