Artificial grass has had its ups and downs in the past, but it continues to be one of the best materials any homeowner should reach for, especially if you have pets. From the ability to keep away insect life and dangerous weeds to how little maintenance and care it requires, it’s easy to see why so many are curious about it.
If you’re ready to bring your lawn into the future of pet care, here’s everything you need to know about artificial grass!
The average American spends over 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is nearly two full weeks of work, which could be spent doing other, more relaxing things. You could be going on hikes with your dog, watching movies with your family, or even spending time building a deck or adding landscape drainage grates instead of watering and mowing the same patch of grass all year.
Spend those 70 hours doing something that actually brings you joy!
Most Americans want a bright green and healthy-looking lawn, which isn’t always achievable with pets. Dog urine can stain and kill live grass, leaving horrible yellow or brown patches that cause an eyesore.
Although there are some products that will change the amount of nitrogen in your dog’s pee if you put it into their water: is it really worth unnecessarily medicating your dog so your lawn is green? Artificial grass is made to last at least 20 years while looking fresh and healthy, making it a clear winner.
Grass is one of the most common allergens out there, and it’s in most lawns in America. This has led to dogs having itchy and swollen paw pads and cats developing symptoms of asthma and COPD. Even if you cut your grass before it flowers and are as careful as possible, it can still cause a reaction in your animals.
Artificial grass isn’t going to cause grass allergies, which means healthier and happier animals and no chance of pollen making its way indoors to keep you miserable as well.
When we care for our furry friends, we want to make sure everything we bring into their lives is going to make a positive impact. Although artificial grass has had a rough reputation in the past, even the best Animal Shelters are saying it’s the environmental choice for many homes.
“Artificial turf provides an excellent and safe option for dogs, offering a resilient and comfortable surface that enhances their playtime and overall well-being. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf eliminates the risk of exposure to harmful pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a toxic-free environment for our furry friends. Its durable and non-abrasive texture reduces the likelihood of paw injuries while providing a soft and enjoyable surface for running and play. Additionally, artificial turf’s efficient drainage system allows for quick and easy cleanup, minimizing the accumulation of odors or bacteria. At the El Paso Animal Shelter, we highly recommend artificial turf as a practical and pet-friendly choice, allowing dogs to roam, frolic, and feel at ease in a secure outdoor space.” – Kathryn Goodwin, El Paso Animal Shelter.
Watering grass constantly is expensive and time-consuming for the owner, but it’s also a pain for animals. From having to deal with a dog refusing to use the bathroom outside because they had a bad experience with the sprinkler system to other animals tracking mud into the house, live grass and a watering system aren’t the best choice.
Fortunately, artificial grass is an awesome option because it gets rid of all of these issues! You don’t have to spend hundreds every year to keep it green, plus there’s no more mud being tracked indoors.
Live grass may look nice and soft, but it can be uncomfortable to walk on, especially if you have to mow often or you have invasive grass species taking over. Instead of worrying about burrs, prickly plants, or other issues popping up, artificial grass ensures that your lawn has the same texture and comfort year-round.
This is especially important in areas where castor beans or Jimson weed pops up, like in the southwestern United States, since these can be toxic or even fatal to your pup.
Grass tends to start breaking down waste the moment it hits the ground. Although this is good in theory, the nitrogen and phosphorus that’s in it can be harmful to water-based life and can cause the growth of toxic algae depending on where you live.
It’s better to have artificial grass, which instead holds the waste in place so that you can pick it up and discard it with ease. Cleaning the artificial grass afterward is also incredibly easy.
Fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, and so much more all cause major issues with animals and wildlife while not always doing the job they’re meant for. Having artificial grass discourages these types of pests, so you don’t have to worry about putting chemicals in your lawn.
Whether you’re buying a new home or considering updating yours, artificial grass should be the obvious choice. Reach out to a local artificial grass company to make your home the best choice for your furry friends!
