10 Questions You Should to Know about artificial turf LATEX
10 Reasons Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You're Looking For
10 Reasons Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You’re Looking For
It seems like the perfect solution. Replace thirsty lawns with something that plays the part yet is perfectly (un)dead and therefore requires no water, no maintenance, and no sweat. But the story of artificial turf is not as simple as it sounds, and most of that has to do with the “no sweat” part of it. Let me explain.
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We get so much more from living plats than just a splash of color. And, as thirsty as our living lawns are, they provide so much more than a place to tumble around on. For those of us who want the look and feel of grass and the water requirements of concrete, artificial turf might seem like the answer. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.
2. It Adds to the Urban Heat Island Effect
Because it is essentially made of plastic and rubber, not plant material, it doesn’t offer any of the benefits of plants, such as abating the urban heat island effect. More on this later….
3. You Will Need to Clean
It Just like any other rug, it will collect bits and pieces of pet and bird droppings and liquids from humans (saliva, blood, or sweat). Unlike natural plant materials, which lose parts and regrow them, the blades and the bedding of artificial turf remain the same. You’ll need to rake it to fluff up and straighten the fibers. And you’ll need to hose it down with water. In fact, for most professional and recreational spots use, the Synthetic Turf Council suggests the installation of a manual or automatic irrigation system with artificial turf to improve field sanitation and to make it more comfortable for players in warmer climates.
4. It’s Not as Safe as You Think
Why would artificial grass need an irrigation system when installed in a warm climate? Well, it can get really hot. Surface temperatures of artificial grass are about 20-50° F higher than natural grass and typically reach the same temperature as asphalt pavement. The highest temperature measured during research was 200° F. Wow! Now, manufacturers of the product are aware of the issue and are working to improve how hot the materials get. The Synthetic Turf Council has even published guidelines for minimizing the risk of heat-related illness. Still, it’s plastic in the Valley of the Sun, not a great pairing if staying cool in your yard is a priority for you.
6. It Will Need to be Replaced
Eventually, you will need to replace the artificial turf. Its life expectancy is still unknown. Some companies claim a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, while critics are estimating closer to eight years. We’ve experienced the incredible ability of the Arizona sun to destroy rubber and plastics, so any estimates (and cost recovery estimates) will need to take that into consideration. Like any other product, as technology and design improves, the life expectancy will improve, as long as the product is properly maintained. Proper maintenance of artificial turf can help maximize the appearance and longevity of that product. Routine maintenance includes keeping the product clean, ensuring that the infill material is kept at proper levels, and brushing the surface to keep grass fibers upright and infill even. The design, installation, and quality of the product that you purchase are just as important.
7. It’s Expensive and Untested
This has to be asked …. Are you ready to invest a large sum of money to install a product that has not been tested under desert conditions? Installation costs can range from $5 to $20 a square foot. Consider how willing you are to risk this investment by thinking about the following questions: How long will these products last? What will happen to the chemicals in this product if the components begin to break down in my landscape? How much hotter will my landscape get? Will it make my house hotter in the summer and increase my energy bills? How will the summer temperatures affect any plant materials that are nearby? If you decide that this product is for you, just make sure you research both the company and the product to ensure it is high quality. The Synthetic Turf council has minimum specifications for turf grass that may be helpful.
8. It’s Not Environmentally Friendly
Many of us are drawn to artificial turf because we care about the environment. We want to save water. We want to save time. We’re tired of the grueling tasks of mowing and weeding, as well as applying fertilizers and pesticides when they’re needed. However, if your priority is caring for the environment, artificial turf is not going to be the best option. It’s made of plastic and difficult to recycle and reuse. In fact, while manufacturers promise recyclability, it is likely to end up in a landfill. When components break down, it’s possible for the chemicals or plastic materials to escape into the rest of the environment. Instead of increasing the life of your soil, it compacts soil and creates an inhabitable environment for the living organisms in your soil, rendering it unable to grow plant materials until that soil has been brought back to life.
10. Seriously It’s Not a Plant
See, it really comes down to why we grow plants in the urban environment. Plant materials provide so much more than just aesthetic value. They help improve water and air quality, reduce temperatures, reduce storm water runoff, and provide habitats for animals, insects, bees, and birds. With our increasingly built urban environment, less and less of our land is porous, allowing rainwater (and, sadly, irrigation runoff) to infiltrate into our soil, which acts as a natural filter. This means our landscapes need to act more like sponges, allowing water to move slowly over the soil and spread its benefits. Contouring the landscape helps water sink into the soil, and adding plant materials and mulch increases the absorbency of our soil. Artificial turf is an investment in fancy outdoor carpeting, but it is not an investment in a lively, beneficial landscape that keeps our cities cool, provides a natural habitat for wildlife, and gives back to the environment that sustains us.
This article was written by Tina Sleeper at the City of Tempe Water Resources Department, one of 18 Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.
