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Month: February 2021

Elite Artificial GrassBlog2021February
05 Feb 2021
Why Choose Artificial Grass
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design

Why Choose Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass has become increasingly popular, but why choose artificial grass? It’s versatility has made it perfect for use in lots of spaces, including:

·         Sports stadiums

·         Lawns in private properties

·         Public parks

·         Schools where children play

The increased popularity of artificial grass is not surprising, considering that most people now know its advantages over natural grass. Read on and get enlightened on why it is advisable to choose artificial grass instead of natural growing grass, so why choose artificial grass?

1.     Close to Zero Maintenance

Your artificial grass does not require a lot of maintenance. You will only remove debris and other foreign objects that might fall on the surface. This simple need is unlike the natural grass that needs to be watered and cut to look good. You can save time and the lawn mowing expenses from your natural lawn and the money you would have used to purchase fuel.

2.     It Is Not Affected by Weather

Artificial grass retains its original color and appearance irrespective of the weather. With this kind of grass, you do not have to worry that you have not watered it for a certain period and therefore it might weather. You also do not have to worry that it will overgrow during the rainy seasons.

Even if your artificial grass gets covered with snow, you will need to wait for the snow to melt since the grass’s design is in a way that water can drain out effortlessly. The grass will remain in the same condition, including its original color long after the snowing season has ended.

Why Choose Artificial Grass

3.     A Variety of Options in size, height, and shape

You can choose the kind of artificial grass you want for your lawn, depending on your preferences. These options give you the freedom to decide the type of grass to use as per your desired outcomes. If you love a lawn with a particular color, you can readily choose the color you want.

You can combine several colors in your lawn to make it stand out. You can also use these color options when you are using the grass in places where children play. Furthermore, the availability of options allows people to create shapes and decorations like those made in big sports stadiums.

4.     Can Be Replaced

If you are not pleased with your current artificial lawn, you can replace it within a matter of hours. Replacements only happen when the older artificial grass gets old or when you need to have a fresh look on your lawn.

The provision of simple replacement is essential, considering that it might take you months to change aspects of the natural grass. You might need to dig the entire lawn to install the changes you want on your natural backyard. This advantage is among the reasons more people prefer artificial grass since they can make the changes they want at almost any time they want.

Therefore, you might have noticed that the usage of artificial grass has increased in the recent past. The rise in popularity gets attributed to the above-outlined benefits of using the manufactured grass option instead of the natural grass. You also have the freedom to make your lawn more attractive by installing artificial grass.

05 Feb 2021
Artificial Grass Suppliers
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design, Gardening, Landscaping

How to Lay Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has several advantages over natural grass, and the main are:

  • Simple maintenance
  • Easier to control
  •  Can withstand even the harsh weathers
  •  Possibility of being upgraded and replaced easily

These benefits have resulted in more people preferring artificial glass over the natural option in different places such as stadiums and lawns, where well-groomed glass is needed. To enjoy the benefits of this kind of grass, you have to start by knowing how to lay artificial grass.

1.     Remove the Old Lawn

The first step in understanding how to lay artificial grass is ensuring that the surface is flat, and you can do this by removing the lawn that was already there. This step is fundamental because you cannot place the new grass on top of the old one. The fresh grass also needs a surface where it can hold firmly.

As a further step of preparing the surface, you should also install the edging and weed membrane. The edgings provide barriers on the edge of your lawn, which is mandatory, especially if you do not have other types of obstacles on the lawn’s perimeter. Installing the weed membrane is also important because it ensures no weeds can grow beneath the newly installed artificial grass.

2.     Make the Surface Further Ready for the New Grass

The ideal way of making the surface ready is laying the sub-base where you should choose the materials to use and the depth depending on the lawn’s drainage ability.  You should then install the laying course, which is the granite dust that makes the surface smoother and more stable. It would help if you used a vibrating plate compactor to ensure that everything is compacted correctly and then install another layer of weed membrane to ensure no form of weed can penetrate the surface.

3.     Position the New Artificial Grass

In this step, you might need assistance from one or more people because it involves unrolling the artificial grass.  The primary determinant of this is size; if your lawn is relatively big, it will require more work. While unrolling the artificial lawn, you need to ensure you have positioned it to be easier to unroll.

How to Lay Artificial Grass

4.     Do the Final Touches

After you have unrolled the grass, you should cut it into size to ensure it fits perfectly into your lawn. Use a sharp knife to cut it into the required shape, and then use galvanized nails to secure the perimeter as you cut. If you have done everything correctly, there will be no visible joints. But in case you can see some joints, you should ensure they are correctly secured. It would help if you used a joining tape to secure the joints since such tapes’ shiny side is usually on the lower invisible side.

