If you are thinking about artificial turf installation for your own home then there are many different things to consider. How long does artificial grass last? Once you have installed it, you don’t want to get a year or two down the line and realize it needs a lot of work done.

Making astroturf last longer can be a good way to get value for your money, and as well as exploring how long different types of synthetic turf can last in this guide, we’re also exploring some tips on making the fake grass last longer.

How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?

If you treat the artificial grass right, it can last for around 8-15 years. This all depends on the maintenance and condition you keep your turf in. Fake grass lasts longer if you are able to take good care of it, and if the conditions are favorable. The amount of use that the grass gets plays a part, too. If you’re using it as a putting green then you might have a lot more foot traffic on the grass.

What Factors Affect the Longevity of Grass and Turf?

There are multiple things that come into play regarding the longevity of synthetic turf. Thinking about getting your front lawn covered? Be sure to give these factors some thought.

• The Quality Of Materials
  

How long does astroturf last? Does this vary when compared to other forms of synthetic lawn surface? If you want longevity, it makes perfect sense to invest in the best quality of grass that you can. If you’re at this stage in landscape design, spend some time researching the artificial grass materials and choosing the best for your own yard space.

• The Quality Of Installation

Artificial Grass installation is crucial. There is no point in having quality materials if it isn’t properly installed, as this can make the grass decay much more quickly. Always get your artificial grass professionally installed. Contact us to seek advice from professionals and explore installation options.

How to Make Your Artificial Grass Lawn Last Longer

You’ll want to get the most out of your investment, so how do you keep the astroturf lasting longer and retain the pristine look that you get when the lawn is first installed?

Proper Maintenance

Always follow the maintenance tips you are given when you get your turf installed. How long artificial turf lasts depends on whether you follow the specific maintenance schedule needed for that style of turf, and there are multiple materials and styles available. Most manufacturers will provide maintenance details for you to follow.

Remove Leaves and Debris

Leaves and debris can get stuck in the grass, making it look a lot worse and even causing it to degrade more quickly. You can remove these with a stiff brush to keep the green and clean look.

Keep It Clean

This means picking up any mess from the pets, or anything spilled on the grass. These can make the grass smell bad, and can even make it less safe to spend time on. This is extra important if you’ve got kids walking around. You can even use some mild detergents to get rid of any bacteria and make sure you’ve always got a clean surface (check the type of artificial grass and which cleaning products are compatible. Artificial grass should drain perfectly allowing you to hose and wash down the surface as required.

Brush Your Lawn Regularly

Most of the time, the lawn will clean itself and debris will get washed away, but regular brushing can help you to ensure that there aren’t smaller items of debris getting stuck in the artificial grass so that it is in the same condition as the day you got your artificial grass installed.

Minor Repairs

It is much better to get the minor repairs tackled rather than let them become big problems. The fake grass lasts a lot less time if there is a small tear or an area that becomes frayed, and you let this spread to more areas of the yard. Instead, when you spot a small area that needs repairs, contact the professionals and make sure it doesn’t get any worse.

It takes a considerable effort to maintain natural putting greens on golf courses. These surfaces are almost impossible to have at home. But if you are a golf fan, adding an artificial putting green to your backyard is the perfect alternative. Here is what you need to know about these surfaces!

What Is Putting Green Turf?

An artificial putting green is a fake grass with a low pile height that supports golf ball movement. These surfaces are lower than the fake turf you use for the lawn to ensure the ball rolls smoothly. Manufacturers use synthetic fiber, and the idea is to resemble the grass used on actual golf courses.

How to Choose the Best Artificial Turf for Putting Green

You need an outdoor putting green turf that can handle environmental factors. It shouldn’t fade under the influence of UV rays, and it should be capable of resisting rain and other weather conditions. Here are the main features to consider when choosing the putting green surface!

Face Weight and Pile Height

It described how much your outdoor putting green surface weighs per square yard. You’ll find the standard turfs to be from 21 to 40 oz. But if you want a top-quality putting green, go with 41 to 60 oz. The additional material will make your turf denser, which improves its longevity.
Another thing to consider is the pile height, which describes the turf’s thickness. Outdoor fake grass for gold should be from 0.5 to 0.75 inches thick. It ensures golf balls move smoothly.

Stimp Rating

This rating shows how fast a golf ball rolls on the surface. If the artificial turf putting green has a high stimp rating, the ball will move fast. You measure this reading by using a Stimpmeter. It’s a metal ramp you use to check how far the ball will go on the chosen surface.

Here are the three main categories of Stimp ratings recommended by UGSA and US Open

• Slow. The stimp reading is anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 feet.
• Medium. It’s for the ratings between 6.5 and 8.5 feet.
• Fast. If the rating is 8.5 to 10.5 feet, you get a fast surface.

