Artificial Grass Seattle, Washington
Artificial Grass Seattle, Washington
Serving Seattle, Washington

Shocking Climate Changes in Oregon: Drought Report

California has been getting the tons of attention for the historic drought, but it is not only one state that experiences severe economic impacts on agriculture and natural resources. The drought is officially declared in the state of Oregon.

According to the final Water Supply Review for 2015, the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), Oregon's snowpack in the winter of 2015 peaked at the lowest levels ranked in the last 35 years. Numerous snow monitoring sites set records for the lowest peak snowpack and earliest melt-out date since measurements began. Streamflow is presumed to be well below normal through the end of summer, especially in the driest regions of the state. The current statewide average precipitation is 88%.

In western Oregon, the snowpack topped 60-90% below the normal amounts. The snow melted three months earlier. The snowpack in the Eastern Oregon was insignificantly better, peaking 30-80% below average levels and up to 2 months earlier than usual. Lack of normal snowpack has led to lowest streamflow for the state. According to the National Drought Monitor, most of Oregon is included in the severe to extreme drought group. In 2015, Governor Kate Brown declared a drought state of emergency in 15 counties, as a result, and water shortages across Oregon are expected. 

The official drought is in place for 2015 in the following counties: Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Gilliam, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Josephine,Jackson, Jefferson,  Klamath, Lane, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler.   Lynn County requested drought declaration on August 19, 2015. 

For homeowners in the state of Oregon, limited water supplies means the necessity to cut down water used for landscape irrigation. Water Resources Department suggests to water before 10 am in the morning to prevent water evaporation, fungus, and other lawn diseases. But water costs are rising across the country. In the city of Portland, Oregon, the rate in 2015-2016 is $3.940 per unit compared to $3.682 in 2014-2015. Water in Oregon is cheaper than in California where in 2015, the single-family household is charged $4.86 per unit, $6.52 for each additional unit after four used, and $12.40 for all wastewater units. There is no tiered pricing for Oregon water users yet. But as drought spreads, water agencies will increase prices to encourage businesses and residents to conserve water.
...
August 21, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Shortage, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Water Facts, Drought, Drought, Water Scarcity, Water Scarcity

Sacramento: Back to Desert, or Lifting a Ban on Artificial Grass?

Sacramento Planning Commission is considering to lift a 1984 ban that prohibited to install artificial grass in the front yards. Due to the new California drought emergency water conservation regulations, state officials must take all necessary action to prepare for water shortages. Artificial grass is the alternative landscape option available to home and business owners today. In California cities, except Sacramento, rebates are offered by local water agencies to those who volunteer to tear off their water-thirsty lawns and turn them into a drought-tolerant landscape. But before the ban is lifted, Sacramento residents who installed synthetic lawns on their front yards can be fined by authorities.

Artificial grass technology in 1984 didn't allow natural, super-realistic look offered today. Synthetic turf back then was primarily used by sports industry. The initial 1984 ordinance was imposed to keep the aesthetics of the city intact. The time has changed. The artificial grass industry has evolved dramatically. Today, we have more than 75 artificial grass products intended for residential and commercial applications. We use more than a dozen unique technologies to replicate the feel and look of the natural grass. Synthetic lawns today look more alive, green and beautiful than regular lawns. Plus, they require no maintenance and reduce water usage by more than fifty percent for an average household.

The Planning and Design Commission of Sacramento is considering to set rules for front lawns fake grass as to require a pile height of grass to be not less than 1.25 inches. Samples of artificial grass and an installation guide will be presented this Thursday to the commission. If the proposal is approved this week, it will be sent to the consideration of City Council.

Most critics of fake lawns argue about fake grass with no factual prove at hand. A multitude of tests is done to every fake grass product sold in the United States. The only concern that were raised lately in the media is the artificial grass infill. Those concerns are aimed towards sports fields application, as rubber crumbs made of old tires are used on athletic fields to meet GMax Shock Attenuation Testing requirements. For landscape lawns, the infill solutions are simple. Zeofill (volcano ash), if you have pets or sand are 100% organic and safe.

