How can artificial grass help save money and the planet vs natural grass? We investigate in our own way.
14
Dec
Cleaning Your Artificial Grass
Cleaning Your Artificial Grass isn’t particularly difficult. Here are some pointers to help you. When Ecograss installs your artificial grass in your garden, playground or even your outdoor working space, it is intended to last. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and how long it will last is dependent on things like footfall (traffic), but there are things you can do to extend the life and looks of your faux grass. Debris on Faux Grass Dirt and debris can block your drainage system as well as make your garden/play/outdoor working space untidy – and nobody wants that! So, on a fairly regular basis, maybe weekly, pick up any loose debris, leaves or dirt – use a soft brush or rake if it’s easier for you. However, be gentle with the rake because if you’re too enthusiastic, you could cause permanent damage. Litter pickers (or grabbers) are great for this and can be bought fairly cheaply from Amazon, Wilkinsons or your local garden centre (these links are for your convenience and are examples – no endorsement is given or implied.) – your back will thank you! You can also buy artificial grass cleaner or use a mix of 50% water and 50% vinegar. Cheap as chips but not necessarily good for the ambience of your garden as the smell that’s left can be quite overpowering. If you can’t sit in your garden and admire your artificial grass, it defeats the objective of having the grass in the first place, but horses for the course, if you don’t mind the (temporarily) pungent odour, it’s effective and will cost pennies. Cleaning Spills & Stains on Artificial Grass Spillages should be cleaned as soon as possible. ALWAYS blot the spill or stain with a damp rag or kitchen roll – if you rub it, you…
08
Nov
Can artificial grass withstand the winter weather?
With recent weather events, including severe and prolonged gusts of wind and deluges of biblical proportions, you’d be forgiven for wondering if your lovely artificial grass will withstand the winter weather and make it through the impending winter months unscathed, ready for use in the spring and summer of 2023. The good news is that, of course, you have nothing to worry about if you chose to have your artificial grass installed by the experts at Ecograss. The husband-and-wife team behind Ecograss have been supplying and installing artificial grass since 2009 when they started their journey in beautiful Cyprus. Relocating back to the UK in 2012, they filled a gap in the market, completing thousands of artificial installations for both domestic and commercial customers – in all weathers from Nottingham to Leicester and beyond. So, they know something about artificial grass and how it can easily survive climates from Cyprus to Coventry! There’s a story of artificial grass surviving a hurricane in Miami, Florida when everything else was flattened and damaged beyond repair, we kid you not. Admittedly, the installers did bear in mind that Miami is often struck by fierce tropical storms – we’re unlikely to be subjected to such forces in the UK – and prepared the ground (if you’ll pardon the pun) accordingly. If you’d like to read the blog post about the Florida hurricane and the artificial grass installation, here’s the link to the blog post (just so you know, this opens a link to an external website which is not the responsibility of Ecograss) Ecograss also factor in any environmental factors (such as gradients, proximity to other hazards etc) when they’re planning your artificial grass and garden installation. Aside from location, potential hazards and weather-related events, it might be that there’s a special need because…
24
Aug
Artificial Grass In Autumn And Winter
Winter Care Guide:Maintaining Your Artificial Grass During the Cold Months As winter approaches, it's essential to ensure that your artificial grass remains in optimal condition despite the harsh weather conditions. Proper care and maintenance during this time will help preserve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your artificial turf. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to look after your artificial grass during the winter months. Regular Brushing Even though natural grass tends to slow down its growth during winter, artificial grass requires regular brushing to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Winter precipitation, such as rain or snow, can cause debris to accumulate on the surface. Use a stiff brush or a leaf blower to remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris that may have settled on your artificial turf. Frequent brushing not only keeps your lawn clean but also helps maintain the upright position of the grass blades. Proper Drainage One of the significant advantages of artificial grass is its excellent drainage system. However, during winter, when rain and melting snow are more prevalent, it's crucial to ensure that your artificial turf's drainage remains unobstructed. Regularly clear any leaves or other debris that may accumulate in the drainage holes or around the edges of your lawn. This will prevent water from pooling and potentially damaging the base of your artificial grass. Dealing with Snow If you live in an area where snowfall is common, you may need to take some additional steps to care for your artificial grass during the winter months. Avoid Shoveling: Using a shovel to remove snow from your artificial turf can be damaging. Instead, allow the snow to melt naturally or use a plastic shovel with a smooth edge to gently push the snow off the surface. Prevent…
23
Mar
Looking for a Low Maintenance Lawn? Ecograss Has the Solution