You can adjust the velocity by manipulating the infill quantity. If you add infill, it will boost the speed of your putting green surface.

Turf Material

Synthetic fibers are the primary material for artificial turfs, and manufacturers choose the following for putting green surfaces:

• Nylon. It’s the most common and durable option. It can withstand heavy traffic, and it’s resistant to fire. However, nylon is sensitive to UV rays, so it could fade over time.
• Polyethylene. Manufacturers use recycled plastics to make this fiber. It’s resistant to sunlight and non-abrasive. Add an affordable price, and you get an excellent option for outdoor fake turfs.
• Polypropylene. It’s also resistant to the sun and fire, but you need to choose a suitable option. Polypropylene is mildly abrasive, which makes it durable even during frequent use.

Color of Artificial Putting Green

It’s a putting green surface, so the color would obviously be green. However, you can pick from multiple shades. You want fake turf that looks realistic but also one that fits your outdoor area. So, when thinking about a small backyard putting green ideas, match it with the rest of the setup in your garden.

How to Build a Backyard Putting Green

If you get a green kit, make sure to follow the instructions provided. But if you want to install the artificial grass yourself, here’s a quick guide:

1. Pick the location and size. For example, you can go with a single hole in a small backyard or a large putting green surface in big gardens.
2. Mark the area. Once you do, take out the sod within its limits and pick up all debris.
3. Excavate the zone. Use a weed killer and put landscape fabric to prevent it from growing.
4. Place the cups. You can dig small trenches to drain rainwater.
5. Design the base. Spread crushed stone evenly and run a lawn roller to make the ground smooth. Remove the stone and use a shovel to make cup holes.
6. Pre-shrink the surface. Do this only if the instructions say so, but please note this step will take at least a day.
7. Position the turf. You can use a utility knife to cut it where necessary. Use landscape staples or turf pegs to secure the putting green.
8. Place a border. It’s easiest to put a retaining wall.

How Much Does a Backyard Putting Green Cost?

If you go with a DIY kit, you’ll pay anywhere from $6 to $18 per square foot. The price depends on the quality and the brand. As for the standard packages, the cost per square foot decreases with large sizes.

For example, if you pick a small putting green, it might cost you $30+ per sq. ft. But if you need more than 2,000 sq. ft, that price can drop to $15 per square foot. Contact our team to learn more!

Artificial grass is a fantastic addition to any backyard. It looks great and improves curb appeal while minimizing needed maintenance.
If you want artificial grass to live up to the expectations, it will require infill.

This is a material you place between the blades to avoid wrinkling. Silica sand has become a popular infill choice, but is it a smart decision for your artificial turf? Check out this guide and learn everything about using silica sand for artificial grass!

What Is Silica Sand?

Silica sand is an infill you’ll often see in artificial turf setups. The material resembles sand, but it’s made of silica. While it’s necessary to stick to the instructions, this sand is perfectly safe to use with artificial grass. Silica will assist in keeping the blades upright and ensure there’s no wrinkling.

Why Should You Use Silica Sand for Turf

Even if you come across artificial grass that “doesn’t need infill,” it’s still smart to use it. The infill will extend the turf’s longevity, which saves money in the long run. Now, let’s check out why you should choose silica sand for turf setups!

It Is Cost-Effective and Durable

The market offers three infill choices for artificial grass: crumb rubber, organic, silica sand. Out of these three options, silicon hand is the most affordable. You’ll get it at the lowest price, but that doesn’t compromise its durability. Silica will keep your artificial turf flawless for long to deliver the best value for money!

Made of Non-Toxic Materials

You often hear that silica is dangerous for your health. But the truth is you just need to be careful when installing silica sand infill. It will require wearing safety protection to keep you from inhaling the material. This material is safe as long as you don’t breathe in the silica dust.

Furthermore, this sand comes from natural materials. Silica is a substance derived from quartz, and you receive grains of its sand in the package. The crucial thing is that a premium manufacturer won’t add any additives. Other sand types could contain chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that could harm people and animals, which makes silica a safer choice.

Provides UV Protection for Turf Backing

Sunlight is healthy to some extent, but long exposure to UV rays can be harmful. That’s true for human skin, but also any other surface. For example, if you expose a painted wall to ultraviolet rays, it will start fading quickly.

Artificial grass can also suffer under UV rays, but silica can help minimize this damage. This infill can resist UV rays well, which maintains the optimal condition of the turf packing.

Safer Than Crumb Rubber Infill

Crumb rubber is a frequent infill choice for artificial soil. People believe it’s safer than silicon, but crushed rubber contains dangerous materials. Manufacturers make it from rubber tires, which often contain oils, zinc, and black carbon.