For Sacramento residents, the lifting of an old ban means a new way to improve a curb-appeal of their properties while staying on top of 28 percent water cuts obligations. As the California drought continues, there is a serious choice for city authorities to make. Will Sacramento go back to its original desert look, or stay green no matter what forecast says?
...
August 18, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Shortage, Water Shortage, California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Rebates, Rebates, Drought California, Drought California, Drought, Drought, California Water Crisis, California Water Crisis, Drought In California, Drought In California

Global Warming is Happening: Surviving Retirement

If you are retired and live on a fixed income, don't fall into a trap of ignoring the entire global warming concept. According to surveys, two-third of Americans believe in a scientists disagreement on the issue. You might be surprised, but today scientists agreement on climate change exceeds 99%. Global warming is happening. The consequences are terrifying.

Water deficiency leads to a farming crisis in the drought states. Did you know that 90 percent of the broccoli, distributed in the United States, is grown in California, along with 99% of artichokes, 99% of walnuts, 97% of kiwis, 97 % of plums, 95% of celery, 95% of garlic, 89% of cauliflower, 71% of spinach, and 69% of carrots (the list goes on)? There is no other state, or a combination of climate and soil can outmatch California's production per acre. Lemons and Spinach California's supply is 55 percent higher than in any other state. If California farming fails to meet demand, prices will sky-rocket across the country.

While Jerry Brown, the Governor of California, ordered mandatory water cuts for residents, agriculture was exempted from new rules, even though farms are the biggest water users. Not everyone likes this measure, but if you think of a bigger picture, agricultural exemption prevents food and vegetable prices to become volatile shortly. 25% water cuts in California during the state of historic drought means a different world where "we have to act differently", said Jerry Brown.

Changing lawns to a drought-tolerant landscape is the big step toward global warming survival. Cutting down an outdoor irrigation saves more than a half of water usages for an average household.  As far as options for waterless landscape go, artificial grass installed in your front and backyard can save you gallons of water every day. Synthetic surfaces made by Global Syn-Turf can last twenty years or longer under standard residential use. It means water compliance with the state requirements and no maintenance fees. Artificial grass looks and feels better than semi-arid desert with concrete pavement, or a rock garden. If you have dogs, you don't have to worry about dust on your kitchen floor nor brown or dead spots of your lawn. The time of old astroturf that looks more like a short-fiber outdoor carpet is gone.

Today, we have more than 75 different types of fake grass that come in various colors, shades, heights and backing for any custom application. If you like to play golf, you can choose to transform your backyard into a tranquil golf course. If you have a dog, our pet turf is the cost-effective, environmentally friendly surface that allows any liquids including a dog urine to drain quickly through the backing leaving no smell and no residue behind.

In the last decade, artificial grass lawns became popular across the United States, not only in California, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. Earlier, synthetic turf solutions were available only for commercial applications due to the high costs of material and installation, today we provide cost-effective solutions to homeowners and small businesses that can fit any budget and taste. Synthetic lawns significantly cut water bills and eliminate the need of lawn maintenance. If you are retired and getting ready to retire and keep you bills down, we suggest you to put artificial grass on your big investment list.
...
August 14, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Energy Conservation, Energy Conservation, Saving Money, Saving Money, Drought In California, Drought In California, How To Save Money, How To Save Money, Drought California, Drought California, Drought, Drought

Yes, You Can Put Up That Artificial Grass

Question: The homeowner's association in my "planned community" does not allow artificial grass in my yard. What are my options? 

Answer: You should point the administration of your HOA to a new extension AB 349 of the bill AB 2104 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. AB 2104 required a common interest developments to adopt a updated model ordinance regarding water-efficient landscapes that are effective in conserving water. New assembly bill AB 349 prohibits HOAs impose a fine or assessment on separate interest owners for use of artificial grass or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass, unless your homeowner association uses recycled water for landscape irrigation. 

