A Guide To Effective Pool Landscaping

Many homeowners install swimming pools in their backyards to increase property value. In some regions, like in Florida, for example, the house with a swimming pool sells much quicker, but don't expect the same effect in California where the State Water Resources Control Board approved unprecedented emergency regulations that allow local law enforcement and water agencies to impose a maximum $500-a-day fine on water wasters. Before you go ahead and spend thousands of dollars on a swimming pool, check water regulations in your region and city. But if you already have a swimming pool, the next step is to incorporate a pool landscaping design that enhances the aesthetics and increases the value even more. Here are some things to consider when adding elements to create a backyard paradise.

Choosing the right design offers an efficient way to improve privacy. Planting tall shrubs or a row of trees along the fence perimeter provides a screen that allows homeowners to swim or sunbathe without worrying about prying eyes. Select species that do not attract bees and other insects to keep the area bug free.

Plants that are suitable for this application include ornamental grasses, evergreen trees, and ground cover. It is best to avoid using trees that shed their leaves during the fall. This will save time and money on the maintenance necessary to remove dead leaves from the water to keep them from clogging up the filters. It is also best to avoid using pea gravel in plant beds around the pool deck because it tends to scatter, and small pieces of rock can end up in the water. It is an interesting to add a rocky waterfall with flowers and exotic plants.

Using potted plants and planters adds diversity to the overall landscape design. The strategic use of planters can reduce the amount of square footage of deck or patio area, which can save money on the entire project. Utilizing stands creates a tiered effect without the need to dig up the yard. Another benefit is the flexibility and portability offered with potted plants. Homeowners can rearrange them anytime they feel like a change with minimal time and effort.

Outdoor lighting adds a dramatic touch to any swimming area. Plus, homeowners receive the benefit of being able to swim or lounge poolside after dark allowing them to maximize their investment. Many of these systems are low voltage, so it is possible for most homeowners to handle the installation themselves without having to pay for professional help.

You and your family may love to swim and play in the pool, but if you have areas around it surfaced with natural grass, you may consider artificial turf to add evergreen, comforting beauty to the picture. Artificial grass can survive a burning sun and also it drains much better than organic lawn. In Florida with strong tropical rains and storms, lawns get muddy and dirty quickly. Synthetic lawns on another hand drain better and never change its color, which will make your backyard with swimming pool look fresh, green and luxury any time of the year.

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August 6, 2014 | Artificial Turf, Artificial Lawn, Swimming Pools, Landscaping, Design Ideas

Golf Players Making Marks as Business Tycoons

Golf has been always the best place to build business relationships. The latest research shows that a great percent of business is made on golf courses. Professional golf players seem to enjoy their business perspectives right after they hit their retirement age. While most of us wait for retirement to play golf, golf pros swing a club to retire into a large business.

Gary Player:The Black Knight

Gary Player was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1935 in the poor family of gold miner and housekeeper. He lost his mother when he was eight. Gary played his first game at the age of fourteen, at 23 won British Open, and at 29 became the only non-American to win all four majors after he won the 1965 U.S. Open. To say, Gary Player has a productive life is to say nothing.

Ranking third in total professional wins, Gary Player has nine major championships of the PGA tour and three Senior British Open Championships on the European Senior Tour. He and his wife, Vivienne Verwey, has six children and 21 grandchildren. But his success in golf didn't forbid him to continue expansion in life. Gary Player is a great example of how a person of a substantial character can build a thriving business off it.

Nicknamed "The Black Knight," Mr. Fitness, International Ambassador of Golf, Player was awarded the Bob Jones Award in 1966, which stands for the highest honor by U.S. Golf Association. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

As Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player started by designing golf courses. It led him to his brand of merchandising, apparel and wine, events, publishing, real estate development. He founded the Player Foundation to focus on education for underprivileged all around the world. Funds partly came from games he played with corporate VIPs.

