Synthetic Grass and its use

1. SYNTHETIC TURF
GREEN SPACE
FOR THE FUTURE

2. •evolution of synthetic grass
•benefits of use
•maintenance
•product selection
•installation
•complimentary products

3. evolution of synthetic grass
• artificial turf or grass has been in existence since the 1960’s and
was most recognized as more of a green coloured outdoor carpet
than anything else.
• synthetic grass has evolved immensely over the past decade
with very realistic appearances, textures and qualities.
• Previously popular for use on sport fields,
and golf courses
• more focus on commercial & residential

4. benefits of use
•synthetic grass over the past 3 years has had an increased
popularity due its immense environmental benefits.
•benefits include the reduction of water, fuels, green house gasses.
•popularity has also grown due to other related savings.
•benefits include the reduction in costs, labour, and pedestrian
and vehicular traffic.

5. benefits of use – environmental
water
•earth’s fresh water resources are diminishing at an alarming rate
•depleted by an alarming 10% since 1971 according to Statistics
Canada
•majority of municipal water consumption is by residences at 52%
(according to the Ministry on Natural Resources)
•50% of a households water use can be contributed to outdoor
use as studied by Environment Canada.

6. benefits of use – environmental
fuels, energy & green house gases
•Each weekend, about 54 million Americans mow their lawns,
using 800 million gallons of gas per year
•one gas mower spews 88 lbs. of the greenhouse gas CO2, and 34
lbs. of other pollutants into the air every year
•EPA states that 1 lawn mower produces the same amount of
VOC’s as 11 new vehicles running for 1 hour
•in the U.S. alone 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year
filling lawn equipment – that’s more than the Exxon Valdez spill

7. benefits of use – usability
•Means less down time for child outdoor recreation
•Adverse weather has no effect on the stability of synthetic grass
•real turf can become a very hard, slippery, or muddy surface
•no worn out or “dead” spots to block off

8. Product maintenance
•leaf blowing or raking as required
•animal waste cleans up easily – no damage or soil removal
•no over seeding or fertilizing required
•more effective time use for you or staff
City of Toronto – Tree Well
•easily snow shoveled if required
•save money while maintaining consistency

9. Product Selection
•not all synthetic turf is created equally – buyer beware!
•determine what is right for your project
•functionality, high/low traffic, realism, budget vs quality
•defibrillation - meaning too much material that eventually begins to shed
•dimensional Stability - minimized movement due to thermal expansion
and contraction
•tuft Binding or backing – affects the integrity and longevity of the product
•high Lead Contents-what chemicals are used in the manufacturing process

10. Installation
•there are options for intended your use
•direct to ground– installed over a compacted gravel base
(remove top soil – ¾ minus – top dress screenings or fines – compact –
filter cloth - spike)
•extra stability & easy access – rubber grid for tree wells or other
accessible requirement areas (screwing)
•Fall rated underlayment – recycled foam sheets to achieve optimum
playing surface. (spike)

11. Complimentary Products
TERRAWALKS
•Modular and moveable composite pavers (2’ x 2.5’)
•Ideal for underground utility access
•perfect application in mature urban forest areas
•recycled alternative to concrete, asphalt, stone pavers
•great for sidewalks, walk-ways, patios, multi-access, roof tops
•no cracking or costly repair
•storm water relief
•light weight, fast installation, attractive colours.

12. Complimentary Products
SOFTGRID
•3’ X 3’ base stabilizing panels
•made from recycled rubber tires
•ideal for real grass driveways, tree wells, heavy traffic areas
•Prevents holes and ruts
•Provides good slope stability
•synthetic turf support

13. Complimentary Products
eco-walk rubber pavers
•Multi-access walkways
•all season, all weather durability
•safe, non-slip
•Fast installation
•Ideal as walkways, patios, sidewalks
•made from recycled tires