Furthermore, crumb rubber often contains PAHs, which are carcinogens even after the compaction. It could be dangerous if you get in touch with the turf, so it’s better to choose silica.

Helps Synthetic Grass Blades Stand Upright

The crucial advantage of silica infill is that it helps blades stand in an optimal position. It contributes to the blade fiber stability. That ensures the turf looks like natural grass and maintains the 3D appearance for longer.

Blades are a common reason why your artificial turf stops looking attractive after a while. If you use silica infill, you will ensure they remain upright longer, even if there’s heavy foot traffic.

Does Artificial Grass Need Infill?

Some manufacturers sell artificial turf, claiming it doesn’t require infill. And while that might be true, the reason why your fake grass needs infill is durability. If you don’t add it to the soil, the turf will lose its initial attractiveness quickly.

You’ll notice the blades don’t stay erect, which ruins the turf’s overall appearance. Even the highest-quality artificial grass material can use infill to extend its longevity.

Silica infill has the role of weighing down the fake grass. That will help maintain the turf’s appearance despite overuse or environmental factors. Of course, if it’s raining heavily, you’ll still need adequate drainage. But silica will assist in ensuring the artificial grass doesn’t ripple in extreme weather conditions. A smart choice of infill and optimal turf installation can even help that pet odor doesn’t become an issue.

How Much Silica Sand Do I Need for Artificial Grass?

It depends on the chosen brand, but the experts recommend adding at least one pound of infill per square foot of fake grass. If you want to use the maximum potential of the infill, you can double the amount and add two pounds per square foot.

Where to Buy Silica Sand for Artificial Grass?

If you are looking for Las Vegas artificial turf, make sure to stick to reputable sellers and brands. You can get top-quality silica infill from local providers.

If you choose the right type of sand infill, it will help extend the overall longevity of your artificial grass. It’s the smartest investment you’ll make because the fake turf will look like new for a long time!

While most people first think of paving when it comes to surfacing around their residential pool, pool owners are increasingly turning to artificial turf instead. Synthetic grass offers a number of benefits over other surfacing options that make it safer and easier to maintain, as well as looking great and being more cost-effective than paving.

So why are Las Vegas pool owners choosing to install artificial grass around their pools?

Artificial Grass Around Pool Reduces Slipping Accidents

Artificial turf is a great non-slip surface. Besides increasing your grip with a more textured surface, artificial grass around pool also allows water to drain through to the ground, reducing the risk of slipping due to puddles and pooled water.

If you do fall, artificial grass also provides a softer and less abrasive surface to land on, reducing the chance of bruises and grazes, as well as more serious injuries that can be caused by landing on hard paving.

It is Resistant to Chemicals

Keeping your pool clean can require the use of a range of chemicals that can stain surfaces and damage plant life, giving your yard an unsightly appearance around the pool. In contrast, high quality artificial turf around pool is not affected by the chemicals you use in your pool. As a result, you don’t need to worry about every splash damaging your lawn.

Artificial Turf Around Pool Keeps the Area Clean

Paving can easily become discolored due to water from your pool and exposure to the sun. Paving also needs to be sealed on a regular basis, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, it can take frequent jet washing to keep the paving around your swimming pool looking pristine.

Synthetic grass does not have these problems, and its color does not fade as a result of weathering. It also prevents the growth of weeds, which can be a major irritant for pool owners with a paving surround.

Fake Grass Around Pool is Durable and Low Maintenance

Artificial grass can withstand the wear and tear of kids and pets running around, and artificial turf requires very little work to maintain. With the right maintenance, an artificial grass installation can last up to 20 years and still look as good as new. In most cases, you will simply need to brush the turf to remove debris once a fortnight or so.

Artificial turf also stands up to heavy lawn furniture without becoming creased or damaged, so you can pull your sun loungers up to the pool without worrying about damaging your lawn.

It Drains Well

Another vital aspect of your pool surround is its ability to drain water.

Drainage is a major advantage of artificial turf. Artificial grass has a perforated backing that allows water to drain through the turf and into the ground underneath. This means you don’t need to install drains around your pool to cope with water pooling on paving, which can be costly to maintain as well as install.

Having paving or real turf around your pool has other problems too. It can create puddles and wet dirt around your pool, making it harder to keep clean and more likely that dirt will be tracked back into your home.

It is Environmentally-Friendly

The environmental impact of maintaining a real grass lawn in Las Vegas is considerable when you take into account the use of electricity, water and fuel needed to keep it green and trimmed. Besides needing gallons of water every year to maintain, grass can also require the use of chemicals as pesticides that can be harmful to the local environment.

