Author: artificial turf

  • All Artificial Grass is the Same

    Another common misconception is that there is just one type of artificial grass that you can choose. In truth, there are a number of different kinds that are suitable for varying needs and budgets.

    It is worth taking the time to look around at your options before you make a final decision. For instance, do you want a luxury feel, a budget lawn or the lowest maintenance variety for your lawn?

    There is a big selection for you to choose from and you will want to pick a type of grass that you feel completely satisfied with, in both the long-term and the short-term. Maybe you will want a nice, spongy type or the kind that is perfect carrying out sports on. The decision is yours. You are definitely not limited.

    It Gets Very Hot Easily

    Have you heard or read somewhere that artificial grass tends to get extremely hot in the sun? This is another  fallacy regarding artificial grass.

    Present day synthetic grass is made to reflect as much heat as possible, rather than absorbing it. This means that it is generally very comfortable to walk or play on, even on a hot summer’s day. Modern zeolite infills also help reduce heat by up to 20 degrees.

    If it is a scorching hot day and you want to cool down on your lawn, then you can hose cold water onto it and enjoy the fresh sensation. Otherwise, you will be able to walk across it without any problems throughout the year.

  • Cost of Artificial Grass and 7 Myths About Artificial Grass Busted

    The idea of putting down synthetic turf is becoming extremely popular these days. Yet, there are still some common myths about this type of artificial grass that you may believe including the cost of artificial grass.

    The following are some myths you might have heard at some point. In fairness, many of them date from the early days of synthetic grass, when it was still largely unknown to many people.

    The Cost of Artificial Grass: It Is Very Expensive

    It is still common for homeowners to assume that they would need to pay a fortune to get an artificial lawn. However, this isn’t the case anymore and you can get a terrific lawn even on a relatively modest budget these days.

    One smart way of doing this is to purchase recycled turf,.

    Buying and laying a lawn of this type is typically more expensive than using seeds to grow natural grass. However, the price gap is now smaller than ever before and isn’t something that should be a major factor for most people. It also saves you lots of time.

  • How much infill does synthetic grass require?  

    Depending on the type of turf, you would need 1-2 pounds per square foot. You might more if the pile height of the artificial turf is high.  

    How often do you need to add infill to artificial turf?   

    You need to add infill to artificial turf once every eighteen months. 

    Can I lay artificial turf straight onto the sand?  

    No, you need a base layer that is compacted. Otherwise, your turf will end up being uneven.  

    What can I use instead of silica sand?  

    If you don’t want to use silica sand, Zeofill, and EnviroFill are good options, even if you don’t have pets.  

  • Which infill should you use on your turf?  

    By reviewing the pros and cons of each abovementioned infill turf, you can get an idea of which one matches your needs. For example: 

    • If you are planning to use artificial turf on a sports field, consider rubber infill such as Crumb Rubber. 
    • If you are considering a playground or lawn for children and pets, look to Silica Sand or ZeoFill. 
    • If you plan to install turf in a dog park or near a house with pets, consider ZeoFill or EnviroFill since they are excellent for neutralizing pet odors. 
    • If you live in a warm climate, you need turf that has cooling properties, such as ZeoFill or  EnviroFill (avoid crumb rubber). 

    It’s also possible to mix several types of infills to achieve the desired results. To find the right balance, you would need to consult an artificial turf installation expert. 

    How do you install infill on artificial grass? 

    To install infill on artificial grass, you would need to use a drop spreader to spread infill evenly. Then, use a power broom and go against the grain of the lawn to ensure the bristles end up upright. 

    Why does artificial grass need infill?  

    The key reasons why artificial grass needs infill include: 

    • Holds the blades in an upright position 
    • Protects synthetic fibers from breaking 
    • Increases fire resistance of artificial turf 
    • Improves drainage 
    • Enhances appearance 
    • Adds weight to the lawn, so it doesn’t move 
    • Protects the backing from damage 

    Without infill, the integrity of the artificial turf is much lower. You would need to replace the grass turf more often. 

  • The downside of using this infill type is that it traps heat.