The last thing you should do is to groom the newly installed artificial grass. Grooming includes removing any debris that might have been left on the surface while laying down the grass. Take good care of the artificial grass for it to remain in good condition for a long time. We can supply you with a various range of artificial grass to suit most budgets, plus we offer a full installation service if you would prefer. You can contact us here.

05 Feb 2021
Why Celebrities Love Artificial Grass
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design

Why Celebrities Love Artificial Grass

When celebrities show us a glimpse of their homes, they always look immaculate and well put together. You might sit there wondering how they make their gardens look so neat and healthy, well we know their secret and it is not having a gardener on hand 24/7. If you have not guessed it from the title already then the secret is artificial grass and we have listed all the reasons below on why celebrities love artificial grass. 

Why Celebrities Love Artificial Grass

There are a few reasons why celebrities love artificial grass the main reason being that it is easy to maintain. Artificial grass does not need much attention, occasionally you will need to brush it with a bristle broom to remove any debri and that is pretty much it. Another reason celebrities love artificial grass is that it costs less long term as they wont need to pay a gardener to tend to it. It is great in all weather and is eco friendly as you do not need to use water, grass feed or pesticides on it to keep it looking healthy and green.

Which Celebrities have Artificial Grass?

John Terry

You might know John Terry for being a professional football player for Chelsea and England. To help with practicing his football skills he swapped over his turf for artificial grass, similar to the all weather pitches he played on professionally.

Kristen Bell

The famous Actress Kristen Bell loves her dogs, which is why she chose to switch over to artificial grass. She wanted to create a space specifically for her dogs that was low maintenance and there is also the bonus that her dogs wont get muddy paws in the wet winter months.

Jessica Alba

When Jessica Alba renovated her home she decided that artificial grass was the right option for her. She wanted her garden to be child and pet safe as well as environmentally friendly. 

Sarah Beeny

This Broadcaster and property developer, let the world know via twitter that she had finally convinced her husband to switch to artificial grass when developing a house. She thought it would improve the overall look at the feel of the house and she was not wrong. 

Other Celebrities that love artificial grass include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Matt Damon and David Basche.

You might not own lavish homes like these celebrities but artificial grass can transform any space. If you love spending time in your garden then we think that switching over will benefit you immensely. No more getting sweaty mowing the grass, no more brown or un-grown patches, no more muddy boggy areas and more time to sit in the sun and enjoy your outdoor space.

So if you think you will benefit from artificial grass in your garden then invest in some today. Ensure you get a professional to help you as DIY options tend not to end very well if you do not have the knowledge on how to lay it behind you.

05 Feb 2021
Prepare your garden for the Spring!
0 Comments By Andrew Gardening

Prepare your garden for the Spring!

If you are a keen gardener you will know that spring is an exciting season for us all. Not only does the weather become warmer and brighter but it’s when our gardens become filled with vibrant colours and exquisite wildlife. But before the new season is here there are a few things you will need to do first to prepare your garden for the Spring. We have whipped up a few ways below to get you started.

Source Your Seeds

Before you go out and purchase a range of seeds to start planting, you should do some research first. Not all plants, vegetables and fruits thrive in spring, so choosing your seeds wisely is a must. When sourcing your seeds it’s a good idea to source them from a local supplier, this way they will more likely fit in with your region’s environment and climate. Ensure you choose seeds that will grow well in sunlight.

Our top seed recommendations for flowers include:

  • Snapdragons
  • Cynoglossums
  • Bells of Ireland
  • Dianthus
  • Cerinthe
  • Nigella

Our top recommendations for crops include:

  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Beans
  • Parsley
  • Kale

Prepare Your Tools

You should take this time to give your tools a once over and replenish any supplies you may need. Clean sharp tools are a must, so ensure you clean all your tools thoroughly with strong detergent, this will stop the spread of any bacteria or fungi. Once your tools are clean you should sharpen your blades and oil your tools hinges. If your tools are beyond saving then think about investing in some upgraded tools, having sharp tools will help with the quality your seeds are planted in. Whilst you are sorting your tools you should also look to see what else in your garden shed needs replenishing, plant pots, tomato cages, fertilizer and soil all come to mind.

Set-up Composting Area

If you don’t have a compost area, you should consider making one. Creating your own compost is a great way to save on fertilizer and your plants will love you for it. A mixture of grass cuttings, paper and vegetable peelings will make up a rich compost, turn your compost once a month with a garden fork to keep it healthy. 

