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Lawns & Landscapes
Lawn & Landscape Turf — Artificial Grass Lawns & Yards!
If you’re considering artificial grass for your lawn or yard, you’ve come to the right place. Synthetic grass has exploded in popularity in recent years due to its countless advantages over natural grass lawns. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about synthetic turf as an alternative ground cover for residential properties.
As water scarcity, environmental concerns, and the desire for low-maintenance landscaping solutions continue to grow, many homeowners are turning to artificial grass as a sustainable and practical option for their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re tired of spending hours mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn, or you’re looking for ways to reduce your water usage and environmental impact, artificial grass offers a compelling solution.
Our aim is to explore the benefits of artificial grass, compare it to natural grass, address common questions and misconceptions, and provide practical tips for installation, maintenance, and care. From its eco-friendly properties and cost-saving advantages to its versatility and aesthetic appeal, you’ll discover why synthetic turf is becoming an increasingly popular choice for residential landscapes.
Whether you’re considering replacing your entire lawn with artificial grass or incorporating it into specific areas of your landscape, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to make informed decisions about integrating synthetic turf into your outdoor living space. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of artificial grass – your gateway to a greener, more sustainable future for your home and yard.
Landscape Turf System Components
The image below provides an overview of the individual components of an artificial grass lawn system. It also highlights the features and specs you should look for when considering landscape turf products for your project.
Artificial Grass Features
Features to Look for in Artificial Grass for Landscapes:
Durability:
Artificial grass is renowned for its exceptional durability, making it an ideal choice for residential lawns and landscapes. Constructed from high-quality synthetic materials, such as polyethylene and nylon fibers, artificial turf is engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic, UV exposure, and harsh weather conditions without fading, matting, or deteriorating.
Not all artificial grass products are created equal, and the materials used during manufacturing play a significant role in a products overall durability. Look for turf products with polyethylene fibers, as they offer the greatest balance of comfort, realism, and durability.
Drainage:
The best type of drainage for artificial grass lawns depends on how much rain your home receives and if you have any pets that will be using the turf. For most synthetic grass lawns, turf products with a hole-punched backing will offer sufficient drainage. Hole-punched turf products are typically less expensive than fully permeable backings.
Pile Height:
For a synthetic grass lawn, a longer pile height will give the turf a more lush, full, and realistic appearance. It’s also a lot softer underfoot. Opting for products with a layer of ‘Thatch’ fibers will enhance the realism of your artificial lawn, giving it a true-to-life aesthetic. If you expect a lot of foot traffic on your lawn, a medium-short pile height would offer better performance.
Safety:
Artificial grass products manufactured in the USA will be free from contaminants like lead or other heavy metals. Synthetic grass also eliminates the need for chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, which pose a health risk to children and pets.
Reducing exposure to these elements creates a safer and cleaner environment for you and your family. Make sure any turf products you consider for your lawn are manufactured in the U.S.A., is lead-free, PFAS-free, and non-toxic.
UV Protection:
Make sure any turf product you choose is equipped with UV protection to prevent premature product degradation. The sun’s UV rays destroy most materials when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. UV protection is incorporated into synthetic grass products during manufacturing to help protect and extend the product’s lifespan. By melting down UV inhibitors with the plastic pellets used to manufacture the synthetic grass, the protection is infused into the turf product.
Infill Options
What's the Best Infill for Lawn & Landscape Use?
Infill for Artificial Grass Lawns:
Infill plays a crucial role in artificial grass lawn installations, providing stability, resilience, and natural aesthetics to the synthetic turf surface. The best infill materials for artificial grass lawns are typically made from materials like silica sand, acrylic-coated sand, or organic materials (walnut shells, cork, etc.).
Infill is spread evenly across the artificial grass to act as ballast and weigh down the turf, prevent matting, and enhance shock absorption. Additionally, the infill material helps to maintain proper drainage, improve footing, and extend the lifespan of the artificial grass by minimizing wear and tear. With the right type and amount of infill, artificial grass installations achieve optimal performance, durability, and visual appeal for years to come.
