What is Classic Lawns & Artificial Turf?

The choice between "classic lawns" of live grass, shrubs, and plants and water and labor saving artificial turf is not always an easy one to make for many in Orange County and Southern California - and not one you fully have to make, since going part and part is a viable option as well. But before you landscape and greenscape your home or business property (or golfing green as the case may be), it's good to get acquainted with the advantages that each option has to offer. An experienced landscaping company that is familiar with the impact of local climate and geography on your greenery can help you make an informed decision. At The Landscape Expert, we have been assisting homeowners and business owners beautify their lawns for many years as well as helping you save money and save the environment. We stand ready to do the same for you and help your landscape vision for your property become a reality!

Creating Classic Lawns

Classic Lawns & Artificial Turf Many who move to California from other states where full, lush green lawns are just the norm fear they may have to give that up due to dry local climates and scarcity of water - but this need not be the case. With a little effort and investment, you can create a grassy "classic lawn" on your lot that will remain healthy and vibrant for the long term. How do you create the perfect natural turf lawn in your own back (and front) yard? First of all, you need to map out exactly which areas will be covered with grass and how that will interact with pavements, paving stones and walkways, decks and patios, fences, pools, gravel or pebbles, well mulched trees, flowers, and plants, and other landscaping elements. Carefully plan out your hardscapes and softscapes to achieve a good balance both for aesthetics and functionality. Next, it's important that all areas to be planted with turf or grass seed be fitted out with a good irrigation and drainage system in advance. This will ensure your yard can stay healthy and strong for years or decades to come, with regular maintenance. Finally, take care in choosing which grass type(s) you use and in selecting drought resistant plants, many of which are native to California, to make your classic lawn hardier and more eco-friendly. Here are some of the most drought resistant types of grass, or "turf grass," that you might consider:

Zoysia grass, Bermuda grass, Saint Augustine grass, Buffalo grass, Bahia grass, Fescue grasses. Of course, there are other specific grass options as well. Bluegrass of some variety is most commonly used for lawns in the US, and you may prefer it - and that's fine. But mixing in some more drought tolerant varieties at least in certain parts of your yard would still be a good idea. When choosing a grass, you have to think about its tolerance of shade vs sun, heat and cold, irrigation requirements (how "thirsty" it gets), how fast it grows, how thick of a lawn covering it produces, and how well it stands up to foot traffic. It can take an expert landscaper to identify which grasses would most thrive in each particular situation. And there are specific requirements for getting the turf well established and keeping it healthy through future lawn care as well. We can help you make a decision you won't regret and give you key advice on how to make your lawn lush and beautiful for the long term. You may also want to add tall grasses for edging and decoration in certain parts of your lawn. For this, consider native grasses like carexpansa, California/Red Fescue, or purple needle grass. And for non-grassy ground cover, you can add plants like creeping thyme, sand strawberries, and yerba buena - none of which require a lot of water to keep healthy. Choosing an Artificial Turf Another solution to saving water and avoiding the chores and expense of continually watering, fertilizing, and mowing your lawn is to install some form of artificial turf. Today, there are many options here - not just the original AstroTurf, which is focused on sports field needs. There are varieties of artificial turf that cater to the needs of home owners who care about authentic look, feel, durability, and safety for pets and kids to play on. Synthetic grass is made to look and feel like the real thing, and manufacturers have taken every objection to "fake grass" into account. For example, there are brands and types that will not absorb animal waste and other elements so as to become discolored and poorly odored. There are even special cleaning products for artificial turf that will clean away pet mess and neutralize the odor, while avoiding toxic or non-biodegradable ingredients. Additionally, you can find products that are UV ray resistant, won't easily tear, are soft and non-abrasive on the skin, resistant to heat and to frost, perforated for superior drainage, are lead and heavy metal free, and that offer numerous other desirable features. A landscaping expert that specializes in artificial turf products can help you survey the modern market to find a product that fits your needs and budget.