With it getting warmer and the sun shining outside longer, that means it’s time for barbecues with loved ones and neighbors, lounging in the pool, and just sitting outside relaxing in general. The summers only keep getting longer and hotter, which means more Texans will be spending time outdoors. And there is one thing that no Texan will debate, and that’s their lawn.
Vibrant green lawns are something that every Texan is proud of, but it’s also no secret that it’s a challenge to maintain, especially in West Texas. With the climate being arid and the soil being highly alkaline, this can make green lawns feel nearly impossible for so many West Texans. But fortunately, this guide is going to help you so you’ll learn how to grow grass on dry dirt in West Texas.
West Texas isn’t exactly known for being very green, but this doesn’t stop homeowners from working on their lawns. There are a couple of major challenges that West Texas needs to deal with when working towards having a green lawn:
Since Texas is a very large state, you can expect an abundance of different soil types. But when it comes to West Texas, this area is mostly loam soil or a mix of sandy loam soil.
When it comes to the length of time to grow grass, this is something that will honestly just depend. There are so many reasons why it’s going to depend, but in the end, it’s really going to be about the conditions. Since the climate is dry and arid, this usually means that the grass takes much longer to root if it’s able to even do so. Plus, there are some other factors that are going to need to be taken into account.
The soil is typically sandy, hard, and/or rocky, and there isn’t much rainfall in West Texas either. But this doesn’t instantly mean that grass isn’t able to grow on your lawn. What it means is that you need to have a mix of the right conditions and the right type of grass for West Texas lawns.
One thing you have to keep in mind is that what works in North Texas or East Texas may not work in West Texas. The state is large, and the climate in this area is especially hot and dry compared to other parts of the state. Not to mention that the soil itself is much different than in other areas of the state. You’re going to need some special care to get the grass to grow in dry dirt, so here’s what you need to do.
Not all grass is the same, and that means that each type of grass is going to have its own special needs. Fortunately, there are many different types of grasses that can be used in the sandy West Texas soil. The two most opt-for types of grass that West Texans should look into would be the Zoysia grass and the Bermuda grass. These two types of grass are able to tolerate droughts. But if you’re still unsure of what type to choose from, you can always get help from professionals.
Sometimes, dry dirt can be too dry. So you’re going to want to see if this is the case for you. Generally speaking, you can simply just use some water to get your soil wet. But you want to make sure you avoid getting it soggy or making puddles. The whole goal is to make the soil moist enough for grass can grow in it. A garden hose or watering can work just fine.
One thing that most homeowners tending their lawns will overlook is organic matter. Mixing your soil with some organic matter, such as compost or manure, can help speed up the process of germinating seeds. Plus, this is going to help keep your grass healthy and strong. Organic matter contains a lot of nutrients, so this is something you’re not going to want to skip out on. You’re going to want to mix the organic matter with your wet soil before you plant the seeds.
After you’ve prepared your lawn, it’s time to plant the seeds. There are several ways that you can plant the seeds, such as going the classic way by hand or by using a special spreader. But you’re going to want to be cautious with how you do it as you want to avoid too many seeds together (which doesn’t cause much germination), but you’re also going to want to avoid patches as well. If you spread it by hand, there is a higher chance of patches.
After you’ve finished spreading out the seeds, you’re going to want to look into a way of protecting them from the harsh elements, whether it be temperatures, too much or too little moisture. At this stage, they’re very fragile, and if the conditions aren’t right, they won’t be able to germinate or grow much after germination. It can honestly be as simple as covering up the seeds with some soil and then fertilizing them.
When it comes to planting grass seeds, you’re going to want to make sure the entire ground is moist, preferably wet. The amount of water is going to vary depending on the type of grass you’re planting and the season it’s in. If you’re going to try to plant in late spring and summer, you can expect quite of bit of water. But if you’re planting in the fall, then you’re not going to need as much.
The goal is to get the grass to germinate, and once that happens, you can then reduce the water. But in general, regular watering, especially deep watering, helps encourage root growth. When there’s deep root growth, you can usually count on the grass to withstand the drought much better.
