HOUSTON – It was the 1960s. The Houston Astros were playing in the world's first domed stadium and the Astros became the first major league team to play on artificial turf called Astroturf.
Today, Astroturf is a household name around the world, and it's gaining popularity in Houston in neighborhood parks and backyards.
"I love this park," said Tammy, a West University area mom. "I love this Astroturf, and I don't know what they've done underneath it, but it has this wonderful bounce factor to it."
The hottest new Astroturf trend is Houston homeowners installing the fake grass in backyards.
"You don't have to water it. It stays dry. Your dogs can use it. Your kids can use it. It's just a great product," said Tim Surratt.
Surratt knows a thing or two about hot housing trends. He's a longtime realtor with Greenwood King Properties.
Astroturf is so hot right now, Surratt predicts 70 percent or more of his clients will have it soon.
"A lot of our houses, surprisingly in every price range, are doing it," Surratt said. "From $300,000 townhomes where they have a 10' x 2' yard, but they just want to see some green, to multi-million dollar houses."
Surratt isn't just a realtor. He's also a dad and dog owner. As more and more of his clients were choosing to go artificial, he decided to do the same.
"We don't have to worry about getting our house muddy, our dogs' paws aren't muddy," said Surratt. "My daughter loves it. She plays in it all the time."
Nowadays, it's made to look pretty real. The lush green is mixed with a few artificial brown and yellow blades. It's so realistic, Astroturf has become a selling feature for Houston homes.
"The other thing people are looking for is maintenance-free living, and so this gives them enjoyment of a backyard, without all the maintenance," Surratt said.
In addition to backyards, artificial turf is also being used for dog runs and even backyard putting greens.
Cole Parish, with Lush Outdoor Living Inc., installs artificial turf.
"It's basically fiberglass blades, attached to a woven mesh, and has an infield of sand, and the sand is what gives it that bounce and makes it look more like that natural grass," Parish said.
First, the yard is excavated to be on a slight slope to help with drainage. Then a limestone base is added, and the turf rolls are added on top.
"A typical backyard would be maybe a two or three day process," Parish said.
But it doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay $16 - $18 a square foot.
"It's a similar cost as stone pavers," Surratt said. "But you get the look of real grass and the enjoyment of real grass from it."