With busy lifestyles now the norm, a low maintenance lawn could be the perfect answer. Artificial grass is low maintenance, but it still gives you a relaxing space to entertain friends/family and enjoy your downtime. What About the Weather? With British weather so unpredictable, a perfect looking natural lawn is hard to achieve and takes time and effort. Spring showers and summer sunshine make a natural lawn muddy in some areas, often with dark brown patches and a propensity for weeds. If this is what you are looking for then this is fine! But f you are looking for a low maintenance lawn that looks great all year round, get in touch with Ecograss today for a free, no obligation quotation. Artificial Grass Maintenance Ecograss artificial lawns are environmentally friendly and perfect for pets. No mowing, watering, feeding, weeding or re-turfing is required. An artificial lawn has excellent drainage and is durable throughout the seasons. Even in the coldest winter, artificial grass remains a beautiful shade of green – complimenting all of your autumnal garden colours and winter flowering plants. Wildlife Care It is also worth considering that not everybody wants the wildlife associated with a natural lawn (at least not the creepy crawly kind that normally lurk in natural grass!). An artificial lawn is completely safe for animals and insects – in fact, it is more environmentally friendly due to the lack of chemicals used/required (lawn feed, slug pellets etc.). You can also attract more wildlife to your garden by installing a bird feeder or two. To help birds through the winter months as well as attract many different species. Other Low Maintenance Lawn & Garden Ideas A few other ideas to help you to maintain a beautiful.Low maintenance garden all year round include: swapping hedges for fences; using…
08
Jan
Why you should Transform Your Garden this New Year
January is the month of preparing and planning targets and new years resolutions. Maybe you have new year’s resolutions to eat healthier, lose weight, or quit smoking. Or perhaps your resolutions are to do with your home and gardens this year. Read our article below as to why you should transform your garden this new year with an artificial lawn. Low Maintenance Artificial lawns are incredibly low maintenance. There’s no need for weeding or mowing. And It doesn’t take long to keep an artificial lawn in its top condition.With artificial lawn being such low maintenance, not only does it allow more time to spend enjoying your garden rather than maintaining it, but it will also allow you to spend more time with family and friends. Reduces Stress Natural grass in colder months can look extremely dreary. When you have natural grass to maintain, you must keep in mind the seasons, the weather. And when best to do the weeding and mowing. Artificial lawn looks lush all year round, with the point of low maintenance; you won’t need to worry about its upkeep and therefore reduces the need and stress of you having to do anything. Value to your property and Accessibility An artificial lawn can be a wise investment if you’re looking to add value to your property. As it looks great all year round and requires little work doing to it, it can be a great selling point. Having an artificial lawn that won’t mind the heavy footfall of children playing. You won’t have muddy footprints running into your home, nor will you need to worry about having to wash your children’s clothes that are wet, muddy, and covered in grass stains. Get in contact with our Ecograms team to get a quote on how much an artificial lawn…
24
Nov
Artificial Grass Vs Real Grass – Which Suits You?
Artificial grass vs Real grass – which suits you? It’s a great question. Are you looking for a beautifully green, natural-looking garden with the help of artificial grass? Do you have a natural lawn and thinking of changing to artificial? Both natural and artificial grass have their benefits and disadvantages. If you’re wondering whether artificial grass may be the right choice for you and your garden, or you already have a natural lawn and wonder whether you should keep it as it is, here are the pros and cons of each option that you should consider. Real Grass Some might say natural lawns are high maintenance and as you get older, you don’t want to necessarily deal with its upkeep, unless you’re an avid gardener. Others love the smell of freshly cut grass and wouldn’t dream of having artificial grass to replace it. Natural grass has its benefits, but it’s not without its disadvantages. Having a natural lawn The smell of freshly cut grass If you love being out in the garden, pottering about, a well-maintained lawn looks lush. It’s cheaper than artificial grass to install. Disadvantages of a natural lawn It can be high maintenance and hard to keep on top of when it comes to weeding, and raking the leaves. It can get quite muddy and messy. If you have any drainage issues in your garden you may find water pooling in certain areas that take time to resolve. After heavy rainfall, puddling can be an issue and can stay wet for days. Having pets that love to dig, or go to the toilet on your grass can cause damage. Fertiliser can be your friend when maintaing the lush green grass. If you suffer from hayfever, natural grass may not be your friend. Artificial Grass Now, let’s see…
08
Nov
Caring For Your Artificial Grass in the Winter
Caring for your artificial grass in winter shouldn’t be difficult and with our tips, it won’t be. learn how to care for artificial grass with the UKs number one artificial grass company Ecograss! With the nights beginning to draw in and frosty mornings on the way, winter can be a quiet time for your garden. You might be worried about how the cold weather might affect your artificial grass in winter. We can help you with some tips on caring for your artificial grass in winter months. Artificial lawns are actually quite simple and easy to maintain all year round. In wet weather conditions, the blades of grass might freeze when the temperature drops, just like natural grass. Here are some things you can do to maintain your grass in the winter. Frost and snow Artificial grass is resilient. Tolerating more extreme weather conditions. The blades of grass will stiffen in those frosty mornings, much like their natural counterpart so you don’t have to do anything, you can simply let the ice and snow melt & drain away. When you have a lovely coating of fresh snow on your lawn be careful not to let it build up too much. When the snow compacts underfoot as the day or night goes on and the temperature drops it will turn to ice, which can potentially break the grass fibers.Using salt to melt the snow can also cause drainage issues in your artificial grass as the drainage holes could get clogged and make it harder to remove all the moisture. When you’re removing snow from your artificial lawn, use a plastic shovel, as metal shovels can cause damage to the grass. If your artificial grass looks a little flat after the snow has gone, simply give it a brush and it will…
