We installed artificial turf in our back yard two years ago. Regret it every day. It gets ridiculously hot. You cannot stand on it when the temps get above 80 outside. We have 1 dog -- the turf is the only option in our back yard for her to pee. No matter how often we saturate it with water - it STINKS!! We have tried vinegar, baking soda, and various other products that are supposed to break down the enzymes ... nothing has worked. We even asked an EZ Turf representative at a home show for their suggestions -- they acted like I was speaking nonsense. Our next step is to try a solution that is supposed to be guaranteed to work on pet odors in carpet - a mixture of peroxide, baking soda, and a small amount of dawn detergent... Fingers crossed. Bottom line, if you are considering buying turf for a pet -- don't do it. If its too hot for you to stand on, its too hot for them. And if that is going to be their only option to relieve themselves, it won't take long before your yard smells awful. If you have no pets, and you're looking to install it for ease of care, minimal maintenance and aesthetics -- Absolutely. It looks pretty.

Ive lived in my house for 20 years and probably had a handful of times water would appear in the basement. I knew something also was wrong with a plumbing issue but couldn't afford to have someone do the work. Finally in 2007, I had my plumbing looked at and 15,000 dollars later my pipes were replaced and a new bathroom renovated. I mentioned to the plumbers about the random water in the basement where they were working and didn't see anything underground. I also had my driveway paved and made sure they slanted away from house and they put a drain to connect downstairs. Then I found my downstairs downspout was clogged and I found out I had an empty septic tank. I was running out of money so I hired a contractor do unplug the spouts and replace the pipe underground while he filled the abandoned septic. Then came the fall and the rain and after heavy rainfall the water flooded my basement. The brand new carpet that I finally could afford was soaked and it continued to run into my house for the next 5 hours. I was devastated and heartbroken. I went outside in pouring rain at midnight and dug a trench to get the water from my house. no problems in 2009 so I thought I did some good. Wrong I had my basement flood twice in 2010. the water outside the house is not higher than my base of house, the water comes up from undergroud through any little crack in cement floor. My kids and boyfriend have helped me soak the water up and been luck we were home at the time. But oh so tiring. So far I think we've saved the walls from mold. Anyway, my question is-if we dig a hole near the base of the house will the water go there instead of my basement is it something we can do ourselves? I am out of money and out of ideas and I've got to save my home. The basement is like a apartment and my two boys live down there. This house is all I have. oh my gosh sorry this is so long I guess I needed to vent. Ive talk to city officials plumbers and water guys but they are not sure where the water is coming from.

Hi H202- I just found this post and see it's 4 years old, but we also live in DC and have the same exact predicament you did! Did you end up figuring it out? We would love to know if so. We are currently looking for driveable / parkable artificial turf for part-time parking and part-time playing w our toddlers. Any recs on materials or contractors you used would be very much appreciated!

The turf lies better and drains better if screenings are installed and compacted before the turf is applied. Afterwards, we applied and brushed in sand to help secure the turf. The only issue is that grass in your location might look out of place. Maybe just consider some type of stone.