Work On Your Planting Beds

Prepare your garden beds by removing weeds, debri, fallen branches and leaves. Before you dive straight in it’s also wise to note that the soil should be dry before removing any weeds, if the soil is wet it can damage the soil structure. If you have a small garden or are new to gardening then we recommend building or investing in a raised garden bed. Just fill your bed with some healthy organic soil and place it in the sun ready for your seeds to grow.

We think these tips are a great place to start whether you have artificial grass in your garden or not, and we hope we have helped you prepare your garden for the spring. We can’t wait to start seeing all our flowers and crops come to life, so get preparing today so you’re not cut short.

05 Feb 2021
Artificial Grass Installation
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design, Gardening, Landscaping

How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass

In this day and age, it would seem that artificial grass is becoming a fantastic alternative for homeowners. It looks just like the real thing, but you don’t have to worry about maintaining it half as much. If you want a nice garden and you don’t want the pressure of staying on top of it, then you can find out everything you need to know, here. In particular, how to prepare your garden for artificial grass laying.

Removing the Turf you Have Now

If you have turf in your garden then the first thing that you have to do is remove it all. You need to do this prior to laying down your artificial turf. If you are ready to proceed then you can use a huge range of tools to help you out. You can use a turf cutter, a spade or even a rotavator. You have to make sure that you dig the soil to around a depth of 2.5 inches if possible. Your artificial turf will need to sit around half an inch above your edging.

Protecting your Artificial Turf

Before you lay down any artificial turf, you have to make sure that it is protected from any weeds or plants that may grow through it. If you do not put down a protective layer then this can lead to weeds growing through the turf and this can cause buckling or general disfigurement. You can use a simple sheet of weed surpassing membrane if you want. This is placed on top of the lawn you have and it sits just beneath the artificial turf. You can usually buy this from any good hardware store, but you can also get it from the same place where you get your turf from if you want.

How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass

Allowing for Adequate Drainage

When you are laying artificial turf, you need to make sure that it is maintained properly. Before you lay down your turf, you need to lay down an aggregate layer of sand or grit. Crushed stone is another option you can use to go over the weed membrane. You can then compact this to give you a nice and solid base. You can create a sturdy drainage surface, and you can also smooth it out to create an even surface. Finally, you can lay down some shock-absorbent material as this will give your grass far more cushioning overall.

When you have done all of this, you will then be glad to know that your area is fully prepared for your new turf. When you start laying your turf, you need to align it to the corner or even a straight edge if possible. You also need to cut it to the appropriate size, before you nail it into place. You do this with each corner first, and then go through and add more nails accordingly. This is the best way for you to ensure that your grass looks the part when you have finished. 

If you need some help with your grass then make sure that you get in touch with us here at Elite. We can show you How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass and supply with you with your new astroturf or we can do the whole job from start to finish.

05 Feb 2021
Top Garden Activities You Can Do In Lockdown
0 Comments By Andrew General

Garden Activities You Can Do In Lockdown

We may be in lockdown right now, but the sun is shining, and you probably have a lot of time on your hands. If you want to fill out your day with tons of garden activities you can do in lockdown, then here are a few ideas to get you started.

DIY Crazy Golf

What can you find around your home to make your own crazy golf course? First of all, you need something you can use for the ball. When you have this, you can then begin to search your home for any other useful items. For holes, you can use cups or even cut-out cardboard. You can also use plant pots, bowls or even wrapping paper tubes. The world really is your oyster here, so try and search around and choose items which really do make the game more fun. Don’t be afraid to get the kids involved here as well, as they may be able to offer you a lot of different ideas.

Garden Picnic

You might not be allowed to have a picnic in the park, but you can easily lay a blanket down in your garden and create a nice feast. You can put down some cushions for comfort and you can also put together something special for the whole family. You can pour yourself a glass of champagne, play some great tunes and you can also unwind and watch the day go by. Although it may be a little chilly at the moment, you can light a fire and really make the most out of the time you have at home.

Picnic basket with products and bottle of wine on checkered blanket in garden

Have a BBQ

You cannot beat a classic BBQ. You can make the most out of the bright weather and you can also practice getting good for when the summer hits. If you are using coal as opposed to gas then make sure that you warn the neighbours as they may not appreciate the smoke. If you don’t have a BBQ or if you don’t want to pay out for one right now, then make a smaller fire pit and put a grill rack over the top.

Have a Home Festival

Glastonbury might be cancelled right now but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun at home. Consider setting up various areas of the garden. Create a bar where you can mix your drinks, create a playlist of all the music you love and also bring your TV outside if you want. You can watch old shows from festivals, make some headbands up for everyone or just have fun in general. Things like this can help to cheer up the whole family.

