Sacramento: Back to Desert, or Lifting a Ban on Artificial Grass?

Sacramento Planning Commission is considering to lift a 1984 ban that prohibited to install artificial grass in the front yards. Due to the new California drought emergency water conservation regulations, state officials must take all necessary action to prepare for water shortages. Artificial grass is the alternative landscape option available to home and business owners today. In California cities, except Sacramento, rebates are offered by local water agencies to those who volunteer to tear off their water-thirsty lawns and turn them into a drought-tolerant landscape. But before the ban is lifted, Sacramento residents who installed synthetic lawns on their front yards can be fined by authorities.

Artificial grass technology in 1984 didn't allow natural, super-realistic look offered today. Synthetic turf back then was primarily used by sports industry. The initial 1984 ordinance was imposed to keep the aesthetics of the city intact. The time has changed. The artificial grass industry has evolved dramatically. Today, we have more than 75 artificial grass products intended for residential and commercial applications. We use more than a dozen unique technologies to replicate the feel and look of the natural grass. Synthetic lawns today look more alive, green and beautiful than regular lawns. Plus, they require no maintenance and reduce water usage by more than fifty percent for an average household.

The Planning and Design Commission of Sacramento is considering to set rules for front lawns fake grass as to require a pile height of grass to be not less than 1.25 inches. Samples of artificial grass and an installation guide will be presented this Thursday to the commission. If the proposal is approved this week, it will be sent to the consideration of City Council.

Most critics of fake lawns argue about fake grass with no factual prove at hand. A multitude of tests is done to every fake grass product sold in the United States. The only concern that were raised lately in the media is the artificial grass infill. Those concerns are aimed towards sports fields application, as rubber crumbs made of old tires are used on athletic fields to meet GMax Shock Attenuation Testing requirements. For landscape lawns, the infill solutions are simple. Zeofill (volcano ash), if you have pets or sand are 100% organic and safe.

For Sacramento residents, the lifting of an old ban means a new way to improve a curb-appeal of their properties while staying on top of 28 percent water cuts obligations. As the California drought continues, there is a serious choice for city authorities to make. Will Sacramento go back to its original desert look, or stay green no matter what forecast says?

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August 18, 2015 | Water Conservation, Water Shortage, California Water, California Drought, Drought In California, Rebates, Drought California, Drought, California Water Crisis

Global Warming is Happening: Surviving Retirement

If you are retired and live on a fixed income, don't fall into a trap of ignoring the entire global warming concept. According to surveys, two-third of Americans believe in a scientists disagreement on the issue. You might be surprised, but today scientists agreement on climate change exceeds 99%. Global warming is happening. The consequences are terrifying.

Water deficiency leads to a farming crisis in the drought states. Did you know that 90 percent of the broccoli, distributed in the United States, is grown in California, along with 99% of artichokes, 99% of walnuts, 97% of kiwis, 97 % of plums, 95% of celery, 95% of garlic, 89% of cauliflower, 71% of spinach, and 69% of carrots (the list goes on)? There is no other state, or a combination of climate and soil can outmatch California's production per acre. Lemons and Spinach California's supply is 55 percent higher than in any other state. If California farming fails to meet demand, prices will sky-rocket across the country.

While Jerry Brown, the Governor of California, ordered mandatory water cuts for residents, agriculture was exempted from new rules, even though farms are the biggest water users. Not everyone likes this measure, but if you think of a bigger picture, agricultural exemption prevents food and vegetable prices to become volatile shortly. 25% water cuts in California during the state of historic drought means a different world where "we have to act differently", said Jerry Brown.

Changing lawns to a drought-tolerant landscape is the big step toward global warming survival. Cutting down an outdoor irrigation saves more than a half of water usages for an average household. As far as options for waterless landscape go, artificial grass installed in your front and backyard can save you gallons of water every day. Synthetic surfaces made by Global Syn-Turf can last twenty years or longer under standard residential use. It means water compliance with the state requirements and no maintenance fees. Artificial grass looks and feels better than semi-arid desert with concrete pavement, or a rock garden. If you have dogs, you don't have to worry about dust on your kitchen floor nor brown or dead spots of your lawn. The time of old astroturf that looks more like a short-fiber outdoor carpet is gone.

Today, we have more than 75 different types of fake grass that come in various colors, shades, heights and backing for any custom application. If you like to play golf, you can choose to transform your backyard into a tranquil golf course. If you have a dog, our pet turf is the cost-effective, environmentally friendly surface that allows any liquids including a dog urine to drain quickly through the backing leaving no smell and no residue behind.