"We face a very real water shortage that challenges many of our old habits, and there's nothing fake about our responsibility to find ways to conserve wherever we can," Gonzalez said. "All Californians have tough benchmarks for reducing their water use, and it's our job to make sure homeowners have every opportunity to achieve the conservation we need." 

At the time of California historic drought, this act is an urgency statue shall go into immediate effect. Numerous homeowner associations discriminated and fined homeowners who attempted to replace their water-thirsty lawns with synthetic grass. 

Morrison Ranch Estates Homeowners' Association fined Agoura Hills homeowner, Greg Greenstein who replaced the grass on his property with artificial grass in his effort to conserve water, with more than $4,000 and demanded to remove the new lawn. 

Rancho Pacifica, a gated community of multimillion-dollar homes in the hills east of Del Mar, prohibited a retired couple, Brian and Frances Holloway, who live in a palatial 9,000-square-foot Mediterranean to get rid of the water- sucking front lawn. They fine them $50 per day until the lawn removal. 

La Costa Valley HOA, Carlsbad, CA turned down Val Buonaiuto, who planned to install artificial grass in his front yard. 

In Carlsbad, California James Zemel installed synthetic lawns in his front and backyards. According to LAtimes he spent $14,000, and his monthly bill has dropped to $38. His water district sent him a thank you letter for his conservation effort. However, his HOA has demanded to remove the grass from his front yard, and threaten him with fines and legal action. 

Las Costa Green HOA is one of the few in San Diego County that allows fake grass on front lawns. Its resident, Rocky Wilson, grandfathered synthetic grass installation in his home, in 2006. 

The first bill didn't include artificial grass as a part of the water-efficient landscape. Gonzales said she held back because of Brown's past opposition to protections. In 2011, the governor said individual HOAs should make the decision, not state government. Residents outside of homeowners associations are free to install fake grass with few, if any, restrictions. But in 2015, California found itself in the fourth year of severe and potentially devastating drought. 

Landscape irrigation, according to the Department of Water Resources draws 43 percent of residential water use. The installation of artificial grass, instead of traditional landscapes and lawns, can directly decrease outdoor water use to support the Governor's mandated 25-percent statewide water use reduction. 

During the state of emergency, declared by Jerry Brown on July 1, 2015, homeowners associations are prohibited to fine and discriminated the members who are installing artificial grass on their front lawns. Throughout California, homeowners are subject to strict water conservation ordinances. While in the middle of a water deficiency crisis, homeowner associations are not allowing members to perform deliberate sacrifices and are still forcing them to keep grass lawns, and fining them. AB 349 ensures that all homeowners have the right to conserve water by replacing grass with artificial turf. 

The bill stated that "Property owners who pursue water conservation should be encouraged, not sued or fined. Thus, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety."

...
August 10, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, California Drought, California Drought, Drought In California, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought California, Drought, Drought

Jon Stewart References California as a Jurassic World But This Time... BOOM! Everything Went Horribly Wrong.

The "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart has his own idea of how to solve the California Drought issue.

"First, as you know, California goes through historic unprecedented dry spell. " - says Jon Stewart at Thursday's Daily Show. "We are talking about original movie ideas. BOOM! Take that Jurassic world. Hey, what if they build another dinosaur theme park, but this time things also went horribly wrong."
Check Out The Daily Show With Jon Stewart http://www.hulu.com/watch/803181
Then, Stewart explains why there is a little hope for Californians to avoid the consequences of the drought: "I am talking about the catastrophic four-year drought. Californian's reservoirs are empty. The snow pack is gone. What little water remains in control of ruthless, disfigured warlord, doling out precious moisture from his mountain stronghold" (referencing this year blockbuster hit Mad Max.)