Sub-Base Preparation
What Type of Sub-Base Offers the Best Drainage?
Sub-Base Material:
A properly installed sub-base is critical for ensuring your artificial grass lawn drains water efficiently. The sub-base material, typically made of crushed aggregate or similar permeable substances, serves as a foundational layer that facilitates water movement away from the turf surface.
Unlike native soil, which can be compact and retain moisture, these materials are designed to allow water to filter through quickly and efficiently. This is especially important in areas prone to heavy rainfall or with poor natural drainage.
For most landscape turf installations, a sub-base of Class II Road Base or Crushed Miscellaneous Base (CMB) will suffice. Material availability, the local weather, and specifics of your installation will influence which sub-base material is best for your lawn. We suggest speaking with your turf installer or supplier regarding the best sub-base material for your property.
What are the Benefits of Installing an Artificial Grass Lawn?
More Free Time
Artificial grass eliminates the need for mowing, watering, and fertilizing, saving homeowners countless hours that would otherwise be spent maintaining a natural grass lawn each month.
Save Money
Artificial grass lawns help homeowners save money by eliminating the need for water, gas-powered lawn equipment, chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, or the cost of hiring professional landscapers.
Easy-to-Maintain
Unlike natural grass, artificial turf requires minimal maintenance to maintain a lush, full, realistic appearance, with occasional rinsing and brushing to keep it looking pristine year-round.
Safe for Kids & Pets
Synthetic turf provides a safe, non-toxic surface for children and pets to play on, free from harmful chemicals, bugs, pests, and allergens commonly found in natural grass lawns and yards.
Eco-Friendly
Artificial grass conserves water, eliminates pesticides & fertilizers, and reduces carbon emissions from gas-powered equipment, minimizing the environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Aesthetics
Artificial grass offers a lush, green picture-perfect lawn year-round, enhancing the beauty and curb appeal of residential landscapes without the hassle of brown patches or bare spots.
Projects By Our Members
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FAQs
How much does lawn & landscape turf cost?
Installing an artificial grass lawn will typically cost around $6 – $12+ per square foot. That’s just a general price range, which can increase or decrease depending on a number of factors. Below are the factors that will have the greatest impact on the overall cost of an artificial grass lawn installation:
- Project size in Square Feet (Turf Measuring Guide)
- Pre-Installation sit prep (i.e. removing sod, bushes, rocks, trees, etc.)
- Sub-base material (amount and type of base used)
- Infill material (amount and type of infill material used)
- Landscape edging or bender board (if used)
- Square feet of drainage membrane used [if used]
- Any special requests
To learn more about the cost of synthetic grass lawns, check out our artificial grass cost calculator.
How do you maintain an artificial grass lawn?
Maintaining an artificial grass lawn is relatively simple and requires minimal effort compared to natural grass. Here are some essential maintenance steps:
- Regular Brushing: Use a stiff brush or broom to regularly brush the turf fibers in the opposite direction of foot traffic. This helps to keep the fibers upright and maintain the overall appearance of the lawn.
- Removing Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the surface of the artificial grass using a leaf blower, rake, or gentle sweeping. This prevents the buildup of organic matter that can harbor pests or impede drainage.
- Rinsing: Occasionally rinse the artificial grass with water to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. This helps to keep the turf clean and maintain its vibrant appearance.
- Stain Removal: Spot clean any spills or stains on the artificial grass using a mild detergent diluted in water. Gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pet Waste: Promptly remove solid pet waste from the artificial grass and rinse the area with water to prevent odors and maintain hygiene. For liquid waste, rinse the area thoroughly and consider using a pet-friendly enzymatic cleaner to neutralize odors.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the artificial grass for signs of damage, such as tears, rips, or loose seams. Repair any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the lawn.