07
Oct
How to Maintain Your Artificial Lawn-Ecograss
Artificial lawns are very low maintenance; however, as with everything, there are things about how to maintain your artificial lawn. So let Ecograss tell you just how to maintain artificial grass Keep the lawn clean Although they won’t harm the lawn, leaves, and twigs will inevitably fall onto the grass. If neglected, this may lead to unwanted weed growth. It is best to remove these with a stiff broom, plastic rake, blower – or even a hoover! Yes, you read that right, a hoover! Brush the pile Every month or two, we recommend a good brush up of the pile to keep the fibers upright. Sunlight/heat do lift the pile naturally; however, in areas with a lot of foot traffic, it’s always best to brush the fibres back up to help prevent flattening. Weedkiller Some stubborn weeds may find their way through the artificial lawn, and some airborne seeds can settle on the surface. We recommend removing any weeds that surface and spraying weed killer once or twice a year to help prevent any weeds from popping up through the drainage holes around the edges of the lawn. Also, to help avoid any moss growth. Make sure to use a water-based weed killer, and it’s highly recommended you do a patch test on an off-cut first. Pet owners Pet owners love our lawns as they are easily maintained! You should make sure that all mess is removed from the surface, and if needed, you can hose the area down or use warm water to rinse away any residue. A mild detergent, such as diluted Zoflora, can be used to keep the lawn smelling nice and fresh. You can also purchase pet odor removers (for more information on which ones we suggest, contact us here). Things to avoid It is important…
24
Sep
Is artificial grass suitable for pets?
Are you thinking of getting artificial grass but don’t know whether artificial grass is suitable for pets?There are many reasons why having an artificial lawn when you have some four-legged friends in your household, as it’s generally safer than natural lawns, making it a pet-friendly favorite. Here is the answer to your question Is artificial grass suitable for pets? Artificial grass is safer than a natural lawn Pets and artificial grass work well together. There are no weeds that they can chew, no mushrooms or toadstools that they can forage out and eat. And it’s safe for them to walk on without the risk of getting anything stuck in their paws. Artificial grass is washable We don’t mean you can throw it in the washing machine, of course! But you can hose it down, especially if your dog uses the lawn as its toilet. The artificial grass doesn’t stain like natural grass due to the dog’s urine. So you won’t get any horrible brown patches on your lawn. Artificial grass is highly durable If you have a puppy or remember your dog being a puppy, you will know they tend to pull up the grass or dig their way to another part of the country. Artificial grass is highly durable and, therefore, will withstand those puppy digging stages. If rabbits are your pet of choice, you might be worried about their vegetarian diet and your grass becoming a victim, we recommend keeping an eye out but you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Our artificial grass can withstand any pet test. If you have any further questions about our artificial grass, our team will be happy to answer them and find the perfect artificial grass for your garden or outdoor area.
07
Sep
Five Interesting Facts You Should Know About Artificial Grass
Are you wondering whether to have artificial grass in your garden but need to know more before making the final decision? We’ve put together a list of five interesting facts you should know about artificial grass that might help you make that final decision. A quarter of UK gardens now use artificial grass Artificial grass has over recent years become the new garden trend as it’s low maintenance and looks good all year round, however, it’s been around for a very long time! If you suffer from hayfever affected by grass, artificial grass might be your new friend, we can’t help with your neighbor’s garden and their freshly cut lawn but your garden can be your sanctuary. Unless you’re a keen gardener, many people working full time, simply don’t have time to tend to their gardens or lawns and so this is their next best option. Many gardens in the UK now have paving, decking, gravel, and artificial grass as a feature. Due to needing more of a low-maintenance garden to keep on top of. Environment friendly Whilst being made of plastic, artificial grass is not as bad as what it’s made out to be. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered as a natural lawn does, preserving water.There’s no need to store pesticides or weedkillers for your grass as artificial grass doesn’t need them. And you’re saving electricity and reducing fuel consumption by not using electric or petrol lawnmowers. Our artificial lawns last for up to 20 years and aren’t single-use plastic, one of the main problems we now face for our environment. Artificial grass is nothing new Artificial grass has been around for years; it’s not a new thing! It was initially used in a sports capacity but has now become a common favorite in residential homes as…
