Page 81 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

Jeff Eichenberger, Owner of Ikes Turf
705-606-1477 • 866-221-6136 info@ikesturf.com www.IkesTurf.com
GREEN
GArtificial golf greens great for entertaining
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW FEARMAN
gathering
Improved yarn compositions feature higher stitch rates and various shapes to create the best synthetic turf possible.
reat business ideas It’s also a nice way to relax “My heart is in the game of clear leaves, twigs or animal and sound deals have with family and friends during golf,” he says. “We create leavings and you’ll be ready to often been made a visit. Hit a few shots while greens which roll great, hit away.
For the best results, Jeff suggests choosing a sand in-filled polypropylene green. He says it will offer the
most realistic playability when compared with real grass greens.
In many cases, it’s hard to
tell the difference between artificial and real grass.
Jeff says there have been tremendous advancements
in artificial turf over the last five years. Ikes Turf products are also made from recyclable materials. Coupled with not requiring fertilization or chemical treatments means your synthetic turf green is environmentally friendly.
“There’s been a huge change in technology over the last
five years,” he says. “Synthetic grass is more realistic than ever before. As well, our installation techniques have been greatly refined over the years.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
with a golf club in hand. You discuss business in between shots while out for a round with your associates.
“Why not enjoy your
next meeting on your
own property?” says Jeff Eichenberger, owner of
Ikes Turf, who specializes
in designing and building realistic, artificial golf greens.
catching up on things.
Jeff is an expert in turf grass management and a former competitive golfer (he qualified for two Canadian National Junior Championships). Ikes Turf synthetic greens are the same as those used by PGA professionals to practice their game.
receive shots from any distance and compare to any well- maintained natural golf green.”
Caring for your synthetic
turf green isn’t difficult or time-consuming. It doesn’t require cutting or watering. You won’t need to buy any fancy equipment or to hire maintenance professionals
for upkeep. It stays perfectly manicured without much fuss.
You can maintain it yourself with a small leaf blower, power broom or even a vacuum to remove any natural debris. A few minutes before playing to
“It’s virtually maintenance-free and can withstand the central Ontario weather swings,” says Jeff, who notes Ikes Turf also installs artificial lawns for homes and cottages. “It may cost you a little more up front, but the long-term savings are definitely worth it.”
Burying artificial stereotypes
Gone are the days when turf was noticeably fake and, in most cases, unappealing. Jeff says artificial turf is no longer limited to the old hard surface once used for sports stadiums or the fields, the kind with little black rubber pellets scattered throughout.
These days, colour and thatch choices allow for synthetic materials to blend well with the natural environment.
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