Gary Player designs course not just in United States. He planned 325 courses in 35 countries by 2014. Today, when golf as an industry dries up in States, he has secured his contracts in Middle East, China and India. In his interview with Forbes, Player said:

"A lot of golf architects are saying when things are rosy and cozy, 'Well I'm not going to go to China or India and design courses, are you crazy? Now all of a sudden all there are no golf courses in America. Well, they're thinking otherwise. But it's a little bit late. It's a little bit late because 80 percent of the golf designers have gone out of business."

Gary's son, Marc Player said that the golf course design business generated $23 million in 2013. His real estate ventures and licensing deals make $5 million. And $8 million come from corporate sponsors, Rolex, Callaway and SAP. At 77 years old, Gary is making more money from his businesses than the $14 million in PGA and Senior Tour profits he gained over 60-year career.

Jack Nicklaus: The Golden Bear

Jack Nicklaus was born in North Palm Beach, Florida in the family of pharmacist Charlie Nicklaus and his wife, Helen. Jack started up with golf at the age of 10 and joined Scioto Country Club the same year. The initial idea was to heal a volleyball injury. At 13, he broke 70 records at the club for the first time and was qualified into U.S. Junior Amateur.

Jack fulfilled his father's wish and attended Ohio State college with a major in pharmacy. To survive and to support his family, Jack took college programs to study insurance, and was making his living in the insurance field until his professional golf career took off.

Jack Nicklaus won total 18 career major championships over the last 25 years. But as practice shows, golfers change their careers more often than any other type of athletes. Golf is a sport for rich and powerful. According to Jack, the competitive game was a part of his business life.

"Most people work all their lives so they can eventually stop and go play golf," he says. "I played golf my whole life and when I stopped, I went to work."

The architecture and design of golf courses are still a profitable business. Nicklaus Design, has designed more than 380 course in 36 different countries. Swinging toward the golf course design seems to be a natural course of action for every talented and ambitious golf player since times of George Crump and AW Tillinghast.

He also runs Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, and the golf merchandise enterprise, which includes golf balls venture and beverages.

In is interview with Forbes, Jack said that his intention is not to become rich, but to provide well for his family.

"It was never important to me to be the wealthiest person," Nicklaus said to journalists.

Arnold Palmer: The King

Arnold Palmer built his fortune on licensing agreements and iced tea. He was always regarded as one of the greatest players in the history. Older than Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Arnold is 85 years old (he was born in September 1929). Legendary super-start, "The King" with his unmistakable charm and swing, seven-time major champion's fame is bigger than ever. And not just because his outstanding performance in golf.

In 1972, Palmer with his partner, Ed Seay, opened Palmer Course Design company. They have designed over 200 course around the globe. Since 1971, Palmer owned Latrobe Country Clubs, where his father was head professional and greenskeeper.

Arizona's "Arnold Palmer" beverage venture didn't start up as easy. But in 2012 with no special advertising, his company made almost $200 million in sales.

First time in the history, Palmer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. He was honored the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.

Greg Norman: The Great White Shark

Greg Norman has also built a successful business on course design and a shark logo. He was born in 1955 in Queensland, Australia. Called "The Great White Shark" Norman won over 85 international tournaments. His father was an electrical engineer, and his mother was the daughter of the carpenter and a fine golfer herself. Norman began playing golf at 15, and turned professions in 1976, at the age of twenty-one.

Norman was the first person in PGA Tour history to gain $10 million from the game. He has been a spokesman for several companies, including General Motors-Holden. As a fact, Commodore model was named after Norman.

As much as Norman was a tragic figure in American golf history, his losses were increasing his popularity in general. Martial art fan, he takes his philosophy from the putting greens to his business career. Norman's dream to become a major brand like Ralph Lauren turned to make $2 million stake in the golf clubs manufacturing Cobra. It jumps into $40 million five years later,

Norman, under the umbrella of Great White Shark enterprises, designs golf courses, sells clothing and wine, meat. He builds resorts and runs investment funds. It is a mixture of partnerships, own ventures and licensed products, distributed internationally.

Norman rests his biggest opportunities in China where he is named the official adviser to the Chinese Olympic golf team. They call his "Dabai Sha" (big shark). His wines become more popular among Chinese.

According to Forbes, Norman has more fun in big business play than he ever had in golf. He doesn't talk much about it. He takes pictures of his head inside 1,400-pound African crocodile and spends summer hunting and fishing at his ranch in Colorado.

