Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is OPT Synthetic Grass similar to carpet or astroturf?
No. OPT Synthetic grass looks and feels like natural grass combined with manufactured, clean, round sand infill. The grass fibers range between 1.125″ to 2.5″ long and vary in density as well, depending on the product you choose. The sand infill, along with 6” galvanized spiral spikes every 8 to 10” hammered around the grass's perimeter, anchors the synthetic turf securely in place and makes it look and feel just like natural grass.
What happens if utility access and or repair in my yard is required?
OPT Synthetic Grass can be cut and then rolled back to access the repair area. After repair is completed, the base material is re-graded, and the turf is re-seamed and replaced back into its original position. This process is much easier than trying to repair or replace natural sod, and recovery time is much quicker.
Durability
Does the long-term effect of the sun harm OPT Synthetic Grass or make it fade?
No. The UV inhibitor is suitable in the blades of grass and forms part of the integrity of the product (it is not a coating or spray-on that can wear and wash off) and can withstand the damaging effects of sun, heat, wind, snow and ice.
Warranty & Cost
What is the warranty and life expectancy of OPT Synthetic Grass?
OPT Synthetic Grass has a limited 15-year warranty, primarily protecting against UV degradation and manufacturer defects. The value of the warranty is the same in the 15th year as in the first year; it does not depreciate or prorate over time. The life expectancy is 20-plus years.
How does OPT Synthetic Grass cost compare to installing a natural lawn?
When compared with installing a sprinkler system, topsoil, and the price of sod, combined with watering, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, etc, OPT Synthetic Grass will pay for itself in about 3 to 5 years.
Will property values increase with OPT Synthetic Grass?
In most cases, your property values will increase with OPT Synthetic Grass due to lower water costs and the lack of maintenance required.
Maintenance
What type of maintenance should I expect with OPT Synthetic Grass?
An occasional brooming can be done, but it is not necessary. Debris, like leaves, needles, twigs, etc., can be easily raked up or removed with a leaf blower.
How do you clean OPT Synthetic Grass?
It doesn’t need cleaning, but you can wash most anything off with a hose (and some dish soap for paint or grease) or let Mother Nature’s rain take care of it.
Does OPT Synthetic Grass burn?
No. OPT Synthetic Grass melts at about 165 degrees Fahrenheit but will not burn.
Should I be concerned about mold and mildew with OPT Synthetic Grass?
No. OPT Synthetic Grass is designed and developed to whisk away moisture to ensure mold and mildew have nowhere to grow and thrive.
How will OPT Synthetic Grass hold up during the Winter months?
OPT Synthetic Grass will be no different than natural grass, except when the snow melts away, it will still be green! The most potentially damaging element is UV, so if anything, snow cover will protect your OPT Synthetic Grass.
How does OPT Synthetic Grass drain?
Drainage is very similar to natural grass. The turf backing has tiny perforated holes or our EEBS (Environmentally Engineered Backing System) polyolefin backing, allowing water to drain vertically through and into the crushed rock base below. Additionally, the sand infill absorbs and holds the water until it can evaporate or drain.
Installation
Can OPT Synthetic Grass be installed over the existing lawn?
The existing sod must first be removed, and then a 2” to 4” depth of crushed rock is laid down, levelled and compacted before the OPT Synthetic Grass is installed.
Where can OPT Synthetic Grass be installed?
Virtually anywhere that natural grass would grow, plus anywhere that natural grass has trouble or will not grow.
Can I install OPT Synthetic Grass myself?
We suggest having a certified installer perform the installation, but we provide installation instructions for those who think they can.
Dog and Other Pets
Will pets (dogs) harm OPT Synthetic Grass?
No. We even sell OPT Synthetic Grass strictly for dog runs, and most of our customers are dog owners. OPT Synthetic Grass is not much different than natural grass as the urine and waste (poop residue and loose stools) wash through the backing of the grass into the crushed rock below. Other messes are cleaned up like natural grass, using a pooper-scooper or shovel. You may spray the soiled area with a hose and then brush the turf back into place. The real advantage is that all the waste and urine does not yellow, kill or create dead spots in your grass; consequently, there’s no more dead grass or muddy pet footprints being tracked into your home.
How is the urine and waste handled?
Our Synthetic Grass System is not much different from natural grass. Urine washes through the backing system and the specially formulated crushed rock sub-base below.
How do you clean synthetic grass?
Rain is usually sufficient. If necessary, spray your synthetic dog run with a hose.
Can you get rid of pet odours?
Yes, OPT Synthetic Grass offers a product called Refresh Odour Eliminator, which eliminates odours generated by dogs.
Will my dog think it’s natural grass?
Dogs love it! Many dogs will avoid pea gravel, cement or sand. All dogs love grass, including OPT Synthetic Grass.
Will my dog try to dig a hole through the synthetic grass?
Some dogs will try to dig through anything. Our dog-run turf is highly durable, making it almost impossible to tear – but there can be exceptions. We recommend putting extra border stakes around the perimeter of the dog run to discourage dogs from digging.
How do I buy OPT Synthetic Grass?
OPT Synthetic Grass is exclusive and available only through our office in the Okanagan Valley. Call us at 1 (877) 514-TURF (8873) to order. Have the dimensions of your dog run area handy so one of our turf specialists can help you with your order.
Can I install my own dog run?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to put in their own dog run. Once you purchase your grass, we will provide you with instructions.
For any other questions, contact us!