In the last decade, artificial grass lawns became popular across the United States, not only in California, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. Earlier, synthetic turf solutions were available only for commercial applications due to the high costs of material and installation, today we provide cost-effective solutions to homeowners and small businesses that can fit any budget and taste. Synthetic lawns significantly cut water bills and eliminate the need of lawn maintenance. If you are retired and getting ready to retire and keep you bills down, we suggest you to put artificial grass on your big investment list.

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August 14, 2015 | Water Conservation, California Water, California Drought, Energy Conservation, Saving Money, Drought In California, How To Save Money, Drought California, Drought

Yes, You Can Put Up That Artificial Grass

Question: The homeowner's association in my "planned community" does not allow artificial grass in my yard. What are my options?

Answer: You should point the administration of your HOA to a new extension AB 349 of the bill AB 2104 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. AB 2104 required a common interest developments to adopt a updated model ordinance regarding water-efficient landscapes that are effective in conserving water. New assembly bill AB 349 prohibits HOAs impose a fine or assessment on separate interest owners for use of artificial grass or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass, unless your homeowner association uses recycled water for landscape irrigation.

"We face a very real water shortage that challenges many of our old habits, and there's nothing fake about our responsibility to find ways to conserve wherever we can," Gonzalez said. "All Californians have tough benchmarks for reducing their water use, and it's our job to make sure homeowners have every opportunity to achieve the conservation we need."

At the time of California historic drought, this act is an urgency statue shall go into immediate effect. Numerous homeowner associations discriminated and fined homeowners who attempted to replace their water-thirsty lawns with synthetic grass.

Morrison Ranch Estates Homeowners' Association fined Agoura Hills homeowner, Greg Greenstein who replaced the grass on his property with artificial grass in his effort to conserve water, with more than $4,000 and demanded to remove the new lawn.

Rancho Pacifica, a gated community of multimillion-dollar homes in the hills east of Del Mar, prohibited a retired couple, Brian and Frances Holloway, who live in a palatial 9,000-square-foot Mediterranean to get rid of the water- sucking front lawn. They fine them $50 per day until the lawn removal.

La Costa Valley HOA, Carlsbad, CA turned down Val Buonaiuto, who planned to install artificial grass in his front yard.

In Carlsbad, California James Zemel installed synthetic lawns in his front and backyards. According to LAtimes he spent $14,000, and his monthly bill has dropped to $38. His water district sent him a thank you letter for his conservation effort. However, his HOA has demanded to remove the grass from his front yard, and threaten him with fines and legal action.

Las Costa Green HOA is one of the few in San Diego County that allows fake grass on front lawns. Its resident, Rocky Wilson, grandfathered synthetic grass installation in his home, in 2006.

The first bill didn't include artificial grass as a part of the water-efficient landscape. Gonzales said she held back because of Brown's past opposition to protections. In 2011, the governor said individual HOAs should make the decision, not state government. Residents outside of homeowners associations are free to install fake grass with few, if any, restrictions. But in 2015, California found itself in the fourth year of severe and potentially devastating drought.

Landscape irrigation, according to the Department of Water Resources draws 43 percent of residential water use. The installation of artificial grass, instead of traditional landscapes and lawns, can directly decrease outdoor water use to support the Governor's mandated 25-percent statewide water use reduction.

During the state of emergency, declared by Jerry Brown on July 1, 2015, homeowners associations are prohibited to fine and discriminated the members who are installing artificial grass on their front lawns. Throughout California, homeowners are subject to strict water conservation ordinances. While in the middle of a water deficiency crisis, homeowner associations are not allowing members to perform deliberate sacrifices and are still forcing them to keep grass lawns, and fining them. AB 349 ensures that all homeowners have the right to conserve water by replacing grass with artificial turf.

The bill stated that "Property owners who pursue water conservation should be encouraged, not sued or fined. Thus, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety."

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August 10, 2015 | Water Conservation, California Drought, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought

Jon Stewart References California as a Jurassic World But This Time... BOOM! Everything Went Horribly Wrong.

The "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart has his own idea of how to solve the California Drought issue.

"First, as you know, California goes through historic unprecedented dry spell. " - says Jon Stewart at Thursday's Daily Show. "We are talking about original movie ideas. BOOM! Take that Jurassic world. Hey, what if they build another dinosaur theme park, but this time things also went horribly wrong."