It says a lot about Greg Norman. Golf was a great starting point in his life. It seems that he is more of a team player than a single shot.

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August 5, 2014 | Landscaping Business, Golf, Golf Players, Jack Nicklaus

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Creating a warm and inviting front yard is a great way to enhance the first impression of your property. Beautiful front yards change neighborhoods, but before you get carried away with planting, establishing pathways to the entrance, you have to consider a couple of practical matters.

Choosing Lawn Grass

If you like to have natural grass in your front yard, choosing a lawn grass may not be an easy task. Grasses need water and at least 4 hours of direct sun a day to grow and look good. If you don't water your lawn during summer droughts, or the soil in your regions doesn't retain much water, fescue grasses will probably fit you the best. Fescue grasses in general are ideal for low-maintenance lawns. They don't require extensive fertilizing, and you won't mow it closer than 3 inches to the ground.

Kentucky bluegrass has excellent color, density and texture, but it is maintenance high, requires higher amounts of water and best mown over 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 inches to maintain a manicured appearance of the lawn and to keep the most moisture in summer drought conditions. Without fertilizing any a natural grass, diseases and loss of immunity rapidly develop. Fertilization is a tricky business. It required a chemist to determine that exact amount of chemicals your lawn needs.

Choosing artificial turf recently became an open option for homeowners. We used to think that artificial lawns have something to do with an ugly, unnaturally looking astroturf, but with technologies we use today to manufacture synthetic grasses, the bridge between natural and artificial beauty becomes thinner and thinner. Take a look at the picture below. Can you tell the difference?

Synthetic grass immediate and long-term advantages as:

It doesn't not require watering (safe fat monthly bill).

There is no need in mowing or trimming edges.

Synthetic grass dries quickly after rain and keep green and cool during summer drought periods.

No worries about weeds, diseases and immune system of the grass.

No chemicals, no fertilization.

Once installed, synthetic lawn will last you 20 years with a minimum maintenance (you will need to clean it up once in a while, of course) and safe you're a big deal in water-related terms.

If you have pets, artificial grass protects your lawn from developing brown spots (from pet's urine acid

Following are several front yard landscaping ideas you can put in use if you want to keep your lawn good looking for many years and avoid expenses at the same time.

Cover the main lawn area with an artificial turf and keep mulch, flowers and bushes in the designated areas. You can allow the multicolored flowers to embrace the area around a house, and take advantage of every available space.

Beautifully carved with natural stones of various shapes and sizes this front yard has mixed areas of mulch and synthetic grass, with palm trees, pink roses and natural plants.

Landscaping in a high desert can be tricky. Conserving water resources and maintaining attractive and water-efficient landscape is a part of a challenge. The front yard landscape idea above accents the beauty of combined naturally-colored natural stones with green color of the lawn. The fountain makes it look more extravagant and expensive.

Not every front yard is designed to serve average neighborhood idea of whimsical greenways. Some homeowners prefer to grit their guests on their own putting greens. Backyard golf courses are common in upscale neighborhoods, but today you can enjoy your personal putting greens even if you are on a tight budget.

Nice way to create recreational atmosphere of your gateway is to cover the pathway to your door with perfectly manicured green bushes, grasses and ferns. The owners of the beautiful brick house (see the picture above) created a forest in their front yard filled with cohesive plants and settling with the side lawns of synthetic grass guarantying fresh, green, everlasting mystery to sweep guests off their feet.

The synthetic lawn is a great investment. It increases the value of your home due to its new refreshed look and lower maintenance. This is quite advantageous, especially if you are planning on reselling your property later on. Also, you will enjoy the scenery, making you enjoy spending more time at home.