In the next clip, Stewart demonstrates, is an image of Immortan Joe, the lord of the Citadel (the place that beholds the water supply) in Mad Max, and states "Wow, Jerry Brown has not aged well."

"I am just kidding, " - says Stewart. "Jerry Brown didn't age at all. He is still good old governor, putting a water scarcity issue in terms that anyone on "shrooms" can understand. "

In the next clip presents the Jerry Brown quotes: "Someone will call water a right. Someone will call water an essence of life. Water is a baptism. Water is a poetry."

Jon Stewart seems to have a hard time to agree with a poetic associations of the governor of California. He says: "Roses are read. Violets are blue. Can I wash my f#* wash car or not?"

Can California conserve enough water to support life in the state? Stewart thinks there is time to get on top of the disaster: "California instituted mandatory water restrictions. They are tempting to get overall water usage down to 25 percent, obviously not including agriculture which is most of the water usage. But right now, usage is only down 9 percent, so it is time to get real."

As we know, apart from the state government ideas to desalinate the water from the ocean, which will inevitably increase the cost of water five times or more, and the latest plan of Jerry Brown to build two tunnels to divert water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the south, the water recycling plan sounds more realistic as now. Some Southern California communities are using the recycled water, and it works well for them and the environment. But what do people think of this alternative?

"This 620 million dollar water recycling plant turns treated sewage from the sanitation department next door into drinkable water. The water that comes out is cleaner than most tap water in the country. It's officially called "Indirect potable reuse", but it's more descriptively known as toilet-to-tap."

It is easier to say from the East Coast location, where the Daily Show is filmed, but Stewart is more open-minded than most of us. He says: " It's known as toilet-to-tap, but there are steps in between. You are not just sticking a drinking straw in somebody's ass. There is a process it goes through. But, obviously, thanks to the name toilet-to-tap, people tends to react to this God-sent drought solution like this."

What do people think about the recycled water? Or, rather, how do they feel about it?

"That's dirty. That's nasty."

"It's kind of disgusting."

"Yucky factor."

"Major icky and gross factor."
Gayle King is not an exception: "Of course when you how it is done, it's just a graphic in my mind - what I've seen in the toilet it's scary."

"Californians! If you want to buy something you don't call it what it's really is. You have to spice it up a little bit. Like, porn. You think the Valley would have porn, if porn were renamed "Sad Romanians. F*# for money?" - asks Stewart.

Snitching, according to Stewart, is a "far more renewable resource" of water conservation than technologies to recycle water. He mentions that some water agencies in California launched the app for people to report water wasters.
...
June 15, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Drought, Drought, Water Scarcity, Water Scarcity, Drought In California, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought California

How Do You Feel About California's Water Restrictions?

Al Madrigal, L.A. resident, wasn't in mood to discuss California drought with Jon Stewart.

"I'm sick of it," - he says. "Back home it's all we talk about. We use to go to dinner and discuss movies. Which stars are secretly gays. But now it's just - "How long was your shower. Did you use a backet? Hey, that's a guy whose lawn is green. Call the cops! "

Man, it feels good! I am taking an advantage of your unregulated East Coast Water-topia! Man, it feels good!

Jon, I have to get it out of my system before I go home and slip the recycled toilet water.

I haven't wasted water like this in years!

I am going to paint this town wet, Jon!

Named Best Stand-Up Comedian by the HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Al Madrigal's comedy has been called "dynamic" by The New York Times. His unique, spontaneous and fast-paced lyrical storytelling style has made him a regular on television with numerous appearances on Comedy Central including his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents Special and appearances on John Oliver's New York Stand-up Show and Pretend Time with Nick Swardson. Al has also appeared with Conan O'Brien (as one of the first 20 guests during his stint as host of "The Tonight Show," and on "Conan" on TBS) as well as multiple appearances on ""Lopez Tonight," "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

...
June 11, 2015   |   California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Water Scarcity, Water Scarcity, Drought In California, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought California, Drought, Drought

Water Management Using Artificial Turf

Water Management Using Artificial Turf

The need to conserve water has become one of the major concerns of governments and organizations when it comes to environment protection and preservation. It is never too late for people to help in preservation of the existing water resources. Water management is now further enhanced with the use of the best alternative to natural grass when it comes to landscaping. This is no other than the installation of artificial turf.

