Artificial turf is becoming a favorite outside home décor option because it is both cost-effective and aesthetically attractive. Many people consider it a good investment because it can make your yard attractive year-round, and you will save drastically on lawn maintenance throughout the life of the turf. As with any large purchase, you should do your homework before committing to artificial turf. In the interest of education, we will discuss five things to consider before buying your first artificial turf.
Quality
Quality should be among the most critical factors in your evaluation of artificial turf. Variety is the aggregate of a few elements. The turf’s density and weight have a significant effect on how full and real the lawn looks. Quality turf will look very similar to natural grass. The color of quality turf will be consistent throughout. The texture should be soft. The blades should be densely packed, and there should be holes in the backing for drainage.
Polypropylene or polyamide turfs and polyethylene yarns are some of the best materials for artificial turf. Good grass feels soft to the touch, has quality stitching, and a deep color that is almost the same throughout.
Artificial Turf Does Require Some Maintenance
Many people choose to purchase artificial turf for their lawn because they do not want to spend the time and money to keep a traditional, natural grass garden alive and looking lush.
Good artificial turf will save you a tremendous amount in maintenance costs, but it does require some maintenance. It must be kept clean, or it will begin to look ragged and unattractive. It must also be brushed regularly so that the blades do not bend prematurely (they will eventually turn, but brushing will delay this).
Clearing debris with a leaf blower, or vacuum, is essential for your artificial turf. Quality artificial turf will remain in good condition for many years as long as these maintenance activities are performed weekly. Of course, artificial turf is virtually unaffected by drought or other natural factors, another advantage of artificial turf.
Consider The Traffic Level Of Your Lawn
The kind of artificial grass you need will depend heavily on the area’s amount of traffic. Pets and children are harder on turf, so they require a more durable product. If you purchase grass that is not durable enough for your needs, you will notice that it will degrade relatively quickly. As it deteriorates, it will be less comfortable and look worn down.
Highly durable turf may feel stiffer to the touch. Be sure to observe many different lawns before you purchase. It will allow you to find the right mix of comfort and durability for your needs.
Pay Attention To Infill
Infill is necessary for artificial turf. Infill is particles that are set between the blades of the artificial grass. These particles “fill out” the lawn and helps to give it the full, robust look that people want in their yard.
There are two significant types of infill that work well for most artificial turf lawns;
- Green, acrylic, sand-like particles that have antimicrobial properties.
- Black rubber particles that reshaped like crumbs
These products’ primary purpose is to make the grass stand up to look more like natural grass.
The green acrylic particles can also help to eliminate pet odors and odor-causing bacteria. It also makes the surface around 25% cooler and more durable. These sand-like particles also closely imitate the feeling of soil.
The Rubber Crumb variety of infill is most widely used in athletic fields but could apply to home lawns. The rubber crumbs provide more cushion and a more realistic bounce (for athletic events.)
Pile Height And Density
These three factors can make a big difference in the appearance of your lawn. A customer should learn what all of these mean and discover the best of each specification for your needs.
Pile height is the length of the grass blades from the backing up to the tip. It is important to note that the highest pile height will not necessarily be the best option for a full lawn. The larger blades are more likely to bend down toward the ground because of their increased weight. It will give your garden an unattractive, flat look that will leave you unsatisfied with your choice.
Experts advise for a pile height of 15-40 mm for a good-looking lawn. If you plan to put furniture in your garden, the most significant factor in maintaining grass that stands straight up is regular brushing.
Density is the measure of the amount of fiber per square unit. A denser turf will look more full, and it will stand up to high traffic better than less dense grasses. However, less thick grasses can be maintained well with the right amount and variety of infill.
In Conclusion
It is a good idea to supplement your research with the advice of a professional. A knowledgeable professional can give you insight into your specific needs and what would satisfy you.
Artificial turf is becoming a popular alternative to natural, living grass lawns. It is attractive because they are durable, require less maintenance, and can give your yard a lush appearance. The turf will stay the same color year-round. Additionally, the technology has advanced to a point at which artificial turf feels very similar to a lawn of real grass.
Since artificial turf is a significant investment, it must not be taken lightly. Customers should research the specifics and choose the right grass for their needs. Be sure to pay close attention to the traffic level of your area, choosing the correct infill, as well as the appropriate density and pile height. Educating yourself on these factors can help you to make the right decision.
