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Applications & Advantages of Synthetic Turf

Posted under Landscaping by admin on Thursday 10 December 2009 at 3:51 pm

Applications & Advantages

Common, and not so common, applications for Perfect Turf™ synthetic turf:

  • Maintenance-free grass for road medians, shoulders and parkway areas
  • Safer play areas for playgrounds, under swing sets and at Day Care Centers
  • School districts & colleges for fields, fire lanes and golf practice facilities
  • Most cost-effective landscaping option for commercial & municipal properties
  • Playing Fields for football, soccer, baseball and tennis
  • Golf putting greens (outdoor & indoor) and driving range tee lines
  • Pool surrounds and other difficult areas to maintain a healthy lawn
  • Dog runs, dog parks, doggy day care, kennels, and Veterinarian offices
  • Three-season rooms, basements and other indoor uses
  • Patios, roof tops and balconies
  • Maintenance-free lawns and pool surrounds for homeowners
  • Airport runways; no bugs and no grass means no geese & birds
  • Indoor and outdoor baseball batting cages, pitching areas and training facilities
  • Basements and locker rooms; synthetic turf can be used as water-proof “carpeting”
  • Bocce ball courts and converted tennis courts
  • Photo Shoots, use anywhere you need to have a perfect lawn in your picture
  • Trade Show Booths; show your outdoor and sporting good products at their best
  • Doormats, durable and attractive all-weather doormats of any size
  • Indoor arenas and Paintball fields; easy to clean and durable

The advantages of all top-quality synthetic turf are well-recognized and include:

  • Synthetic turf is viewed as an environmentally-friendly “green” product
  • Low maintenance and maintenance-free options
  • No watering, saves time and money, conserves our fresh water supply
  • No weeding, saves time and always looks good
  • No fertilizer, no chemicals – just healthy “grass” that doesn’t harm the environment
  • No dead spots – eliminate problem areas, synthetic turf is not affected by chlorine and most other common pool and yard chemicals
  • Nothing but green grass all the time – 24/7/365 for 10-20 years
  • Greatly reduces bugs and eliminates geese, ducks, birds from your lawn
  • Filled with rubber, synthetic turf can be a safer solution for playgrounds and fields
  • Lower total cost of ownership over the 10-20 year life of the turf, ROI up to 300

Synthetic Turf Payback Period Analysis

Posted under Landscaping by admin on Thursday 10 December 2009 at 3:49 pm

Synthetic Turf Payback Period Analysis

For every 1,000 sf of grass vs turf.

Item

Natural Grass

Synthetic Turf

Your Current

Est. Average

Est. Average

Actual

Original Installation Costs

$1,000-4,0001

$7,000

Annual Water

$200

$0

Annual Mowing Service2

$400

$0

Annual Fertilizer, Aeration, etc.