50 Things About Artificial Turf - Synthetic Grass Warehouse
Equipment melts the plastic together and extrudes it through a perforated steel plate. The strands exit the steel plate into a water trough, solidifying the synthetic grass mixture. A machine pulls the strands through a large pulley and keeps them separated while they move on to the next station. Rollers stretch the strands until they become as thin as natural grass. Spools hold the synthetic grass strands. Once a spool has been filled, different color strands are woven together to form multiple synthetic yarns. Traveling through guides while wound around a giant spool prevents the yarn from slackening.
Mesh fabric merges with synthetic sheeting while the synthetic yarn travels through tubing to a tufting machine. A tufting machine is like a giant sewing machine, containing over 200 needles to hook the yarn through the sheeting.
While the turf is being tufted, small knives underneath cut the ends to make the yarn appear like grass blades. The backing is moved to a coating roller which picks up adhesive to apply to the turf’s backing.
The adhesive is dried in both open air and an enclosed setting. As the turf exits the drying, hot pins burn holes into the turf for drainage.
After multiple inspection points, including measuring the turf fiber length and minor trimming, the turf is moved to a device simulating football cleats to affirm the turf’s durability.
This comprehensive video featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit show “How it’s Made” takes you through each step of the synthetic grass process.
Through years of research and development, synthetic grass has been modified and transformed into what we now know as “third-generation” synthetic grass, according to the Synthetic Turf Council.
Through this constant evolution, synthetic grass has become the high-quality material we know today for most landscape installations.
The actual green blade of synthetic grass comprises a polyethylene material, a common form of plastic found in items such as bottles and plastic bags. The polyethylene comes in a solid pellet and is heated down along with any color tones and UV-resistant additives.
The thatch layer of synthetic grass is made from polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon. The thatch layer provides the turf with an added support layer and blade recovery.
Synthetic grass blades are inserted into the backing in rows through a tufting machine, which is basically a giant sewing machine with hundreds of needles. This machine gives the grass blades and thatch a more secure hold, increasing the turf’s life and durability.
What began as a part of a solution to help improve inner city youth’s physical fitness in the s sprouted into an entire industry dedicated to synthetic grass production.
The Ford Foundation’s Education Facilities Laboratory, in conjunction with Monsanto Industries and Chemstrand, encouraged the use of synthetic fiber carpeting in schools. From through , The Creative Group, Chemstrand’s research organization, tested the synthetic turf carpet surfaces for water drainage, resistance, and durability regarding foot traction.
The first large synthetic grass installation occurred in at Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island. The grass was referred to as “Chemgrass.”
In Houston’s Astrodome was in dire need of a consistent playing field as environmental conditions did not permit a decent atmosphere for natural grass growth. Instead of the field often coated with green paint among the dirt and patches of grass, Astrodome developer Judge Hofheinz consulted Monsanto about installing Chemgrass.
The Major League Baseball Team, the Houston Astros, began their season in throwing pitches and knocking out home runs on top of Chemgrass, formally re-named “Astroturf,” the household name known to much of America today. Invented by James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright of the Chemstrand Company, Astroturf’s first-generation synthetic grass showcased tightly curled nylon fibers woven into a foam backing.
A Trademark patent was officially issued for artificial turf on July 25, .
Following Astrodome’s success, Indiana State University installed artificial turf for the first outdoor stadium in .
Artificial turf became a surface success that continued to climb slowly but surely through the s with sports arenas throughout the United States and Canada. Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium, Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, and Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Stadium followed the artificial turf trend.
As the s came into full swing, the artificial turf industry followed the shag carpet trend and introduced “shag turf.” The longer yarns were created from a softer polypropylene material, much more user-friendly than its first-generation predecessor. Sports like field hockey benefited from this surface. However, soccer was left in the dust due to the soccer ball’s reaction to the grass’s surface.
Fast forward to the middle of the s to third-generation artificial turf, which featured a much softer polyethylene blade fiber. You will find this turf on any residential, commercial or sports landscape today. The third-generation synthetic grass also features longer fibers spaced farther apart and a “thatch,” or dead grass yarn, positioned between the grass blades and the backing. For ideal turf form, function and stability, infill is spread throughout for extra comfort while providing adequate foot traction.
Synthetic grass can be created with so many different colors and blade heights; however, within the extrusion process, like the way you would squeeze out play-dough with different shapes, there are several synthetic grass blade shapes. Each of these blade shapes serves a different purpose and creates a different effect on your lawn.Oval Fiber
Turfs that have oval-shaped fibers are commonly found in many different landscape installations. These fibers feel soft to the touch while still maintaining durability.
Diamond De-Lustered Fiber
Synthetic turf that features a diamond de-lustered shape maintains a soft but sturdier feel. It works ideally as a landscape grass for commercial and residential areas.
3D Curvy “W” Fiber
The 3D Curvy ‘W’ fiber is a strong fiber that can withstand large amounts of pressure and helps the turf, as a whole, bounce back to its original state. The blade offers multiple support points, which allows for greater durability and a “memory” effect. The turf will bounce back to its original state, despite the surface weight.