Amazing Lawn Transformations! from Global Syn-Turf on Vimeo

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August 4, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Synthetic Turf, Landscape Ideas, Landscape Ideas, Front Yard Landscape Ideas, Front Yard, Front Yard, Front Yard Ideas, Front Yard Ideas

Top 10 Famous Golf Courses

Golf is the most prestigious and symbolic for high social status game in the world. There is a big contradictory about its origins, but most golf courses in United States were built based on original designs and ideas from Europe. Top ranked, famous golf courses in America were built in the late 1890s. Most of them remain private, not accessible to the general public. But the history behind oldest golf courses is astonishing. Mysterious challenges of the game were developed in the architecture of natural landscapes by most prolific golf course designers of the last century. Original ideas, history behind the scenes of putting green can amaze the most sophisticated golf enthusiast. (photo: William Poultney Smith, AW Tillinghast and George Crump.)

Pine Valley Golf Club

Pine Valley Golf Club was ranked highest in Golf Magazine 100 Top Course in United States and the world in 2012. Designed and build by George Arthur Crump Jr. in 1913, Philadelphian hotelier and golf course architect, it is still considered the most challenging golf course in history. Golf fanatic and successful hotel businessman, Mr. Crump with his friend Joseph Baker travelled to Europe to study the most famous golf courses in Britain and the Continent, and by the time of their return George decided to make a significant improvement in the golf industry in his homeland.

Most golf courses at this time were built with a minimalistic approach to the site base. Instead, George used European ideas. During his hunting expeditions to New Jersey region, his decided to purchase 184 acres of sandy ground deep in pinelands, where he drained and pulled out twenty-two thousands of stumps with steam-winches and horse-drawn cables. His idea of a golf course was out of ordinary. No hole of his course was laid out of parallel to the next. No more than two running holes can be played in the same direction. You can't see any hole other the one you are playing. Unlike any other traditionally designed golf course, a round of golf of Pine Valley Course required a player to use every club in his bag.

George Crump was so obsessed with building his golf course; he died without seeing his project through. Some say; he committed suicide, others reported he died from an infected tooth. Nevertheless, four last holes he never completed was made by other golf course's architects after Crump's death in 1918.

The unique in its approach to the game, Pine Valley Golf Course has not been hosted any professional golf tournaments due to its limited space for thousands of spectators. This club is private except for one day in September of every year for general public to watch the Crump Cup, nationally recognized tournament for amateurs.

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta National Golf Club was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in 1933. Interesting enough, initially, Alister MacKenzie was not a golf architect. He was a military surgeon in Britain army during Boer War when he became acknowledged with military camouflage. Later on, he said, "the brilliant successes of the Boers [during his service in South Africa] were due to the great extent to their making the best use of natural cover and the construction of artificial cover indistinguishable from nature."

After war, MacKenzie left medicine, became a member of several golfs clubs in England, and remained on Green Committees for years until 1930. His modern for his time ideas about golf courses included undulating greens, narrow and long greens angled from the center of the fairway, large free-form bunker shapes, and additional contouring. Those ideas became part of his development of Augusta National Golf Course. MacKenzie's golf architecture was born before the era of massive scale land preparation, and he was seeking to adjust the beauty of natural land layout with the game needs.

Augusta National Golf Course was open exclusively for male golfers until 2012, stressing out for 79 years that it is a private club and has the right to defend its membership policies.

Cypress Point Golf Club

The same golf designer, Alister MacKenzie, who designed Augusta National Golf Course, was the lead architect of Cypress Point Golf Club along with Robert Hunter. Located in Monterey, California, this private golf club is regularly rated among the best golf courses in the world. It has a single 18-hole course, and the 16th is played over the ocean. Opened in 1928, this golf course is another beautiful design idea of MacKenzie naturalistic approach. MacKenzie let the course fall where it does naturally, and the Monterey's coast is the most spectacular place on earth. Falling through the dunes of the coast, the course travels into Del Monte forest and reemerges to the coastline for the most amazing finishing holes. Some say that it is a "truly the Holy Grail of golf."

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Claimed to be the oldest golf club (1891) in United States, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is located in Southampton on Long Island, New York. It has hosted the U.S. Open four times. Can you imagine, how much the founders paid for 80 acres of land back in 1889? $2,500. The pay-off was quick with $4,400 paid in membership for newly signups.