Artificial Grass Around Pool Looks and Feels Amazing

Unlike paving, which can become  uncomfortably hot in the sun, artificial grass is cool and soft on bare feet, making it the ideal surface for a pool surround. It also looks great, giving you a green, well-trimmed lawn all year round that won’t be damaged or discolored by your pool use. To discuss the best synthetic turf options for your pool surround, get in touch with us today.

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When deciding on a Las Vegas artificial turf installation, there are a few decisions to make in terms of building materials. Besides the synthetic turf itself, one of the most important considerations in the material that will be used as the artificial grass infill.

This can have a huge impact on how durable and fit for purpose your synthetic lawn is, and the right answer will be different depending on how you intend to use your artificial turf once it has been installed.

What is Artificial Grass Infill?

As the name implies, artificial grass infill is the material that is used to fill in the base layer of your synthetic turf and can affect the properties of your artificial grass quite a lot, as well as impacting the ease of maintaining your fake grass.

Living grass naturally grows upright to reach the sun and will return to an upright position after being flattened. Artificial grass infill helps the synthetic grass blade to stay upright and stand back up after being flattened, among several other important functions. Infill is usually made of fine materials such as sand or rubber crumbs.

Does Artificial Grass need infill?

Unless you are on a very tight budget, it is almost always better to use the recommended amount of infill for the artificial grass product you are installing. Besides keeping the artificial grass blades upright, infill acts as ballast to prevent high winds lifting your synthetic grass, makes your artificial turf more impact-dampening like real grass, and helps prevent rolls and wrinkles forming in the synthetic grass.

Artificial Grass Infill vs no Infill

There can be advantages to both options, however:

Advantages of Artificial Grass with Infill

• Keeps grass blades upright, improving the look of your lawn
• Makes the artificial turf more spongy and comfortable for kids and pets to play on
• Protects the foundations of the artificial grass installation
• Provides drainage
• Some infill types help eliminate pet odors

Advantages of Artificial Grass without Infill

• Some types of infill can create a mess when you play on the synthetic grass
• If the infill type is not matched to the type of synthetic grass backing used, it can block drainage
• Some types of infill can promote weed growth

Most of the potential disadvantages of using infill are really just the consequences of using the wrong type of infill for your situation, or a result of poor maintenance leading to damage, dirt build-up, or weed growth. This is one of the reasons it is turf infill that you use.

Types of Artificial Grass Infill

There are a few different types of material that can be used as infill for artificial grass, depending on how your synthetic turf will be used and the kind of wear it needs to withstand. These are three of the most common, and useful, types of infill that are used for artificial grass in Las Vegas.

Silica Sand

Silica sand is made from quartz that has been eroded by wind and water. This material is used in many construction applications besides artificial turf infill. It is generally the least expensive type of infill material. However, there are some downsides to this type of infill.

Rubber

Rubber crumbs, usually made from old tires and other recycled products, is a popular  artificial turf infill that is installed for in sports applications.

Durafill Sand

Durafill sand is an artificially manufactured type of sand infill that can be combined with other types of infill.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each Type?

Each type of infill has its own strengths and weaknesses. The right choice of infill depends on the type of artificial grass you are installing, how you intend to use it, and whether you have pets and other wildlife in your yard. As a result, we always recommend talking to one of our experts about your needs before making a decision on the type of infill or artificial grass that you want.

Silica Sand

This infill is not rounded, but instead, it is sharp-edged and may lead to premature fiber breakdown as it rubs against other materials. It also tends to hold moisture more than other infill types which can lead to bacteria growth on the surface and the development of mold and mildew.

Silica can also get compacted with use which means it reduces the permeability of the artificial grass infill. Or in other words, the drainage can get worse over time. It has also been known to hold in pet odors.

Rubber

Rubber crumbs give the synthetic turf more of a bounce than natural grass, making it more comfortable to run and fall on. As a result, this type of infill is popular for use on sports fields and high traffic areas that need to remain durable despite heavy use.

Rubber can trap odor and heat, however, and it can make the area feel warmer especially in an enclosed space. It can also result in black dust on clothing, shoes, towels, and lawn furniture.

Durafill Sand

Durafill sand is designed to help control the surface temperature of your artificial grass and keeps your synthetic turf infill porous to ensure reliable drainage. It is also less hospitable to bacteria than regular sand and helps control pet odors and the build-up of dirt and residue. There are no disadvantages with adding Durafill sand, besides the added cost.

How to Decide on What Artificial Turf Infill to Use?

Choosing the right type of infill material is important if you want to get the most out of your artificial grass, ensure that it lasts a long time, and stays in good condition. It is always a great idea to talk to an artificial grass specialist about your needs and get a better understanding of the benefits of different infill material blends. Knowing which ones will work for how you intend to use your artificial turf will help you decide on the right combination that will do the job most effectively.