Artificial turf looks real, enables homeowners to reduce water, fertilizer use               

                               By Ken Hedler, The Daily Courier, August 8, 2009

Louise and Earl Biddlecome tried for 23 years to grow grass in front of decorative rock at their Prescott Valley home.

"The dirt up here is not good," Louise Biddlecome said. "We had to haul in dirt."

The Biddlecomes found out recently about the availability of artificial turf after visiting a hardware store. They contacted Ray Hernandez of Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens of Prescott Valley, and he installed artificial turf within a day.

Louise and Earl Biddlecome tried for 23 years to grow grass in front of decorative rock at their Prescott Valley home.

"The dirt up here is not good," Louise Biddlecome said. "We had to haul in dirt."

The Biddlecomes found out recently about the availability of artificial turf after visiting a hardware store. They contacted Ray Hernandez of Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens of Prescott Valley, and he installed artificial turf within a day.

"I'm just really thrilled," Biddlecome said. "We don't have to worry about anything. It looks like real (grass) from the street. I wish I would have done it a long time ago."

The demand for artificial turf has grown in the tri-city area because homeowners want to cut their water use, Hernandez said.

"They still want to have some green without the expense of the fertilizer" and paying someone to mow their lawns, he said.

Ray Hernandez said he has worked with artificial turf for five years. The use of synthetic grass reduces the need for maintenance. Hernandez said he provides a 10-year warranty for his products.

All synthetic grass from Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens is suitable for use by homeowners who have dogs, Hernandez said.

"Everything we sell is catered to dog owners, but it is great for children to play in also," Hernandez said. "All you have to do is pick up the (dog) waste (and) hose it down."

The synthetic lawns do not retain pet odors because they lack nylon fibers, according to a brochure from Hernandez's company.

Meanwhile, the Biddlecomes and other homeowners are enjoying artificial grass.

Joyce Peters of Prescott said she and her husband, Jack, decided to go with artificial turf in the backyard patio of their manufactured home because crushed granite proved to be messy. The patio also includes planters and a fountain.

She said Hernandez used the crushed granite for a base before applying the artificial turf.

"And then he nailed the turf down," Peters said.

She said she showed the artificial grass to members of her bridge club.

"It is easy to keep clean and it is guaranteed for 10 years," Peters said. "I think it is a great way to go with our situation."