Make an Assault Course

Make your own assault course with things that you might be able to find around the home. At the end of the day, you can use anything you can, whether it’s a paddling pool or even some sheets that you can army-crawl under. Things like this can really make you appreciate the smaller things in your life, and it is great for kids too!

05 Feb 2021
Is Artificial Grass Safe For Kids?
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass

Is Artificial Grass Safe For Kids?

Artificial grass is a very low-maintenance solution if you want to reduce your utility bills, the amount of water you use and even the amount of time you spend doing your chores. Artificial grass gives you your power back and it also reduces the amount of time you spend caring for your lawn as well. If you have kids who would rather be outside regardless then artificial grass could be the best solution for you, but is artificial grass safe for kids?

New-Borns

Artificial grass is usually sewn onto a backing material. This ensures that it is durable, and it also makes the grass itself much more resilient. You can trust that the grass will not become patchy and it if it is pulled and poked then you won’t have to worry about it becoming damaged. If you have kids who are just learning how to walk then luxurious grass can feel very soft to touch and it can also provide your toddlers with a springy surface underfoot. Sometimes it is possible for you to add a shock mat under your turf so that if your children fall, it is even softer for them, so there are always options available.

Older Kids

If you have kids who are always on their feet and they have reached that rambunctious age, then most of the time you may find it hard to get them to sit down. Outdoor play is key to your child’s development and artificial turf could be a good option here. It gives them the freedom to enjoy themselves without you having to worry about them making a muddy mess out of your garden. Artificial lawns give you a fantastic surface to enjoy sports and you won’t have to worry about them running the grass either.

Ideal for Pets as Well

If you have pets then you’ll soon find that you spend less time cleaning. You don’t have to worry about dedicating hours on end entertaining them or playing with them because you can let them out in the garden and you don’t have to worry about them bringing mud in the home. This makes your job easier and it makes them happier too, so this is well worth keeping in mind. If you want to keep your pets safe, then artificial grass is also good because you don’t have to worry about sharp objects being hidden by overgrown patches.

Family Bonus: There’s Zero Mud

Running a family household can be exhausting to say the least. You may feel as though you have tons of washing everywhere and that you are always having to break up petty squabbles too. At times you may feel as though you just have no time for yourself and this can really stop you from being able to relax. If you want to help yourself then you need to try and spend less time cleaning and one way for you to do this would be for you to install artificial turf, so you don’t have to worry about mud at all.

04 Feb 2021
Tips For Gardening In The Winter
0 Comments By Andrew Gardening

Tips For Gardening In The Winter

If you want to get your garden in tip-top shape this winter, then you have come to the right place. Our Tips For Gardening In The Winter guide will help you to find out everything you need to know about maintaining your garden when the colder weather hits, so you can have it looking beautiful all-year-round.

Protect your Plants

Road salt tends to wreak havoc on your soil and your plants. If you have areas that are exposed to heavy salt, then your salinity will rise and this can affect the overall life of your soil. On top of this, your plant roots and your foliage won’t be able to handle being exposed to salt too often. If you want to stop this from being an issue, then make sure that you protect any roadside plants with some fabric. Choosing some salt-resistant plants is a good idea, along with opting for salt-free ice melting products.

Make a Composting Pile

Visit a gardening centre near to you and ask to see if they can give you some wooden pallets so that you can make your own composting bin. A lot of garden stores would be happy to get rid of the extra pallets, not to mention that you can tie them together by using plastic zip-ties. If you put your bin in a sunny side of the garden, then you will have plenty of fertiliser before you know it.

Get rid of Dead Trees

Winter is a brilliant time for you to get any dangerous trees removed from your home. You won’t have any foliage to cloud your garden and it also means that you can get your space ready for when the warmer weather comes around. Arborists are usually more than happy to cut down any trees that need to go at this point as well, so make sure that you keep this in mind if you can.

Keep an Eye on any Winter Crops

Year-round gardeners have to make sure that they keep an eye on winter crops. If you have yours protected by a plastic greenhouse or a cold frame then you still need to make sure that you maintain them. You need to clear any snow away from the cover and you also need to stop the sunlight from being blocked as well. A sturdy broom is usually more than enough to get this done.

Prepare for your New Garden

Do you have plans to grow some new crops in the summer? If so, then now is the time for you to prepare your plant beds. You need to dig up any grass or weeds that might be present and you also need to make sure that you put some newspaper or even cardboard down too. If you place alternate layers of material such as pine needles, compost, leaves and even grass clippings over the grass then this will kill it off and leave you with a nice clean bed for the future. This is a fantastic way for you to ensure that you are going to get the best result out of your gardening experience. Your lawns can become very boggy during periods of heavy rain, should you consider using artificial grass?

