The holidays are just around the corner and there’s something special about coming home for the holidays. The smell of pine, the sparkle of lights, and the familiar warmth of gathering with family and friends — it all begins the moment you pull into the driveway. And right there, greeting every guest before the doorbell even rings, is one of the most underrated stars of the season: your lawn.

This year, make your yard part of the holiday magic. A healthy, green lawn doesn’t just boost curb appeal — it sets the tone for the entire celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, lighting up the neighborhood with decorations, or welcoming visitors from out of town, your natural grass can shine just as bright as your string lights.

Setting the Scene for the Season

Think of your front yard as the red carpet to your holiday home. A well-kept lawn creates an inviting backdrop for festive décor — twinkling lights, wreaths, and glowing reindeer all look more vibrant against the lush green of natural grass. Unlike artificial turf, real grass offers that soft, cool touch and natural color that bring balance and warmth to your holiday display.

And for families with kids or pets, a natural lawn is more than just decoration — it’s part of the fun. From building snowmen (if you’re lucky enough for snow) to setting up a fire pit or yard games for visiting guests, your grass becomes the gathering place for memories in the making.

The Gift of Curb Appeal

Your lawn is the first thing people notice when they arrive, and during the holidays, those first impressions matter. A rich, even color and clean edges instantly elevate your home’s appearance — no expensive landscaping overhaul needed.

With proper winter care, it’s easy to keep your grass looking its best. Regular mowing, balanced fertilization, and a deep watering schedule (where weather allows) can keep your turf strong and green through the cooler months. If you’re in a milder region, installing fresh sod from West Coast Turf is one of the fastest ways to refresh your home’s look before guests arrive. Think of it as wrapping your house in its own natural gift — one that lasts well beyond the holidays.

Gather, Celebrate, and Grow

The holidays are all about connection — with loved ones, with traditions, and with the place you call home. A natural lawn brings those connections to life. It’s where kids toss the football before dinner, where friends gather with mugs of cocoa, and where memories take root, season after season.

As you decorate your home this year, remember that the best holiday glow doesn’t just come from lights — it comes from the pride you feel when everything, from your front door to your front yard, reflects the care you’ve put into it.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to help homeowners, sports teams, and communities across the West grow something real — something that lasts. This holiday season, celebrate the beauty of your home from the ground up. Because nothing says “welcome home” quite like a lush, living lawn.

Let’s make this season greener.
Learn more about our premium natural sod and turf options at www.westcoastturf.com.

At West Coast Turf, we’ve always believed that the foundation of every great game starts from the ground up. For decades, we’ve supplied natural sod to professional stadiums, universities, and community fields across the West. But as more teams switch to synthetic surfaces, one question keeps coming up — is artificial turf really safer? The evidence from the NFL says otherwise.

The Rise of Turf-Related Injuries

From “turf toe” to torn ACLs, athletes know that plastic turf changes the game — and not in a good way. “Turf toe,” a painful sprain of the big-toe joint, became infamous because of the way synthetic fields grip the foot instead of giving naturally. That resistance forces the joint to hyper-extend — a movement natural grass absorbs through flex and release.

It doesn’t stop there. Across the league, players have experienced higher rates of non-contact lower-body injuries on turf than on grass. Between 2012 and 2018, data collected by the NFL Players Association revealed a 28 % increase in non-contact lower-extremity injuries, a 32 % increase in knee injuries, and a 69 % increase in foot and ankle injuries when games were played on synthetic turf.

Even the NFL’s own reports show the same pattern — turf fields mean more injuries, more surgeries, and more time on the sideline. For elite athletes, those numbers translate to shortened careers and lost seasons.

Players Demand Real Grass

The push to return to natural grass isn’t just coming from turf experts — it’s coming from the athletes themselves. When Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on turf in 2023, it reignited a debate that’s been simmering for years. Dozens of players, including many of the league’s top names, have since joined the call for all-grass stadiums.

The NFLPA has made its stance crystal clear: “Only natural grass can level the playing field.” Advocacy groups like @BanPlasticTurf have helped amplify that message, showcasing the human toll behind every preventable injury. Their posts tell a powerful story — when athletes play on plastic, the game pays the price.

Why Natural Grass Wins Every Time

Natural grass isn’t just tradition — it’s technology perfected by nature. A properly built grass field provides a forgiving, resilient cushion that reduces impact stress on joints and muscles. The roots and soil move with the athlete, releasing energy instead of trapping it. Synthetic turf, by contrast, grips too tightly and radiates heat, increasing torque through the knees and ankles while pushing surface temperatures up to 40°F hotter than natural grass.

Beyond performance, grass is also the environmentally sound choice — it cools the air, reduces runoff, and eliminates the microplastics and petroleum-based infill found in artificial systems. For both player safety and sustainability, there’s simply no substitute for the real thing.

Standing on Solid Ground

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to grow and install the same natural grass trusted by NFL and Major League stadiums across the country. Whether you’re designing a professional sports venue, a college practice field, or a local park, we can help you build a surface that keeps athletes safer — and lets the game play as it was meant to.

Let’s get back to grass.
Learn more about our professional-grade natural turf systems and installation services at www.westcoastturf.com.

As summer fades and the weather begins to cool, your natural turf enters one of the most important stages of the year: the fall transition. This phase sets the stage for how well your lawn, sports field, or landscape will perform through winter and into spring. Proper fall preparation ensures healthy roots, improved resilience, and a lush green surface you can enjoy year-round.

Why the Fall Transition Matters

During the hot summer months, natural turf often experiences stress from high temperatures, heavy use, and drought conditions. The fall transition period gives your grass the chance to recover and strengthen before cooler weather arrives. By focusing on soil health, proper nutrition, and maintenance practices now, you’ll build a strong foundation that carries your turf through the dormant months.

Aeration and Overseeding

One of the best ways to help your grass transition is through aeration. Aerating relieves soil compaction, improves water penetration, and allows roots to access oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. Pair this with overseeding to fill in thin or bare spots. Fall’s cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture make it the perfect season for new seed germination, giving your turf a denser, healthier appearance.

Fertilization for Strong Roots

Feeding your turf in fall is essential. Apply a fertilizer high in potassium and balanced with nitrogen to promote root development and overall plant health. Unlike spring fertilization, which focuses on top growth, fall fertilization is all about strengthening the root system so your turf can withstand colder temperatures and bounce back quickly in spring.

Adjusting Irrigation

With cooler weather and shorter days, your turf won’t need the same amount of water as it did in summer. Reduce irrigation frequency, but water deeply when you do. This encourages roots to grow downward, increasing drought resistance and stability. Keep an eye on rainfall, and adjust your schedule accordingly to prevent overwatering.

Mowing Best Practices

Continue mowing your grass through fall, but gradually lower the mowing height as the season progresses. This helps prevent matting, reduces disease risk, and keeps your lawn looking tidy. Be sure to sharpen mower blades — dull blades can damage grass, leaving it more susceptible to stress.

Traffic Management

Fall often means more activity on sod, whether it’s backyard gatherings, holiday events, or sports seasons. Consider rotating play areas or using protective covers on high-traffic zones to prevent compaction and wear. Giving turf recovery time during this season helps ensure long-term durability.

The Payoff in Spring

By investing time in your fall transition, you’re setting up your natural turf for long-lasting success. Healthy roots, stronger density, and a well-nourished surface mean your lawn or field will green up faster and perform better when temperatures rise again.

At West Coast Turf, we know that seasonal care makes all the difference. Whether you’re managing a professional sports field or your own backyard, the steps you take in fall will keep your turf looking its best for months to come. For more information, visit westcoastturf.com