This year's outdoor living trends are all about making your lawn, backyard, or porch, a regular part of everyday life. Building on last year's momentum, homeowners began to bring indoor conveniences outdoors with smart technology, multipurpose add-ons, and structures that allow us to be outside longer and more often throughout the year. Whether it's a spot to grow herbs for homemade meals, a private patio, or a place to do the cooking, the popularity of outdoor living spaces continue to grow in 2021.

Below you’ll find 5 popular outdoor living trends focusing on creating simple and elegant spaces to live, relax, and entertain outdoors.

1. Pool Remodels with Pavers and Coping
You can choose from so many colors, patterns, and textures, you can give your pool deck a look you really want. Homeowners can show off their pool deck designs year-round, not just during pool time. Pool decks are an excellent way to extend a home for outdoor entertainment. By simply adding tables and chairs, homeowners transform their pool deck into a patio-like area.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Landscape, Front Patio, and Pool Remodel Project

2. Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pits:
Fire is a natural design choice for outdoor entertaining and family enjoyment. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, enticing friends and family to stay and hang out, especially on chilly nights. Gas fire pits offer a contemporary look and appeal to homeowners who prefer the ease of gas. They are always ready to light with a push of a button, no wood or ash to worry about and no smoke.
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project

3. Patio Remodels with Pavers:
Exterior design is seeing a trend to create patios with multiple rooms to provide ample space for entertaining guests, and act as backyard getaways. Paver patios are a high-quality, customizable outdoor patio option that offers homeowners a luxurious patio setup with minimal maintenance requirements. The entertainment options are endless with a paver patio. Hosting parties on it is sure to create lasting memories for friends and family.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Patio Renovation

4. Raised garden beds:
Millions of people started growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in 2020, and that trend will definitely continue.  Homeowners invested in a variety of container gardens, raised garden beds and potted herb gardens, embracing the therapeutic side of growing their own food while eliminating trips to the grocery store.  Not only do raised beds provide benefits like ample garden space, they also offer versatility for those with a larger area to fill. Raised beds help for easy access gardening right on your back patio!
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover that included a raised herb bed:
Project Spotlight: Backyard Outdoor Living Renovation

5. Artificial Turf:
When you are working with a small space that needs to serve multiple purposes, you need that space to be useable as much as possible and to be easy to maintain and keep clean. This is why so many homeowners with small backyards are choosing artificial turf installation. Synthetic turf is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, does not require storing large equipment like lawnmowers, and can be used right after a rainstorm with no worries about tracking in mud or slipping on wet blades of grass. Artificial Turf is versatile to fit any sort of purpose or need, whether that may be landscape, playground or pet turf. All products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and mowing, making it the perfect choice to install.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Backyard Renovation

If you’re dreaming of transforming your outdoor living space for entertaining a crowd or just relaxing with a good book, we hope these design trends will help you get an idea of what your space can do for you.

If you want help with transforming outdoor living space using these design trends this year, give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

We would like to take the time to highlight some of the amazing projects and lawn makeovers that our extraordinary team has completed. The team always sees the projects from conception through to completion, and it shows!

This client purchased a new house in the Longleaf subdivision. They wanted to create a more friendly backyard space for their dog to play in without tracking mud and dirt into the house.

How did we make such a turnaround happen?

• We installed artificial turf
• We installed river rock
• We added drainage to prevent water from draining towards the house

These solutions turned their tiny dirt yard into a low maintenance, pup-friendly space that will help keep the house clean and mud-free.

Take a look at the before and after photos to know just how big of a turnaround this was. Their dog was so excited about the new play space he couldn’t wait to roll around on the new turf!

 

Thank you for entrusting this project to our team, and props to the team for making it look amazing!

If you would like to use artificial turf in your landscaping, fill out the form at the top of the page or call us at (352) 378-LAWN!

There are few things prettier than a beautiful lush green front lawn—especially one that is stunningly green. Grass that is rich, thick, and well-maintained can make any yard look lush and inviting. However, there are just as many reasons for homeowners to not choose grass for Gainesville landscapes—most of which are practical, some of which are purely personal.

For example, some grasses consume a lot of irrigation water. Some grasses can also be a lot of work as well - mowing, fertilizing, pest control, etc.  Also, there are times when a grass-filled yard simply isn't practical or useful - shady areas with little sunlight where grass struggles, areas with heavy traffic from kids and/or pets that cause the grass to thin out, and areas that are too sloped to maintain with a mower are all great examples where alternatives become very appealing.

