Category: Artificial Grass Cost

  • 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.   

  • 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.

  • Stevia and Insulin Response

    Another key concern for fasters is insulin. Some rodent studies suggested stevia might stimulate insulin release, but most human trials show minimal to no effect. A 2019 review in Nutrients concluded that stevia is essentially neutral when it comes to insulin secretion in healthy adults.

    For people fasting primarily to burn fat or manage insulin resistance, this is good news. Any effect stevia has on insulin is too small to interfere with fat burning or ketosis.

    Stevia and Autophagy

    Autophagy — the body’s process of breaking down and recycling old or damaged cells — is one of the most exciting areas of fasting research. Unfortunately, there are no direct human studies on stevia and autophagy.

    Because autophagy is highly sensitive to nutrient signals, some experts suggest avoiding all sweeteners if your fasting goal is maximum cellular repair. Others argue that because stevia has no calories and no known effect on nutrient-sensing pathways, it’s unlikely to interfere.

    For now, the cautious approach is:

    • Everyday intermittent fasting: Stevia is safe.
    • Strict longevity fasts (48–72 hours): Stick with plain water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea.

    Fasting Goals vs. Stevia Impact

    Not all fasts have the same purpose. Some people fast to shed weight, others to improve blood sugar, and others to unlock longevity benefits through autophagy. Whether stevia “breaks” your fast depends on what you’re hoping to achieve.

    For weight loss, stevia is a safe companion. It contains no calories, doesn’t block fat burning, and may even help reduce cravings. If your goal is blood sugar stability or improved insulin sensitivity, stevia is also considered fasting-friendly since it has a glycemic index of zero and minimal effect on insulin.

    The situation becomes more complex with autophagy fasts, where the aim is cellular repair. Because autophagy is highly sensitive, even calorie-free sweeteners may theoretically interfere. For strict longevity fasts, most experts recommend avoiding stevia altogether. The same goes for gut rest fasts — while pure extract is unlikely to stimulate digestion, blends with fillers like maltodextrin could.

    If you’re combining keto and fasting, stevia remains one of the best options. It doesn’t affect ketosis, and it allows you to enjoy a touch of sweetness without derailing carb restriction.

  • What Does It Mean to “Break a Fast”?

    The phrase “breaking a fast” can mean different things depending on why you are fasting:

    • Metabolic fasting (weight loss, blood sugar control): You break the fast when you consume calories that trigger a rise in glucose or insulin.
    • Autophagy fasting (cellular repair, longevity): You break the fast when you consume anything that could interfere with cellular cleanup.
    • Gut rest fasting (digestive reset, gut health): You break the fast if you ingest anything that stimulates digestion.

    Because stevia is non-caloric, it does not break a fast for metabolic purposes. For stricter goals like autophagy, some experts recommend avoiding it anyway.

    Stevia and Blood Sugar (Glycemic Response)

    One of the main benefits of fasting is improved blood sugar control. Research shows that stevia has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it does not cause a rise in blood glucose.

    A 2010 study in Appetite compared stevia with both sugar and aspartame, finding that stevia lowered post-meal insulin and glucose. Similarly, trials in people with type 2 diabetes have shown that stevia may improve glucose tolerance over time.

    In practical terms, this means you can use pure stevia in your morning coffee or tea without worrying about breaking a fast for glycemic control. Unlike sugar, it won’t cause a spike followed by a crash.

  • What Is Stevia and Why Do People Use It?

    Stevia is a natural, plant-derived sweetener made from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a shrub native to South America. Unlike sugar, it has no calories and is 200–300 times sweeter by weight, which means just a drop or pinch can transform the taste of a drink or recipe.

    People turn to stevia for many reasons. Dieters often use it to cut sugar without giving up sweet flavors. Those with diabetes may choose stevia because it doesn’t raise blood sugar. It’s also popular in the keto community, where carbs must be tightly controlled, and among fasters who want to sweeten black coffee or tea without technically “eating.” Even dentists point out that stevia doesn’t feed oral bacteria in the way sugar does, making it tooth-friendly.

    Commercial Forms of Stevia

    Stevia isn’t always sold in the same way, and this matters when it comes to fasting.

    • Pure extracts (liquid drops or powder): These are the best choice for fasting since they contain no fillers or hidden calories.
    • Blends with sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol): Common in keto baking products. Usually safe for fasting, though large amounts can upset digestion.
    • Packets with fillers (dextrose, maltodextrin): Often the cheapest supermarket options. These can raise blood sugar and technically break a fast.
    • Flavored syrups or drops: May contain additives or small amounts of calories. Labels must be checked carefully.

    When in doubt, stick with pure liquid stevia extract for the cleanest fasting experience.

  • Does Stevia Break a Fast? Glycemic, Insulin & Autophagy Effects Explained

    Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular approaches to weight loss and metabolic health. But when it comes to adding a little sweetness to coffee or tea, confusion often arises: does stevia break a fast?

    The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your fasting goals — whether you’re trying to stabilize blood sugar, maximize fat burning, or encourage cellular repair through autophagy. This guide explores the science behind stevia’s effects on glycemic response, insulin, and autophagy, and explains how different fasting styles — from 16:8 to OMAD — may shape your choice.

    Does stevia break a fast?
    Pure stevia does not break a fast for weight loss, blood sugar control, or ketosis. It contains no calories and does not raise glucose or insulin levels. However, if your fasting goal is maximum autophagy and longevity, the most cautious approach is to avoid all sweeteners, including stevia.