What is Envirofill Infill?

Envirofill infill is a high-quality, durable infill material designed specifically for artificial grass installations. It is composed of rounded quartz core coated with a green acrylic resin. What sets Envirofill apart is its antimicrobial protection technology, Microban®. This technology is incorporated into the coating, providing continuous antimicrobial protection that helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This feature is particularly beneficial in pet areas, playgrounds, and sports fields where hygiene is a significant concern.

In the broader context of artificial turf installations, Envirofill serves multiple essential functions. It acts as a ballast, adding necessary weight to the turf to help keep it securely in place, which is crucial for maintaining the turf’s structural integrity and appearance over time. Its rounded shape and uniform size help keep the artificial grass fibers upright, ensuring a natural look and feel, which is aesthetically pleasing.

Additionally, Envirofill facilitates efficient turf drainage, allowing water to percolate through the turf. The green color of Envirofill is reflective, providing UV protection from the sun’s damaging rays. The nature of its composition also means that Envirofill doesn’t compact over time, maintaining good drainage and a consistent feel underfoot. Its durability and low-maintenance requirements, combined with the added benefit of antimicrobial protection, make Envirofill a popular choice for a wide range of artificial turf applications, from residential lawns to commercial sports facilities.

Envirofill Infill Closeup
Envirofill Turf Infill 360 Protection

What is Envirofill Made Of?

Envirofill is made from naturally occurring silica sand that is coated with an acrylic resin, which gives it unique properties suitable for artificial turf installations. The key feature of this acrylic coating is the integration of Microban® antimicrobial technology. Microban® is a well-known antimicrobial agent that is incorporated into the coating during the manufacturing process, providing continuous and long-lasting protection against the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This antimicrobial protection is particularly beneficial in environments where hygiene is a priority, such as pet areas, playgrounds, and sports fields.

The silica sand core of Envirofill is chosen for its round, uniform shape, which contributes to the product’s durability and consistent performance. The round shape allows for excellent drainage and prevents compaction, ensuring the turf remains resilient and comfortable underfoot over time. The acrylic coating not only imparts antimicrobial properties but also enhances the durability of the infill, making it resistant to weathering and wear. It also gives Envirofill its distinctive green color, which blends seamlessly with the artificial turf, enhancing its natural appearance. The combination of the durable sand core, protective acrylic coating, and Microban® technology makes Envirofill a high-performance, long-lasting infill choice for artificial turf installations.

How Long Does Envirofill Last?

Envirofill is designed for longevity, with a lifespan that typically matches or exceeds that of the artificial turf it’s used with. Generally, Envirofill can last for about 15 to 20 years, making it a highly durable choice for artificial turf installations. Its longevity is attributed to its high-quality, non-degradable materials and the stable, rounded quartz core that resists compaction over time.

The Microban® antimicrobial protection incorporated into Envirofill is also engineered to last for the duration of the infill’s lifespan, providing consistent protection against bacteria, mold, and mildew. This enduring antimicrobial protection ensures that Envirofill remains hygienic and reduces the need for frequent replacement or replenishment. Regular maintenance, like brushing or redistributing the infill, can further extend its effectiveness. Envirofill’s long lifespan, combined with its low maintenance and antimicrobial properties, makes it a cost-effective and durable choice for various artificial turf applications.

Envirofill Product Overview

How Much Envirofill Do I Need Per Square Foot?

The amount of Envirofill required per square foot of artificial turf depends on several factors, including the type of turf, its pile height, and the specific application. Below, you’ll find application specific recommendations from The Motz Group’s  Envirofill Installation & Application Guidelines.

Artificial turf products designed for residential use are typically of medium to longer pile heights (1 ⅝” – 2 ¼”, 41–57mm) and include a primary monofilament blade shape with a shorter, texturized yarn in between referred to as thatch.  These products will be dense to replicate a natural seeded or sod lawn. A ratio of 3/8”-1/2” (10-13mm) of Envirofill for every 1” (25mm) of pile height for the turf type described above.  This equates to approx. 2-3.5lbs (.91-1.6kg) of Envirofill per square foot for every 1” (25mm) of pile height.  Recommended mesh size for these applications would be 12/20 or 16/30.

Artificial turf products designed for playground and high impact/use areas are typically of short to medium pile (1 ¼” – 1 ¾”, 34-44mm).  Similar to residential products they often include a thatch layer to provide more density and better wear over time. The  12/20 or 16/30 Envirofill with this application at a rate of approx. 3/8”1/2”(10-13mm) for every 1” (25mm) of pile height or approx. 2-2.5lbs (.91-1.13kg) of Envirofill per square foot. It should be noted that if a safety pad is used under the turf, this does not change the Envirofill recommendations.

