With an increasing awareness of the importance of water conservation, many people are looking for alternatives to natural grass. Water restrictions, upkeep, and difficulties in growing natural lawn are just some of the reasons why there is a growing demand for a synthetic surface that can replace natural grass. Synthetic has most of the benefits of natural grass, yet without any of the mowing, watering, or maintenance is proving to be the perfect answer to difficult areas in a garden or sports area.
Synthetic grass, also called astroturf, artificial grass, or fake grass, or soft fall has come a long way from the plastic looking grass seen on 1970s TV shows. Nowadays synthetic grass is serious business and the new synthetic grasses really do look and feel like real. Sure it does not look exactly the same, but it looks real enough to make it very difficult to tell the difference without closer examination.
Traditionally the main type of outdoor artificial has been a short pile, carpet-like product that requires a sand infill to make it durable. This is often seen on tennis courts or in playgrounds at kindergartens. Whilst the short pile grass remains popular for its durability and value for money, the new long pile grass is in demand for its grass like characteristics and close resemblance to real lawn. It can be up to 40mm (almost 2 inches) in height and is made from polyethylene fibres which are woven into a rubber backing, to produce a very strong and durable product.
An increasing number of synthetic grasses have even been approved by FIFA for use in the surfacing of football fields. Since the long pile grasses are softer they allow athletes to slide without getting "carpet burns", and yet still provide the required traction underfoot. Often the new synthetic grasses have a thin layer of rubber granules or sand trapped within the base of the fibres to provide a cushioning effect. For maximum comfort artificial grass can be installed over an impact-absorbing, rubber soft fall base similar to that used for Olympic running tracks and as under surfacing around play equipment.
The new synthetic lawn is also being installed at home particularly in areas where home owners simply do not have the time or resources to do all that is required to achieve a lush natural lawn. In a garden setting, synthetic lawn can be perforated to let rain through and to reduce the impact on nearby trees and plants. It also has the advantage of being able to taken up and re-installed in a different area.
Artificial grass can be installed directly over a number of bases depending on application. These include dirt, compacted road base, wetpour rubber, or concrete. It can be fixed in place by nailing it to a surrounding timber border, or by pegging it to the ground. Often the weight of sand and rubber infill may be enough to hold it securely in place.
Good quality synthetic grass is expensive and that remains a hindrance to its growth. Yet in many instances the expense is outweighed by the advantages. There is no doubt that the demand for synthetic grass will continue to grow.
Next time you walk past a lush green lawn that appears to be too good to be real, take a second look. It may well be that its not.
Pictures of the new long pile synthetic grasses may be found at
softfall playgrounds & soft fall synthetic grass sports surfaces
Nicholas Warren BA (Sydney Uni) and LLB (Maquarie Uni) is a professional playground designer and builder. He is the director of http://www.playcover.com.au
playcover.com.au, a company that supplies artificial grass and rubber softfall for playground safety.
Copyright 2007, Nick Warren. This article may be used free of charge providing all text and references remain intact and unchanged.
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