$150

$0

Total Year 1

$2,750-5,750

$7,000

Annual Costs

Year 2 Total3

$788

$50

Year 3 Total

$827

$53

Year 4 Total

$868

$56

Year 5 Total4

$912

$60

Year 6 Total

$957

$63

Year 7 Total

$1,005

$66

Year 8 Total

$1,055

$70

Year 9 Total

$1,108

$74

Year 10 Total

$1,163

$78

Year 11 Total

$1,222

$82

Year 12 Total

$1,283

$86

Year 13 Total

$1,347

$90

Year 14 Total

$1,414

$95

Year 15 Total

$1,485

$100

Total at Year 155

$18,184-21,184

$8,023

  1. Range is used to reflect whether an underground watering system is installed at the time of sod installation. Repairs to the irrigation system are not included, but only serve to make the synthetic turf option more attractive.
  2. Used above is 8 months at $50/mo. For associations/organizations that have staff to mow their own lawn, they can replace the mowing service costs with the costs of buying and replacing lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, gas, oil, maintenance, and ~10 hours per month of time to mow, weed, water and fertilize each 1,000sf of lawn!
  3. Assume annual inflation of 5% on these costs. Perfect Turf™ maintenance cost is a plug figure to represent that it is very low maintenance product, but cleaning periodically is still needed to maintain your turf. This may be just your staff time, but we don’t want to mislead you by saying that synthetic turf is maintenance free. Despite some companies’ claims, no synthetic turf is maintenance-free.
  4. Yellow bar represents payback point where Natural Grass costs are approximately equal to the original investment in Synthetic Turf. If no initial sod costs needed, the payback is about 9 years.
  5. Not represented in the financial payback analysis is the fact that synthetic turf always looks green and like it was just mowed! Perfect Turf™ enhances curb appeal, greatly reduces bugs, and eliminates birds from gathering on your grass.

Environmental Benefits of Perfect Turf

Posted under Landscaping by admin on Thursday 10 December 2009 at 3:48 pm

The Environmental Benefits of Synthetic Turf

Saving our Dwindling Fresh Water Supply

In arid climates it takes approximately 108,000 gallons of fresh water to maintain a 6,000sf lawn for one year (less in more humid climates).
University of Southern Utah, Maggie Shao

Approximately 50-70% of our fresh water is used for landscaping annually depending on the area of the country.
Southern Nevada Water Authority, New Mexico State University

Perfect Turf requires no water and it looks like green, healthy grass all year long.

No Fertilizers in our Ground or Aquifers

Perfect Turf does not require any fertilizers to maintain its healthy, green appearance. Reducing fertilizers in our ground means fewer fertilizers adversely affecting our water supply.
Friendsofwater.com

Less Air Pollution

Small engines from lawnmowers and edgers are a major contributor to air pollution in our country. Perfect Turf requires none of this type of maintenance; hence it helps reduce air pollution!
US Environmental Protection Agency

Promotes Recycling and Use of Renewable Sources

A single synthetic turf football field contains roughly 45,000 used tires that would otherwise be filling a landfill. In addition, the backing material is partly made from renewable resources such as soybean oils. Most of the synthetic turf material is recyclable and some turf uses a backing that makes it 100% recyclable.
Greendecade.org, www.universal-textile.net/news_biocel_march2006.htm


Sod Install

Posted under Landscaping by eric on Thursday 3 December 2009 at 5:44 pm

Sod Install

Zoysia Emerald

  • Fine Textured
  • Good Shade Tolerance
  • Medium Fertilizer Requirements
  • Needs to be mowed every 7 to 10 days
  • Moderate Care Required
  • Only available in Sod
  • Mow height 3/8-2″
  • Low-Moderate water requirements

This is my clients Zoysia Emerald lawn. So far it’s my all time
favorite sod. It has a fantastic color, and does as well or better in
shade than St. Augustine. It’s more expensive than other sod types but
it will pay for itself in water and fertilizer savings over time.

Zoysia Palisades

  • Excellent Establishment
  • Rapid Re-Growth
  • Few Seed Heads
  • Low Thatching Tendency
  • Mowing 1/2″- 1″
  • Low Water Use
  • Shade Tolerant
  • Cold Hardy and Heat Tolerant

This is also a good sod. It’s reminiscent of St. Augustine. It has a
thicker blade and doesn’t look as thick as the Emerald.

Zoysia Cavalier

  • Fine leaf texture
  • Long slender leaves
  • Uniformity of appearance
  • Disease resistant
  • Shade tolerant
  • Fast establishment
  • Cold tolerant
  • Good salt tolerance
  • Insect resistant
  • Moderate – low water use
  • Quick Recovery

Bermuda Celebration

  • Soft, Fine Texture
  • Extreme Drought Tolerance
  • Remarkable Durability
  • Unique blue-green color
  • Drought tolerant
  • Lower maintenance needs

This is my second choice in sod. Does great in our hot dry weather.
Has a superior color is very drought tolerant.

Bermuda Tifway 419

  • Fine blades
  • Low shade tolerance
  • Med-low water req.
  • High traffic tolerance
  • Mow every 3-7 days
  • Mow Height 1-1.5″
  • Med. cold tolerance
  • med-low disease potential
  • High fertilizing

Most commonly used Bermuda sod. Used mostly on golf course and sports
fields.