This golf club was originally designed by Willie Davis from Royal Montreal Clubs with 12 holes in 1891. Willie Dunn from Scotland added six more holes, getting the course to 18. In 1985, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club held second U.S. Open. It appears though that the course wasn't challenging enough, and it was abandoned in 1901. In 1937, William Flynn redesigned the course into 6,740-yard configuration. It hosted 2004 U.S. Open only after extension of 256 yards.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is often called "favorite ladies club" for its acceptable of women golfers from the first day of its opening.

The ownership of the land is under a question though. Indian Nation of Shinnecock claims that this land was illegally seized in a white land grab in 1859.

Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont Country Golf Club is one of the older in United States (opened in 1903). It was built by Henry C. Fownes, former iron manufacturer from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. His Carrie Furnace Company, sold to Carnegie Steel Corporation in 1896, made him a wealthy man at the age of 40. He spent his retirement years playing golf and investing in his private golf club. His idea of a golf course was simple. He purchased 200 acres of vast farmland, got one hundred and fifty workers, and with two dozens of mule teams, slowly built a link-style course. Today, his golf course is considered one of the most difficult in the United States. It has large, extremely fast, and undulating greens.

At those times, Haskell ball became more and more popular, and Fownes build his course to handle this new technology at 6,400 yards. It is 1,200 feet longer than recommended 6,000 yard length.

Without today's technologies, bulldozers and earth-moving equipment, Fownes has built Oakmont Country Club relying on the natural landscape. His course originally had 100 bunkers, and fairways over existing hills and swales presented Oakmond's mysterious challenge.

Herbert Warren, a famous journalist, called Oakmond "an ugly old brute" in the New Yorker. No long after, the club committee planted trees to make the course look more beautiful, but in the mid-1990s trees were removed due to its destructive effect on the course. The wind is a big factor in navigating the course, and it is no doubt a challenge for golfers.

Merion Golf Course (East)

Merion Golf Course (Haveford Township, Pennsylvania) is a private golf club founded in 1896 by members of Merion Cricket Club. Designed by 32-year-old Hugh Irvine Wilson, a Princeton University graduate, the Merion East was open in 1912. Hugh was an excellent golfer himself, but he has no idea how to build golf courses. To achieve his goal of building decent golf course, he traveled to Scotland and England to bring back traditional ideas. Distinctive Scottish-style bunkers, we know today as the "white faces of Merion," are the result of this trip.

Merion Golf Course hosted 5 U.S. Opens from 1934 to 2013. This club was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Located in Pebble Beach, California, Pebble Beach Golf Links golf course is mentioned among the most spectacular courses in the world. Its wide open views of Carmel Bay on the south side of the Monterey, Peninsula are incredible. Established in 1919 as part of the complex of the Hotel del Monte, it was originally designed as a local excursion route for visitors. One of its designers, Jack Neville, was focused on placing as many holes as possible along the coastline. This created a "figure 8" layout. Various changes to the course were made up to 2014. Pebble Beach hosted U.S. Open five times. The next scheduled time is 2019.

Pebble Beach Golf Links is not private anymore. It became public in 2001.

Winged Foot Golf Club

Winged Foot Golf Club is ranked number 8 by Golf magazine. It is a 36-hole golf course in Mamaroneck, New York. Its architect, Albert Warren Tillinghast was one of the most prolific architects and writers on sports in the history of golf. He designed around 265 golf courses. Shackelford wrote. "Humor and quirkiness abound on his holes, but every course is a strong test of skill from the first hole to last."

Tillinghast always felt that greens were essential to any course. In writing about Winged Foot, he said that its "holes are like men, all rather similar from foot to neck, but with the greens showing the same varying characters as human faces."

Winged Foot Golf Club had hosted six U.S. Open, two U.S. Amateur, various PGA Championships, and U.S. Women's Open. It is a private golf club for the rest of the year.

Sand Hills Golf Club

Sand Hills Golf Club was built in 1995 and designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. It is located in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. Ranked high, this golf club remains unqualified, but claims to be a links course as Pebble Beach Golf Links. When the main design was done, there were a hundred different holes on the course. It was slowly reduced to 18. Sand Hills Golf Club does not have all characteristic of seaside links, but it is one of the most naturally arranged golf courses. There is no better place for a golfer to disappear for a few days due to its remote location.

