The Ground Source Blog

Artificial turf is having a moment lately, but it’s not good.

More and more municipalities are banning or considering banning the use of this always-green turf, because it’s not great for the environment.

There’s increasing concern that the runoff from artificial grass is toxic, containing chemicals and heavy metals that can contaminate waterways, soil and air. The pushback from environmentalists and community residents is growing.

Is it time to ditch your synthetic turf? How do you change fake grass to real grass?

Amid all the excitement of your big landscaping project, you might have some worries.

How big of a mess will it be? Will the landscaping crew clean up before they leave? Will they leave tools or equipment at your house? Is your antique bird bath safe? What should you expect from the final project walkthrough?

If you have a typical yard, it probably takes some abuse.

Maybe you have a kid practicing for the Olympics soccer team, or your dog is obsessed with chasing squirrels.

Maybe there’s that one area where your neighbor always cuts through to borrow your hammer, or where the mail carrier takes a shortcut. (Note to self: get the neighbor a hammer for Christmas.)

Those aren’t places for prissy plants. What to plant when things might get walked on?

Maybe you have dreams for a splashy big landscaping renovation, but you’d like to just dip your toe in first.

Simple landscaping ideas can make a big difference, powering up some curb appeal, setting the scene for family fun, or creating a peaceful hangout for your private backyard haven. (That last phrase sounds so great, let’s repeat it: private backyard haven. Sigh.)

Your new sod lawn is installed, and your Florida yard has never looked better. 

But before you start sending out invitations to that backyard barbecue, be sure you know how to care for your beautiful new lawn for the first few weeks.

After all, you just made a big investment, and you have big plans for your impressive new yard. You need to know how to keep your sod alive.