FAQ About Artificial Grass
Q: Are there different kinds of artificial turf?
A: There are different kinds of artificial turf, made of three primary materials: polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. These materials can be combined or used alongside each other to increase durability, aesthetic, and overall quality.
Q: Is it safe for children and pets?
A: Artificial turf and synthetic grass is safe for children and pets. When installed correctly, it provides excellent shock-absorbent cushioning for any rough play. It is also widely non-toxic, lead-free, and ecologically-friendly.
Q: What is infill, and do you always need it?
A: Infill is any material spread over the artificial grass during installation. It helps to keep blades standing, while also protecting the turf and increasing longevity. Infill may also be included in a layer between the backing and yarn of your artificial turf.
Infill also helps keep the artificial turf as a whole in place where it was installed. Without infill, bulges and wrinkles can occur in the artificial turf, which ruins any natural aesthetic the grass may have had. Bulges and wrinkles are also hazardous, as you could trip over them.
Q: Does artificial grass drain?
A: Most backing on artificial turf has drainage holes to allow water and other liquid to pass through without pooling or unnecessary damage to your turf. An artificial turf that has proper drainage should be able to drain up to 30 inches of water per square foot per hour.
Drainage is also important during regular maintenance of your synthetic grass, which can be easily hosed to clear debris. If your artificial grass is not draining properly, you should contact a professional to investigate the problem or consult the manufacturer.
Q: How do you maintain artificial grass or turf?
A: There are a number of ways that you can care for and maintain your artificial turf.
Regularly brushing: If your artificial turf gets a lot of foot traffic, you’ll want to brush the grass fairly often to remove dirt and debris. Brushing also helps to fluff the grass, keeping it looking natural and healthy.
Don’t use detergents or alcohol for stains: While your artificial grass will not yellow like natural grass, it can still become stained. In the event of staining, you should use diluted bleach or vinegar with a rag or wet brush to clean the stain. This should not impact the color or structural integrity of the grass blades.
If you’re unsure about how to treat a certain stain, read any care instructions from your manufacturer or installer, or contact them with your questions.
Monitor your infill: Harsh weather may regularly remove your infill materials from your turf. You should take note of your infill after any inclement weather, and replace any missing infill.
This does not typically need to be done frequently, and sometimes you can just reposition the infill that is still on the turf to make sure the entire area is covered evenly.
Monitor the heat: While there are heat-resistant and fireproof synthetic grasses, not all of them can boast the same. Keep an eye on the heat index. If your artificial turf is in particularly harsh, direct sunlight, you should either deploy some kind of shade or make an effort to cool the area with water.
Q: Can you have live plants in artificial grass?
A: You can plant living plants with your artificial grass. However, it is best to have live plants added while the artificial turf is being installed rather than after the fact. This way, the installers can design your lawn in a way that will give any plants or trees the proper irrigation and access to light and nutrients.
If you know that you want plants but aren’t sure what kind you may want, you can always ask your installer what they recommend. Feel free to consult your installer before the actual installation of your artificial turf, and research the suggested flora before actual installation.
It is best to choose plants that require relatively low maintenance. Plants, shrubs, or flowers that are drought-tolerant are also a great idea, especially if you happen to live in a more arid area. They help to bring varieties of color while being simple to keep up with and maintain.
Keep in mind to avoid plants like bamboo and kudzu, which can quickly cause a lot of damage to your artificial grass and turf, and may effectively take over your yard in the process.
