home improvement
Synthetic Grass Putting Green Wows Guests with a Backyard Oasis
HIGHLAND, Utah /PRNewswire/ — Artificial grass offers more than just money-saving practicality; it also offers homeowners versatile design possibilities that will transform any home into an oasis. One Highland homeowner tasked Backyard Greens with installing a personal synthetic grass putting green in their backyard so they could practice their swing any time they pleased. By utilizing three different synthetic turf products, each with its own unique functional benefits, Backyard Greens achieved a breathtaking landscape design that checked all of its client’s boxes.
Backyard Greens recently installed more than 2,250 square feet of Synthetic Grass Warehouse’s True Putt, Nature’s Best, and Pet Turf artificial grass in a home in Highland, UT. TigerTurf True Putt artificial grass, used for the putting green surface, features vibrant field green blade tones and has a pile height of one inch. With a 35-ounce face weight, it’s the premier choice for replicating the feel of a professional putting green. Everlast Pet Turf, used for the fringe, features dual field green and olive green blade tones, with a 1-inch pile height and 60-ounce face weight that makes it extremely durable and perfect for homes with pets. Everlast Nature’s Best, used for the surrounding landscape turf, has dynamic field green, lime green, and tan blade tones. Its 1.75-inch pile height and 67-ounce face weight make it ideal for homes with moderate foot traffic. All three SGW turf products are manufactured with UV inhibitors for long-lasting color that won’t fade with extended exposure to sunlight. All synthetic grass products from SGW are non-toxic, lead-free, and will drain at a rate of 30 inches of rain per hour per square yard.
Backyard Greens’s client was seeking a showstopping landscape design that would wow visitors and enhance the view of Zion National Park in the background. Backyard Greens met the challenge with 2,250 square feet of three distinctive SGW turf varieties, which created a dynamic and beautiful end result that highlighted the area’s natural beauty. “They asked for an installation that would shock visitors right when they walked in the home,” explains Backyard Greens owner Cecil Read. “The view that people see is out the back windows, across the fire pit on the patio, and over the synthetic green while you watch the sunset on the red rocks of Zion National Park in the distance.” In addition to enhancing Zion’s stunning backdrop, the homeowners wanted a low-maintenance solution that could withstand 105º summers and 35º winters while handling the foot traffic of many visitors, family, and friends. Backyard Greens knew that Synthetic Grass Warehouse had the turf products they needed to get the job done well.
Backyard Greens was founded in 2004 after Read purchased the tools of a failing synthetic turf franchise. “We started looking at all of the aspects of the synthetic turf business, the methods of installation, and the artistic vision of the installers,” Read explains. From there, they began specializing in recreational turf installation with a focus on putting greens. To date, Backyard Greens has completed more than 2,600 projects across eight states, and they hope to continue opening offices up and down the Wasatch Front and Rocky Mountain range. “We hope to keep installing quality projects,” Read says, “getting better at our craft, and soon, through our Turf University, teaching other installers how to do the work the correct way.”
Backyard Greens is Synthetic Grass Warehouse’s “Install of the Month” winner for May 2023.
Backyard Greens:
Backyard Greens proudly serves clients in Utah and throughout the western United States, offering residential and commercial artificial grass installation with a focus on synthetic turf putting greens. Backyard Greens has been in business since 2004 and continues to expand throughout the Rocky Mountain range. They specialize in recreational artificial grass installation, including putting greens, custom golf rooms, and pickleball courts. You can learn more about Backyard Greens by visiting their website at https://backyardgreens.com. They can also be found on Instagram (@backyard_greens) and Facebook (Backyard Greens).
About Synthetic Grass Warehouse, Inc.:
Synthetic Grass Warehouse is the exclusive national distributor for TigerTurf and Everlast brands of artificial grass products. Founded in 2004, Synthetic Grass Warehouse specializes in turf products designed for landscaping, pets, putting greens, and playgrounds. SGW provides same-day shipping on all turf orders. Learn more at https://www.syntheticgrasswarehouse.com.
SOURCE Synthetic Grass Warehouse, Inc.
Consumer Corner
5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs
Lowering Home Insurance Costs? Many home improvements offer an added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren’t actively on the lookout for them.
5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs
(Feature Impact) When you’re planning home improvements, you’re often thinking about improving the comfort, safety, aesthetic or value of your home. Many changes and renovations have the added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren’t actively on the lookout for them.
“Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between,” said Larry Anderson, director of underwriting operations at Mercury Insurance. “Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings.”
The experts at Mercury Insurance, a multiple-line insurance carrier emphasizing competitive rates and excellent customer service, encourage homeowners to consider these five ways to save on home insurance costs.
Updating Older Parts of the Home
As a home ages, it’s wise to look at what parts and systems may be deteriorating and need upgrades for modernity or safety reasons. Replacing older electrical, plumbing or other major systems can protect your home from emergencies and loss risks. Depending on the state you live in, your specific policy and the improvements you made, it can also qualify your property for an updated-home insurance discount.
Keep records of major improvements – including receipts, work permits and information about when the work was completed – and plan to discuss the upgrades during your next insurance review.
Adding Protective Technology
Beyond replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you can outfit your home with a variety of protective devices that make a difference to insurers. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won’t save you money if your insurer doesn’t know you’ve installed them.
Improving Resilience to Damage
If you live in an area prone to extreme weather or other hazards, resilience upgrades could both safeguard your home and access insurance savings. Depending on your location, qualifying improvements could include a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or flood defense options. Local insurance agents can provide more specific guidance on ways to make your home less vulnerable to damage – or whether you’re eligible for discounts because of work you’ve already completed.
