You know that nasty-looking artificial turf you see on some football fields, or so-called indoor-outdoor carpet that makes you think of a really bad toupee because it’s so obviously fake? Well, that is not at all what artificial putting greens or lawns look like that are being expertly installed by GolfScape NorthWest.

Don Brinson of Lacey, owner of the company, studied turf samples from 27 different companies. He says the first six samples looked so bad, they were like green-colored straw cut to length. But as he persevered, he found an excellent, natural-looking artificial turf, and now his company has the franchise for the entire state of Washington.

Brinson acknowledges that the upfront costs will be more than planting the real thing, but the benefits, including financial, environmental and time, are many.

You will never have to cut it. There will be no weeds, so no weed-killers. You won’t ever have to water it or fertilize it. If you or a loved one is allergy-prone, it can be a real health-saver.

The beautiful color stays year-round. It will be pest-free and moss-free. It drains water very quickly, so puddles are not a problem. Because it won’t grow beyond its boundaries, no edging is necessary. You will not have path-marks from habitual traffic. If installed in a children’s play area, it meets the standards for cushioning falls.

“Everybody who sees it falls in love with it,” Brinson says. “Just picture fresh-cut sod.”

So what is this wonder-grass with a 25-year warranty? It is made of recycled polypropylene and UV-treated fibers with a primary and secondary backing. Crumb rubber, made from recycled tires and tennis shoes, is used as infill in the turf, giving that cushy feeling.

For lawns, the grass blades are one-and-a-half to two inches long. For putting greens, it is three-eighths inch.

Installation begins with the weed-barrier, a tightly woven mesh that prevents weeds from growing through, yet permits water to drain. Next comes a four-inch layer of quarter-inch-minus crushed stone. A 3,500-pound roller is utilized to smooth out the surface, which might be undulated, sloped or flat.

Once the turf is installed, according to Brinson, it is not going to move or shift.

When you need to clean it off, you can use a leaf-blower or soap and water. It is easy to clean up after pets, he says. The only caution from Brinson was never use a pressure-washer on it, or the crumb rubber could be released.

Brinson explains that artificial turf has been used in the water-rationing Southwest for 15 years and held up well.

The company’s website says of its putting greens, “The appearance and playability are incredibly real with superior ball shot absorption. And ball speed can be varied by simply adding or removing sand.”

GolfScape NorthWest is now in contract discussions with a Kitsap area driving range to put the product on a receiving green and a putting green.
For more information, visit www.GolfScapeNorthWest.com or call Brinson at 360-923-0553.