Los Angeles Home and Garden News

High School - New Turf Sports Fields

Even though it "feels like" we were hunting aster eggs a few days ago, our favorite season is almost upon us... FOOTBALL SEASON!!! Whether you favor the professional teams or maybe college sports is your thing, to matter where you are you can almost smell and feel the energy brewing! Now take that feeling and multiply it by 1000.This must be what it is like for the 60+ High Schools across the United States that will be playing their first home game on a new field of synthetic turf. The list of schools is a "Who's-Who's" of high school sports and the number of teams is growing by the day! When I sat down to write this blog I soon discovered that it would be an easier task to list those who "DID NOT" install a new athletic sports field this year. And I will add that those schools on the "DID NOT" list were only there because they are waiting for their own installation of artificial grass to begin!

Like I stated, the list of educational institutions is vast, however states like Oregon, Louisiana,California, and West Virginia are but a few of the schools we will be hearing about for the next several months. Keeping in mind this list only refers to the High Schools using the amazing new playing surface. There are countless Universities and other venues popping up every single day! The schools that will have their first pitch, first touchdown, or first point on fake will witness first hand what an impeccable and refined surface they are playing on. A field that was tailor made to fit the needs of an athlete of any kind. There is only on question that comes to mind...what will you do with all of your "newly acquired" spare time? Time that you used to spend cleaning up muddy footprints. Well? I guess, lets go warm up the grill!

Say hello to A FEW of the schools and teams that will enjoy their first game on new modern turf that was designed with the player in mind...

Mountaineer Stadium, TX

University of Idaho, ID

Oregon University

Nolan Catholic, TX

Boys Latin, Maryland

Washington High School, Washington

DePew, High School, IN

Pomona Unified, Pomona, CA

Ouachita Christian, Monroe, LA

Jupiter High School, Palm Beach, FL

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Curb Appeal

Don't you wish that any small investment always yielded a massive return? Well, choosing synthetic turf can turn your small investment into a positive for our planet and put some cash in your pocket. One of the biggest advantages of being a home owner is that when you decide to sell your home, you have the opportunity to improve your chances of selling by doing certain things to develop your property's "Curb Appeal"! Increasing your "Curb Appeal" could make your resale skyrocket!!. The replacement of spotted landscapes, the careful placement of artificial turf grass, and the overall, well thought out, landscaping of the property surrounding your home can significantly enhance the "curb appeal." The increase of "curb appeal" will result in an increase in the resale value of your home.

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July 21, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn Care

Another day, another win for "fake grass"

Chalk up another win for synthetic grass!!!

It is always wonderful to log in the morning and find great and interesting news in the in synthetic turf industry! This morning has proven to be one of those days as well.

As of yesterday it has been decided that the new playing surface for the newly renovated University of Kentucky stadium scheduled to be completed in 2015 will be..."Drum roll please..." You guessed it, ARTIFICAL GRASS! According to the Lexington Herald, Coach Mark Stoops confirmed Thursday of, "Kentucky's plan to move to a synthetic playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium when the renovations are completed for the 2015 season."

All of you manufacturers, retailers, installers, and supporters need to give yourselves a much deserved pat on the back! As well as another feather in your caps!

The era of "fake grass" has finally has done what others never expected...the industry has changed the once negative connotation that fake or artificial meant something negative. It appears that fake grass is now the WAVE OF THE FUTURE!!!! Go, Go Plastic Turf! ...

July 18, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Turf, Faux Grass, Golf Course, Golf Course, Sports Turf, High School Sports, Stadium

The H2- Oh No that is taking place from Boston to Phoenix

It was yesterday that I discovered that there is something very bizarre occurring with the cost of water in the United States. As you may have noticed recently there are some very positive changes occurring in industries like artificial grass and solar power. Changes that are happening so quickly with measured results that reaffirm our belief in a better, brighter, and more efficient tomorrow. Where companies like PG&E now purchase electricity directly from a homeowner who's solar panels store more power than he can use, or better yet, the always beautiful, always lush, synthetic lawns that made mowing and weeds a thing of the past and finally shed light on the unnecessary vanity and water wasting expense of a regular lawn. But, of course, the moment I begin to feel somewhat optimistic about the future I am slapped in the face with things like this... I read some things that, ever after 24 hours, I am still confused and alarmed considering the implications and how this has an impact on each and every citizen in the US.