One thing you cannot forget to do whatsoever would be to fertilize the lawn. This is so important when it comes to maintaining a vibrant lawn. It’s not only beneficial to grass but to other plants too, such as trees and flowers. Fertilizers provide nutrients to your grass; this keeps it strong and growing and helps create that vibrant green color that homeowners love. Plus, you can count on fewer weeds in your lawn too. You should fertilize one every two months, and if there’s heavy rainfall, you’ll want to fertilize more often.
Ideally, you should try to grow grass in the spring and fall in West Texas, especially if it’s dry dirt. With the long and hot summers, it’s too much heat for seeds to germinate, especially with the lack of moisture in the ground. But the spring has this combination of warm temperatures and moisture which makes it perfect for grass to both germinate and grow.
The same can be said for fall as the temperatures get cooler, roots are able to easily get established, and there’s more moisture. You’re going to want to avoid the summer at all costs due to the lack of moisture and the extreme temperatures. It’s incredibly likely for grass to die or not even germinate at all in those conditions.
Even by following all of these steps, you’re still not guaranteed a green, vibrant lawn. Plus, you can’t forget about all that water that needs to be used too on those dry and hot days. So if you really want to make sure you have green grass and a gorgeous landscape, you can look no further than El Paso Artificial Grass. This option offers a practical and sustainable solution for homeowners in West Texas who struggle to maintain natural grass due to the region’s challenging climate and water scarcity.
By choosing El Paso Artificial Grass, you not only improve the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space but also contribute to water conservation efforts and reduce your carbon footprint. So, don’t let the harsh conditions of West Texas hinder your landscaping goals. You deserve that green oasis!
El Paso is one of the most beautiful cities in Texas. Ask anyone who lives there and they’ll tell you that it’s full of charming people, the freshness of crisp desert air, and gorgeous native El Paso plants. It’s unsurprising to hear that one of the newest trends among landscapers in the area involves adding plants native to El Paso to backyard plants.
This trend might not be so much of a trend. Rather, it could be a trend that’s here to stay. Part of the reason why so many people speculate that it’s going to be a regular part of landscaping from here on out deals with the benefits.
Simply put, there are a lot of benefits to having native plants in your garden. These, in particular, are the ones people rave about.
The biggest issue that we all face today is climate change and climate destruction. Currently, one of the biggest threats to climate destruction is the introduction of foreign plants into gardens and new environments. This can lead to native plants being pushed out of their ecosystems and local fauna starving as a result.
Planting native El Paso plants in your garden keeps this from happening. It’s literally where they are supposed to be!
Many peope don’t give enough credit to the sheer number of plants that Texas has within its borders. This is especially true about El Paso’s plant life. There are plants that are totally indigenous and unique to Texas, so why not make your garden stand out by choosing those?
Every home can have a rose garden, but not every home can have a garden with an Anacacho Orchid Tree. Everyone can have tulips, but how many can have a powdery pink Desert Willow? That can and will make your home stand out.
If nothing else, El Paso rightfully earned its reputation for being desert-like and hard to develop. It’s not fertile soil, and it’s fairly dry. Most plants in the contiguous United States can’t grow well in El Paso.
El Paso native plants don’t need that much water or fertilizer. They’ve naturally adapted to the harsh landscape, which means that you won’t have to spend extra keeping them alive. They’ll do fine in a typical El Paso summer.
Contrary to popular belief, the look of a desert can be incredibly beautiful—even intoxicating. Deserts have their own unique sense of beauty that makes them appealing for people who love the idea of living like a cowboy.
Barrel cacti and similarly native plants of El Paso offer up a genuine glance at desert beauty, What’s not to love?
Because El Paso Texas native plants are evolved to grow in difficult regions, it should come as no surprise to you that they are often quite pest- and disease-resistant. Many of the pests that ravage gardens aren’t native to Texas and prefer non-native plants.
By choosing native plants El Paso already has, you’re making sure that you reduce the number of pesticides you have to deal with. You also might be able to avoid certain fungi and blight-based diseases. It’s a major win, especially if you’re sensitive to poisons.
