Here in the Pacific Northwest, we eagerly anticipate those long, warm, relaxing summer days, especially after having been cooped up indoors throughout the rainy winter months. Yet with all the moss control, mowing, edging, watering, and fertilizing our poor lawns require after enduring our long winters and the resulting storm debris, the lazy part of summer goes right out the window. No one knows this better than Rob Stiles, Lead Design Consultant/Sales Manager for Synthetic Turf Northwest. After six years of working for the company, which was founded in 1996 and remains locally owned and operated, Rob has helped hundreds of clients turn their high-maintenance natural lawns into gorgeous outdoor spaces that are usable year-round.

If you aren’t familiar with today’s synthetic turf products, you may be picturing the cheap-looking artificial grass prominent in the backyard of The Brady Bunch sitcom, but the product has come a long way since its inception. As Rob explains, “We offer a variety of colors, textures, and blade shapes and lengths, all of which are stronger and more durable than ever before. Our core set of products comes in different densities and pile heights as well, so there is a product for every part of your yard whether it be your pet area, play space, or front lawn.” As for the benefits of choosing synthetic turf over natural grass sod or seed, there are the obvious including no watering, fertilizing, or mowing required for a perpetually green space to view and enjoy year-round. But more importantly, Rob says, “Synthetic turf finishes your outdoor areas and buys you time to do the things you truly enjoy.”

Gone are the days when a person’s front yard was a source of pride that they were willing to put hours into perfecting. “The way society has shifted, we are all so busy that many of us don’t consider that a big priority anymore or we simply hire others to do the work for us,” Rob says. “And even then, our lawns still get beaten up by weather, pets, and our kids, and doesn’t always look that great.” On the flip side, having a finished space that looks nice and is usable year-round rather than simply from April to September is like adding a room to your home, as Rob often tells clients. “Let’s say you have young kids and it’s the middle of January and raining out,” he says. “If you suddenly get a sunbreak, the kids can go out and kick a soccer ball without ruining the lawn or coming in with muddy feet and clothes.”

Our love for our pets sells a lot of turf as well, as pets need to go out year-round and the havoc they wreak on our lawns when they run around, play, and ‘do their business’ is the price we homeowners pay. Synthetic turf mitigates all that. Still, it isn’t completely maintenance-free. You’ll need to do the following to keep your synthetic turf looking its best.

 

In addition to the lawns, pet areas, and play areas Synthetic Turf Northwest designs and installs, the company’s original focus was solely on synthetic golf greens, and that has remained a specialty of theirs today. Yet with the popularity synthetic turf is enjoying, there are many products to choose from. Rob advises, “Keep in mind that you are making a significant investment in your yard, so if you are truly focused on quality, consider the type of company and crew members you want to work with.” Synthetic Turf Northwest partners with some of the best and biggest landscapers in the business and holds classes for their crew members to teach them not only about all their products, but also exactly how to install and infill them so you get the absolute best result. As Rob points out, “We want people to not only love their turf but to talk about it to friends and family.”

Most projects take between two and seven days to install and include removing your old sod, putting down filter fabric, building a 4" to 5" gravel base on top of that, then installing the turf and sand infill. “We also have an elegant edging system we use to create a nice, clean line between your turf and your flowerbeds and hardscapes,” adds Rob. As a five-star company with over 250 reviews, Synthetic Turf Northwest’s goal is to keep clients happy and coming back. And while the initial cost is arguably higher than installing natural sod, the money and time you will save in the years to come is priceless.

To see just how amazing your own space could look, schedule a complimentary consultation at: syntheticturfnorthwest.com or call them at (425) 549-4739. 

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