Qualifying for Community Programs
Even if you haven’t personally made renovations to your home, certain changes in your community could help you save on insurance. That could include local wildfire mitigation measures, membership in a qualifying homeowners association or other neighborhood characteristics that affect coverage options, but specific programs vary by location.
Reviewing Insurance Products and Discounts
Whether something significant has changed in your home or community or not, it’s always valuable to review your insurance coverage on a regular basis. For instance, there may be new products or discounts that simply didn’t exist when you originally purchased your policy. Beyond savings considerations alone, ask your agent questions to make sure your coverage still reflects your circumstances and goals.
“Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home,” Anderson said. “A house isn’t static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes.”
For more information on homeowner coverage and discount eligibility, visit MercuryInsurance.com.
Questions to Consider During Your Annual Insurance Checkup
An annual insurance review is an opportunity to look for savings and update coverage. Use these questions as a jumping-off point for discussions with your agent:
- What has changed about my home?
- What has changed about my property or community?
- Have my circumstances changed?
- Are discounts available today that weren’t when I purchased my policy?
- Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today?
Photos courtesy of Shuttersotck
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Consumer Corner
5 Smart Ways to Prepare Your Home to Weather Storm Season
By readying your home for storm season in advance, you can prevent minor problems from turning into major damage. Consider these five tips to batten down the hatches when the skies are getting dark.
(Feature Impact) Whether your area is prone to thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes or other forms of severe weather, the best time to prepare is before the first raindrop hits. By readying your home for storm season in advance, you can prevent minor problems from turning into major damage.
Consider these five tips to batten down the hatches when the skies are getting dark.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof has one job – to be a shield against the elements. Don’t wait for a storm to discover you have loose shingles that could fly off in high winds, cracked seals where the roof meets the walls or sagging gutters that aren’t capable of funneling water away from the house. Stay up to date on roof maintenance and clear leaves, twigs and other debris from gutters to prevent clogging.
Trim Trees and Landscaping
Dead trees or weak branches can break and turn into projectiles during storms, potentially causing damage to your house, car or nearby power lines. Next time you have yardwork on the agenda, factor storm preparation into your landscaping plans. Keep trees and bushes trimmed and consider bringing in a professional to assess the health of any trees near your home that could be at risk of toppling.
Strengthen Your Home’s Weak Spots
Windows and doors are some of the most vulnerable places during storms, so pay extra attention to weatherproofing there. Look for any cracks in the glass, check for worn seals or drafty areas and make sure doors close securely and don’t rattle. If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hurricanes, consider upgrading your home with storm shutters for extra peace of mind when debris starts flying.
Turn Your Yard Into a No-Fly Zone
When there’s bad weather in the forecast, you probably aren’t planning to go out and lounge on patio furniture as the skies open up – so pack it up. Secure any items that are too large to bring inside and check around the yard for lightweight items like gardening tools, toys and anything else that could become airborne during strong gusts.
Make a Power Outage Plan
During a storm, nobody wants to fumble around in the dark trying to find batteries for a dead flashlight. Save yourself the trouble by assembling an emergency kit to help your household get by without power if the lines go down. Know where to find flashlights, fresh batteries, power banks to charge your phones, nonperishable food and first-aid supplies or essential medications. If you plan to use a generator, test it and make sure you know how to use it before you need it.
Discover more tips to protect your home at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Health
5 Babyproofing Tips for Baby Safety Month
Babyproofing is about anticipating those discoveries before little ones make them. In honor of National Baby Safety Month, consider these tips you can use to make your home safer all year round.
5 Babyproofing Tips for Baby Safety Month
(Feature Impact) Outsmarting a baby can be harder than it sounds – especially when it comes to transforming your home into a safe place for them to explore. Through their eyes, a coffee table becomes a climbing opportunity, a dangling phone charger looks like a teething toy and a cabinet of cleaning supplies could be an exciting travel destination.
Babyproofing is about anticipating those discoveries before little ones make them. In honor of National Baby Safety Month, consider these tips to make your home safer all year round.
Install Gates and Doorknob Covers
Crawling babies and stairs are a bad combination. Make sure the two never have the chance to meet by securely installing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases to thwart young explorers. Gates or doorknob covers can also block access to other rooms and areas you’d prefer to keep off limits, like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas.
Use Safety Latches Wisely
Cabinets and drawers can contain a myriad of dangerous items, from cleaning products to sharp objects and medications. Even if you have rooms gated off, treat safety latches and locked storage receptacles as a second line of defense to make sure babies and toddlers can’t rummage where they shouldn’t.
Stress-Test Furniture
As babies and toddlers transition from crawling to walking, they often try using furniture to pull themselves up. Tall or unstable objects like TV stands, small tables and bookshelves can tip over if they aren’t properly secured. Try giving these objects a shake to see whether they’re easily moveable or wobbly; if so, anchor them to the floor or wall when possible. While you’re at it, check for sharp corners at the right height to bonk little heads and cover them with softer edge protectors.
Cover Outlets and Stow Cords
Electrical outlets can be tempting targets for curious fingers. Outfit them with covers or plastic safety caps, especially if you don’t already have tamper-resistant receptacles with built-in mechanisms to block foreign objects from entering the slots. As you’re going about your outlet audit, pay attention to cords as well. When possible, tuck them away or secure them with cord organizing systems, and block access to objects like lamps where cords can be used for tugging and toppling.
See the World at Their Level
Although it might feel silly, one of the best ways to spot hazards around your home is to scout for them from a baby’s perspective. Try getting as close to the floor as you can then look around each room for anything that could interest a young child and pose potential danger. In particular, keep an eye out for small objects that could become choking hazards, like dropped coins, batteries or loose toy pieces.
As children grow, so do the needs of your space. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more ideas on designing your home to fit your family.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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