If you’ve ever had to watch your lush green lawn turn brown because of drought, or you’re thinking of the money you could save if you didn’t have to pay the lawn guy each month, artificial grass may be worth exploring.

Many of us think of it as AstroTurf, but that’s just one American brand — and no, it’s not just for use on football fields. It gives properties an always-manicured look and some Jamaicans have already made the switch.

“There has been an increase in the usage of artificial turf. One of the main reasons is due to the long period of drought we have been experiencing. Also, most persons are leaning toward landscape that needs low maintenance,” said Roger Gordon who, along with his wife Anika, operates Jam Flooring and Outdoor Supplies Ltd.

“Also, due to the new housing developments, people have less outdoor spaces — mostly balconies, rooftops, and smaller backyards. When we install synthetic grass it has a better appeal and gives more comfort,” Gordon added.

Jam Flooring also supplies real grass but he explained that, because of his company’s reputation for installing synthetic grass that looks and feels realistic, 80 per cent of their clients opt for the faux version. Gordon conceded that the initial cost may give some people pause. Prices start at $300 per square foot and the minimum order is 19.5 square feet — basically one yard costs $5,850. But Gordon argued that the long-term benefits make it worth the price.

“It is low maintenance, has an environmentally friendly design, it’s kids- and pet-friendly, easy to install and fire retardant. The grass can give you a lifespan up to 15 to 20 years, depending on usage,” he said. “There’s instant gratification. After installation, the grass just needs to be brushed or raked to remove debris. Most spills can be washed off.”

The duration of the installation process depends on the size of the job and how much work is needed to prepare the surface.

“It can take from a day for a small yard to a month for a football field, for example,” Gordon told the Jamaica Observer.

Installation involves creating adequate drainage for the area, adding sand and compacting the surface, installing a weed barrier, and then fastening the grass with pins and glue.

“For concrete areas, you need to first ensure there is no settling of water, clean the area, then install the grass using glue,” said Gordon.

He stressed that faux grass should not be installed in areas that get a lot of rain but little sunlight as fungus may grow on the grass in high-moisture locations.

“Otherwise, it is applicable in most instances,” Gordon assured.

Trained as a construction engineer, the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) graduate and his wife (also a UTech alum, she studied medical technology) run their online business from St Thomas. By working with contractors who do the installation, the Gordons reach clients across Jamaica. The business venture was a natural fit for Roger Gordon who, from the age of 13, learned landscaping from his father, Herman, who owns Affordable Landscaping

“During these times, we were installing just real grass, zoysia grass,” said Gordon. “We got a job where a customer requested synthetic grass, and that led to us venturing into [that part of the market]. We then realised that there was a demand for synthetic grass. I started Jam Flooring and Outdoor Supplies Ltd about five years ago. Our first major job was the installation of a football pitch and children’s play area for two reputable companies in Jamaica.”

Today, Jam Flooring’s clients include commercial enterprises, homeowners, horticulturists, landscapers, and event planners. In addition to real and synthetic grass, the company supplies decorative rocks, weed barriers and pots for growing real plants. It also offers a wide variety of faux ivy that can be used to transform an ugly outdoor wall into a thing of beauty.

With the ongoing drought expected to last for a few more months, and summers becoming increasingly hotter each year, Gordon and his team expect to have their hands full with clients who have decided faux is the way to go.