How can artificial grass help save money and the planet vs natural grass? We investigate in our own way.
27
Jan
Artificial Grass Indoors?
You can have artificial grass indoors – how different would that be? No, it’s not a typo and neither have we spent too much time in the sun! Your office, play area, school library reading area or even your home orangery/conservatory covered in our top-quality turf (artificial turf, that is) would certainly be a bit of a conversation starter – or conversation stopper, even! Why install fake grass indoors? You could enjoy the feel of the outdoors whatever the weather outside, mixed with a combination of both real indoor plants and fake ones, the only limit would be your imagination, and we love a challenge! Relax in a ‘garden’ that needs very little maintenance, is always heated to your preferred temperature, and you won’t have to dodge the showers! And, in most cases, installing our faux turf indoors is less complicated than one of the standard outdoor installations that Ecograss would undertake normally. This is because most indoor floors are level and will most likely only require clearing debris and making sure that the installation area is clean installing the shock pad (if required) to create a safer, softer experience. This would be advisable in the case of a play area or library reading area we would then lay your choice (we can help you choose a suitable product) of faux grass, making sure that it’s a perfect fit lastly, we would inspect edges and joins, making sure that they were secure and able to withstand the rigours of the use expected of them. Which artificial turf should I lay indoors? Which type of artificial turf you lay in your indoor space depends on where/what the indoor space is, physical limitations (like doors, and passages), and what you intend to use that area for. Shorter fibre lengths will almost certainly…
28
Dec
Artificial Grass and the Environment
Thanks to people like Greta Thunberg, our focus is being turned to the environment and how we, as humans, can affect it for good and bad. Artificial Grass and the environment, good or bad? It’s a good question because these days, we’re all a little more concerned about what we do, eat, and buy, usually in terms of our health and well-being. Like most things, artificial turf has its good points and its bad points – it would be naive to think otherwise – but does one outweigh the other? The downsides of faux turf? The first and most obvious is that, of course, there’s an awful lot of plastic goes into artificial grass, and there was a time when none of the component parts could be recycled. However, there’s been a lot of work done to reverse this, and for the most part, the work has borne fruit, although availability is limited. The parts are separated, and (for example) the plastic is ‘pelletised’ and made into other products. The other option you might consider is repurposing the fake grass that you no longer want. This is especially good because although the looks might have faded, the functionality of the ‘grass’ might still be good. Examples of repurposing artificial grass include: – dog or cat runs – cricket practice areas – play areas – other people’s gardens Last but not least, the use of artificial turf doesn’t support natural life or vegetation. You can obviously offset this by planting in other areas of your garden – using hanging baskets in areas where space is tight, for example. The ecosystem needs to be maintained as much as you possibly can, and Ecograss is happy to advise on matters like this when you ask us to look at installing an artificial grass…
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…
23
Mar
Spring Garden Tips – Top 10 Spring Garden Ideas
1. Your Lawn Let’s start with your lawn (of course)! If you already have an artificial lawn, give it a good clean with soapy water, a firm bristled brush and then rinse with a hosepipe. If you have a natural lawn, give it a mow (if needed) and trim the edges. You should also think about putting lawn feed down for any patchy areas. If you have lots of patchy areas, now might be the time to consider getting a free quotation for an artificial lawn. 2. Spring Cleaning Clean out and wash your greenhouse. Think of it in the same way that you would a general spring clean inside your home. Clean up flower beds ready for planting and remove and replace any protective mulch ready for your spring daffodils, snowdrops and other perennials. 3. Furniture & Ornaments Bring out your garden furniture and any ornaments and give them a clean too. Also consider waterproof coverings for furniture. We all know how unpredictable the British weather is! 4. Pruning Prune trees and shrubs. This helps younger plants to establish a good shape. Remove damaged or diseased wood, as well as any branches that cross each other and chaff. This also concentrates the plant’s energy and the invigorating boost of sunlight that comes with the spring season in the right areas. 5. Spring Garden Tips for Planting Plant nectar rich plants for bees and butterflies. Watching them busy at work pollinating the garden is a thrilling site. Of course, they are also critical in enabling plants to reproduce and critical to the entire environmental infrastructure. 6. Water Collection It’s a great idea to install water buts to collect rain water. This way, you are effectively recycling water, saving the environment and your water bill at the same time! 7. Spring…
24
Dec
A Happy New Year & Merry Christmas
We’ve had a great year installing and landscaping your gardens with our artificial lawns. And would like to thank you all for being a part of it. To all of our customers, old and new. The team at Eco grass would like to wish you all a safe. And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with more new customers in the new year. And are excited to see your ideas for your gardens, balconies, and more. If you would like to get a free quote from us to come and install artificial grass in your garden in the new year, get in touch with us, we’d be happy to help!