According to the most recent publication of the United States Census, there is a strange and surprisingly not talked about wide variation between the use and price for water consumption in major urban areas. Riddled with enormous gaps where things only seem to move farther and farther away from the norm. It is crazy to read published statistics that plainly show that the use and price for water consumption in areas like Milwaukee to have a total monthly water bill that costs less than the cost of a blue-ray disc, to places like Phoenix where the total might be $35-40 per month then to a whopping $68 dollars for the same gallons per day as those in Phoenix and pay twice as much!

Now, normally one would assume that this somehow is a reflection on the area's geographic location as well as whether they are is in the northern or southern hemisphere. I would bet that arid and dry areas would be those who use less and conserve more, in turn showing some sort of fiscal reflection in that those who are accustomed to using less pay less, and so on and so forth. But, strangely it is the complete opposite.

The survey, conducted by Circle of Blue over the last several months, also found that average daily residential water use ranged from a low of 41 gallons per person in Boston to a high of 211 gallons per person in Fresno, California.

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The Circle of Blue survey includes data on water rates and water usage from the 20 largest U.S. cities, according to the 2000 Census, and ten regionally representative cities to gain a broad view of urban water pricing. The survey comes as municipal water departments and their customers across the country contend with the ironic and unintended consequence of the economic recession and water conservation. In most major cities water use is declining while rates charged to residential customers are rising.

So, as this is quite a lot to absorb in one tiny little blog entry. I will leave you with an interesting infographics to ponder upon. After viewing it, ask yourself "why does this all have to be so confusing? Maybe it's time for a change, maybe it really is time to cut your water bill by 75%. Why not checkout the fantastic innovations with synthetic grass? Isn't it time to try a new approach in life?" With bills that low you could really keep any eye what the real deal is with the rising cost of water and consumption!

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July 17, 2014 | Water Shortage, Water Facts

The British Open Has Started!

The British Open has started with a burst of intensity from the competitors.

Rory Mcllroy currently leads at the number one spot in the leaderboard with six birdies and a total score of -6.

Tiger Woods has been performing slightly better than before, holding 69th place.

It's wonderful to watch as the golfers swing away on the beautiful courses. The putting greens and artificial grasses are absolutely gorgeous both on TV and in real life. The best part about all this is that you can now install putting greens right in your own backyard!

Just ask Bernhard Langer, a professional two-time master golf champion promotes our artificial grass. Now you can have the most elegant putting greens installed right in your own backyard! The putting greens can be found right here on the Global Syn-Turf website under products and putting greens.

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July 17, 2014 | Putting Greens, Golf, Bernhard Langer, British Open

Germany wins the 2014 world cup!

Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the world cup finals! Many viewers thought that Messi would ensure a win for Argentina. The game was exciting to watch. The artificial grass field was a vibrant green color and made the game very amusing to watch. In fact, the fake grass looked so real; many probably couldn't tell if it was real or not!

Messi missed a free shot over the bar, and Germany responded with a goal. The game was exciting and long, but in the 113th minute, Germany scored the game-winning goal. The coach of the Argentina team was not deeply saddened by the loss, but instead accepted that Germany had won fair. Although Messi was a four-time world player, he could not carry his team to victory. Many were disappointed and expected Messi to lead his team to victory.

What many people do not realize is that Messi is one man, but Germany is a team. In the end, both teams shot ten goals each. Germany accurately shot seven out of their ten goals on cage, while Argentina only shot two targets on cage. Germany possessed the ball for 60% of the match, while Argentina possessed it for 40%. Although Argentina made six close saves, in the end, it just wasn't enough to shut down Germany.

Global Syn-Turf congratulates Germany and Bernhard Langer, two time master's golf champion, who is currently endorsing Global Syn-Turf products.

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July 15, 2014 | Bernhard Langer, World Cup

Tools You Need to Install and Maintain Artificial Grass

Artificial grass accessories are often overlooked, when in reality some of the accessories are very useful. Some of the accessories include the easy seam machine, Zeo-Organic fill, and the turf groom.

The EasySeam machine is a handheld electric tool that melts adhesive using a pre-programmed heating cycle.EasySeam doesn't get hot and there is no grass damage from the heat. It never touches the adhesive, therefore never makes a mess. It provides a consistent low-profile seam. Overall, it's very easy and convenient to use.

The Zeo-Organic fill is a safer alternative to silica sand. It traps and controls odor and absorbs moisture very quickly. ZeoFill is designed to eliminate odors from pets by not allowing ammonium to convert into the gas which is the primary odor-causing agent in pet urine.

The Turf Groom has a flat head and a polished pine handle. No frills, just an excellent and durable rake. It eases the cleaning of your artificial lawn. Nylon tines help maintain the turf without damaging it. Extend your lawn life and your investment. You can use these rake to spread an infill, to clean up your lawns, or just to fluff up the blades of turf. This is a "must have" tool for every artificial lawn owner.

