MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ABOUT LAWNS: DOES IT LOOK LIKE REAL GRASS?
Many potential
customers call us and ask if our synthetic turf truly looks and feels
like "real grass" lawns. We are happy to report that our synthetic turf
- both for lawns and practice golf greens - does in fact look so much
like real grass that we fool even the professionals. Look at this scan
of a door hanger left on our door.....by a lawn-care salesperson that
wanted to schedule our synthetic turf lawn for aeration, mowing service, chemical maintenance, and thatching!
Please note this kind of result can only be achieved when a
professional, trained, experienced crew installs synthetic turf.
FAQ - ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWNS
Are all synthetic turf products the same?
Not at all. There is a Big Difference with respect to color, density, realistic look and feel, and UV color-fade protection. The brand new turf products are the best. We do not store large amounts of turf so we always carry the most recent technology and best products.
What can I do to be sure I'm choosing the right company to build my synthetic turf lawn?
Go see their work. Take the time. There is an enormous difference in the quality of product and installation. Go see for yourself so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and needs. This is also a good way to verify local installations as opposed to seeing photos of projects that could be anywhere.
How does synthetic lawn compare to sod?
It doesn't. They are two totally separate entities. If you are reading this, there is a good chance your sod lawn is not growing very well, probably a muddy and mossy mess. Maybe you have new construction or are planning a major landscape makeover. The cost of sod or seed is absolutely not comparable with a synthetic turf project. Sod is super cheap initially, and for a reason--you must maintain it consistently, and even then it may not grow properly. A synthetic lawn needs almost no maintenance and is therefore a home improvement, comparable to adding a patio or a deck. In other words, a synthetic project is a home improvement. Many of the environmental benefits to conversion to synthetic are listed on our Environmental Blog Page - have a look, there are some impressive numbers listed there.
The bids I am getting are all different, how can I truly compare one to another?
Be sure to ask if there are any other costs or fees associated with your project, and ask to see sample turf--side by side if possible. Ask for a total cost, including all fees and sales tax--and double check measurements to be sure you are not "bumped" later in the project.
Do you work in Eastern Washington?
Yes.
Do you have a waiting list?
Generally yes.
How long is your waiting list?
This varies, generally not more than a few weeks. If a company does not have a wait, ask yourself why that may be so!
Will moles try to come up through synthetic turf?
We have never seen evidence of moles attempting to come up through the turf. Moles like to crawl through tunnels in the soft earth, in search of tasty morsels. Our gravel base is compacted and would mean a lot more work for them so they seem to leave it alone.
My landscaper says he can install my synthetic turf, and save me a bundle. Is this a good idea?
Think of it this way: Would you have your roofer install your new gas fireplace? How about your electrician installing your new granite counter tops? Probably not. Working with synthetic turf requires expertise so it's best to hire a professional with a great deal of experience. Odds are this will save you money. We have been installing artificial turf lawns and golf greens for over 15 years right here in the Puget Sound Region.
I have two huge dogs. Is this going to be a problem with synthetic turf?
No. Our turf is fade resistant and is extremely pet-friendly.
Should I buy straight from the manufacturer to save money?
First, double check any business claiming to be a manufacturer in the Puget Sound Region. Buying manufacturer-direct can save money and always sounds appealing - cut out the 'middle man'. Consider this: there are no textile mills in the State of Washington. Therefore, any business claiming to be "the manufacturer" may be importing product(s) from another country. Our products are manufactured here in America, under strict guidelines and consistent supervision by the EPA.
I think I've found a fabulous bargain for my landscape project's synthetic turf! Is there anything special I should be concerned about?
In the current economy, we have been asked to replace an extraordinary number of synthetic turf projects. Many contractors are trying new types of work to generate income (working with synthetic turf sounds easy and simple but actually involves hundreds of details that are critical to a good outcome) - and the results are pitiful. A terrific bargain is only a good deal if you like and want to keep it.
What kind of base should be under the artificial turf? Should it be rock, concrete, sand, or something else?
There are many ways to build a base. The best for drainage and longevity includes 5-inch excavation, back-fill with specialty, permeable, clean gravel, and compacted until smooth. For customers that already have a concrete pad they would like to cover, we have other varieties of turf to choose from for use in every possible application. We are independent and not a franchisee so we have many turf products.
Will a crushed rock base shift, crack or move over time?
Not if properly constructed.
Can I do part of the work myself? I'm very handy.
Possibly and we discount for this.
I have watched videos online of how to install synthetic turf, are there any secrets I should know?
Yes, way too many to list here. Keep this in mind: The videos you watched are worth precisely what you paid for them.
Will the seams show? And why do I keep hearing the terms "pile height", and "density"?
The correct type of turf combined with highly skilled seaming techniques will ensure invisible seams. The pile height is descriptive of the length of turf and the density is the number of yarns per square inch. Both are critical components of quality. You have to see and touch them to appreciate the difference.
When do seaming mistakes become evident?
When your project is near completion. Painful experience.
Does Synthetic Turf Northwest use rubber infill for cushioning?
