ARTIFICIAL TURF - A MARKET OPPORTUNITY

 

As a successful landscape contractor, you certainly want to keep doing what has aleady set you apart - unique designs, quality work, and outstanding service.  But to excel in this economy - in this environment - you need to begin offering more "green" alternatives and that begins with artificial grass and other "water friendly" landscape design services.

Artificial grass has been around for decades - but not as a true landscaping option.  With improvement in technology and design - as represented in latest generation artificial grass products - artificial turf is making its way into mainstream landscaping applications.  Don't be the contractor that shy away from artificial lawn installations because it may hurt your maintenance business.  Whether you are along for the ride or not - artificial lawn installations will occur - and your maintenance may very well be impacted  - so you can choose to develope a new revenue stream or simply wait for the old one to go away without any replacement.  Don't be left behind!

Huge markets for artificial turf exist within the sports field, golf course, and now traditional landscape applications.  It is also gaining popularity with child care facilities, parks and recreation departments, and eronsion control applications.  All are drawn to the ease of care and low maintenace features of artificial turf.  Artificial turf is also gaining momentum in LEED projects.

Artificial turf opens doors to applications that were previously desired but not practical - such as pool surrounds, high traffic areas, dog runs, rooftops and eco-friendly paver applications.

Generically, artificial grass for landscaping will typically sell (installed) between $8 and $14 per square foot - varying by region, quality of artificial turf, and installation methods used.  Installation margins are very generous.  Installation is easy to learn - and for contractors with paving stone experience a fairly simple transition.  It is an opportunity for experienced hardscape installation crews to begin installating traditional soft-scape components within a comprehensive landscaping installation.  Most pricing models demonstrate that an artificial grass installation pays for itself within 3 years. 

There are numerous environmental advantages:

  *  No fertilizers
  *  No pesticides
  *  Water conservation
  *  Reduced CO2 emissions
  *  Made from recyclable materials (backings and sub-bases)
  *  LEED points