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Artificial / Fake Grass
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26-04-2009 6:59pm#1
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Sonnenblumen wrote: »Sorry but in my experience (as both a user and installer) that is absolute nonsense. There is no disputing the facts that the Irish market demand for synthetic grass is relatively new and growing. Consumer awareness is low but often the product can be confused with products used for all weather sports surfaces. Synthetic lawn is different and available in a range of grades and qualities, each designed specifically to meet the demands of different domestic gardens spaces eg family gardens, pet areas, ornamental spaces etc. The durability and resisilience of quality products is very high with many vendors offering guarantees ranging from 5-15 years +. In order to achieve such long term trouble free use, installations should be completed by competent installers.
The Irish demand for synthetic grass is increasing with home owners who have exhausted all efforts to retain a natural lawn. Synthetic grass is ideal where natural does not grow! For exampple, areas which regularly prone to dampness because of poor drainage etc and which usually results in wet muddy area due to damaged caused by children or family pets.
As any pet owner will confirm, removing pet fouling from natural lawn can also be tricky during dry periods but especially during wet spells. Removing pet poo from synthetic lawns is much more straight forward and easy to wash with no residual smells or stains. Synthetic grass is a much more pet friendly surface than traditional concrete or paving and ultimately making the garden space softer and more appealing.
A variety of methods can be used to clean soiled areas and despite the synthetic fibres being soft to touch, they are very hardwearing, so there is no problem cleaning with briush, hose or even power washer.
Traditionalists may prefer the aesthetics of natural grass, but there is disputing the proven facts of the superior functional performance capabilities and characteristics of synthetic grass. Not only is it an ideal solution for damp shaded gardens sites but a real alternative to a wall-wall hard surface for dogs.
We have several happy clients (many who are also dog owners). All tell me how delighted with the new found happiness a synthetic lawn provides, the pet dogs enjoy themselves, there are no more muddy patches and a cleaner house. A win-win all round. So far I know nobody has referenced any difficulty cleaning up after dog fouling.
A bit heavy on the refute there sonnenblumen and slightly biased sales pitch.
I have no interest in selling to the op either service or materials.
As Im sure you are aware the artificial grass market originated in the USA as a maintenance free alternative to natural grass spread to the UK where there are literally hundreds of outfits selling and fitting now as you state it is starting here.
Maketed by US astro turf manufacturers who needed new outlets for their product they told pet owners throw away your lawn mower lay our turf and hey presto everything will be wonderful.
Not quite as people soon realised that you have to pick up poop straight away as if the dog(s) tread it into the turf it needs a bit of effort to remove. Not too bad if you are home all day and can regularly go out to them but they will still stand some of it into the mat. In winter when rain washes it into the mat or when the dog has a less firm motion. This can I agree be removed by hose from the upper layer but usually needs the intervention of a good stiff brush and some elbow grease. Then when you finally break the bond with the surface layer of turf the residue and smaller bits become lodged in the bottom of the mat which are not visible.
Not a major problem in our winter (or summer for that matter) as the constant rain helps to wash this detritus down into the turf which on the surface seems to be clear and clean. As this starts to breakdown it produces unseen bacteria which the dogs are walking in and carrying into the house also it starts to smell pretty bad as decomposing dog poo does.
Most manufacturers will not guarantee their product if a powerhose is used which is usually what a house holder turns to to get the poo out after realising that the hose pressure can't shift it.
You mention power hose so I assume your product is OK.
This still does not remove the odour though because in a natural environment the bacteria in the soil break down the organic matter in the poo but on a polyethylene carpet there aren't any.
So now this is where the next market has grown for specialised dog friendly enzyme based cleaning products. People are beginning to realise that the new artificial turf is no longer as easy to look after as they had been informed. That no amount of washing is getting rid of the smell and pouring bleach on it causes the turf to fade and burns the dog’s feet.
Like I said I have no vested interest in the op getting this product. I do believe if the op is prepared to enter into the cleaning regime required it could be an option and certainly as a multi dog owner myself I would not leave dogs permanently on hard standing.