St. Augustine, Del Mar

  • High shade
  • Med water requirements
  • Low traffic tolerance
  • Low cold tolerance
  • High disease potential
  • mow every 5-7 days
  • Mow height 2.5-3.5 inches
  • Coarse leaf
  • Med fertilizing

Most commonly used Bermuda sod. Used mostly on golf course and sports
fields.

St. Augustine, Palmetto

  • Fair traffic Tolerance
  • Shade tolerant
  • Cold tolerance
  • Drought toleranceMow heights 1 1/2” to 3”
  • Densely spreading
  • Aggressive growth habit
  • Rich, dark green color
  • Performs well In sun and part shade

This is my top choice in St. Augustine. In our experience this sod
has performed very well in shaded areas. It requires at least 4-5 hours
of dappled sun.

St. Augustine, Raleigh

  • Shade tolerant, warm
  • Med. to dark green
  • Does not tolerant traffic
  • Thrives in high temps
  • Cold tolerant

Most commonly used St. Augustine sod.It is widely thought to be the
best at shade tolerance but in my experience the zoysia is comparable.
It is however a thirsty grass requiring the most water out of the sod
types above.

Our Sod Installation process

Installation includes a check of your irrigation system to ensure
that there are no coverage deficiencies. This will allow your new sod to
be watered correctly and effectively.

  • Sprinkler Check
  • Till Area 2-6″
  • Amendment Soil
  • Roll Area to Level
  • Lay Sod
  • Re-Roll
  • Check Sprinklers function
  • Set Controllers for New Lawn
  • Periodically Check on Sod
  • Continued Customer Support

Synthetic Turf

Posted under Landscaping by eric on Thursday 3 December 2009 at 5:11 pm

Synthetic Turf

perfect_turfUnfortunately droughts are a part of living in Texas. Water, it’s use and conservation is being discussed over the dinner table and over the political aisles. With watering costs on the climb, irrigation requirements and water restirictions being more difficult to comply with, now is the time to consider installing Artificial Turf. This product isn’t astro turf, it has come a long way in both appearance and feel. Being very versatile, you can use it for Dog Runs, Landscapes, Putting greens, pool surrounds, Commercial areas and much more.

Benefits: Artificial turf is an environmentally friendly product. It’s made from recycled material and uses water only for periodic cleaning. It cuts down water consumption, as well as water and air pollution by not needing the maintenance and fertilizing that comes with real grass.

Dog Runs: No Muddy Paws! You thought you loved your dog before, you’ll love Fido even more when he comes in with clean paws! It’s much easier to maintain than natural grass. No mowing, no weeding, no fertilizer, no dead spots – just green grass 24 / 7 / 365. It’s much more gentle on your dog’s feet than gravel or mulch. Your dog will enjoy going in the dog run more and want to use it more as a result. Clean up is easy because droppings become dry & hard making clean up a breeze, even the worst droppings dry out and are easy to pick up.

Animal Shelters: In an effort to support our shelters as well as our furry friends, we have special programs available to assist you on your turf project. Lower pricing, no interest financing, and 6-12 months to pay. In addition, shelters with urgent need and limited funding can apply to receive their installation at our cost. Please contact us at 214-257-8155 for more details. If you would like to volunteer your time at a shelter project please call us to make arrangements.

Warranty: Our Artificial Turf comes with an industry standard 8-year warranty (5-year on putting green turfs). The warranty covers fiber degradation, uneven fading and workmanship. In addition, most installers will warranty their installation for 1 or 2 years. Perfect Turf is expected to last at least 15 years under normal conditions.

Veterinarian: You can purchase turf for installation at your facility at a
special discount price AND at your option we have a special referral program that allows you to earn commissions simply by telling your customers about our artificial turf installation. Contact us for details.

Commercial Boarders: We have great referral programs for your institution. You will get discounts for introducing us to your clients as well as $50 for every project installed from your referrals. Call for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the common applications for Artificial Turf?

