In southern California we are facing a water shortage, and it has reached crisis levels. For the past two years we have found ourselves with an inadequate amount of rainfall and snow in the mountains to refill our reservoirs enough to assure that there will be enough drinking water for all residents. While this can seem a little far fetched because every time you turn your faucet on there is ample water coming out, you must look a little deeper at the situation to understand. If you look at Lake Mead in Nevada, you can see the white rings around the entire area that represent water levels in the past vs now. These “bathtub rings” show the dried residue of water as it once was on hills and rocks, and now if dramatically lower. These types of reserves are the ones that supply the drinking water to our communities, and the levels have been steadily dropping for years. Combined with the hot summers that are showing no signs of slowing, and you get a recipe where you need more water but have less. For these reasons, we must conserve water within each and every household in California in order to assure that we will not run out. This means stopping the practices that waste water, like irrigating your lawn. Unfortunately, a grass lawn serves no purpose aside from decoration and as such cannot be prioritized over humans and animals. This is why the watering restrictions absolutely will cause your lawn to get brown and probably die, but you must accept this as a necessity in these extreme times. Many areas will encourage the complete removal of water loving plants from landscaping, and will push for the use of either no water or low water elements. Possibly the largest saver of water for those who absolutely must see grass in their yard is artificial turf, which will save upwards of 55 gallons per square foot every single year.
Synthetic grass is a plastic product which is formed to look like blades of grass. These blades are created when colored plastic is melted and extruded through plates in order to give the blades shape. They are then attached to water permeable backing materials and rolled for installation. Onsite, the artificial turf is rolled across prepared ground which has had all plants and grass removed, as well as a compacted material spread out. It is then staked down using a specific pattern, and all edges and seams are joined. Fluffed and raked with elements that assist in the blades remaining upright and avoiding patterning, the job is completed and should provide many years of enjoyment without any need for water or maintenance. The home owner will generally see the installation paid for within a few years by the savings in water and landscaping bills, as it is not a living plant and therefore needs no mowing or trimming.
Those with an interest in conservation or the ecology in southern California can contact us immediately for information on installing artificial grass, as well as a free estimate.
