Category: synthetic turf

  • No More Grass Stains

    Playing on natural grass has another side effect that parents hate to see. This is the fact that the kids can end up going home covered in nasty grass stains. These are difficult to remove from clothes and can mean that a fun day ends in complaining parents and upset children.

    However, by using artificial turf in a playground you can avoid this problem very easily. No matter how much the little ones play and fall to the ground, they won’t go home later with horrible grass stains that ruin their clothes.

    It is also simple to keep this kind of grass spotlessly clean and hygienic. By just hosing it down you can get rid of any dirt or dust that has ended up there very quickly and with little effort.

    Play for Longer

    Perhaps the advantage that the children will most appreciate is the fact that they can play for longer in a playground with an artificial turf surface. No matter what the weather is, they can carry on playing there for as long as they like without any worries.

    Even after a long day of being used by many different children, the surface will still look at good as new. In this way, it will be ready for use again the next day as well without any problems at all.

    Other types of surface can get into bad shape very quickly, meaning that some maintenance is needed before the playground can be used safely again. On the other hand, artificial grass is perfect for long days of playing endlessly.

  • Less Chance of Getting Muddy

    The kids might have a terrific time in any sort of playground and even learn as they play, but in what state do they arrive home afterwards? No parent wants to see their little ones return home caked from head to toe in mud.

    This is one of the big issues with many types of surfaces, as heavy rain can quickly turn these areas into a muddy mess. Things get even worse when many little pairs of feet go back and forward over it for hours.

    On the other hand, by choosing artificial grass with great drainage you can help the kids to stay cleaner at all times. They can even head out to play right after a heavy rainstorm without any problems, as the water will drain away quickly.

  • Cost of Artificial Turf for Playgrounds

    Installing artificial turf for playgrounds has more considerations than just the cost. Finding the right surface for a playground can be hard work.

    Traditional options such as natural grass, rubber and mulch all have some benefits, and several major drawbacks as well.

    However, by choosing artificial grass for a playground, you can ensure that there is a fantastic surface for the youngsters to play on. There are plenty of benefits to using artificial grass that have seen many people already choose it.

    Bearing this in mind, the following are some of the top reasons for choosing this type of surface for a playground.

    Artificial Turf is Safer for Playgrounds

    The main concern for most people who are fitting out a playground is the safety of the children who use it. You will definitely want to create a safe space where they can play for hours without the risk of skinned elbows, sore knees or even worse, playground injuries.

    The good news is that artificial turf is excellent at giving a soft and safe landing. No matter how much rough and tumble the kids enjoy there, they will stay safe with this soft surface under them.

    The best move in this respect is to look for soft and spongy grass with a comfortable feel to it. This will give the kids the ideal place to let their hair down and have a great time without causing you any concerns about possible injuries.

  • It Is Very Difficult to Lay

    If the thought of laying an artificial lawn brings you out in a cold sweat, then it is possible that you have come across one of the most common widely believed myths. In this case, the perceived problem is that it is an incredibly difficult and time-consuming thing to do.

    Yet, this is actually a simple and fairly enjoyable task that many people now carry out as a weekend DIY job. All you need is a few basic tools and enough time to do this job in a relaxed way without any pressure.

    Of course, if you prefer to leave it to the experts, then this is an option that you can also explore easily enough. Either way, you will have your new lawn in place and ready to use in no time.

    It Doesn’t Drain Well

    A big concern for anyone who lives in a rainy area is around how well their lawn drains. The idea of having pools of water sitting there for most of the year is something that no-one wants to contemplate.

    The good news around this point is that you can expect good quality artificial turf to have excellent drainage, even in tough conditions. The better the material and the laying process, the more likely it is that you will have a well-drained lawn in the future.

    This means that if you live somewhere that is prone to periods of heavy rain, then it makes sense that you ensure the drainage is one of the key points that you take into account when choosing the grass type.

    After you have discovered that these issues are nothing more than myths, it should be a lot easier to make the decision to choose artificial grass for your lawn.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Pros and Cons of Using Stevia While Fasting

    How Stevia Plays Out in Real-World Fasting

    In practice, most fasters use stevia in morning coffee or tea. This allows them to tolerate long fasting windows without hunger. For those focused on weight loss, it can be a useful crutch to stay consistent.

    Diabetics often find it beneficial as well, since stevia provides sweetness without destabilizing blood sugar. For longer water fasts (24–72 hours), stevia use becomes more controversial. Purists who want the full autophagy benefit usually avoid it, while those fasting mainly for fat loss may still include it without issue.

    Does Stevia Break a Fast on OMAD, 16:8, or 5:2?

    Different fasting schedules don’t change how stevia interacts with the body — but they do shape how people use it.

    5:2 Diet: On low-calorie days, stevia adds flavor without adding calories, making it a good tool for adherence.Pros:

    OMAD (One Meal a Day): Since you fast for 23 hours, most people prefer plain coffee or tea. Pure stevia is safe, but those fasting for autophagy may skip it.

    16:8 Intermittent Fasting: The most common style. Stevia in coffee or tea is perfectly fine here and doesn’t compromise the fast.

    • Zero calories, won’t break metabolic fast.
    • Does not raise blood sugar or insulin.
    • Helpful for curbing cravings and supporting compliance.
    • Safe for people with diabetes and keto dieters.

    Cons:

    • May maintain preference for sweetness, making sugar cravings harder to reduce.
    • Some commercial products include fillers that can raise glucose.
    • Long-term effects on autophagy aren’t well studied.
    • Overuse in blends may cause bloating or digestive upset.