Check Out The Daily Show With Jon Stewart http://www.hulu.com/watch/803181

Then, Stewart explains why there is a little hope for Californians to avoid the consequences of the drought: "I am talking about the catastrophic four-year drought. Californian's reservoirs are empty. The snow pack is gone. What little water remains in control of ruthless, disfigured warlord, doling out precious moisture from his mountain stronghold" (referencing this year blockbuster hit Mad Max.)

In the next clip, Stewart demonstrates, is an image of Immortan Joe, the lord of the Citadel (the place that beholds the water supply) in Mad Max, and states "Wow, Jerry Brown has not aged well."

"I am just kidding, " - says Stewart. "Jerry Brown didn't age at all. He is still good old governor, putting a water scarcity issue in terms that anyone on "shrooms" can understand. "

In the next clip presents the Jerry Brown quotes: "Someone will call water a right. Someone will call water an essence of life. Water is a baptism. Water is a poetry."

Jon Stewart seems to have a hard time to agree with a poetic associations of the governor of California. He says: "Roses are read. Violets are blue. Can I wash my f#* wash car or not?"

Can California conserve enough water to support life in the state? Stewart thinks there is time to get on top of the disaster: "California instituted mandatory water restrictions. They are tempting to get overall water usage down to 25 percent, obviously not including agriculture which is most of the water usage. But right now, usage is only down 9 percent, so it is time to get real."

As we know, apart from the state government ideas to desalinate the water from the ocean, which will inevitably increase the cost of water five times or more, and the latest plan of Jerry Brown to build two tunnels to divert water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the south, the water recycling plan sounds more realistic as now. Some Southern California communities are using the recycled water, and it works well for them and the environment. But what do people think of this alternative?

"This 620 million dollar water recycling plant turns treated sewage from the sanitation department next door into drinkable water. The water that comes out is cleaner than most tap water in the country. It's officially called "Indirect potable reuse", but it's more descriptively known as toilet-to-tap."

It is easier to say from the East Coast location, where the Daily Show is filmed, but Stewart is more open-minded than most of us. He says: " It's known as toilet-to-tap, but there are steps in between. You are not just sticking a drinking straw in somebody's ass. There is a process it goes through. But, obviously, thanks to the name toilet-to-tap, people tends to react to this God-sent drought solution like this."

What do people think about the recycled water? Or, rather, how do they feel about it?

"That's dirty. That's nasty."

"It's kind of disgusting."

"Yucky factor."

"Major icky and gross factor."

Gayle King is not an exception: "Of course when you how it is done, it's just a graphic in my mind - what I've seen in the toilet it's scary."

"Californians! If you want to buy something you don't call it what it's really is. You have to spice it up a little bit. Like, porn. You think the Valley would have porn, if porn were renamed "Sad Romanians. F*# for money?" - asks Stewart.

Snitching, according to Stewart, is a "far more renewable resource" of water conservation than technologies to recycle water. He mentions that some water agencies in California launched the app for people to report water wasters.

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June 15, 2015 | Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Water Conservation, California Water, California Drought, Sports Turf, Sports Turf, Backyard Ideas, Backyard Ideas, Sports Athority, Sports Athority, High School Sports, High School Sports, Soccer Field Layout, Soccer Fields, Soccer Fields, Soccer Field Layout, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought, Water Scarcity

How Do You Feel About California's Water Restrictions?

Al Madrigal, L.A. resident, wasn't in mood to discuss California drought with Jon Stewart.

"I'm sick of it," - he says. "Back home it's all we talk about. We use to go to dinner and discuss movies. Which stars are secretly gays. But now it's just - "How long was your shower. Did you use a backet? Hey, that's a guy whose lawn is green. Call the cops! "

Man, it feels good! I am taking an advantage of your unregulated East Coast Water-topia! Man, it feels good!

Jon, I have to get it out of my system before I go home and slip the recycled toilet water.

I haven't wasted water like this in years!

I am going to paint this town wet, Jon!

Named Best Stand-Up Comedian by the HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Al Madrigal's comedy has been called "dynamic" by The New York Times. His unique, spontaneous and fast-paced lyrical storytelling style has made him a regular on television with numerous appearances on Comedy Central including his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents Special and appearances on John Oliver's New York Stand-up Show and Pretend Time with Nick Swardson. Al has also appeared with Conan O'Brien (as one of the first 20 guests during his stint as host of "The Tonight Show," and on "Conan" on TBS) as well as multiple appearances on ""Lopez Tonight," "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

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June 11, 2015 | California Water, California Drought, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought, Water Scarcity

Beyond the Lawn Day: Beverly Hills

While the state of California is experiencing the serious water drought, Beverly Hills residents are facing the reality of cutting down their water usage as much as by 35%, in light of the governor of California, Jerry Brown, mandate. The state promises to fine water wasters as much as $1,000 per day.

