So, how’s your lawn looking? I don’t know about the rest of the country, but for those of us in Southern Ontario enduring the soggiest summer on record, the only silver lining is the state of our lawns. My backyard has never looked better! During a normal summer, around this time, my backyard looks very much like a baseball diamond; complete with pitcher’s mound covered in mud, dirty baselines and dusty dugout. My front lawn’s greener, but usually overrun by clover at this point in the season.
However, this year, my friends Dan and Sue are truly the envy of the neighbourhood. Back in May, they contracted a company to put down new turf in their back and front yards. Not so unusual, you say? Imagine never having to water, fertilize or mow your lawn again! If you’re thinking of a low-maintenance backyard, you might want to explore the newest trend in landscaping…synthetic grass.
Synthetic grass is different from astroturf or indoor grass; it truly resembles the real thing. It looks and feels like natural grass. (I can attest to this…I climbed down in bare feet expecting prickly or plastic feel. This feels soft and grass-like!)
Synthetic grass drains directly from the top, and can withstand snow, ice, rain and intense sun and heat. Companies that install the synthetic grass can often incorporate a putting green into your lawn, and most reputable companies provide an 8-10 year warranty on your lawn. I’ve even heard about playgrounds and school yards that are exploring this option.
There is a downside to synthetic grass. While the rest of us are struggling with lawnmowers, weed whackers and whipper snippers, Dan’s been out with his vacuum cleaner trying to pick up the little leaves and seedlings falling from the trees (the company suggests a leaf blower or push broom). When the gas company came by and spraypainted all of our lawns, the rest of us just have to wait for that grass to grown out. Sue talked about having to get out the turpentine to remove the paint marks.
When all is said and done, synthetic grass is not an inexpensive option, but once it’s in you too could be the envy of your neighbourhood…if the rest of us ever dry out!!!
Hmmm…now THERE’S an idea!!!
We actually have this in our side yard. We don’t get a lot of sun there & grass never grew really well there.
Although it isn’t cheap, it is so worth it because all we have to do is rake it occasionally & hose it down to keep it clean (since it rains about 10 times a year in So. California!!)
It is really popular out here & in desert locales like Phoenix where they have water/lawn restrictions.
I have to say it would be funny to see bright green beautiful grass in the middle of a Canadian winter!!