El Paso has several plants that are edible and native to it. You can grow your own Lechuguilla plants and use the fruit in a salad or sink your teeth into a grilled Century Plant root. There are tons of native El Paso plants that are absolutely delicious when prepared right.
Unfortunately, most of the United States will never dine on such things because it’s hard to mass produce them. That doesn’t have to be you, though! You can taste the real flavors of Texas in a way that others can’t: by planting native species to El Paso!
Fans of herbal medicine may also find a new ally in native plants of El Paso. Several plants can be made into healthy teas that curb digestive issues and general malaise.
Think about it. Plants native to El Paso are drought-resistant, disease-resistant, and resistant to many of the pests in the area. That basically makes these native plants as durable as possible. With that durability comes less need for costly (and time-consuming) maintenance.
Consider how much effort and work it takes to keep something along the lines of a rose garden or orchid garden going in Texas heat. It’s a lot and if you hire professionals, it’s also a costly addition to your monthly bills.
Investing in native El Paso plants is a smart way to curb your workload. They don’t require as much effort and can handle themselves pretty well. Who knows? With some effort, you might be able to say goodbye to lawncare services.
People often underestimate how much benefit planting native El Paso plants can be for you and your garden. Part of the perks of going for a more indigenous garden deal with learning about El Paso’s history and environment.
Very few hobbies can get you into a sense of community pride and history like actually seeing a backyard that looks like it could have historically been part of your home. The more you learn about El Paso’s rich environment, the more you’ll want to go native.
Right now, society is working to get back to its roots. This can mean many different things to many different people, but the bottom line is that planting indigenous plants is best. Once you redo your garden in a more nature-friendly way, it’s going to be hard to ever want to go back.
When it comes to lawncare, the number one word on everyone’s lips is water. You need water to have a green lawn. You need to have moist fertilizer to keep most grass seeds well-nourished. However, living in a place like El Paso can put a damper on your lawn dreams.
El Paso has been currently dealing with water restrictions—and by currently, we mean that water restrictions have been in place since 1991. If you want to live in this city, you are going to need to be aware of El Paso water restrictions and what this means for your lawn cultivation.
Before you assume that a lawn is out of the question, you need to learn about the current regulations.
El Paso currently has two main water restrictions dealing with when you can water your lawn and the type of irrigation you can use. They are organized by drought stages ranging from 1 through 4 depending on severity.
El Paso currently stands at a stage 2 water restriction schedule. Here’s the scoop on the current Stage 2 drought:
At Stage 1, almost no restrictions are enacted. At Stage 4 (which has only happened once in El Paso’s history), all outdoor watering is banned.
The El Paso City Municpal Board adopted Conservation Ordinance. Any issues with it need to be addressed via the Conservation Ordinancy service. They do occasionally modify rules, so if you need a permit or modification, you can reach out via their website.
El Paso is a beautiful part of Texas, but it’s always had an issue with drought. As the city expanded in both size and population, the need for water has grown immensely. There simply isn’t enough water to go around for everyone.
These water restrictions are meant to help reserve water for the entire population and ensure that the supply of water doesn’t run out.
This varies depending on the rule that you break as well as the number of times that you’ve broken that rule. In general, you should expect to pay $50 to $500 per offense. It’s a Class C Misdemeanor in El Paso. If you’re a business that breaks the rules, it’s a $1000 fine.
After several major attempts, you may also end up with your water shut off by municipal groups. This is not something you want to experience in a place as dry as El Paso!
Unfortunately, El Paso water restrictions are not going to go away anytime soon. If you want to have a green lawn, you need to employ strategy. These tips can help:
El Paso may be noted for being strict with water flow, but that doesn’t mean that you are bereft of a lawn. It’s a matter of strategy, keeping tabs on what the local laws are, and being a little more creative with the way you water.
El Paso is a beautiful city that is filled with Texas charm. It’s natural to look for landscaping ideas for El Paso, Texas homes if you’re new to town. After all, your house is a first impression for the neighborhood. Landscaping can make or break the appearance of your home.