Fishers Island Golf Club

The Fishers Island Club is a private country club on the east of Fishers Island, New York. Founded in 1926 and design by Seth Raynor and Charles Banks, it was called the "Cypress Point of the East." This link-style course is only two miles wide and eight miles in length. Accessible only by ferry, Fishers island Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world. The island itself became very popular among the most affluent New Yorkers who have bought property there in their search for secluded seascapes. It is impossible to play at this golf course for anyone who is not a part of its up-scale community.

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August 1, 2014 | Putting Greens, Golf, Golf Course, Putting Green, Golf Green, Golf Club, Golf Clubs

Artificial Grass Business Booming In North Texas!

Companies that manufacture or install artificial lawns are experiencing a boom in business, due to the drought-like conditions and watering restrictions in many North Texas cities.

But the synthetic lawns today aren't the same plastic AstroTurf made popular in the 1970s. The products on the market now, are not just used for putting greens and football fields either.

Tim Dvorak, owner of the company Synthetic Grass Pro, and gets calls every day from homeowners inquiring about artificial grass.

"I discussed this with many turf manufacturers, that's a big thing they notice. As soon as there are drought restrictions, watering restrictions, or an ordinance like the City of Dallas two-days a week restriction, it really just makes this industry explode," said Dvorak.

Today's synthetic lawns are made to stay cool underfoot, drain water well, and last for 10-15 years. The products come in different shades of green, different textures, and mimic different varieties of natural grass. Choosing artificial can be expensive upfront: prices range from $7.50 to $15 a square foot.

Many homeowners with artificial grass installed in their yards feel that the investment was worth it.

"The initial cost is expensive, but it's already paid for itself over the four years. Not having to re-sod it, not having to water. The yard guys[come less often]. So it's more than paid for itself," said Dvorak.

Many homeowners can be skeptical at the beginning, until they see the fake grass first-hand.

Not all cities in North Texas are on board with artificial grass, though.

Frisco does not allow artificial turf at this time, and many homeowners' associations have rules.

Highland Park passed an ordinance restricting artificial turf to back yards.

Other cities, however, have no rules in place limiting synthetic grass. Those cities include Dallas, Arlington, Denton, and University Park.

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July 31, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Artificial Turf Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Lawn And Landscape, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Pet Turf, Paver Patio, Putting Greens, Playground

California drought worsening: New water restrictions carry penalty of up to $500

As California imposed its first-ever statewide rules to punish water wasters, a new survey showed why state officials say the drastic measures are needed: Californians actually increased their water use amid the worst drought in decades.

The new rules, approved by the State Water Resources Control Board on a 4-0 vote, impose new restrictions on outdoor water use starting Aug. 1 that could result in fines of up to $500 per violation.

Gov. Jerry Brown in January asked Californians to slash their water use by 20 percent. But a new state survey released Tuesday showed that water use in May rose by 1 percent this year, compared with a 2011-2013 May average.

The survey of 267 water providers by the water board found that water consumption in the Bay Area dropped 5 percent. But in coastal California, south of Santa Barbara, consumption rose 8 percent.

"California is in the worst drought we've seen in our grandparents' generation or beyond," said Felicia Marcus, the water board's chairwoman. "Fields are going fallow. Thousands of people are going to be out of work. There are communities that are out of water -- they're bathing out of buckets and water trucks are coming in to help them.

"But many parts of California don't seem to realize how bad it is," she said, "because they are so far away from their source of water. We are all in this together, and this is not a time to waste water."

The new rules ban washing cars without a nozzle on a hose; watering driveways or sidewalks; using potable water in ornamental fountains; and over-watering landscaping so that water runs off into roads and adjacent properties. Recycled water is exempt.

Under the new statewide rules, any agency that does not impose mandatory conservation measures could be subject to state fines of up to $10,000 a day. But it remained unclear Tuesday whether local agencies will be able to keep in place rules that don't include enforcement or penalties.

