How to Choose an Artificial Grass Installer
It is important to be diligent when choosing an installer for an artificial grass or synthetic putting green project. Precision Greens has been installing artificial grass now for 20 years in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with recent expansion now covering most of BC and Alberta. Over the years, we have refined our installation skills and techniques to accommodate our harsh Canadian climate. One of our greatest difficulties was creating a finished product that could withstand our heavy rainfalls followed by freezing temperatures. We made mistakes in the early years, but in doing this we learned what works and what doesn’t.
When Precision Greens first started installing artificial grass in 1999, we were told to use crusher fines to build a solid base under the installation area. Although this works in warmer climates such as California, Nevada, and Arizona, this turned out to be a big mistake in our climate. The crusher fine bases were unable to handle the freezing and thawing cycles of our BC winter; they would become saturated with water from heavy rainfall and then freeze overnight, causing the base to ‘heave’ in areas and lose its compaction. In some projects, this mistake took several years to show its effects.
After a period of research, and trial & error, we began using quarried ¾” minus (also known as roadbase) in our base construction. This material was found to compact 5% firmer, eliminating shifting in the base material over time. It also drains at a much higher rate, eliminating the concerns surrounding the base integrity in winter time.
The artificial turf industry is still young, with a small handful of educated and experienced installers. Over the past 4-5 years, many new companies have entered into the artificial grass industry assuming it’s easy, but soon realizing the difficulty involved in mastering the art. Unfortunately this has lead to us removing and replacing multiple artificial grass installations and one or two putting greens every year in the Greater Vancouver Area. A lack of proper education and attention to detail has left eager businessmen and well intentioned sales staff unable to deliver where it matters most.
Precision Greens offers free no-obligation consultations and would be happy to help as you explore ideas for your dream landscape. Our pricing is competitive, however there are many others out there who will happily ‘undercut’ to obtain more work by being the cheapest available. We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality products and installations available, and will always continue to do so.
Over the years, we have seen many artificial grass installations that reflect poorly on our industry, and offer a poor representation of what a synthetic lawn should look like. Some consumers are not getting what they pay for and are left with a finished product that does not meet their expectations or requirements. It is important to choose a provider who can confidently explain all aspects of their products & installation, and has the proven experience to ensure you will be happy with your investment for years to come.
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