One of the biggest misconceptions about artificial turf is that they are all the same. While at first they might look the same, there are many nuances between the types of turf available today. Many people are discouraged from installing artificial grass because they think it looks too fake. Throughout the years however there has been a significant improvement in the way that synthetic grass is manufactured resulting in much more “realistic” artificial grass. Here is a list of some common questions and concerns we receive from potential clients.
Isn’t AstroTurf and artificial turf the same?
No. Many people confuse artificial turf with AstroTurf. AstroTurf was developed as a short-pile synthetic turf used for playing fields, it is its own brand. There are numerous brands producing their own styles of turf. Artificial turf, artificial grass, synthetic turf, and synthetic grass are all interchangeable terms.
So what’s the difference between each type?
There is a list of distinctions between each type of turf including pile height, gauge width, coloring, density and shape. In regards to density, manufacturers will advertise their face weight which usually runs between 40-90 ounces. The weight of the backing is then added to create the total finished weight. Included in the face weight are the blades and thatch material described as yarn. The length of the blades is labeled as the pile height, ranging from one inch to two inches. Blades differ in thickness, shape and color. Generally, two to three different colors make up the blades of turf, varying from lime green to olive green to dark green. Another difference is the material used to make the blades which can either create a glossier “morning dew” look or a matte “afternoon” look. The thatch yarn will also include one to two colors, either a beige, gold or shade of green. All these slight differences really make a difference to the overall look to the yard. You want to select a type of turf that complements the exterior of your home.
Won’t turf overheat and cause burning?
When sports field and playground turf first became a trend, they would infill it with black rubber pellets to provide cushion for athletes. At the same time these pellets would absorb heat from sun making the ground very hot. With our residential and commercial installations, we do not utilize the black rubber pellets. We use either silica sand or zeofill (a pet-friendly, odor-absorbing infill).
Why do you use infill?
Infill cushions the surface and helps the synthetic grass fibers stand up and not become matted. This technique prevents the turf from becoming flat ensuring your lawn stays gorgeous for a longer time. We recommend brushing and cleaning your lawn every few months to fluff those fibers! Infill also deters the UV rays from the sun, which keeps it cool and prevents fading.
Won’t my lawn flood when it rains if I install turf?
No. Every type of turf is manufactured with a number of perforations in the backing material which allows rain water or other substances to flow through just like natural grass.