Why Most People Turn to Artificial Grass?

Many people love to have landscapes on their houses and even in their commercial establishments. If you are after saving more money, you should realize the beauty and usefulness of artificial grass. Switching to synthetic grass will not just help you save money but it will also aid you to contribute in water conservation.

Natural grass is hardly in need of maintenance whereas during the summer season, the natural grass will require maintenance almost each day. But, with artificial grass, you will be able to save time that you can use for other important activities that you may have instead of watering and moving your lawn. By installing artificial grass, the application of harmful pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers will be completely eliminated.

Artificial grass does not need to be watered and mowed so you will surely save a lot in terms of water consumption. Since today that the whole world is suffering from inadequate water supply, it is very important to look for solutions that can help conserve water. With synthetic grass, there is no more need for fertilizing, watering and reseeding. Hence, the use of this alternative has become the major solution for saving millions of liters of water. Artificial grass in the long run will pay for itself in terms of maintenance savings, aside from its ability to help in conserving water, and give a very pleasing and green surface year round.

There are tons of benefits that you can get when installing residential synthetic grass in replacement for the natural grass. Fake grass helps the homeowners have good-looking lawns with little to no maintenance. Aside from that, artificial grass is also helping to keep away all the pests such as rodents that could cause a significant damage to lawns once they spread and invade your lawn.

On the other hand, one of the most appealing reasons why people switch to synthetic grass is the effect of it to the environment. Artificial grass is not needed to be watered so you will never have to install running sprinklers or any other watering systems all over the lawn. It is especially crucial in states with warm weather conditions such as California that is frequently dealing with chronic droughts.

Water management is never a big issue to deal with when it comes to landscaping. A million thanks to the concept of artificial grass. People now have the best alternative to use in making their homes more pleasing. When planning to install an artificial grass, make sure that you will be choosing quality products. There are many companies that sell artificial grass like Global Syn-Turf. Check out their website today to learn more about their products.

...
May 18, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Shortage, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Water Facts, Water Drought, Water Drought, Save Water, Save Water, Energy Conservation, Energy Conservation, Conserve Water, Conserve Water, Water Management, Water Management, Water Conservation Tips, Water Conservation Tips, Drought, Drought, Ways To Save Water, Ways To Save Water, Conserving Water, Conserving Water

Artificial Grass Lawns - Ways to Save Water

Most people cannot help to admire the beauty of the nature particularly when a beautiful and well-maintained lawn is concerned. Landscapes can definitely make your home or your business office look more beautiful but at the back of it, you need to be ready with your pocket. Maintaining a natural grass lawn is pretty expensive and that is the reality.

Going green is an excellent way to aid the environment but it does not mean that you must always depend on natural grass. As a matter of fact, there are different reasons why more and more people today are removing their natural grass lawn and replace it with one that is made of synthetic grass. Just like humans, pets like dogs appreciate the beauty of an artificial grass lawn so there are companies out there selling artificial grass for dogs.

Today, the installation of artificial grass is widely promoted over the web. Doing so can benefit people in many ways. It can also bring benefits to the environment. Aside from being a maintenance-free and cost-efficient option, an artificial grass lawn could also greatly affect the environment in both long-term and short-term. When it comes to benefits, the leading advantage that you can get from installing and choosing artificial grass instead of the synthetic one is the ability to save water. Actually, you can save water through installing artificial grass lawns in different ways:

Prevents Water Waste

At times when the weather is too hot, and there is a drought incident, it is important that people start conserving water and reduce their water consumption. In those areas where the case is serious, the local governments may even warn the public to follow strict water use and restrictions. One way to minimize water consumption is to make use of artificial grass.