However I think it would be better to provide all information good and bad when someone is asking a question on this or other forums not just the main selling points.
Section from Dog Owner USA on cleaning and maintaining artificial turf for dog use;[/COLOR]
Just like any surface around your site, synthetic grass and artificial turf need some regular attention to keep it clean, fresh and safe for your family, friends and customers.
Defecation materials, spit and other biological "stuff" can be deposited by your pets on the area. Just like any surface around your site, synthetic grass and artificial turf need some regular attention to keep it clean, fresh and safe for your family, friends and customers.
Solid materials should be removed regularly. Leaving solid material waste on the surfaces to break down will increase the amount of contaminate that saturates the turf system; remove solid wastes as soon and as regularly as possible.
Treat loose stool material with care by removing with gloves and spot treating with cleaners. Irrigate the area locally. Do NOT hose solid waste away; this just spreads the waste across a larger surface area.
In dry weather, it is okay to leave solids to harden prior to removing. During wet weather, remove immediately so the solids do not break down further.
Urine will be difficult to locate on the surfaces by sight. Assume that the animals are urinating and treat the entire surface when deodorizing and sanitizing. Most products require one gallon per 500 square feet to achieve the best coverage and saturation of liquids to do the job efficiently. You can use the sprinkler setting on any hose nozzle to drizzle water through the site, helping to drive the treatments down through the turf, infill, backing and base materials.
Volume of waste and use of the area plays a large part in how often you wish to groom the site. A single dog family with a mid to large size animal may need to sanitize the area weekly where a kennel or clinic may wish to do this daily. Sanitizing and deodorizing is critical to your long-term enjoyment and safe use of synthetic grasses and artificial turf.
For best results...
- Keep the site free of organic debris (leaves and such)
solid wastes will be easier to see and clean up. - If your pet has an illness, you might want to consider spraying spots with a disinfectant
- During winter rains, irrigating the area isn't needed; during summer sun and dryness, treat with full strength cleaners (except bleach) and irrigate the area weekly to wash the treatments deep into the system
- If you have turf pieces laid on concrete, wood or other hard surface materials, clean under the turf regularly!
- A scoop or rake and pail or gloves and bags
- A pressure sprayer or hose attachment for applying liquids to large areas
- Enzyme cleaners help deodorize safely and you can use them often(Odormute, OdorBan, Nature's Miracle, Kids & Pets, etc. Rinse after 4 hours to dilute and rinse the treatments through the surfaces surfaces)
- Vinegar (5% white distilled vinegar; do not dilute, irrigate through surface) "green" cleaners any sort that does not contain alcohol and is biodegradable, non foaming and low suds are best
- 5-10% of bleach and water
(remember to rinse well; bleach can collect in most infilled turf systems. Too much bleach may create its own smell and can be harsh on paws and skin.
AVOID Cleaners containing alcohol which can damage the blades and void your UV warranty.
De-greasers and soapy cleaners can be used, however, you will need to completely rinse these products out of the turf. They may create a build-up on the surfaces, making dirt and dust stick to the fibers. Use a sprinkle setting on your hose to insure you will not wash out infill materials from turf.
0 - Keep the site free of organic debris (leaves and such)
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very interesting reading! have been thinking about it myself for a while as my garden gets very boggy and the grass has died in patches from wear. I contacted a company for a quote but I would be looking to just buy the grass and get it installed myself. Sonnenblumen i would appreciate a quote if you could for a 4metre x 6mtr area.. i probably cant afford it but at least I will know
As usual Boards has come up with the best info I could find lol. :cool:0 -
very interesting reading! have been thinking about it myself for a while as my garden gets very boggy and the grass has died in patches from wear. I contacted a company for a quote but I would be looking to just buy the grass and get it installed myself. Sonnenblumen i would appreciate a quote if you could for a 4metre x 6mtr area.. i probably cant afford it but at least I will know
As usual Boards has come up with the best info I could find lol. :cool:
hi purplepug
i've pm you some prices.
SB0 -
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