Overall, maintaining an artificial grass lawn is straightforward and requires minimal time and effort compared to natural grass. With regular brushing, debris removal, and occasional rinsing, you can keep your synthetic turf looking lush, green, and inviting for years to come.
Check out our article about: DIY vs. PRO Turf Cleaning Services
Is artificial grass safe for kids & pets to play on?
Yes, artificial grass is generally safe for kids and pets to play on. High-quality synthetic turf products are specifically designed to be non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for direct contact with skin and paws. Additionally, artificial grass eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances commonly found in natural grass.
Furthermore, many artificial grass options feature built-in antimicrobial protection that help prevent the growth of bacteria and odors, creating a cleaner and safer environment for children and pets to enjoy outdoor activities. Overall, artificial grass provides a safe and enjoyable surface for play and recreation.
How long does artificial grass take to install?
The time it takes to install an artificial grass lawn can vary depending on factors such as the size of the area, the complexity of the installation, and the weather conditions. Generally, for a standard residential lawn installation, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days. This includes site preparation, such as removing existing turf and debris, grading the surface, and compacting the soil. Then, the artificial grass is laid out, trimmed to fit, and secured in place. Finally, infill is spread evenly across the turf to provide stability and support. Larger or more intricate installations may take longer, but most projects can be completed efficiently within a few days.
What is artificial grass made of?
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, is typically made from a combination of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. These materials are woven into a backing material to create a durable, lifelike surface that mimics the appearance and feel of natural grass. Additionally, some artificial grass products may include additives or coatings for UV resistance, antimicrobial properties, and color stabilization. The exact composition of artificial grass can vary depending on the manufacturer and intended use, but the primary components remain consistent across most products, ensuring durability, performance, and aesthetics.
How long do artificial grass lawns last?
The lifespan of an artificial grass lawn can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the product, the installation method, and the level of maintenance. Generally, high-quality artificial grass installed correctly can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years or more. Premium synthetic turf products are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, UV exposure, and harsh weather conditions without fading, matting, or deteriorating.
Additionally, regular maintenance, such as brushing, debris removal, and occasional rinsing, can help prolong the lifespan of the artificial grass lawn by preserving its appearance and structural integrity. Overall, with proper care and maintenance, an artificial grass lawn can provide years of beauty and functionality for homeowners to enjoy.
How hot will an artificial grass lawn get?
If sitting in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, artificial grass will get hot. It doesn’t become as hot as asphalt or concrete, but after sitting in the sun for several hours it will heat up. Most turf products are made of polyethylene, which absorbs heat and could reach temperatures as high as 120° F. This temperature is not comfortable for most people, so most manufacturers try to reduce the heat of the surface as much as possible. Some manufacturers coat artificial turf with heat-reflecting layers, others reduce the density of backing material.
In our experience, there are other factors that affect the temperature of the artificial grass surface, like:
- The darker the turf the warmer it gets.
- The denser the turf, the more heat it absorbs.
- The flatter the blade the faster it transfers the heat.
- The more uniform the turf is, the less wind cools it down.
- The more infill applied, the warmer it gets.
- The flatter matted turf, the denser and warmer it gets.
To help keep your turf cooler, you can spray your artificial grass lawn with a hose. A more preventative option is to use T°Cool® Infill which cools artificial grass through the process of evaporative cooling.
What is infill & why does artificial grass need it?
Although some fake grasses are advertised as being a non-infill product, most of the time this is not correct or suitable for long term use. Any grass will look nice without infill if you don’t plan to walk on it. Infill serves a few purposes in an artificial grass installation such as:
- Acts as a ballast and weighs down the turf
- Keeps individual turf fibers upright and prevents matting
- Some infill options like T°Cool® Infill help cool the turf through the process of evaporative cooling
- The T°Cool® Infill mentioned above and Envirofill both offer antimicrobial protection that helps prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria from dog urine
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