It Does Not Water

Tired of standing early in the morning outside to water the plants including your large landscape? Or, are you worried about the rising cost of your water bills every month? The best solution to your problem is to change your natural grass lawn with the one that is made up of artificial grass. This will definitely eliminate the need to water your landscape every day. As its name suggests, synthetic grass does not need to be watered so you are saving around more than 50,000 gallons of water per year.

It Eliminate the Need for Watering Systems

When you choose to maintain a natural grass lawn, you have to make it equipped with a watering system to keep the grass healthy and in their normal condition. This is completely opposite when you install synthetic grass. Through having a lawn that is made of synthetic grass, you spare yourself from the need to install any watering system to sustain the need of your lawn for water.

So these are then incredible and smart ways on how you can save money with artificial grass. Are you ready to change your lawn? Be sure that you will look for a reliable supplier of artificial grass. Do your research using the internet today.

...
May 13, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, Water Shortage, Water Shortage, Water Facts, Water Facts, Water Drought, Water Drought, Save Water, Save Water, Energy Conservation, Energy Conservation, Water Management, Water Management, Water Conservation Tips, Water Conservation Tips, Drought, Drought, Ways To Save Water, Ways To Save Water, How To Save Money, How To Save Money, Conserving Water, Conserving Water, Conserve Water, Conserve Water

Global Syn-Turf at Watersavers Irrigation's Demo Day

Global Syn-Turf, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of artificial grass, participated in Watersavers Irrigation's Demo Day on April 3rd. The event took place at one of Watersavers Irrigation's warehouse stores. More than 100 Northern California irrigation and green industry professionals and consumers attended the event to test out the latest irrigation systems and landscaping supplies, and listen to presentations from top supply manufacturers.

"We've been selling artificial grass products for years now, so even before the event we had established ourselves in the region," said Rachel Brady, Global Syn-Turf's sales and marketing manager. "However, ever since California's water crisis, and now Jerry Brown's announcement of mandatory water restrictions, we've become the definitive regional experts on artificial grass in California. We're receiving an unprecedented amount of interest from local contractors and municipalities who want to test our products."

With more than 95 gallons of water per day wasted on outdoor uses per household, consumers, contractors and dealers stand to benefit from artificial grass's advantages. According to ms. Brady, Global Syn-Turf has the power to fundamentally transform the culture of the irrigation and green industries by making it easy for people to have a perfectly lush, verdant lawn without consuming precious resources.

The Global Syn-Turf team was on hand at the event to present the company's latest artificial grass innovations, such as Cashmere, an artificial grass product whose softness and flexibility is unmatched in the industry.

The Demo Day featured a number of different products and ideas from companies across the industry, ranging from efficient irrigation techniques to drought-tolerant landscaping alternatives. And since Demo Days are open to the public, the event was able to connect consumers with professional suppliers and distributors who share an interest in water-wise landscaping and irrigation.

"It was an honor to represent the artificial grass community at this event," said Rachel Brady. "As a wholesale manufacturer, having the chance to interact with the end-user face-to-face is quite special. It was a tremendous opportunity for our staff to meet people and companies in the landscape and irrigation ecosystem. We hope it will serve as a model for other events in the future."

This announcement comes at an exciting time for the young company, which was founded in 2009. In March 2015 the company was selected for the prestigious Best of Hayward Award in the Lawn & Garden Equipment category for 2015. Furthermore, earlier this month Global Syn-Turf participated in the Carmel Valley Garden Show in Carmel Valley, California, representing the artificial grass industry in Northern California.

...
April 4, 2015   |   Water Conservation, Water Conservation, California Water, California Water, California Drought, California Drought, Drought, Drought, Drought In California, Drought In California, Drought California, Drought California
Showing 1 - 9 of 9    ‹ prev page | next page ›

FREE SAMPLES & ESTIMATES

OR CALL TODAY! 877.796.8873