04 Feb 2021
How to clean artificial grass
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass

How To Clean Artificial Grass

One of the most appealing benefits that you get when you have artificial grass is that you don’t need to invest anywhere near as much maintenance or care as you would with a natural lawn. You won’t need to worry about fertilising, mowing or even watering it. This is all great, but at the end of the day, artificial turf is not maintenance free at all. If you want your artificial turf looking the best and if you want to get the most enjoyment out of it then you need to do some degree of maintenance and learn how to clean artificial grass.

How to Maintain your Artificial Grass

If you have outdoor pets, trees, shrubs or children then you will probably need to clean your lawn much more often when compared to those who don’t have any. It may be that you need to hose down your lawn from time to time to remove any dust, or that you need to sweep away any debris. This probably needs to be done once every few weeks. Once a month, you need to give your artificial grass a bit more of a thorough clean. Remove any dirt or leaves with a very stiff brush and also sweep against the grain of the grass too. This will groom it upright, and make it look much more appealing.

Flexible lawn rakes can also be used to try and remove debris. Just make sure that you don’t use one that has steel bristles, as this could damage your grass much more than you realise. Cleaning your grass in this manner will also help you to keep your grass looking its best.

How to clean artificial grass

How to Remove Pet Waste from Artificial Grass

If you have synthetic turf, then you will know what a good option it is if you have pets. The problem that you will have to deal with however, is pet waste. You need to remove any solid waste by using a pooper scooper or a baggie. You will then need to hose down the area and spray where your pet goes once a week. A turf neutraliser can be used as well, as this will stop the grass from discolouring, and it will also help you to stop it from smelling.

How to Remove Unfortunate Stains from Artificial Grass

Drinks might be spilt quite often on your artificial turf. You may also find that candy or even chewing gum ends up getting dropped, or that mustard spills from a plate when your kids are roughhousing. Artificial turf is very stain resistant and this makes cleaning up any spills, easy to do. Most spills can be rinsed with water. If you see that residue remains after you have hosed the area, then you can use a soap and water solution to fix the issue. The key to removing spills is to act quickly, so soak them up, and rinse down the lawn. If you have issues such as chewing gum or candy, then it’s wise to chill it with an ice cube before you try and remove it. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs.

So, cleaning and maintaining your lawn is easy to do, and sometimes, simple precautions can stop you from having to replace your grass entirely.

04 Feb 2021
Artificial Grass
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass

Is Artificial Grass and Astroturf the same thing?

Knowing the difference between turf, Astroturf and artificial grass will really help you to ensure that you are getting the right grass for your next project.  If you want to find out more, then simply take a look below.

What are the Main Differences between Artificial Grass and Astroturf?

Astroturf refers to the US brand which started by creating turf for sporting surfaces. This included training grounds or pitches. The brand wanted to ensure that sporting facilities had a playable surface which did not require ongoing maintenance.  On top of this, domed stadiums did not allow the right amount of sunlight through so that natural grass could grow evenly.

Artificial grass is a generic term which is used to describe anything that is fake grass. The more premium options are made to imitate both the look and feel of natural grass. For a residential property, artificial grass is very versatile. From lawn replacements to decking, it can be installed just about anywhere. You just need to make sure that the ground surface is permeable, in terms of water drainage.

Why would you Choose Artificial Grass?

Statistics show that 3 out of 4 homes in the UK now have artificial grass as opposed to natural grass. As previously mentioned, artificial grass can easily be installed in a huge range of places. This can include in children’s play areas, over balconies and it can even be combined with decking. On top of this, artificial grass requires absolutely no ongoing maintenance. All you need to do is sweep it up from time to time to keep it looking the best that it can. Another benefit of artificial grass is that it doesn’t let weeds through and you don’t have to deal with browning or balding either. You will always have the perfect lawn, it’s pet-friendly and you don’t have the ongoing chores associated with having a natural lawn.

Artificial Grass

When is Astroturf the Better Option?

In most cases, you would only choose to have Astroturf if you have a professional sporting facility. Astroturf is really only for sporting purposes, and there are no benefits to having Astroturf over artificial grass in your garden. One thing that you need to know is that the more you spend on your artificial turf, the better the quality will be. You may find that the colour is brighter, that the blades of grass are closer together and that it looks generally nicer. If you have a very small area on the other hand, then you may not need to choose a high-quality product. This is because the small surface area will give you some leeway over the general appearance of the grass, and in some instances, a cheaper option can look just as good.

Either way, the benefits of artificial turf really do speak for themselves and if you explore the options that are out there for yourself then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the look you want with ease.