More than 60 percent of a regular residential home's water usage goes to lawns, in order to fight the drought effectively, changing real lawns to artificial grass or other low water requiring plantation becomes almost imminent. Synthetic grass company,Global Syn-Turf, Inc. offers more than 50 different type of artificial grass products with distribution centers throughout California: From Sacramento to Fresno to San Francisco Bay Area to Greater Los Angeles, you will be able to find their wonderful product to fit your preference.

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July 30, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Water Facts, California Water, California Drought, Gardeners

What is a Dog Run?

Whether you have a whole pack of poodles or just one dog, dog runs are useful, and your hairy friends will enjoy playing and running around in them. There are different types of dog runs, and when you decide what type of a dog run to use according to your available space and budget, make sure that you have a pretty good idea what dog run is and how you can employ it.

A dog run is a restricted area where the dog is safely kept and have enough space to exercise. A dog run can be private or public, designed for a single dog, or for the entire pack, like, for example, a public dog park.

Backyard Dog Run

If you are a homeowner, you may allocate a unique space on one side of your house, or inside your yard. The easiest setup presumes metal fence, but if you like to use the wooden fence instead, make sure that your dog won't tear it up. Choose shadowy place with easy access to water. Dogs should always have fresh water and a shady area to rest when it is hot outside.

If your backyard is big, often it is difficult to keep your dog inside the fence. Chaining a dog is not an ideal option for multiple reasons. In general, chained dogs often more neurotic, aggressive, anxious, and unhappy than unchained dogs. They can get bitten more often by other animals. They are not getting enough exercise. In some regions long-term chaining of dogs, it is prohibited by the law. Keeping your dog inside a dog run area while you are not around is safer and much healthier for both of you.

If your backyard is too small, it is a better idea to fence your dog to make sure he can't escape and also to protect items he or she may chew on.

If you use chemicals or fertilizers for your lawn, remember that it is not safe for animals. It might potentially create rashes and allergies, vomiting and liver problems. Synthetic turf surfaces are much safer for dogs if you want them to be in a good health.

If you keep your dog inside a dog run with a natural grass surface, you will start to see brownish spots in a matter of months. No matter what you do, either try to hose it down or soak the area with nitrogen, it is impossible to get rid of them. Grass dies from dog's urine. It never happens if you have synthetic grass inside your dog run.

Portable Dog Runs

As an alternative, portable dog run can be useful to keep a dog out of trouble. It is more used for travel, but can be good as a temporary solution in some circumstances. Most pet stores carry portable dog runs. Dogs have much more freedom to do their "business" than traveling on a leash.

Dog Parks

Public, fenced-in, off-leash dog parks are another category of the dog run. Some dogs love socializing with their friends, but it is no for everyone. You can be removed from the dog park if your dog is active in an aggressive fashion. Check carefully your dog reactions to other dogs before entering the run with your dog. Otherwise, dog parks are the best, safe environment for your dog to run and play.

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July 30, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Dog Park, Pet Paradise, Dog Run, Dog Parks

Bernhard Langer - The Record Breaker

Bernhard Langer received first place in the Senior Open Golf Championship! Global Syn-Turf congratulates him on not only receiving first place, but also breaking over fifteen records as well!

Langer's 13 stroke winning margin over his rival Colin Montgomerie was enough to obtain the trophy as well as break the former stroke margin record of 12, set in 1997. His rival Colin calls it a "great performance." Bernhard's win puts him at rank 2 overall, just behind Colin Montgomerie.

The course looked greenly vivid, and the putting green artificial grass looked well maintained and real. The environment was great, and Bernhard not only won but broke records as well. It truly was a wonderful event to watch.

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July 28, 2014 | Golf, Bernhard Langer, Golf Courses, World Golf Championship, Pga Golf Tournament, Pga Golf Leaderboard

Skyrocketing Water Costs Make Homeowners Switch to Artificial Grass

A surprisingly high number (80%) of U.S. households have a private lawn. The collective cost on our daily lives is significant. Consumers as a whole annually spend around $40 billion per year to maintain and improve their yard, and the growth accelerates as the U.S. population matures. Lawns, flower gardening, shrub care, general landscaping, and artificial grass are all essential components of local economies. The personal and public benefits are well-documented.

