Artificial grass is growing in popularity thanks to new hyperrealist looks and heavy-duty, durable materials. But those aren’t the only benefits. Here are even more reasons why you should choose artificial grass. No bugs: Outdoor pests don’t like artificial turf as much as the real thing. That means bugs and other creepy crawlies will pack it up and take their nuisances elsewhere. No watering: Avoid the huge water bills and muddy spots that result from watering your lawn. Fake turf doesn’t need it! Always green: Say goodbye to ugly brown spots, dead patches in the winter, and wilting lawns during droughts. It’s all beautiful greenery all the time. No mowing: Lawn maintenance is a huge hassle, right? You can eliminate all those chores for good. Long-term savings: Yes, the initial costs are more expensive than natural grass. But artificial turf will save you tons of money over time, with lower water bills and no need for a lawnmower. Appearance: These days, artificial grass blades resemble real species, so the look and texture are incredibly convincing. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s not the real thing.

Artificial grass is non-toxic, made from pet-friendly, kid-friendly nylon or plastic materials. In the past, there have been concerns about the crumb rubber infill used with turf for sports fields, but extensive testing has shown that the recycled rubber is not a carcinogen. Plus, you don’t even have to use crumb rubber in the first place! You have a ton of options

Artificial grass is eco-friendly in many ways. It’s good for the environment because it saves water and doesn’t need to be mowed. Many turf products are also made of recycled materials.

Artificial turf is made of plastic fibers or nylon. Manufacturers keep coming up with newer and better materials all the time. Here are the most common turf fibers: Nylon: Nylon is the most durable fiber used to manufacture turf, and it comes with a Class 1 fire rating for added safety. However, it fades in direct sunlight, so it’s not a good choice for outdoor turf. It’s also abrasive, which can be an issue if you fall or slide on it. Polypropylene: It won’t fade in direct sunlight, and it’s softer and less abrasive than nylon. You get comfort and durability in a single package. However, it’s not always given a Class 1 fire rating, and it’s not as durable as nylon. Polyethylene: Made from recycled plastic bottles, polyethylene is both eco-friendly and more affordable than nylon or polypropylene. It’s the softest choice of all, and it doesn’t fade in direct sunlight. Because it’s so soft, it will need a high face weight to handle more traffic.

How do you want to use your fake grass? There are tons of specialized options designed for optimal performance in a variety of spaces, from putting greens to playgrounds and even doggy daycares. Check out your options to find the perfect match! Pet-friendly turf: Artificial grass for dogs features a soft pile that is comfortable for precious paws. Our pet-friendly turf resists staining and damage from digging. Landscape turf: To better resemble the look and feel of real grass, these rolls resemble a variety of grass species. Some even contain brown thatch for a more realistic look. Gym turf: Gym turf is made with a short pile that’s ideal for sled pulls. It’s incredibly durable and can withstand the challenges of commercial gyms. Sports and field turf: Designed with sports in mind, field turf is developed to reduce injuries while providing a smooth playing surface with optimal traction. Playground turf: Get turf dense enough to handle a high level of traffic. To truly make our artificial grass playground safe, you will want to add a foam pad underneath the turf. Putting green turf: You’ll need a short, dense pile that allows a golf ball to roll true. No bad lies on this putting green!

Artificial grass face weight refers to the weight of one square yard of turf. Turf with more densely-packed fibers and a heavy-duty backing will have a higher face weight. Most people have never heard of the term face weight, but it is one of the most important factors because it determines the durability of your grass. The higher the face weight, the more durable your grass will be.

Infill is the filler material used to weigh down turf and make the blades stand up straight. This creates a more natural, less matted look. But infill is essential for more than just looks! Infill protects the lower layer of your turf where the blades connect to the backing sheet. Rubber crumb is the most common infill, but there are plenty of options beyond that. Some come with specialized features, like odor-resistance and even cooling technology. Depending on how you plan to use your turf, you may find that a more specialized infill will suit you. The best part is that you can always mix and layer infill to get the benefit of multiple options.

Crumb rubber infill: Rubber infill is the most popular and common infill used for landscaping, athletic turf fields, and more. It adds bounce to your turf, which helps to reduce athletic injuries. The downside is that it heats up a lot in the sun. Silica sand: This is the cheapest infill option, and the second most widely used. Sand tends to be cooler in direct sunlight than rubber. It also eliminates some odors naturally. The downside is that it’s very abrasive. Durafill / EnviroFill: Though they have different names, Durafill and EnviroFill are the same things. This infill is made from manufactured sand with rounded edges. This makes it safer for kids to play on, and it’s slightly better at shock absorption than regular sand. Hydrochill: Hydrochill (a.k.a. Chill fill) is designed to cool your turf and prevent it from getting too hot in the sun. It’s made from sand with a special coating that promotes evaporative cooling. Just spray the turf down and enjoy the refreshing coolness. Putting green infill: Putting green infill tends to be a finer mesh version of Durafill. This is like fine sand that’s small enough to fit into all the small crevices of putting green turf. This ensures a smooth roll every time. ZeoFill / zeolite max: Zeolite infill (a.k.a. Zeofill or Zeolite Max) is the best infill to use to help eliminate pet waste smells. It’s a natural material that’s pet-safe. Zeolite is also very porous which helps to keep your turf cooler in direct sunlight.