IAlterantives to Gainesville grass can help you conserve water—and consequently save on your GRU bill—eliminate the need for fertilizers, reduce the likelihood of a pests poulating your yard, and won’t demand too much of your time and resources for maintenance.

That being said, here are three great grass alternatives for front yard landscaping, and some important things to note about them.

Lawn Alternative #1: Synthetic Grass or Artificial Turf
Perhaps the best alternative to grass would be Gainesville synthetic or artificial grass—also known as astroturf. You get the same look and texture as natural grass without any of the extensive maintenance. One of the biggest selling points for turf is that it can’t grow or wither, which translates to a yard as fresh and perfectly manicured as the day it was installed. It is perfect for pets' play areas, backyards where dogs tend to dig up turf, and reducing the over-all maintenance of your landscape.

Pros: Literally no maintenance is needed. Get the same rich green look of a real lawn without the need to mow, fertilize, spray, trim, and edge every week.

Cons: Low-quality synthetic grass some of our competitors use can look fake from miles away, and can therefore come off as a little tacky. Make sure to always get high-quality turf. We use turf that is almost impossible to know is artificial. It even has brown strands of thatch to make it look even more realistic and not overly perfected.

Lawn Alternative #2: Gravel Walkways, Stone Pavers, and Outdoor Living Spaces
For spacious dirt yards, why not invest in permeable gravel and gorgeous stone paver entertainment areas? Plant some drought-resistant plants in the middle and then install pavers or stones to mark paths in and around your florida-friendly landscape. The initial investment may be a bit more costly than a simple planting design, but less foliage to take care of means more money saved on water and fertilizer. Permeable gravel will also keep rainwater from running off into the street—instead, it will allow it to soak into the ground, providing your shrubs with adequately moist soil.

Gainesville, Florida Paver Patios and Firepits extend the square footage of your home into the lawn and landscape to provide "outdoor rooms" to entertain in and enjoy. There's nothing better than enjoying grilling outside or a gathering of roasting smores over the firepit in the late fall, winter, and early spring. 

Pros: Maintaining stone walkways and paver patios is much easier and much less costly than maintaining grass lawns.

Cons: You will be substantially more for an outdoor entertaining area or stone walkway up front than installing plants or sod.

Lawn Alternative #3: Xeriscapes or Larger Mulch Beds Replacing grass

Xeriscaping (aka Gainesville Zeroscaping) is a landscaping philosophy that uses as many native, drought-resistant, Florida-friendly landscaping plants as possible and arranges them in efficient, water-saving ways. The Alachua County Turf Swap Program actually provides rebates for upgrading to Florida-Friednly landscaping (when combined with removing high-volume irrigation). Make sure to ask about this in 2020 as the program was recently extended!

As it turns out, Xeriscaping doesn't have to mean a bunch of tumbleweed from the southwest as some people envision it -- because it's open to the use of Florida-Friendly plants, a landscaper can select a myriad of plant varieties from his region. A Gainesville, Florida Xeriscape can look as attractive and colorful as a regular one.

Pros: The abundant beauty of multiple different plant textures, colors, heights, and shapes provide visual interests beyond any blanket of grass in any lawn. 

Cons: Maintenance is a bit extensive and can easily take up your morning or afternoon. Different plants as they mature take maintenance to keep from overgrowing their space and keeping weeds under control in the mulch beds can be a lot of work as well. 

Lawns are a lot of work and expense, but these three options provide alteratives to the typical cookie-cutter green carpet of lawn. At Master's, our #1 focus is helping you love your lawn again - and whether loving your lawn that is artificial turf, backyard entertaining areas, a Florida-friendly Xeriscape, or lush grass - we can help you get their. Just let us know how we can help! Call our team to schedule a consultant at (352)378-5296 or fill out the form at the top of the page. 

Pet owners have discovered that having Gainesville artificial turf for dogs comes with many benefits and can make pet ownership more enjoyable. Artificial grass has eco-friendly pet options which reduces the time you spend cleaning your furry friend and repairing your yard from its use.

5 REASONS PET OWNERS LOVE ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR PETS
Those who own pups love artificial turf for dogs because:

• There are less fleas and ticks on their pets because they can not thrive and multiply on 'astroturf.'
• You don’t have to bathe your dog after they play outside from the dirt, mud, and grass.
• There are no more holes in the lawn to fill in or resod from pet traffic and digging. 
• There is cleaner home and back patio because no dirt is brought in  from your pet.