    Crumb rubber infill is made from recycled tires. This type of infill gives your artificial turf a bounce. That’s why it’s often popular in sports fields and recreational areas. The benefits of using this type of turf infill are: 

    • Softness – you can take advantage of crumb rubber if you are planning any barefoot activities. 
    • Realistic feel – this type of infill gives your artificial turf the feel of natural grass. 
    • Inexpensive – crumb rubber is generally less expensive than other turf types. 
    • Easy maintenance – this infill type can stay intact for many years with little to no maintenance. 

    The downside of using this infill type is that it traps heat. Turf with rubber infill is usually hotter to step on, especially during hot summer days. It can also leave black dust on the shoe soles and lawn furniture. 

    WonderFill  

    This is yet another sand infill for artificial turf that improves drainage in your synthetic turf. It comes with a high-quality coating and natural color. The benefits of this type of infill include: 

    • Antibacterial properties – this infill uses a Zinc Omadine™ coating that prevents mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. 
    • Cost-effective – this infill type is one of the inexpensive options. 
    • Drainage – similar to other sand infills, WonderFill improves the drainage of your artificial grass. 

    The downside of using WonderFIll is that the drainage may worsen over time. With heavy use, this type of infill may also lose its ability to improve the turf’s appearance. 

    CamoFIll  

    CamoFill is very similar to WonderFill. This round-shaped sand infill can be great for lawns and playgrounds. This sand comes in different colors, giving a more natural look. Other benefits include: 

    • No mixing – this infill is heavy enough to do the job without mixing it with other infill materials 
    • Antibacterial properties – the Zinc Omadine™ coating prevents bacteria, mildew, and mold growth. 
    • Integrity – this sand infill is designed to last for years. 
    • Non-abrasive – the round shape makes this sand infill less abrasive than others. 

    The downside of using this infill is that drainage can worsen over time. Meanwhile, it’s not designed for households with pets since it doesn’t always filter out odors effectively.   

  • The downside of using DuraIFill infill for synthetic turf is that it’s acrylic-coated sand

    DuraFill (also known as EnviroFill) is an artificial grass infill made from artificial sand. It’s suitable for putting greens, dog parks, backyards, and much more. The benefits of this particular turf type include: 

    • Durability – it contributes to the integrity and longevity of your turf system. 
    • Microban® antimicrobial protection – granules are coated with antimicrobial materials to prevent bacteria from growing on your artificial grass. 
    • Low Temperature – Silicone dioxide keeps artificial lawns cool on hot summer days. 
    • Compaction Resistant – The highly-rounded quartz core resists compaction. 

    The downside of using DuraIFill infill for synthetic turf is that it’s acrylic-coated sand, which means the material is not as soft as other infill types. So, if your children are running around barefoot or you are thinking of infill for a sports field, you may want to choose another type.   

  • Silica sand provides excellent blade support and has a slower absorption rate.

    Another natural infill material is silica sand. This one is made from quartz eroded by wind and water. 

    Silica sand provides excellent blade support and has a slower absorption rate. This type of infill is great for lawns, putting greens, playgrounds, and recreational areas. 

    The key benefits of silica sand infill are: 

    • Natural materials – great for households with pets and children, playgrounds, and recreational areas. 
    • Realistic Putting Green Stimp Speed – 60 grit silica sand is just thin enough to make for a great backyard putting green while being heavy enough to keep grass blades in place. 
    • Popularity – industry-wide application, ability to mix with other infill materials. 
    • Excellent blade appearance – helps blades stand upright and look natural. 

    This type of turf infill also comes with a few downsides. It can increase the surface temperature of artificial turf. It is also heavier than most infill types and doesn’t prevent pet odors. 

  • How to Choose Infill for Artificial Turf

    The secret to natural-looking artificial turf is infill. Without this must-have element, your grass can look lifeless and bent. Choosing a suitable infill is vital to improving artificial turf’s appearance, quality, and longevity. 

    Infill can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, sand, and zeolites. Your choice of infill depends on many factors, including your preferences, the turf’s application, and your budget. 

    New Infill vs. Free Infill

    The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to purchase new infill or use the free infill that’s already embedded in used artificial turf. There’s also the option of going with new infill and new artificial grass. 

