The most recent developed version of synthetic, or fake turf, is a grass-like ground cover that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function. When used on athletic fields, fake turf provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery. As a landscape cover, fake turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free surface that doesn’t need to be watered or fertilized, and is available in styles that resemble local grass types.
What is Fake Turf made out of?
The carpet backing of synthetic turf can be used out of almost anything from jute to plastic to polyester. The highest quality artificial turf uses polyester tire cord for the backing. The fibers that are made to look like blades of grass are made mostly of nylon or polypropylene and can be manufactured in many different ways.
How is Fake Turf Made?
The installation of synthetic turf systems include a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and durable artificial grass blades, filled with a granular filler to resemble natural turf. To achieve that look, the fake grass blades are interspersed with a top soil created with sand and/or granulated recycled tire rubber or other materials that provide a similar stability, uniformity, and durability. Each blade is made to stand above the infill material. The length of the blades and characteristics are determined by the type of activity that the turf will be used for. For some types of applications, the synthetic turf system will include a pad or elastic layer beneath the turf, with lower pile height and less filler.
Why is Fake Turf so popular?
Synthetic turf is the perfect solution for game fields and landscapes that over time have become unsafe from overuse or harsh weather conditions. A natural grass field will never remain lush and resilient if it is trampled on every day, or rained on, or even during droughts when the grass simply doesn’t grow. These reasons, combined with the high cost it takes to maintain a grass sports field, and the need to conserve water, have resulted in an increase of parks and school opting for synthetic turf to meet their program needs. Sports are and have always been a huge part of our society, and to make playing consistent, the turf needs to be almost identical every day. Using synthetic turf, designed to simulate real grass field, is the best way to ensure this.
On the residential side, more and more home owners are opting for residential grass for numerous benefits as well.
What are some applications for Fake Turf?
Synthetic Turf can be used for many different industries and purposes including the following:
- Putting Greens: Many mini-golf course designers use fake grass to cut down on maintenance needs.
- Residential Landscaping: People looking for a no fuss lawn turn towards artificial grass.
- Sports Fields: Often synthetic turf is used for football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and many other sporting fields.
- Playgrounds: Provides students a safer place to play.
- Businesses: If business owners want to spend less money on lawn crews, they turn to artificial grass.
- Dog Runs: Artificial grass drains well, so you do not have to worry about puddles or mud.
- Balconies: Some apartment dwellers look for ways to add greenery to their space.
- Gyms: Fake turf adds a unique look, and provides traction and padding
If you are interested in learning more about fake turf, make sure to talk to a Synthetic Turf professional about some of your options.