Synthetic turf for pet/dog applications typically used are of shorter pile (1”-1 ½”, 25-38mm) and may or may not include the thatch layer.  Some products used for these applications will be a texturized PE or PP (Polyethylene or Polypropylene). For any non-texturized product (3/8”-5/8”, 10-16mm), we recommend using Envirofill 12/20 or 16/30 mesh at the rates applied above. Tightly knitted, short, texturized products may require a smaller mesh for easier installation which would be the 16/30 or 30/50 Envirofill products. We would recommend 2-2.5lbs per square foot (.91-1.13kg per sq m) for these systems.

There are two common types of synthetic turf designs for PG’s, Tennis and Bocce.  First, a longer pile (1-1 ¼”, 25-32mm bent grass) slit film fiber and the much shorter texturized product above. The 16/30 and 30/50 for the longer pile slit film products and the 20/40 blend for tennis and bocce courts. Most bent grass putting green systems will be backfilled with approx. 5-6lbs of 16/30 raw sand per square foot (2.27-2.72kg per sq m) and then top dressed with approx. 1 lb/s of green 16/30 Envirofill per square foot (.45kg per sq m) to achieve optimal ball and surface performance.  Short, texturized systems should be infilled with 100% 30/50 Blend (green and black) at a rate of 2-2.5lbs sqft (.91-1.13kg per sq m), depending on the pile height.  We recommend the same rate of 20/40 on tennis and/or bocce applications.

It’s important to spread the Envirofill evenly across the turf and ensure it is well integrated into the fibers. Consulting with the turf manufacturer or a professional installer can provide more specific recommendations based on the characteristics of your artificial turf and its intended use. They can help determine the optimal amount of Envirofill needed to achieve the best performance and appearance for your specific installation.

Product
Pile Height
Turf Spec
Depth
Lbs. Per Sq. Ft.
30/50
1/2”
Texturized PE/Nylon
7/16” – 1/2”
1.5-2.0lbs per ft²
30/50
5/8”
Texturized PE/Nylon
9/16” – 5/8”
2.0-2.5lbs per ft²
20/40
5/8”
Texturized PE – Tennis
⅝” – 11/16”
2.5-3lbs per ft²
16/30
1-1 1/4”
PE/PP Putting
¼” (Top dressed)
.25-.5lbs per ft²
12/20 or 16/30
1-1 1/4”
Pet/Playground
⅜” – ½”
1.5-2.5lbs per ft²
12/20 or 16/30
1 1/2-1 3/4”
Landscape
½” – ¾”
2.5-3.5lbs per ft²
12/20 or 16/30
1 7/8-2 1/4”
Landscape
¾” – 1”
3.5-4.5lbs per ft²

How To Use Envirofill

Using Envirofill infill effectively in an artificial turf installation involves a straightforward process. After the artificial turf has been laid out and properly secured to the sub-base, Envirofill should be evenly distributed over the surface. The recommended amount typically ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 pounds per square foot, depending on the turf’s specifications and the intended use. It’s important to ensure an even spread of Envirofill across the entire area to achieve uniform weight distribution and optimal performance.

Once the Envirofill is spread out, it should be brushed into the turf with a power broom. This helps the infill settle down to the turf backing, supporting the turf fibers to stay upright and ensuring the turf remains stable and secure. The brushing should be thorough, as it also aids in achieving even distribution of the infill. The Microban® antimicrobial technology integrated into Envirofill starts working immediately upon installation, providing hygienic protection. Regular maintenance, such as grooming the turf to redistribute the Envirofill and maintain its effectiveness, is recommended. This ensures the turf retains its natural look and feel while benefiting from the antimicrobial and stabilizing properties of Envirofill.

envirofill_illustration

How Much Does Envirofill Cost?

The cost of Envirofill can vary based on factors like geographic location, supplier, and the quantity being purchased. You can expect the price of Envirofill to range from around $0.50 to $1.00 per pound. However, these prices can fluctuate due to market conditions and availability, so it’s always best to check with local turf suppliers for the most current pricing.

When estimating the total cost for an artificial turf project using Envirofill, consider the amount required based on the square footage of your installation area. Given that the general recommendation is to use about 1.5 to 3.5 pounds of Envirofill per square foot, the cost for a medium-sized area (e.g., 500 square feet) could range from approximately $375 to $1,250, depending on the exact price per pound and the amount used. Larger projects will naturally incur higher costs due to the greater volume of infill needed. Some suppliers may offer bulk pricing or discounts for larger orders, which could provide cost savings for extensive installations. Getting a detailed quote from turf suppliers or professional turf installers can offer a more accurate estimate tailored to the specifics of your project.

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