Las Vegas is a unique place, built on a unique landscape. Our climate is obviously a desert climate, no matter how much we try to change that fact with the modifications to the area. We plant palm trees that do not grow here naturally, and we air condition our homes to keep out the intense heat. Because of the Lake Mead water supply, we were able to bring flowing water into residences and businesses where there once was none, basically creating an area that people could live in from an area that was once completely uninhabitable. But the fact of the matter is that anything that is constantly exposed to the intense sun that we have here in Las Vegas is going to break down over time, far faster than in more mild climates. The sun fades our paint quickly and bakes our cars, and unfortunately it does damage our landscaping choices. Every plant that we put into our yards that is not part of a “desert landscaping” theme would die quickly if not provided with ample amounts of water, the thing that the desert lacks. Our rainfall amounts in Las Vegas make it nearly impossible for green plants to grow here naturally, and the only way they can survive is with artificial water sources like sprinklers and irrigation systems. This is all fine and well until the water starts running low.
When water levels in Lake Mead drop below a certain level that can assure enough drinking water for all residents and animals, conservation efforts go into effect. If we are only slightly low, the efforts are mild and will consist of ad campaigns encouraging conservation. If the drought levels reach critical points, the conservation becomes mandatory. Watering restrictions are immediately imposed that prevent watering your lawn enough to keep it healthy, due to the fact that a Las Vegas lawn will use 55 gallons of water a year for every square foot of grass. This water is needed for people to drink, so the county makes it so that it is illegal for you to “waste” water on your lawn. You may only participate by adhering to the restrictions and letting your grass dry out, but others will take greater steps to conserve that do far more for our community, and benefit them at the same time.
Synthetic turf installations are perfect for Las Vegas. The reason is simple, that they do not need water in order to maintain the look and feel of green grass. Synthetic turf is a plastic product that is formed and then adhered to a backing material. It is then staked securely to prepared ground, simulating the look and feel of grass without the needs for water that grass has. In a climate where water is precious and must be conserved for people to drink, the best way to keep your landscape beautiful is through desert landscaping, or if you must see that patch of green through the use of artificial turf. The benefits are plenty, that you help our community and save on water bills, and also benefit because the county will reimburse you up to 2 dollars for every square foot of grass that you remove and replace with synthetic turf products. Want to learn more? Contact us today.