Backyard landscaping is particularly taxing. There are so many options, and so little time. Are you wondering what the most popular backyard landscaping ideas for El Paso, Texas happen to be? Our guide will give you the scoop on top trends hitting this desert-y town in the Lone Star State.
Do you have a lot of plants that are hungry for water? It may be time to install a drip irrigation system for your backyard. Drip irrigation systems make it easy to deliver water to all of your plants with minimal waste and minimal evaporation.
Ideal for gardeners who grow their own food, drip irrigation systems make it possible to enjoy plant life in El Paso that typically wouldn’t be possible. Rose gardens, watermelon gardens, and more could be within reach with this tech. Nice!
It’s clear that there is serious demand for sustainable backyard landscaping ideas that help the water issue of El Paso. One of the easiest ways to make use of more water without expensive water bills is to harvest rainwater.
To try this out, add several storage pots in your backyard, then add a water filter to a tank. You’ll be able to water your plants more frequently and pay less money.
The best way to explain xeriscaping is that it’s about creating a garden layout that uses as little extra water as possible. In a place like El Paso, this often means using natural and native plants to help cut down on water needs.
Xeriscaping has become a major bragging right among El Paso’s elite. It’s amazing to see how unique a garden looks when it’s stocked with nothing but native plants. It’s a truly Texan experience!
As El Paso starts to become a major city, people are starting to run low on space. This doesn’t mean your backyard has to be cramped. Rather, people are starting to look towards vertical gardening for a unique “wall of flowers” look.
With a little handy irrigation, small apartment backyards can easily turn into a beautiful wall of flowers. How chic!
One of the issues that has been plaguing El Paso deals with water restrictions. It’s hard to find enough water for truly lush lawns. That’s why more people are starting to include low-flow water fixtures as a centerpiece for their backyards.
A small fountain can look just as lush as a large rose garden. It’s all about the statement you make with it and the plants you surround it with. It may require cleaning and maintenance, but it’ll look great.
Real estate is pricey, but your backyard doesn’t have to be dead space. More and more homeowners are turning their backyards into an extra room. Whether it’s an outdoor movie theater, a tiki bar, or even a full grill area, an outdoor living space can draw people to a home.
It’s luxurious. It’s low on water requirements. It’s oh, so neat. What’s not to love about this trend?
El Paso is an area that’s historically a desert climate. Why not lean into that original environment for some backyard layout inspiration? Agave plants, palm trees, and cacti can all make a gorgeous garden if you give them the chance.
Entire companies have been started solely to cater to natural, indigenous plants that can be added to Texan gardens. You might as well enjoy some of the more desert-friendly options out there.
One of the most common backyard landscaping ideas for El Paso, Texas homes involves adding shade. It makes sense, too. Texas is a notoriously sunny area and it’s easy to get sunburnt if you are not careful.
Perhaps that’s why shade has always carried a premium price with it in El Paso. You’d be surprised at how much a simple shade installation can change your backyard’s appearance.
As people begin to acclimate to El Paso’s water restrictions, they’ve gotten increasingly creative with ways to jazz up a backyard landscape. Electricity, not water, has become a major resource landscapers rely on.
More specifically, they’ve started to add lighting to everything around them as part of art installations. Good lighting can change the mood of a backyard in a way that regular plants can’t. It also makes your backyard more accessible during the night. That’s a win-win!
Native plants aren’t the only type of nature that your backyard could use. Highlighting a long-standing tree, using rocks as a form of mulch, or even just trying to emphasize the desert sand of your backyard can be a statement in and of itself.
Texas nature is beautiful. You might as well have a backyard that pays homage to the natural flora and fauna of this beautiful state.
Hardscaping is a term that’s used for implementing lots of stonework into your backyard design. This can include things like a brick path around your home, a rock garden, or even a decorative wall for climbing plants.
This term embodies many of the trends hitting El Paso today. Stone, rock, and walls are in. It’s about maximizing your home’s aesthetic while you keep your home cool. Best of all? Hardscaping requires no water or major work to maintain.
