Golden Select artificial grass blades are custom designed to match the natural lawn colour of the region.
© COURTESY OF EAST SHORE HOME

Tough turf

Artificial grass is a smart and sensible choice

by LAURA TOBIAS

Once the domain of sports fields, artificial turf is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, and for multiple reasons. Artificial grass saves water and reduces dust, insects and weeds. It doesn’t require the upkeep of a traditional lawn, so it’s extremely easy-care. It also dries quickly after rain, making it user-friendly. Best of all, it always looks good, even in problematic areas, such as shady spots and under outdoor play spaces. Some municipalities restrict where you can install artificial turf, so always check your local regulations before installing.

“We have two girls and a dog, and our days are already very busy, so we went the route of artificial grass because we were looking for something low-maintenance and long-lasting,” says Costco member and St. Catharines, Ontario, resident Alicia O’Callaghan. She chose Golden Select artificial turf and liked that she could order a sample online before fully committing. “It’s been a fantastic choice for us, because it’s less slippery around our pool and easier with our dog,” she says. “We no longer have to fill in or reseed patches that she’s dug up!”

Turf selection

There are many types of artificial turf available in a variety of pile heights and colour tones. First, choose a manufacturer that offers UV protection and backs it with a multi-year warranty. Next, consider the grass varieties found in your area and choose something that replicates what grows locally.

Costco supplier J. Sonic Services Inc. custom designs the shades of its Golden Select artificial grass blades to best match the natural lawn colours of the regions where it’s sold. “Our grass rolls use many different shades of green for our blades, and different shades of green and light brown for our grass thatch,” says Kyle Salhany, marketing manager for J. Sonic Services Inc. “We always strive to present product to Costco that is tailored to the country's needs, wants and environment.”

If you’re after a neat and tidy, freshly cut look, shorter grass with a firmer feel is best. If you want a luxurious look, longer, softer and lower-density grass will give you that. Before making your final selection consider your lifestyle and needs. Will your grass see heavy use, moderate use or no foot traffic at all? Will it be installed around a pool? Will it be used by children or a pet?

Shorter artificial turfs stand up to heavier foot traffic and work well for families with children or pets. “The length of the pile height is a careful balance depending on the desired use,” Salhany says. “A pile height between 3.5 to 4.5 centimetres [1.4 to 1.8 inches] gives an excellent balance between a lush lawn that feels great to the touch while at the same time looking like a freshly groomed lawn.”

A lower pile height is also particularly appropriate for pets because the short, dense blade structure makes waste cleanup easy. If pets are a consideration, choose a variety with a fully permeable backing to enable liquids to drain properly. A permeable backing is also important if your turf will be installed around a pool or other areas where water splashes.

Cleaning tips

Once it’s installed, maintaining artificial turf is easy, provided you follow a few simple steps. (For installation tips, see “Ready, set, go.”) To keep it looking great, remove fallen leaves or branches before they become ground in; a leaf blower or lawn vacuum will make fast work of the job. In dry climates, rinse the turf regularly with a hose to remove dust and pollen. Clean spills promptly, blotting up with a towel and rinsing them with a mixture of soap and water.

Let solid pet waste dry before picking it up; afterwards, rinse the area with water. Liquid pet waste will drain out, but dousing with water afterwards is recommended.

Finally, brushing the grass against the grain in high-traffic areas every few weeks will keep it looking like new. Artificial grass is an easy way to improve your outdoor living space.

---