Artificial turf

Okay, I know that this is a gardening site but I live in Colorado where, at the moment, putting in a new lawn, sod or seed is either prohibited or just wasting money as water restrictions are in place. I came across some people who really love this new turf. It feels like grass and looks like grass and requires no maintenance. I am considering it for small portions of my back yard as I have dogs and the dirt is getting too much. We lost our lawn three years ago in the drought. I mean if you can't really tell the difference and it cleans easily etc. I could always put in a lawn down the road but I wanted to see if anybody has used this or had any ideas on it.

http://www.fieldturf.com/

Hi, the University of Wisconsin football Badgers use it and are happy with it-but I have never seen it up close. It looks nice and green however. I do not know how it would work on an uneven surface though.

Mobi,
I lived in Colorado for about 3 years and did read in the local papers how this new trend was emerging as a result of the water restrictions. This astro-turf trend. I've never used it or even seen it up close. I hope that it turns out to be all that you are looking for. I understand your issue regarding your water restrictions (since Iused to live in Aurora CO). Before doing what you mention you might want to consider xeriscape or do rock gardens. Filling in space with these type of plants (especially the entire yard) will take creativity but I think the rewards will be worth it.

On a more positive note, all of the information and articles I read about this new trend/product were fairly positive so it may very well be the best thing for you. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

P.S.
I now live in FL. No shortage of water here. That was one of the first things I noticed when I first got here.

Most of my yard is xeriscape and filled with plants. I plan on having a small "lawn" so that my dogs can roll around in it etc. And where I want to put it is very level. I'm now trying to find companies in my area that will put it in. I'll keep you updated on how things go.

Ahhh yes. Doggies need lawn. I have dogs too. Good luck. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Mobi,
Is it ok with the city? I read somewhere that Broomfield made someone remove theirs last year? And do you have a neighborhood HOA? They might not allow it either.

(I cheat, I have a well)

Terre

Wells are THE way to go. Lucky you Terre.

Wow, I didn't know people used that for residential work. The pictures don't show close-up too much.

Well, I contacted Lakewood, the city I live in, and they said if I come down to their offices with some literature about the product they would have their engineers take a look at it, and would decide on a case by case basis. What the city is concerned about is drainage and mold. And the new products have great drainage.
Luckily, I live in an older home so no HOA, but I was also going to put in my back yard.
However, after getting a $4000.00 estimate for a 25x25 area I'll be going with sod after all. Now I just to find a company that will do such a small area. I really don't want to do the work myself.
Tina

Good luck Tina, if you end up doing it yourself, yell and I'll come help.

Ouch, $4K for 25x25 area? Obviously that's mostly for labor, huh?

That a whole lot of $$$. I had no idea. I'm glad you decided to go with the sod instead. If I was still living there in Denver I too would gladly go and help out. I love lawns. Anything having to do with them really gets my wheels turning. Good luck.