Green for go
Why is this the busiest time of year for artificial grass installations? Well, winter is upon us, and so is the hassle of kids and pets tracking mud inside. We spoke to Jack Kennedy, of SmartGrass, to dispel some of the myths about artificial grass.
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION SmartGrass artificial lawns are made to last.
Kiwis are now spending more time at home, and want to extend their living areas outdoors, come rain or shine, but without the mud! Hence why more and more Kiwis are turning to artificial grass.
The first thing to realise about artificial grass is that it is different from the old ‘AstroTurf’. Newer artificial lawn products do look good. But not everyone realises the different ways you can use artificial grass. SmartGrass is often installing lawns but also lay turf around pools and on decks and balconies. The fact that it’s suitable for all sizes of property, from postage-stamp-sized lawns to large sloping lawns for kids to play sports on all year round, is attracting more and more customers.
“I had no idea of the range of applications and the look and feel of the turf,” says Vicki O’Sullivan of Mt Pleasant. “The brown-thatch colour actually looks like it’s got dead flecks of grass in it – it’s so life-like.”
The next thing to note is that artificial lawn can deal with a large amount of wear and use. It may comfort you to know that over half of SmartGrass’s residential installations are for dog owners.
“I’ve got two very active dogs,” says Vicki. “So I chose a slightly shorter pile height. It means I can rinse and clean away pet messes quickly. It’s such a blessing to have space where they can run around outside, and the lawn stays immaculate, and my home is muddy-footprint-free.”
Jack Kennedy, the owner of SmartGrass, says he’s never been busier, with customers recognising the winter benefit of clean and tidy gardens. “Dogs peeing on lawns or digging holes is always a big issue for households. An artificial lawn can’t be dug up and doesn’t get muddy. Our Earth Series product is three times stronger than traditional artificial grass and drains five times faster. It’s extremely popular with animal lovers who also want their landscape to look amazing.”
Maintenance is another crucial consideration. Artificial grass requires a lot less maintenance than natural grass; a lifesaver for those wanting a beautiful lawn with minimum maintenance.
“SmartGrass stays looking great year-round, and it’s perfect for pets. ”
“I was concerned about how I would keep my artificial lawn looking great, year after year,” says Vicki. “But it’s just so freeing to have my weekends back. No more mowing, weeding and fertilising. I just blow the autumn leaves aside and occasionally rinse the lawn. That’s it. It’s fantastic.”
The longevity of your artificial lawn is also worth considering. Made of polyethylene, it is very long-lasting and softer than other materials on the market. Being UV-stabilised, it won’t fade either.
SmartGrass prides itself on careful site preparation. The team of professional turf installers excavate the site first, then box it up and install fine rock aggregate to create a smooth, level and sturdy base.
“I was impressed with the care given at preparation stage,” says Vicki. “I think this has made all the difference. There’s no undulation in the lawn, and we often get compliments from friends telling us how great the lawn looks.”
“That’s another myth of artificial lawn – that you have to keep replacing it,” says Jack. “Depending on the thickness of the blade and the density of the grass that you choose and the amount of usage it gets, these turfs are fairly indestructible for twenty years.”
Offering a ten-year warranty on their Earth Series range is evidence of SmartGrass’s surety of its product. And being the only 100 per cent recyclable turf in New Zealand, it’s got the sustainable stamp, for sure. “It’s created a peaceful oasis for us outdoors,” says Vicki. “And that has certainly meant it’s paid for itself already.”
0800 88 73 69 | smartgrass.co.nz
