It comes as no surprise, then, that most don’t have time to mow lawns, let alone trim edges and water and feed them to ensure that they look shipshape all year round.
Trigger Truniger, national accounts manager for Easigrass South Africa, says that the very many homeowners in South Africa with large gardens and rolling lawns usually find taming their jungles the hardest. However, even those managing smaller gardens and townhouses find cutting and trimming their patches is far from easy.
“Many people who initially don’t like the idea of artificial turf come around to the idea once they realise just how much of their precious time is wasted maintaining their grass. It becomes a chore rather than a pleasure,” says Truniger.
“In many areas in South Africa, grass grows extremely quickly, particularly in the summer, and the person who mans the mower can be found cutting the lawn on a weekly basis. Expensive fertilisers are also a thing of the past.”
He says that could mean missing out on rugby or braai time over weekends, or having to mow when you’d rather enjoy a cool glass of wine after a hard day’s work. “That’s never good for a guy or girl who spends most of the week driving a desk or hurrying from meeting to meeting.”
When it comes to artificial grass, however, he says all you need to do is clear the leaves off it and, occasionally, give it a quick brush and spray, or call in the experts and to give it a makeover.
“Also, now that the Western Cape is receiving its winter rain, with Easigrass, there will be no more mud being brought in by children and pets,” says Truniger.
On a more serious note, he explains that many homeowners are trapped on the hamster wheel of lawn maintenance for all the right reasons - making sure that a property looks good, keeps its value and curb appeal and that families and pets have safe and healthy places to play.
The obvious answer is to simply call in a garden services company. But, that too, comes with its challenges, including making sure that someone is at home to let them in, security issues and damage to plants and property.
“The ideal is to find the perfect compromise, which is what Easigrass offers,” says Truniger.
Nowadays, he says aesthetics is not an issue as sophisticated design creates artificial grass that closely resembles the real thing, down to the brown strands in between the green blades of grass.
Easigrass South Africa, a division of Van Dyck Floors, has developed a range of nine artificial grasses that mimic the grass varieties most commonly found in local gardens.
Moreover, according to Truniger, who ran a landscaping business prior to joining Easigrass, today’s artificial grasses are perfect for shaping and curving and easily blend into the overall garden design. “In the past, artificial grass was seen as something of an artificial exterior carpet and was sold by a carpeting retailer. Nowadays, Easigrass is seen as part of a holistic gardening solution and is sold by landscapers and garden centres with plenty of experience in incorporating it into the perfect outdoor environment.”
“We use a geo textile weed barrier that also assists with stability, as well as a premium crusher dust and silica sand infill that protects the backing of our grass from the elements and assists with cooling it once it has been lightly watered. It gives the homeowner a real feel when walking on our grass and eliminates the crunching sound that has been traditionally associated with artificial grass. The recent introduction of new yarns and technology in the manufacturing process has created artificial turf that is more upright,” he explains.
Truniger says once your new lawn is installed, you can sell your mower and stop worrying about watering.
For those who have invested in a lock-up and go lifestyle this is an even bigger plus, he says. “For the cruiser or the jet setter, a real lawn can be a pain. Whether you travel for your work or just like to go on holiday often, having a garden of natural grass is a responsibility. How terrific to close your garden door and go away knowing that, when you come home, the lawn will be green and as short as when you left. Your neighbours will love you.”