When movies set in Florida, such as the classic “The Florida Project,” depict sunny Orlando, there’s often a vibrant, verdant swath of grass. An idyllic scene, no doubt. Yet the reality of the Sunshine State’s unpredictable weather and costly maintenance requirements often drives homeowners to shift from natural to low-maintenance, cost-efficient and long-lasting artificial grass for residential uses. This article will detail the life cycle of artificial grass–from its production to disposal–a process that exhibits why this landscaping option has become a popular choice for Orlando homeowners.
Manufacturing Artificial Grass
The journey of artificial grass begins in a factory. Its primary material, known as yarn, is predominantly made from petroleum-derived products like polypropylene and polyethylene. Factories apply heat and pressure to form thin strips, and produce different shades of green that accurately mimic the appearance of natural grass.
In Orlando, homeowners often opt for realistic-looking artificial grass like the Bermuda model available on Orlando Artificial Grass Pros to maintain a lush-looking yard throughout the year.
Tufting and Backing
Once created, the polyethylene strips are tufted. During the tufting process, machines implant these strips into a solid, stabilized fabric to create a dense mat that resembles a natural lawn. Furthermore, the artificial grass is backed with a robust layer of latex or urethane to ensure its durability and longevity, so Orlando residents can enjoy a stunning lawn all year round without the rigorous maintenance of real grass.
Installation of Artificial Grass
As far as installation goes, professionals begin by removing the existing natural turf. They then lay a protective weed barrier and distribute a layer of crushed stone or other suitable material for the base. Next, the installers neatly trim and secure the artificial grass into place. For safety and aesthetics, sand or crumb rubber infill may be added to keep the blades upright and add padding. After the installation, homeowners in Orlando can savor a lush, green yard without the hassle of mowing, watering, or fertilizing.
The Useful Life of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has a notably lengthy lifespan, often ranging from 15 to 20 years. Its durability makes it ideal for resisting the year-round warmth of the Orlando climate, be it the sweltering summer heat or the cooler winter months. Once installed, it requires minimal maintenance, freeing homeowners from regular lawn care chores, and further contributing to its lifespan.
Disposal and Recycling
When artificial grass reaches the end of its useful life, it’s typically removed and replaced. While this might raise environmental concerns, many manufacturers today offer recycling programs for used artificial grass. As technology advances, recycling processes for artificial turf are becoming more efficient, enabling a sustainable end to its life cycle.
Overall, the journey from production to disposal shows why artificial grass has emerged as the landscape solution of choice for homeowners across Orlando, FL.
If you’re considering artificial grass for your residential property in Orlando, feel free to send us a message. We would be more than happy to answer your questions and recommend local, trusted installers to ensure the job is done right.