    Used artificial grass can be purchased with infill (infilled turf) or without infill (extracted turf). New artificial grass always requires new infill. 

    What are the different types of artificial turf infill? 

    All types of artificial turf infill have their pros and cons.  

    ZeoFill 

    If you have a dog, ZeoFill is an excellent choice for grass infill. This permeable turf infill is made from 100% natural materials (organic volcanic ash minerals called zeolites). The key benefits of ZeoFill include: 

    • Odor control – ZeoFill’s negatively charged molecular structure prevents ammonium in pet urine from forming into foul-smelling gas. After you rinse the grass, ZeoFIll absorbs the water and dilutes the ammonia to release it gradually as the water evaporates. This gets rid of pet odors before they become a problem. 
    • Better drainage – ZeoFill is a porous material. When it comes into contact with water, it absorbs the moisture and allows it to drain away gradually. This type of moisture control prevents bacteria and microbes from growing in your grass 
    • Microban® antimicrobial protection – Besides controlling bacterial growth through drainage, ZeoFill directly targets potentially harmful mold and bacteria. 
    • Cools Turf – Zerofill brings down the temperature of artificial turf by up to 19 degrees. This is especially important on hot summer days.  

    However, due to its light weight, ZeoFill can’t always be used as a primary infill. You would need to mix it with another infill type to achieve better results. 

  • How to Paint Artificial Turf Lines

    Repurposed turf may come with lines, numbers, and coloring. It is used sports turf after all! The good news is that most of these blemishes can be easily fixed using simple tools.

    For unwanted markings, you can easily restore the turf’s original green color by going over it a few times with spray paint. This way you can accurately capture the look and feel of living grass without having to buy new turf, or worse waste hundreds of dollars a month watering live grass that’s still probably going to die anyway.

    Materials

    We recommend using acrylic outdoor paint. This type of paint should last about 3-5 years depending on the amount of foot traffic your yard gets, and can easily be reapplied as needed! Using non outdoor paints could result with the color being stripped off by weather and daily use. When purchasing your paint, try to match it as closely as possible to the color of your turf. You wouldn’t believe how many shades of green there are out there!

    We also recommend using a paint sprayer (also known as a paint spray gun) for the best possible result. This will allow you to work quickly and effectively.

    Safety Considerations

    Apply the paint in an outdoor space. Be careful not to inhale paint fumes. Consider wearing a paint mask and eye protection. Using gloves and washing your hands immediately after are also important safety considerations. 

    What to Do:

    Using your paint sprayer slowly and evenly apply a coat of acrylic outdoor paint. Continue to apply coats until the marking fades, and then add a few more coats for good measure. Once complete give your turf ample time to dry before stepping or placing objects on it.

  • Does Stevia Break a Fast on Keto? Myths, Facts, and Alternatives

    Many keto dieters also practice fasting, which adds another layer of concern. A common myth is that all sweeteners kick you out of ketosis. In reality, pure stevia contains no carbs and does not impact blood sugar or insulin, so it doesn’t interfere with ketosis.

    For those who want alternatives: monk fruit is another natural, non-caloric option. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, is widely used in keto desserts and is generally safe, though some people experience digestive upset. For strict keto fasts, unsweetened black coffee or herbal tea remain the cleanest choices.

    Stevia vs. Other Sweeteners During Fasting

    SweetenerCaloriesGlycemic ImpactInsulin EffectFasting-Safe?
    Stevia0NoneMinimal✅ Yes
    Monk Fruit0NoneMinimal✅ Yes
    Sucralose0Possible gut impactMixed results⚠️ Maybe
    Aspartame0LowMixed results⚠️ Maybe
    Sugar16/tspHighHigh❌ No

    Takeaway: Stevia and monk fruit are the most reliable for fasting.

    Scientific Studies on Stevia and Fasting

    • Appetite (2010): Found that stevia lowered both insulin and glucose after meals compared to sugar.
    • Journal of Nutrition (2016): Showed that long-term stevia use improved glucose regulation.
    • Nutrients (2019, review): Concluded that stevia does not significantly stimulate insulin secretion in humans.

    Together, these findings support stevia as a fasting-safe option for most people.