Of course we haven't covered all of the accessories! These are only three examples of many that are available on the market. You can find all of them right here under our accessories tab. Global Syn-Turf, as always guarantees competitive pricing for both artificial grass and accessories.

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July 11, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf Installation, Outdoor Carpet

Gritty Gleneagles Golf Course

Gleneagles is a challenging golf course in San Fransisco that has been struggling with maintenance. This particular golf course has survived many economic issues and has maintained its excellent artificial grass. Many golfers believe that Gleneagles will turn back around. However, the latest increase in water rates has caused the course operator to consider closing the course.

Hsieh says that ever since the water bill increased by fifty percent, he has been reconsidering whether or not to keep the course going. He says "We deal with a lot out here, and we've tried to soldier on," he said. "But this water rate raise could be a deathblow." "We adopted a firm-and-fast style of play," says Hsieh.

"We use a lot less water than previous owners. We water a lot less in places where the ball should not be. A 'real' golf course would probably use twice as much." "It is real working class: seniors, juniors, every rainbow in the city," Hsieh said. "We're probably at 1,500 rounds a month." Each round is $19.

A lot of golfers play, but the low cost makes it, so they barely break even. Hsieh says he can't raise fees without approval from City Hall, and upkeep on a 52-year-old facility is a slow loss. Gleneagles has a different financial setup than other local public courses. The operator rents the facility and is responsible for everything: maintenance, repairs and pub.

Hsieh found that out the hard way in 2010 when an insect infestation killed the grass on all the greens. Tom Bastis donated roughly $140,000 to reinstall the nine holes with new artificial putting greens.

Hsieh doesn't expect the city to step up and make that kind of investment, but he would like to discuss an arrangement like what the Recreation and Park Department has at its other courses, like Harding Park, where the city chips in for general maintenance.

~SFGate

It turns out; water rates are still increasing. Replacing the whole golf course with artificial grass would solve the issue but would also be very costly. Luckily for homeowners, the water bill issue can be solved. Homeowners now have the option to replace their old lawn with elegant synthetic turf. Artificial grass never needs watering and seems even better than a real lawn. Global Syn-Turf offers many different products with a variety of innovative technologies to go along with them. Global Syn-Turf distributes to all states in the U.S and recommends professional installers to make sure your new lawn looks perfect. Tired of paying for high water bills and lawn maintenance? Look into some artificial grass!

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July 10, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Putting Greens, Golf Course

Good luck, Bullard Knights!

We want our kids to be winners. But it might be difficult to tune up with success when a school field you're spend two-three hours every day, five days a week doesn't inspire your go-get-it-spirit. Jaime Maxey, a coach of Bullard Knights softball team agrees with this idea. Here is what she wrote to the president of Global Syn-Turf:

"Dear Andrew...

The turf that you helped make possible at Bullard High School is amazing. I've been coaching for 13 years and it is by far the best field upgrade I've done. Other teams and coaches love it too.

We are the first softball team in our area to put down turf, but I think it will be something other programs do.

Thank you so much for your generosity. It really makes the kids feel special...

Coach Jaime Maxey"

In many schools, sports are so entrenched that no one realizes their actual cost. With synthetic turf, it is not just about look, not just about kid's safety, but also about water bills and cutting down maintenance expenses. With a water drought in California, many schools turn their attention to synthetic turf options.

Also, big thanks to HTP Nursery, for an excellent job with GST synthetic turf installation at Bullard Knights!

Go, Knights, go! ...

July 7, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Sports Athority, High School Sports, Softball

What Is Kool-Max?

Last week we discussed blade design technologies and how it affects different types of artificial grass. Today, we will be talking about Kool-Max. What is Kool-Max?

Kool-Max is a technology. Kool-Max was designed to keep artificial grass cooler in hot climates. Kool-Max is new to the industry and is a truly innovative product. Tested in the controlled environment by experts in the synthetic turf industry, KoolMax series of artificial grass are on average 15 degrees cooler than any other turf of the market.The KoolMax is part of the W-Blade series, which as we discussed earlier makes the turf look realistic. KoolMax products stand apart from other products because they deflect light, enhance airflow, limit sheen, and eliminate the shiny look of fake grass. Summer is the perfect season to invest in Kool-Max artificial turf technology. The time to order is now!

GST offers some products that use Kool-Max including the W-Blade 60 and the W-Blade 80. GST ships to all states in the U.S. and recommends professional installers to make sure your new lawn looks magnificent.

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July 7, 2014 | Artificial Grass, Lawn Care, Gardeners