Vivarium Grass

Today we thought we would cover one of the more unusual but increasingly popular uses of fake grass - for reptiles. Over the last year we have received a surprising number of enquiries from owners of snakes and lizards in search of some type of lining for their vivariums.

From what we understand, here are the reasons why fake grass works well in a vivarium:

• many reptiles like its strong green colour
  
  
• fake grass is easy to clean - unlike traditional carpeting (a popular alternative); a clean vivarium is important for the health of the reptile
  
  
• fake grass does not need replacing often - unlike newspaper (another popular alternative)
  
  
• when you do need to replace the lining, it should not be often and will not expensive as there is only a small area involved
  
  
• a quality fake grass product with a dense weave will be suitable for lining not just the vivariums floor but also the walls and back of it - areas where some reptiles like to climb and which will need to withstand their weight when climbing.

Our most popular product for use in vivariums has so far been Lifestyle® Multi Grass, a heavy duty fake grass with a 13mm pile height.

Just in case you don't believe what we're saying, here is a completely independent web page all about caring for iguanas which mentions the benefits of fake grass:
http://www.reptileexpert.co.uk/KeepingIguanasAsPets.html

Installing An Artificial Grass Lawn

Imagine looking out onto a luscious lawn that's soft and clean underfoot, green all year round and never goes yellow, hard or muddy. Moreover, imagine having that AND not having to get the lawn mower out ever again! This is the scenario with an artificial grass lawn.

Not only that, but by having an artificial lawn you will avoid using pesticides in the garden - something that has to be done very carefully to avoid potential environmental and human health hazards. The Pesticides Safety Directorate official website offers detailed guidelines on the subject.

We receive many enquiries from people considering the idea of an artificial lawn; indeed many of them are nervous as to whether their garden might even be suitable. In truth there are very few instances where it's not possible to have an artificial lawn installed.

If it's a small area with no odd shape to it, it's possible for you to install the artificial grass yourself. Just be sure to buy quality artificial grass such as our Lifestyle® Lawn grass and the correct type of tape and adhesive. Visit our artificial grass online store to see what we recommend. We also offer an Artificial Grass Installation Photo Guide that you can download plus a set of written Artificial Grass Installation Guides to choose from.

Conversely, if the area you want to convert to an artificial lawn is quite large and/or has an unusual shape or incline etc, then you should consider having a professional installation company do the work. As the UK's leading manufacturer of artificial grass have our own network of installers, stockists and distributors. You can search for a local installer on artificial-grass.com or alternatively feel free to call our Customer Service Department for advice - UK Freephone 0800 6521281. If you want to see a professional team at work, we even have a Slide Show of the step by step process undertaken in a recent artificial lawn installation done by one of our installers.

FIFA President's Pitch For Artificial Turf In 2010

Artificial turf recently received one of its biggest 'thumbs up' yet for use in high profile, world class sport: the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The event will take place in Africa and the climatic conditions that prevail there have been causing concern to its organisers for some time. With natural grass turf, the weather has to be considered and in many African countries the rainy and dry seasons make it difficult to produce and maintain top quality soccer pitches. The quality of the playing surfaces is always a crucial factor in top level soccer; indeed the final outcome of an important game can sometimes be influenced by how a pitch is playing. With these factors in mind, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has publicly suggested that artificial turf pitches are worthy of consideration for use in the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Commenting on the disappointing quality of the 2008 Nations Cup grass pitches in Ghana, Mr. Blatter pointed out that an artificial turf pitch offers players the same conditions all year round. In other words it's a matter of consistent quality.

As President of FIFA, Mr. Blatter is well aware of the importance of all he says. It is therefore been all the more surprising to many sports critics and fans that he went so far as to say:

"Artificial turf is the future"

Not surprising to us however! Within our Group we have a specialist company (SIS) that builds both natural turf and artificial pitches.

A more detailed account of Sepp Blatter's recent comments can be found on Eurosport.

Photograph: Artificial soccer pitch installed by SIS.

Shock Pad For Artificial Grass Play Areas

Artificial grass is a popular choice for outdoor play areas whether in schools, nurseries or just in the back garden at home. The reason it is popular is quite simple - artificial grass offers many benefits.

Here are the main benefits of artificial or fake grass for play areas:

• the play area will be green all year round
• no risk of muddy patches after a period of rain
• the area will be usable for longer

Considering having a play area means you also have to look at safety aspects. The combination of our Lifestyle® Shock Pad (interlocking foam pads that go underneath the artificial grass) in conjunction with our Lifestyle® Play Grass is what we recommend as the best solution for an artificial grass play area. This will offer a Critical Fall Height of 1.2m which meets BS EN 1177 (British Standards).

At a time when parents and schools are being urged to ensure their children enjoy sufficient physical activity to stay healthy, using artificial grass in this way can be a positive boon. The enquiries we receive for play area grass are certainly on the increase and it's looking like more people than ever before will make this choice during 2008. If you are thinking of such a choice but have some questions, please email us or call our Customer Service Department or on our UK Freephone of 0800 6521281.