A: Artificial Turf is a great solution for: Golf putting greens (outdoor & indoor) and driving range tee lines Dog runs, three-season rooms, and other indoor uses. Low-maintenance lawns and pool surrounds for homeowners Patios, roof tops and balconies. Most cost-effective  landscaping option for commercial properties Playing Fields for football, soccer, even baseball and tennis Low-maintenance grass for road medians and shoulders Safer play areas under swing sets and at Day Care Centers Indoor and outdoor baseball batting cages and facilities
Mud-free outdoor events and weddings – even in the rain! Doggie Daycare facilities, kennels, and Veterinary offices Photo Shoots where you need a perfect lawn in the picture Trade Show Booths and Exhibits Indoor Paintball Fields Zoological Use for Injured Animals

Q: How do I clean my Artificial Turf?

A: Artificial Turf needs very little maintenance. In the fall, use a rake or blower to clean up leaves. To remove animal feces, you just scoop it up and in the rare occasion it leaves a mess, just wash the area with a garden hose.

Q: Will the Artificial Turf fade?

A: Perfect Turf comes with an 8-year warranty against uneven fading. There are coatings to protect against fading and other sprays to revitalize turf after many years of use. We can apply a UV Turf Guard to protect against fading and keep your turf looking new.

Q: Is Artificial Turf safe?

A: Research done by the University of Pennsylvania produced excellent research that dispelled the myth about synthetic turf harboring bacteria. Animals will not eat it, bugs won’t live in it, and it helps save the environment. An anti- microbial product can be sprayed yearly as a precautionary measure against bacteria forming.

Q: Do you warranty your Artificial Turf?

A: Yes, it comes with an industry standard 8-year manufactures warranty (5-year on putting green turfs). The warranty covers fiber degradation, uneven fading and workmanship. In addition, we warranty our installation for 3 years. Our Artificial Turf is expected to last at least 15 years under normal conditions.

Q: How does Artificial Turf handle rain and ice?

A: No problem, our Artificial Turf is made to withstand ALL the elements. The turf typically drains at 30-40 gallons per minute per square yard.

Q: What do you need to know to give me a specific quote for my landscaping project or a dog run area?

For Landscaping we need to know:
A: 1. Approximately, how big of an area are you looking to cover with Perfect Turf?
2. What is currently on the ground there?
3. What kind of access to the area is there? (ie: “next to drive way” vs. “100 yards away, down hill, with a fence in the middle”)

A: Dog Run specific questions:
1. How many dogs, what are their sexes and what are their size?
2. Will this be a “dogs only” dog run or will both people and dogs be walking on it?

With these answers in hand, email us or call us and we can make some recommendations, save you loads of time.

Q: What forms of payment do you take?

A: We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all online or over the phone.
You can pay securely online or call and we’ll process your payment over the phone.

Artificial Turf and Your Landscape

Q: Can I put Artificial Turf in my whole yard?

A: Yes, synthetic turf is considered a “green” product that can help reduce air pollution and save fresh water while it helps you save money and eliminate the time spent on lawn maintenance!

Q: Does it feel like real grass?
A: If you are looking for synthetic turf that feels like real grass, ask about our new Perfect Lawn products. The turf is soft, attractive and feels as dense as turf costing much more. No synthetic turf will feel exactly like real grass, but it’s pretty close!

Q: What are some unique applications for artifical turf.

A: Some unique applications that we have supported are:
1. Indoor baseball facility
2. Basement baseball facility
3. Filling in gaps between boulders in a retaining wall

Q: Can Artificial Turf be laid down over concrete?

A: Any turf can be applied over concrete that is in good condition.

Q: Can I use it on a balcony, deck or rooftop?

A: Absolutely! Contact us to discuss your project and your needs. We have different systems for balconies, decks and rooftops depending on a number of factors that we would be happy to discuss with you at your convenience.

Dog Run Questions

Q: Is Artificial Turf durable enough to handle many dogs on it daily?

