What is astroturfing?

What exactly do we mean by Astroturfing? Well it isn't that simple. On one hand it could be artificial grass laid down on a sports pitch but there is actually another completely different use of the phrase. You see it is also used to describe the practice of masking the real sponsors of a message. Typically this is seen in fake reviews and the use of sock puppets ( made up on line identities).

Wikipedia traces the term back to the mid 80's:

The term "astroturfing" was first coined in 1985 by then-US Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D–Texas) when he said, "a fellow from Texas can tell the difference between grass roots and AstroTurf... this is generated mail"

I guess that back then , nearly 30 years ago there was quite a debate about the merits of artificial grass and sports pitches. Any sports fan could surely have known the difference. These days we like to think the differences are not so obvious.

Finally this table demonstrates the recent growth in usage of the astroturfing term.

Artificial grass review from Colchester

With over 500,000 sq m of artificial grass being manufactured in Maryport each year it can be easy to forget the personal stories behind what the grass does and how it satisfies our needs. So its good to see cutomer reviews like this one

http://www.artificial-grass.com/news/artificial-grass-happiness-for-customer-in-colchester,-essex.html

Having the right tools for the job

When you come to the planning stage for laying your artificial grass it is vital that you have the right tools for the job.
This article has a good summary of the items you need ready

http://blog.artificial-grass.com/2013/09/diy-artificial-grass-right-tools-for-job.html

Chosing the right tools

Made in Britain

Do you remember the 1970's when the Made in Britain campaign was launched. These were the days of British Leyland, Mining, Dock workers and all the problems we faced when the electricity was in short supply.

I believe that slowly things are getting better and we do produce good quality products now...like this artificial grass made in Maryport Cumbria

Artificial grass made in britain

Artificial Grass for holiday parks

It's funny but once you become familiar with artificial grass then it starts to pop up everywhere. Holiday parks are good customers.Think of the number of the people walking around, the tendency for rain over here in the United Kingdom and how much easier the artificial grass can make maintenance and presentation.
See this blog post

Artificial grass - uses

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Why is it called artificial grass?

There are many names for artificial grass...not just the brand names but also terms like synthetic grass, artificial lawn and many other possibilities. This article looks at some options and assesses which are the most popular.

If you are planning to but and install artificial grass do not be taken in by the many different names for what is largely the same product.

Whats in a name?

Artificial grass - different types

Sometimes it can get confusing with so many choices and different names in the market place. Good to see that the people up in Maryport have now created the comparison grass chart.

Artificial grass comparison chart

Artificial grass and patios

In these pictures, taken by a happy customer up in Fife, Scotland, you can see how they have laid the fabric over a patio to make it quite cosy and much warmer.

For more customer testimonials see here.

Artificial grass and UV light

Ultra violet light will degrade plastics. I remember when our children were growing up in the late 19080's we had bought them a lovely climbing frame called a quadro ( from Sweden?).It had bright red struts and we were very pleased with the many ways it could be reassembled. The girls loved it but over the years the red started to fade and the plastic became brittle. This degredation was ultra violet light starting to break down the plastic structure.

The same problem used to apply to artificial grass.However with demand for the grass growing in hot countries where the sunlight is more intense and lasts for longer hours this was eventually reduced and virtually cured.

You can read more here.

Roadside artificial grass in Oman

Made in Britain logos

Good to see that we are promoting the Made in Britain logo.When so many other suppliers pretend to be a manufacturer it is important that we make it clear that the Cumbrian firm actually do make the materials.

Golf and artificial grass

It is amazing the uses which artificial grass can be put. Putting greens for golf can be expensive to maintain - but are also ideally suited for artificial grass.

See more here
http://www.artificial-grass.com/golf.htm

Artificial grass for golf

Installing artificial grass in Cheshire.

These pictures come from a DIY installation in Warrington Cheshire and serve as a good illustration of the work needed to successfully lay artificial grass.
See the original article here
http://www.artificial-grass.com/artificial_grass_installation_cheshire.htm

Artificial grass and garden furniture

We love to see examples of artificial grass being used along with good quality garden furniture.

These days there is a wide range of options for artificial grass to match your garden furniture. See some of them here.

A cosy garden seat alongside artificial grass

Artificial grass and play areas

One fairly common use of artificial grass is to lay a shock absorbing underlay and then install play frames over the lawn.The picture below comes from a happy customer in Essex.

For advice and guidance please click here.

Artificial grass and play areas - Essex

Artificial grass and garden features

Some gardens benefit from having a central point of focus and in this caseit is a nice table and chairs on top of a circular patio. Incidentally can you see the two small dogs enjoying their new garden?

You can read more about dog friendly artificial grass here.

Artificial grass in Derbyshire

This lovely picture comes from a satisfied customer in Derbyshire.For other testimonials see here.

It is good to see a well designed garden alongside the newly laid artificial grass.

Artificial grass in Derbyshire

Colchester - Lifestyle lawn

Testimonials can be really valuable as a way to show that you provide a quality service. Often the customer will provide images to show their appreciation.These pictures come from an installation using Lifestyle lawn in Colchester. See our testimonials page here

Artificial grass in a hot climate

Even after the recent economic troubles the lovely climate of Cyprus still attracts many people to build or buy a second home. The convenience of artificial grass is a great attraction.No need to worry about maintenance, watering or cutting the lawn. These pictures come from another installation from artificial-grass.com

Artificial grass for second homes

Artificial grass for a hot climate

Artificial grass in Cyprus

Artificial grass for pets - Cardiff

Don't be afraid of any damage to artificial grass from Pet dirt.The modern variety is strong and will not discolour. We love pictures of dogs on the grass and this lovely picture of red setters says a lot.

The installation was in Cardiff.

red setters enjoying their new artificial grass

Useful references

Artificial grass for dogs

Snow Grass - not just for Christmas

These days most manufacturers of artificial grass will offer the chance to buy snow grass. Basically white grass designed to look like snow.

Theatrical use. Year round requirement for stage sets

Retail use. It isn't practical to have real snow in a warm shopping centre and with Christmas being one of the busiest times of the year for a retailer they don't like to leave anything to chance. Out comes the snow grass for the displays.

Nativity celebrations. Whether for a church or a school snow grass is always in demand.

How slippery is that surface?

If you ever want to look at installing artificial grass onto a surface which might become slippery then the health and safety people have a special device to measure exactly how dangerous it might be.

Your heel is the mostly the first point of contact with the decking and if there is water here then it can form a thin layer underfoot and it is this which causes the falls. To measure this you perform what is called the pendulum test. This mimics a foot striking the surface and can be adapted to show a bafre foot or even one with a shoe.

Images of the pendulum tester:-

and

You can see a video of the device in action here


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Artificial grass on concrete

Instructions for installing artificial grass onto concrete

1. Clear the surfaces of all dust and debris.

2. Check that there is a small slope to facilitate drainage. If not consider drilling drainage holes.

3. Sometimes it is worth adding an underlay to cover cracks and uneven lay.

4.Apply the appropriate adhesive.

5. Sand filled lawn should only need glue around the edges.

6.Roll over the glued surface to ensure properly bonded and leave for at least half a day.

References. Laying onto a permanent base.

Enjoying well laid artificial grass

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