According to Areavibes, the medium housing values in Beverly Hills is $2,703,500 and is 604 percent higher than in California. The cost of living is twice higher than in the state on average. Beverly Hills has 2,481 backyard pools, which is the most pools per capita. It has one of the highest rates of water usage too, 216.6 gallons a day per resident (September, 2014), compared to 70 gallons in Los Angeles. Residents of Santa Ana, for example, use only 38 gallons of water a day.

Local authorities prohibited the draining and refilling pools, and required all pools be covered to lessen evaporation. Outside watering is restricted to two days a week. It seems that "the land of the sunshine, swimming pools, palm trees and movie stars" stands a chance to choose the alternative way and join the nation conservation effort. If not for the hard-to-replace swimming pools, the simplest and the most efficient drought solution is to change the way of our landscape.

Transforming lawns into a beautiful oasis with lush and natural looking grass is much easier than changing people's expectations of how the landscape must look like. Artificial grass technology allows us to live the lifestyle we seek despite the climate change and drought conditions.

People and the media tend to blame the upscale communities for the "moral isolation of the rich." But when you see beautiful tranquil front and backyards of Beverly Hills, take a closer look. Artificial grass is installed throughout the city, and while it looks just like a regular landscape, as a fact, most of it is synthetic.

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June 10, 2015 | Lawn Maintenance, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Synthetic Turf, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Grass Installation, Artificial Turf Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Outdoor Carpet, Pet Turf, Pet Turf, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Paver Patio, California Water, California Drought, Putting Greens, Putting Greens, Playground, Playground, Golf, Golf, Gardeners, Backyard Landscaping, Backyard Landscaping, Backyard Landscaping Ideas, Golf Course, Golf Course, City Landscape, Front Yard Landscaping Ideas, Front Yard Landscaping, Front Yard Landscaping, Backyard, Sports Turf, Sports Turf, Rebate, Rebate, Backyard Ideas, Garden Tools, Landscaping, Landscaping, Garden Ideas, Landscape Ideas, Landscape Ideas, Backyard Designs, Front Yard Design, Backyard Design, Drought In California, Synthetic Lawn, Rebates, Drought California, Drought, Drought

Is There a Better Surface for Tennis Courts Than Artificial Turf?

Tennis is popular international sport. It is recognized to be amongst the plethora of major league sports such as football and baseball. The one thing that these great sports have in common is the different types of playing fields the athletes play on. Synthetic grass or artificial turf is the one of the unique types of playing fields. Tennis courts surfaces can range from clay, hard, carpet, or grass. Traditionally, professional athletes played on grass courts. Clay courts, made of crushed shale, brick, or stone, are very common surfaces in tennis due to its inexpensiveness. But despite low cost Clay courts have a couple of disadvantages. They slow down the ball and produce a high bounce. It's also quite expensive to upkeep. Grass tennis courts are slippery, helps the ball move quickly, and at the same time, unpredictable since the ball bounce depends on variety of reasons, the heaviness of grass, the time of its last mow, its health, wear, and tear. Disadvantages include high maintenance cost and heavy water use. Most sports facilities transcend to more dependable and predictable solution, hard tennis courts. But still, grass courts are much better for players, as its softness is more compatible with a human body. There are also carpet tennis courts, but the carpet can only be used indoor. Today, when we have artificial grass at our disposal, it's safe to say that the ideal solution for tennis courses is the artificial turf. It's inexpensive and can withstand a long period of use. Synthetic grass requires zero maintenance (except cleaning it once in a while.) It doesn't need to be mowed, or watered, and provide quick bounce and stable surface to play on. Another good thing about having artificial grass on the tennis court is its cleanness. If the synthetic turf has been installed properly with the right slope for perfect drainage, the court will not get wet and muddy. You don't need to miss a game after a rainy night! No matter what forecast say, no matter where you live - in California or North Dakota, you can practice at any time. Artificial turf is wonderful when it comes to diverse weather conditions. ...

