Own the Yard: Pavers AND Synthetic Turf!

SiteOne’s construction and installation process for synthetic turf is virtually identical to pavers. So, with minimal training, you’ll keep both sets of business under your company’s roof.

As a landscaper, chances are excellent you offer paver installation for your customers’ patios. When those customers are looking to add areas of synthetic turf, do you have the expertise on your existing paving crews to handle that job as well, or do you need to turn to sub-contractors?

Thanks to the physical construction of Site One’s synthetic turf, and its accompanying installation process, there are major similarities between synthetic turf and pavers.

As you can see, the base for pavers is identical to the structure and installation of synthetic turf—except for the final layer of paver or turf.

Now, with minimal retraining, your existing paver crews can handle synthetic turf installations, helping you complete jobs faster and boost your bottom line by eliminating the need for additional subcontractors.

Synthetic Turf is Growing

The popularity of and demand for synthetic turf—in both residential and commercial settings—is on the rise, thanks to watering restrictions as well as the product’s appearance, durability, sustainability and low maintenance.

But, there’s a learning curve for synthetic turf, so to minimize hassles and customer call-backs, here are some common installation challenges with synthetic turf:

1. Inconsistent turf grain: Synthetic turf has a grain, so, to minimize the “synthetic” look, make sure different turf sections run in the same direction. Order enough initially for the whole job, so you don’t need to patch the job with pieces that have different grain directions.

2. Differing dye lots: Related to #1, synthetic turf lots are individually dyed and can vary in color, so again, order all you’ll need at one time to ensure the same dye lot (rule of thumb: order 10% more than you anticipate needing).

3. Too much reflective light: Most synthetic turf has a melting point of 248°F, and the sun’s rays bouncing off reflective surfaces can boost turf temps, causing turf to melt or become misshapen. As such, note reflective surfaces on your customer’s property to minimize the issue.

4. Not enough infill: The infill—the small bits of crushed silica, rubber or cork that support the turf blades—needs to be worked well into the turf during installation to prevent matting of turf and wear on the blades. Rule of thumb: Install 2-3.5 lbs. of infill per inch of turf height.

5. Visible Seams: When cutting and trimming synthetic turf, if you cut in straight lines, it can highlight the synthetic aspect of the turf. To avoid this, simply make all cuts in an “S” shape, ensuring the seams never show.

6. Roll Crush: While on the roll, and during shipping, blades of artificial turf can get damaged. Unroll the entire roll and let it warm in the sun before installing, to easily spot crushed areas. Don’t install product if turf remains compressed.

For more detail on these and other synthetic-turf installation tips and tricks, check out this article on SiteOne.com.

Ongoing Synthetic Turf Maintenance

Synthetic turf lasts 10-15 years, but keeping it looking and performing at its best requires some ongoing maintenance. Here are a few tips:

1. Remove leaf and dust debris from the lawn with a leaf blower or lawn vacuum.
    
2. Rake the blades (use plastic rakes, not metal) to keep them standing up straight—especially when heavy furniture or constant use flattens blades.
    
3. Brush turf against the grain in high-traffic areas to avoid matting.
    
4. Remove sticky material from turf by first chilling with ice cubes to harden the product, making it easier to remove from the blades.
    
5. While synthetic turf will drain most liquids, suggest to customers that they rinse their synthetic turf with water after pets relieve themselves on turf.
    
6. Because synthetic turf doesn’t retain moisture, in summer heat, suggest that customers cool their turf with water; many keep their sprinkler systems for just this purpose.
    
7. In winter, shovel all but the last 1” inch of snow. To avoid damage to blades, use a broom to brush off remaining snow. Avoid salt/ice melt, which can leave residue and prevent proper drainage.
    
8. Advise customers not to use cigarettes, fireworks or charcoal grills near synthetic turf as smoldering coals can cause irreparable damage to blades.

For more detail on these and other synthetic-turf maintenance suggestions, visit this article on SiteOne.com.

Now Available: SiteOne’s Castle Collection

SiteOne is proud to introduce our Castle Collection—natural stone that’s gauged, resulting in improved installation efficiency and jobsite logistics.

Natural-stone pavers are popular today, thanks to their durability and their ability to blend well with the surrounding landscapes.

What makes the Castle Collection special?

• It’s a natural-stone product that’s been gauged—i.e., uniform in thickness, which makes for faster installations, and less labor required: contractors don’t have to hand-chisel stones to ensure a level finished product.
   
• It can be laid just like a concrete paver.
   
• We’ve eliminated the need for multiple colors, and created a streamlined process with our buff and our gray options, which are the popular products being specified and installed today.
   
• In addition to gauging, all the necessary components to build a patio come in complete kits, and on one pallet, which makes jobsite logistics really efficient, resulting in much faster project setup and completion.
   
  • While other vendors offer similar patio components, they typically have to be purchased separately, which often means multiple trips and special orders.
     
• We streamline the process, so all the supporting products that go with the Castle Collection—coping, pillar caps, etc.—can be easily ordered, and ready for your craftsman to get to work.

Castle Collection Maintenance

SiteOne advises customers to clean their hardscapes annually, and most do so through light power-washing.

While annually sealing Castle Collection hardscapes is recommended, it’s a personal preference. Though, if it is done, it makes cleaning easier—especially if there’s tree debris around.

Attention, Contractors: Offering customers regular cleaning and sealing services can provide a great opportunity for contractors to develop recurring revenue streams.

Sealer Product Recommendations:

Aqua Mix is an ideal sealer for all natural-stone products, and includes Enrich ‘N sealant (for a “wet” look) and Sealers Choice Gold (for a more natural look).

Check out our natural stone sealer options on SiteOne.com.

For more information on hardscapes in general, go to siteone.com/hardscapes. Plus, we’ve made it really easy to order online.

SiteOne Has Your Back

SiteOne Stone Centers stand apart from competitors, and for several reasons:

• Your One-Stop Shop: You get access to a broad array of natural stone, manufactured hardscape products, aggregates, edging, outdoor living accessories and supplies—all of which we source, stock and deliver.
   
• The “In” Products—In Stock: By staying on top of current design trends, we stock the products your customers are most likely to want. As supply chain issues can arise, always contact your local branch to verify inventory.
   
• We’re “Home” for Hardscape Pros: By working hard to understand your goals and challenges, our Stone Center Experts routinely exceed expectations, regardless of project scope.

Get all the details here on SiteOne.com.

And remember, local SiteOne branch associates are available to help answer questions and are ready to serve all lines of business needs. For more information on all our offerings, visit SiteOne.com and our mobile app.