El Paso is a city that has a very unique climate, and it’s not going to be easy to find mainstream landscaping concepts for your backyard. You’re going to have to get creative, and that means that you will need to work with the environment around you. With a little work and research, you’ll be able to find a solution that works for you.
Texas is famous for being a state that appreciates a clean cut lawn. It’s a matter of pride for a typical Texan. In El Paso, growing grass can be difficult. This part of the Lone Star State is notoriously hot and dry—not exactly friendly for many grass breeds.
If you want to get a green lawn this year as a local, you’re going to need to buy the best grass for El Paso, TX lawns. Thankfully, there are over half a dozen types of grass that work well with climates like El Paso’s. We have the perfect guide for you!
There are currently seven different types of grass that work well with this climate. We’ll look at them below…
Bermuda grass is the most commonly-requested grass species in the El Paso region. We definitely can see why. This grass looks great, can handle drought very well, and is also resistant to regular disease. In other words, it’s rugged enough for Texas.
It’s a great warm-season grass for Texans who love a rich lawn. This is a go-to grass for most people near this Texas city. You’ll understand why after seeing it.
Many lawncare mavericks would suggest that St. Augustine is the best grass for El Paso Texas’s shady regions. St. Augustine grass is moderately well-equipped for drought and disease. However, it does like its shade more than other warm-season grasses.
This is definitely a warm-season grass that works better in toasty parts of Texas. However, you may need to give it extra watering sessions. El Paso can get a bit too dry for this grass at times, so be prepared to water it a little more.
One can also argue that Buffalo grass could rank as the best grass for El Past, TX lawns. Few types of grass can hold up to high heat and drought the way that Buffalo grass does. It has a green-grey appearance and also is native to more tropical outlets.
If you live in a shady part of El Paso, Buffalo grass may not be right for you. This tough seed still requires full sun.
Firm and medium-green, Zoysia is our final pick for the best type of grass for El Paso, TX. This warm-season grass is best kept short and offers a firm carpeting of your lawn. If your soil lacks nutrients and has a lot of sunlight, Zoysia is a good choice.
This is a good grass for people who are okay with a little extra fertilizer and watering. It’s classic “Texan grass” and generally can work in almost any type of turf that you will find near El Paso.
During the cool season, you have fewer options for you. Most lawn experts agree that ryegrass tends to be the best choice for homes in and around the El Paso area. Ryegrass has a rustic, bold green look that takes quick hold from September to December.
One cool thing about this cold-season grass is that it helps prevent erosion. We are fans of natural ways to prevent soil erosion. After all, every bit of help we can get against soil erosion matters.
Not to be confused with the music genre, Texas Bluegrass is a very specific type of cool-season grass made for areas that are usually inhospitable to grass. As the name suggests, this grass has a slightly blue tint to it that makes it look almost surreal in the right light.
This grass is hybridized from native Texan grasses and can stay green throughout the entire year. The one type of place that doesn’t work well with this grass seed is areas of high traffic.
The best way to ensure that you have a healthy lawn and a healthy environment is to choose grass seeds that are native to the land. Curly-Mesquite grass is an obscure but native grass that is currently being raised by Native American farms.
Not only is it heat-resistant and resistant to walking, it’s also native to the area. This will hold up well against Texas elements and also work on upholding the current climate. If you’re part of the local-sourcing lawn movement, you’ll love Curly-Mesquite.
It’s true. Not all grass is created equal, and that means that your seeds are not meant to be used in every region in America. You have to seek out the best grass seed El Paso, TX lawns can have—not stuff for anchorage. Here’s what to look for:
Being a fan of good lawncare means that you are going to need to search extra hard for grass capable of handling El Paso’s tough climate. After all, grass is mostly meant for cooler, wetter climates. Thankfully, you still have a couple of species that you can choose from for areas like El Paso.
Every lawn is still going to be a little different from its neighbor. If you aren’t sure which breed will work with your turf, call a person who has experience in Texas lawncare. They’ll be happy to pair you with the right seeds.
This form used in modal popup