There is no advantage to a rubberized infill for most residential applications. The newest generation of residential lawn turf provides its own cushioning and there is minimal need for infill. We use a clean, special sand-like material, which means no bits of rubber are tracked into your home. Rubber infill is best suited for use on athletic fields.
Will there be any hidden costs associated with my project?
We will thoroughly review all costs associated with your project, from excavation to finish work. There will be no surprises.
Not at all. There is a Big Difference with respect to color, density, realistic look and feel, and UV color-fade protection. The brand new turf products are the best. We do not store large amounts of turf so we always carry the most recent technology and best products.
What can I do to be sure I'm choosing the right company to build my synthetic turf lawn?
Go see their work. Take the time. There is an enormous difference in the quality of product and installation. Go see for yourself so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and needs. This is also a good way to verify local installations as opposed to seeing photos of projects that could be anywhere.
How does synthetic lawn compare to sod?
It doesn't. They are two totally separate entities. If you are reading this, there is a good chance your sod lawn is not growing very well, probably a muddy and mossy mess. Maybe you have new construction or are planning a major landscape makeover. The cost of sod or seed is absolutely not comparable with a synthetic turf project. Sod is super cheap initially, and for a reason--you must maintain it consistently, and even then it may not grow properly. A synthetic lawn needs almost no maintenance and is therefore a home improvement, comparable to adding a patio or a deck. In other words, a synthetic project is a home improvement. Many of the environmental benefits to conversion to synthetic are listed on our Environmental Blog Page - have a look, there are some impressive numbers listed there.
The bids I am getting are all different, how can I truly compare one to another?
Be sure to ask if there are any other costs or fees associated with your project, and ask to see sample turf--side by side if possible. Ask for a total cost, including all fees and sales tax--and double check measurements to be sure you are not "bumped" later in the project.
Do you work in Eastern Washington?
Yes.
Do you have a waiting list?
Generally yes.
How long is your waiting list?
This varies, generally not more than a few weeks. If a company does not have a wait, ask yourself why that may be so!
Will moles try to come up through synthetic turf?
We have never seen evidence of moles attempting to come up through the turf. Moles like to crawl through tunnels in the soft earth, in search of tasty morsels. Our gravel base is compacted and would mean a lot more work for them so they seem to leave it alone.
My landscaper says he can install my synthetic turf, and save me a bundle. Is this a good idea?
Think of it this way: Would you have your roofer install your new gas fireplace? How about your electrician installing your new granite counter tops? Probably not. Working with synthetic turf requires expertise so it's best to hire a professional with a great deal of experience. Odds are this will save you money. We have been installing artificial turf lawns and golf greens for over 15 years right here in the Puget Sound Region.
I have two huge dogs. Is this going to be a problem with synthetic turf?
No. Our turf is fade resistant and is extremely pet-friendly.
Should I buy straight from the manufacturer to save money?
First, double check any business claiming to be a manufacturer in the Puget Sound Region. Buying manufacturer-direct can save money and always sounds appealing - cut out the 'middle man'. Consider this: there are no textile mills in the State of Washington. Therefore, any business claiming to be "the manufacturer" may be importing product(s) from another country. Our products are manufactured here in America, under strict guidelines and consistent supervision by the EPA.
I think I've found a fabulous bargain for my landscape project's synthetic turf! Is there anything special I should be concerned about?
In the current economy, we have been asked to replace an extraordinary number of synthetic turf projects. Many contractors are trying new types of work to generate income (working with synthetic turf sounds easy and simple but actually involves hundreds of details that are critical to a good outcome) - and the results are pitiful. A terrific bargain is only a good deal if you like and want to keep it.
What kind of base should be under the artificial turf? Should it be rock, concrete, sand, or something else?
There are many ways to build a base. The best for drainage and longevity includes 5-inch excavation, back-fill with specialty, permeable, clean gravel, and compacted until smooth. For customers that already have a concrete pad they would like to cover, we have other varieties of turf to choose from for use in every possible application. We are independent and not a franchisee so we have many turf products.
Will a crushed rock base shift, crack or move over time?
Not if properly constructed.
Can I do part of the work myself? I'm very handy.
Possibly and we discount for this.
I have watched videos online of how to install synthetic turf, are there any secrets I should know?
Yes, way too many to list here. Keep this in mind: The videos you watched are worth precisely what you paid for them.
Will the seams show? And why do I keep hearing the terms "pile height", and "density"?
The correct type of turf combined with highly skilled seaming techniques will ensure invisible seams. The pile height is descriptive of the length of turf and the density is the number of yarns per square inch. Both are critical components of quality. You have to see and touch them to appreciate the difference.
When do seaming mistakes become evident?
When your project is near completion. Painful experience.
Does Synthetic Turf Northwest use rubber infill for cushioning?
There is no advantage to a rubberized infill for most residential applications. The newest generation of residential lawn turf provides its own cushioning and there is minimal need for infill. We use a clean, special sand-like material, which means no bits of rubber are tracked into your home. Rubber infill is best suited for use on athletic fields.
Will there be any hidden costs associated with my project?
We will thoroughly review all costs associated with your project, from excavation to finish work. There will be no surprises.