A healthy and green landscape traps pollution, prevents runoff, improves the air we breathe and can significantly increase property values. Gardening is a healthful activity both physically and emotionally. Contact with nature for the typical urban dweller is often limited to the patch of green that surrounds their home. An estimated 63 million U.S. adults watch wildlife around their home.

- Improper design, plant selection and maintenance of our lawns and gardens can negatively affect our environment and waste precious water resources.

- Improperly applied pesticides and fertilizers that end up on impervious surfaces can be washed into a nearby stream with the next rain.

- Urban areas generate nine times more runoff than a woodland area of the same size.

- Selecting appropriate plant varieties and proper maintenance of turf areas can significantly reduce water use and off-target movement.

This fact sheet was developed as a resource for responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping and to provide background information.

Total lawn acreage and average size 27.6 million acres of artificial grass in U.S.; 21 million acres in home lawns.

80% of all U.S. households have private lawns.

Average American lawn is 1/3 acre.

Close to 80% of homes has a lawn and account for 18 million acres.

50 million homeowners maintain residential lawns.

In the U.S, alone, it is estimated that there are more than 31 million acres of grass. Over 80% of this grass is found in residential lawns.

A comprehensive 1995 study estimates that the total amount of residential lawns in the United States ranges from 14 to 26 million acres, with 17.7 million acres as a conservative estimate. Artificial grass has been growing tremendously in popularity in states such as Texas, California, New Jersey, etc. The national average lawn size is about 1/5 of an acre for the 85 million households with a private lawn. Estimated average lawn size varies from state to state, ranging from 0.06 acre in Washington, DC to 0.51 acre in Georgia. Residential lawns comprise the largest part of turf grass in many states for which data are available, and this component is increasing. In North Carolina, residential lawns account for 69% of total turf grass area in the state and have increased in acreage 29.8% between 1994 and 1999. In Virginia, 52% of artificial grass acreage is in home lawns, and this component has increased 43% between 1982 and 1998. Artificial grass is becoming a clear choice for homeowners who are tired of overwhelming water bills.

Courtesy of www.projetevergreen.com

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July 25, 2014 |

Florida and Phoenix Jump Head First into the Amazing World of Synthetic Grass!

From Florida to Phoenix fake turf decor is "all-the-rage"! If you have been thinking of redecorating why not start off with small accents! Immerse yourself into a creative project... Searching for the right idea? Look no further... synthetic turf to the rescue! There are so many practical applications for synthetic turf we thought that maybe you would be interested in a few unconventional applications designed to get your creative juices flowing!! We all know that a fake sod is perfect for ground cover, but artificial grass can be a beautiful accent to just about any new project you may have in mind. From patios to walls, let this be your reminder that everything does not always have to stem from its practical or "standard" use.

1. Patio or deck areas: This one is a great example! Create a tranquil sanctuary every time you enter your back yard by using fake grass as accent pieces designed to inspire and sooth. These additions are a great and inexpensive way to jazz up your humdrum outdoor areas. Start by using the gorgeous stuff as a cushion cover or maybe a stool to begin, and before you know it, your back yard will be a place where everyone will want to gather and contemplate their creative aspirations.

2. Indoor applications: Do you have a small area in your home that needs a boost? How about applying synthetic sod to bring it to life? Start by cutting an important piece big enough for one of the primary walls. Use heavy duty spray glue to attach and kick up your heals, the synthetic stuff will almost immediately begin its inspirational song with its calm and peaceful look and feel.

3. Unconventional floor is covering: Spice things up with a splash of texture and style. Cut a remnant of artificial grass to create a rug, or maybe a recover your wooden baseboards. The is a quick, easy tip to create an awe-inspiring dream for nature lovers.

and finally

4. Get wild!! From cars to cup holders the options are limitless. Let your inner voice tell you what needs synthetic grass to bring it to life. You will be surprised by what you can come up with.

When when your "Picasso" is complete...don't forget about us! Send us a photo of your MASTERPIECE! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

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July 23, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Synthetic Turf, Faux Grass, Lawn Care, Outdoor Carpet

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