Summer Sneezing? Your Ally - Artificial Grass

The sunshine of summer is here again and whilst it's a time most people look forward to, it isn't the case for everyone, especially 'Hay Fever' sufferers.

Last summer we wrote about grass allergies which can cause sore eyes, a running nose, headaches and a poor quality of sleep for many people. The 4 months of May, June, July and August tend to see an abundance of grass pollens such as meadow grass and rye and right now we are in the middle of that key period. On top of that the Met Office has predicted warm and sunny weather for the end of June, possibly into July, so if you are a grass allergy sufferer, you might just end up with tears in your eyes if you go anywhere near grassed areas, whether newly mown or not!

According to statistics from the BBC, there are about 9 million people in Britain who currently struggle to cope with the effects of 'Hay Fever'. There is some excellent advice on the BBC's current Hay Fever page for anyone interested in ways to alleviate their suffering.

Interestingly from our point of view as artificial grass manufacturers, they suggest that you plan your garden carefully. They also suggest asking someone else to cut your garden grass for you and that you should consider using the water sprinkler to dampen down the pollen before you sit in the garden. Another interesting tip is to dampen down the fur of any pets who have been playing on the grass by using a damp towel as they may well have picked up pollen in their coats.

Sound advice and most welcome BUT if you had an artificial lawn in your garden you would not have to worry about any of these actions. What's more, your pets could benefit as well because:

a) they would not run the risk of a pollen allergy - apparently animals can experience grass allergies just as humans do, though they tend to get itchy ears rather than suffer respiratory problems. Read more about hay fever in animals.

b) they would be able to enjoy much more time in the garden - after heavy rain they wouldn't be at risk of getting all muddy and dirty;

c) pet dogs who love to dig (and there are plenty of them around!) would no longer be able to ruin your lawn so they too might enjoy much more freedom.

You can read more about artificial grass and pets on our website.

Artificial grass has the kind of benefits that go beyond most people's thinking and we hope that by sharing this kind of information with the general public it will help engender greater confidence and trust in what is an incredibly versatile product, ideal for today's lifestyle.

Looking Forward To The Promise Of Summer

According to Ewen McCallum, Chief Meteorologist at the UK's Met Office, a warmer than average summer awaits us here in Britain and rainfall is likely to be near or possibly even below average. In his statement at the end of April Mr. McCallum went on to say:

" We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30 °C, something we hardly saw at all last year."

So it seems that a wet summer as we had to endure last year and the year before here in Britain is not on the cards. Sounds great! If they are right, however, does that really bode well for British gardens?

On the face of it you would think so ... heavy rain can make a mud bath of children's play areas and lawns and seriously restrict the amount of time people are able to spend in their gardens. Fewer barbecues, fewer outdoor parties and celebrations, the list goes on. So a warmer, drier than average summer would appear to be great all round. However, look more deeply and you will find a counter-balance of negatives. If rainfall is lower than average and we get temperatures above 30 °C as the Met Office predicts, then we could face water shortages.

In the past, summer water shortages in Britain have led to hosepipe bans and that is when our gardens and lawns can seriously suffer. A luscious lawn or soft, grassy children's play area becomes hardened, dried out and yellowed - far from ideal when the sun is shining and you and your family want to be outdoors enjoying the garden. The solution? Artificial grass.

With an artificial lawn or artificial play grass area, the colour and texture are consistent come rain or shine so hosepipe bans are immaterial. Moreover, if the Met Office experts get it wrong and it pours with rain this summer, you will be even happier you installed artificial grass because once the sun is out again and everyone else is facing a mud bath when using their lawn, you won't!

So if you have not yet ordered your artificial grass for this summer, think again. It might just be worth working out how much more time you and your family will be able to enjoy the garden, come rain or sunshine!

Useful links for further reading:

The Met Office Summer Forecast for 2009

More about the advantages of artificial grass