A: You will love having Artificial Turf for your dogs. It cleans up easily. Handles big dogs with no problem. Synthetic turf is used everywhere from Canada to Arizona. It is anchored around the perimeter and in the interior by nails, much like carpet.

Q: What if my pet likes to dig?

A: Artificial Turf is extremely durable and most dogs will give up after an unsuccessful dig. Another solution is to place patio bricks on top of the turf in the problem areas.

Q: How much maintenance does an Artifiical Turf dog run require?

A: You will need to occasionally hose down the turf, especially in periods with no rain, and use standard pet safe odor removers as needed.

Q: How long does it take to install and how long will it last?

A: Typical dog runs can be installed in one day and carry an eight-year manufacturer’s warranty. We expect the product to last 10-15 years.

Q: How realistic is your putting green?

A: Extremely realistic. Our putting greens can be made to match a specific speed or putt faster or slower. These putting greens can be designed to hold a shot from 50 yards or 150 yards – whatever your needs, we can design and build a great putting green to match it.

Q: How fast is the ball roll (Stimpmeter rating)?

A: For nylon putting greens, it can be installed during the day and be putting on it that night. It will roll at about a 10 on the Stimpmeter and will stay at that speed for it’s useful life. For polypropylene putting greens, speeds can be made from 8 to 12 on the stimpmeter.

Sod Install

Est. Average

Synthetic Turf

Est. Average

Difference in Price

Original Installation Costs

(Sod vs synthetic turf at installation)

$1,400

$8,000

$6,600

Annual Water

(10 mo @ $25/mo)

$250

$0

$4,750

Annual Mowing Service

(42 svc at of $25 per svc)

$1,050

$0

$3,700

Fertilizer, Weed

Prevention & Aeration

$500

$0

$3,200

Total Year 1

$3,200

$8,000

$4,800

Total Year 2

$1,800

$0

$3,000

Total Year 3

$1,810

$0

$1,190

Total Year 4

$1,820

$0

-$630

Total Year 5

$1,830

$0

-$2460

Total Year 6

$1840

$0

-$8,450


Maintenance

Posted under Landscaping by eric on Thursday 3 December 2009 at 4:47 pm

Maintenance

Whether you require basic service or an all inclusive estate package, Dallas Curb Appeal can help you create a maintenance plan that suits your needs and your budget.

We are available for services 52 a weeks a year, so we’re always there when you need us

What’s included

Estimates: You are not required to be home for basic service estimates as long as all gates remain open during the day of the estimate. Estimates will be emailed no later than the next business day, followed by a call to explain the items and go over any add ons. We use email as our major form of correspondence to reduce paper waste. If you require paper estimates and invoices please notify us.

Pricing: Pricing for “One Time Only Mowing” is determined by the square footage of the property before improvements, and by any obstructions on the lawn that have to be moved, such as furniture. Yearly maintenance is determined by the total amount of all services divided into 12 monthly payments.

Contracts: Vary in length according to the type of project, and are simply and agreement between Dallas Curb Appeal and our clients to perform services and receive payment. One of the most important things in business is to be clear. Contracts are a way of protecting both parties from misconceptions and assumptions. Contract automatically renew every year.
What’s included: As much or as little as you like. You maintenance is fully customizable. Please feel free to call 1-800- Curb Appeal for more information.

Calendars: Calendars are sent In January and are to be used as a reference throughout the year as to when and what type of services will be performed. Of course weather plays a big role in the scheduling process. For this reason dates are subject to change.
Pets: We truly love the furry guys. But unfortunately they can be some of the best escape artist around. The best way to avoid a bad situation is to keep them inside on maintenance day. In addition we do not offer a poop n scoop service. We ask that your lawn be poo free by maintenance day.

Gates: Gates must to be unlocked on maintenance day, allowing us access to all areas of the yard. We recommend using combo locks. In the event that the gate is closed, the service will not be performed in that area.

Weather Days: As much as I try I cannot convince mother nature to do what I want when I want. Every effort is made to stick to you schedule. In most cases the properties are done the very next day. With multiple rainy days you can expect to be delayed one day for every day of rain. If you have any questions please call 214-257-8155.