May 8, 2015 | Lawn Maintenance, Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Fake Grass, Synthetic Grass, Artificial Lawn, Synthetic Turf, Artificial Grass Cost, Artificial Grass For Dogs, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Eco Friendly Products, Grass Installation, Artificial Turf Installation, Synthetic Turf Supplier, Faux Grass, Lawn And Landscape, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Pet Turf, Landscaping Business, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Paver Patio, California Water, California Drought, Putting Greens, Playground, Golf, Gardeners, Golf Course, City Landscape, Sports Turf, Sports Turf, Tennis Court, Job Opportunities, Tennis

Beyond the Bad Lawn Day: Fertilizers Poisoning

Traditional lawns are not just a style. It's a lifestyle. We use fertilizers to keep them green and beautiful, claiming we love all natural. We use chemicals and poison water, land and living organisms. It's time to change our approach to gardening. ...

May 1, 2015 | Lawn Maintenance, 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, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Pet Turf, Landscaping Business, Water Facts, Paver Patio, California Water, California Drought, Putting Greens, Playground, Golf, Gardeners, Golf Course, City Landscape, Sports Turf, Job Opportunities

Beyond the Bad Lawn Day: Get Ready For a Makeover!

As much as we love green and lush lawn instead of brown, half-dead looking patches of grass in the front yard, not everyone is ready to commit to a modern approach to gardening. Artificial lawn is something flirty, cheerful and look-amazing no matter what the forecast says. ...

May 1, 2015 | Lawn Maintenance, 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, Lawn Care, Grass For Dogs, Lawn Service, Cat Grass, Pet Grass, Drought Tolerant Plants, Outdoor Carpet, Seams, Pet Turf, Landscaping Business, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Paver Patio, California Water, California Drought, Putting Greens, Playground, Golf, Gardeners, Golf Course, City Landscape, Sports Turf, Football Field, Job Opportunities

California Cities Penalizing Citizens For Not Watering Their Lawns?!!

Battling with one of the most damaging droughts on history and confronted by mandatory water cuts, many California state citizens are deciding to allow their rich, green lawns simply turn brown, and consequently dealing with financial penalties for it. After hearing some reports that certain cities have fined their residents for letting their lawns turn to brown in the event of the drought , the California state Assembly passed a bill Thursday that prohibits fees and penalties for residents who decide to not water their lawn, the Los Angeles Times reports. "If California state is likely to administer its water resources resourcefully and sustainably, in that case we must not permit municipalities to penalize individuals for conserving water by not consistently watering their lawn ," assemblywoman Cheryl R . Brown ( D-Rialto ) said. A large number of California state cities possess maintenance ordinances indicating the condition wherein residential laws should be kept. As reported by the LA Times, financial penalties when dealing with these ordinances start out at about $100 a week to a flat fee of $500. On April 1, Governor Jerry Brown declared the state's first-ever mandatory water cuts , needing the state to help reduce its water usage 25 % by February 2016, a move that probably would conserve some 500 billion gallons of water. California's water resources are broke up among environmental uses, for example, water in protected rivers and streams, or water put aside for preserving habitat - and also agricultural and urban uses. Environmental necessitates require 50 % of the state's water, with cultivation accounting for 40 %. Urban utilization clocks in at only 10 %. Within that 10 %, outdoor residential water, the water utilized in swimming pools and landscape irrigation - is the primary important use, accounting for 34 % of the state's entire urban water utilization. As emphasized by the University of California, a lawn is "almost constantly the single largest user of water at home landscape", a 500-square-foot grassed area can use a lot more than 18, 000 gallons of water annually. In April of 2014, Gov. Brown finalized an executive order mandating that homeowners' associations should not fine individuals for failing to water their lawns. But nevertheless particular homeowners' association guidelines can continue to make water conservation measures challenging for homeowners, something that a resident of Southern California, Greg Greenstein, states that have been happening to him. As reported by KLTA5 News in Los Angeles, Greenstein changed his home's grass with artificial turf in January with a purpose to conserve water. Since that time, he claims to have accumulated over $4, 000 in penalties from his homeowners' association, which states the replacement was made without appropriate architectural authorization. When Greenstein declined to remove the turf, the homeowners' association started penalizing him $50 each and every day. The homeowners' association argues that Greenstein wasn't fined for having turf, however for installing it without prior authorization. Greenstein's homeowners' association enacted a prohibit on artificial turf on front lawns in 2008 and declared that right now there wasn't enough interest to alter the rule when the association recently reconsidered it. The state Assembly's bill trying to prevent cities from leveraging penalties on inhabitants with brown lawns passed 74 to 0, and right now would go to the state Senate for a consideration. Lawmakers are likewise thinking about a bill that probably would avoid homeowners' associations from prohibiting homeowners to put in place turf as a water conservation measure. ...