One thing pet owners like about artificial turf is that the grass does not stain or die back where you dog uses the restroom. It is also easier to find pet waste and clean it off without creating a mudpit. Spots, even urine areas, are easier to spot because of the uniform grass (this way you don’t have to constantly watch your dog). Feces can easily be picked up with a pooper-scooper and then the area can be sprayed down. If there is a stain on your artificial turf for dogs, you can clean it with some mild soap and water.

The second thing pet owners love about artificial turf for dogs is the fact there are no more fleas, ants, or ticks on their pets. Artificial turf for dogs eliminates food for bugs, so they migrate elsewhere. For pet owners, this means you will no longer need to use insecticides on your yard for any of these pests.

CONSIDER DRAINAGE
The most important aspect of choosing an artificial turf for dogs is proper drainage. A good backing will go a long way to reduce odors and direct water away from your yard. Not only is the backing important, but so is the base. Look for a dependable base material when you consider artificial turf for dogs. The base separates artificial grass backing from the ground and this material, usually a crushed stone, have tunnels built into this area to help drain water out of your yard. This is how Master's assures the longevity of your astroturf installation - proper foundation and drainage. 

YOUR PET WON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Pets can use the lawn with artificial turf just as it would natural grass. Using the right infill will also make your pet more comfortable in the yard. While there are several types of infill, we recommend Envirofill. This creates a soft sand-like texture in the artificial truf that removes the harsh feel of the firm foundation. Cheaper companies instaling artificial turf around Gainesville, Florida may skip this important step for your pets and/or children. 

Envirofill is a coated sand. It is extremely safe for children and pets because it is non-toxic. It is also great at reducing odor. It is more expensive than other infills, but is highly durable and provides much-needed softness for your lawn.

Stay away from crumbled rubber as an infill for an artificial turf for dogs. While it is highly durable, it also absorbs heat and that can heat up your yard quickly in the sun and soaks up dog waste creating a odor issues. We don't do that to our clients.

Gainesville Artificial turf for dogs is becoming a solid option for homeowners with pets because of its safety, easy care, and durability. With good drainage and no fleas, your pet will thank you for a happier, healthier life and your home will thank you for the same. 

If you’re considering installing synthetic grass for your home or business, congratulations! The luscious, realistic and durable features of Gainesville Florida artificial grass are stunning and will make your property take an immediate jump while a drop in maintenance, fertilization, and irrigation.

Although curb appeal is important, we know it isn’t everything. Here are five more reasons why Gainesville astroturf is worth the investment.

1. Versatile and Environmentally Friendly

Artificial grass is versatile to fit any sort of purpose or need, whether that may be residential or commercial, landscape or putting greens, playground or pet turf. All products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it the perfect choice to install. Artificial grass is great for any Gainesville lawn and is completely customizable to your installation - shade or sun, front or back lawn, and small or large. Environmentally, it reduces the need for pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and mowing.

2. Clean and Allergen-Free

Synthetic grass is a safe and hypoallergenic landscape alternative that will relieve allergy symptoms and eliminate mud and other contaminants, guaranteed. As opposed to concrete or natural grass, artificial grass has great drainage, preventing puddles of water and mud from rain, pool water, or spillage.

3. Durable Everlasting Greenery

Synthetic grass comes in a large variety of lengths and color to fit all types of installations. With the occasional rinse and groom, the astroturf you choose to install will always be the color and size that was originally installed. Like natural grass, turf fibers stand upright and will require a lot of activity to flatten the turf blades.

4. Time and Money Saver

Installing an artificial lawn is an investment that will save you money in the long run. Instead of focusing on the environmental benefits (#1), we will focus on the dollar savings artificial turf creates. It requires no fertilizers, chemicals, or watering that sod would require to keep a healthy green lawn. Depending on usage, turf may require rinsing with water or for pet turf, a spray of an organic, bio-degradable, and non-toxic freshener to rinse the pet waste through.

5. Increase Property Value

Whether your installation is commercial or residential, artificial grass will increase the curb appeal and the aesthetics of your lawn. The perfectly luscious and fluffy greenery in addition to the low-maintenance requirements make your property irresistible to potential buyers and tenants, because they will love the 4 benefits above.

Whatever it is you’re looking for with an artificial turf installation, we can do it for you. Ready to make the best Gainesville landscape installation decision of your life? Contact us for a free estimate and to get connected with our Gainesville lawn experts.