Alleys: Access to the alley is needed in order to insure those areas are code compliant. We recommend using combo locks so that you can’t forget to leave it open. Locks are available to you at any time. If we can not gain access from within the property, the service will not be done. Our goal is to give you affordable service, and unfortunately if it takes 3 men 5-10 minutes each to load up, drive around back and unload again the cost of your service would increase to cover the 15-30 minutes of extra time. For further information please contact us at 214-257-8155

Cancellations: We will do everything in our power to insure your happiness as our client. But we understand that in hard economic times cancellations are inevitable. Fortunately, unlike the dreaded Gym membership you may cancel your contract at any time. We simply require 30 days notice to evaluate what is owed to either party. Because your monthly bill is averaged over 12 months, we have to research your file and bill you only for the actual services completed during the time before cancellation.

Service Areas: Our service area (for maintenance only) is in Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hallow. Staying in a concentrated area enables us offer our clients the assurance of always know we’re in the neighborhood. We are in the process of expanding to other markets and adding additional crews. Please call to see if your neighborhood will be next on the list for maintenance services.

Contracts: Vary in length according to the type of project, and are simply and agreement between Dallas Curb Appeal and our clients to perform services and receive payment. One of the most important things in business is to be clear. Contracts are a way of protecting both parties from misconceptions and assumptions. Contract automatically renew every year.

Irrigation Checks: Irrigation checks are solely for the purpose of ensuring proper functioning of your equipment. You will be notified if repairs and what the cost are. Coverage deficiencies, water audits, and controller setting are separate and additional services.


Design

Posted under Landscaping by eric on Thursday 3 December 2009 at 4:40 pm

Design

A house is only as strong as it’s foundation, and a landscape is only as good as it’s design.


Our design team will walk you through the creative process to realize yours dreams of having a beautiful, relaxing and balanced landscape.

Our professional design options include:

  • 2D and 3D renderings
  • Screen Shots. 8×10 Glossy Images of select areas.
  • Plant booklets: These booklets are a great resource for homeowners. It has the pictures of all of plants used in the design, as well as their seasonal interest, mature heights, widths, and care information.
  • Landscape Movie (Shown above): Allows you to take a Virtually tour through your landscape by day and night.
  • Click here to view a nighttime video design

What to Expect

Initial Consultation: Your first contact will be done on site or over the phone with an account representative. They will be your primary source of contact throughout your project. At this time you will go over the funtction of the project area, as well as your likes, dislikes, and vision for your landscape.

Survey: A survey will be needed to start the design process. Please have it available before the initial consultation. Additional measurements may be neeed.

Budget: We can understand why some people have anxiety about discussing their budget, however budget limitations are essential to shaping the design. For instance, a courtyard can be done for as little as $1500, with a stepping path, mulch and small plant material, or It can be done for $10,000, with a water features, trellises, a paved path and mature plant material.

Estimates: All estimates are broken down into line items. This means every section will have an individual cost. Allowing you the flexibility to add and remove items as you desire.

Site Fees: Site Fees range from $50-$200. Design pricing ranges from $75 – $3000. Pricing is determined by the size of the project as well as the distance to the project site.


Landscaping

Posted under Landscaping by eric on Thursday 3 December 2009 at 4:37 pm

Landscaping

nat6Most people consider their home to be a direct reflection of themselves. What does your home say about you?

Whether you want a Formal, Cottage, or a Zen style garden, Dallas Curb Appeal will get you the look you want by listening to all your ideas, addressing your needs and incorporating all these different facets into a cohesive design that reflects your personal style. Don’t end up with the same old tired landscape design. We can help you make yours, your own.

There are many choices when it comes to your landscaping needs. You can go with a huge company and be just another number or pick a one man operation that can’t offer you all the services you need. Why compromise. We can deliver big company results without sacrificing quality, and still maintain the personal connection with our clients, like a one man operation.

Our goal is to have our customers feel as good about the work that’s being done as they do about the people doing it. Call us today and find out how we can help you.


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