Omega Fiber
The omega blade shape can be found most often in pet turfs as well as shorter pile heights.
“C” Shaped Fiber
The C-shaped blade gives the turf a natural look and helps the synthetic grass feel soft to the touch. This blade shape can be applied on any installation; however, it is most commonly found on residential and commercial property landscapes.
“M” Shaped Fiber
The “M” shaped blade creates more durability making the turf ideal for heavy foot traffic. Used primarily for areas that experience high amounts of foot traffic, the “M” blade is excellent for landscapes with high foot traffic.
S Blade
The “S” Blade is built utilizing an S’s curves to reflect less sunlight – giving it a more natural and realistic appearance. The extra volume in shape and increased durability in the surface area give the blade moderate traffic resilience.
Corrugated
The Corrugated blade fiber has a unique shape that allows for enhanced recovery and stability. The intricate shape also reduces shine and creates a more visual texture and depth in each blade, making this shape ideal for residential and commercial projects with moderate traffic.
U Shape
The curvature on the “U” shaped blades is designed to create a visual feeling of added depth to your turf, especially when viewed from above. The broader blades result in the natural look of a strong and healthy landscape, bringing to life any project with moderate foot traffic.
Diamond De-Lustered & Mini Ultra
The Diamond De-Lustered & Mini Ultra shape combination ensures a turf that is ideal for commercial and residential landscape installations as it maintains a soft yet sturdy feel.
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3D Curvy W & Curvy Ribbed C
The 3D Curvy W & Curvy Ribbed C shape combination allows for strong fibers that can stand up to foot traffic while still maintaining a natural appearance and softness to the touch. These blade shapes will help the turf return to its original form with multiple support points and make it ideal for residential and commercial landscape installations.
Throughout recent years, synthetic grass has been utilized as an alternative to natural grass. Not only does synthetic grass stay green all year long, but it also aids in multiple aspects of environmental conservation.
1. Water Conservation:
Within the past few years, many areas across the nation and world have suffered from extreme drought, and water rationing is becoming commonplace. According to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, one square foot of synthetic grass can save up to 55 gallons of water in one year.
2. Pesticides:
It may rid your plants and grass of annoying bugs, weeds and other overgrowths; however, pesticide chemicals have proven harmful side effects that not only hide in your lawn but eventually seep into your local water table. According to the Cancer Research Center-UK, studies suggest pesticides could be linked to cancers such as leukemia, brain tumors, and breast and prostate cancer.
3. Carbon Emissions:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered gardening equipment like lawnmowers represents five percent of air pollution in the U.S. A synthetic lawn requires minimal upkeep with gas-powered gardening equipment and would eliminate the need for these items.
A synthetic lawn not only benefits the end user but also has multiple environmental advantages. By eliminating water and chemical waste and reducing carbon emissions, artificial turf can solve many ongoing environmental problems.
Synthetic grass installation can be basic; however, no two synthetic grass installs are done exactly the same way. There will always be unique situations for each install; however, there are basic differences for specific synthetic grass needs. A typical synthetic grass installation can last anywhere between one to three days.
For a basic synthetic grass installation, consider these steps:
1. Pre-Installation:
Remove existing materials and rough grade the area to create a solid sub-base. Rough grade the area to uncover everything underneath, including electric wiring, irrigation and pipes. Cap sprinklers at the pipe level to avoid any kind of leakage. Install bender board to provide a clean separation for plants and turf.
2. Base Preparation:
Install ½” or less crushed base to allow for proper drainage. Install this layer three inches deep. Distribute the base and ensure it is level to account for any sloping areas. Install drainage area. A smooth base will account for the surface-level appearance of the project.
3. Compacting Base:
Compact base by vibrating, tamping and rolling the gravel. This ensures the base is solid so nails can be driven into the turf.
4. Weed Retardant Layer (optional):
The weed cloth layer prevents growth from the base through the turf. This layer is not recommended if the installation involves pet usage. Overlap weed cloth edges by six inches and secure with as many flathead nails as possible to prevent the cloth’s movement. Trim the cloth to fit the area and leave a quarter-inch gap along the hardscape or border areas to allow for easier tucking.
5. Laying Turf:
Find a straight edge of the turf or a perpendicular edge for alignment. Square to fit the area and minimize cutting and fitting on all four sides. Secure the turf edges with nails to hold them in place. *Remember to soldier the turf towards your privileged viewpoint; in other words, consider the natural blade direction of the grass
6. Custom Fitting Turf:
Overcut the turf by one inch along the edges to provide excess turf necessary for tucking. If there are doubts, cut the turf fatter than estimated, as it can be trimmed later. Use a seaming tool to seam edges together. Cut the seams in an S-shape to avoid the turf pushing up. Install nails every six inches along the edges and drive them ¾ of the way down. Remember to move the surrounding fibers with another nail or staple, then tap the nail head all the way to the backing. Use U-shaped nails for the seams to join the turf edges together.
7. Tucking Turf (optional):
Hide the edges of your turf against the hardscape by using a metal bar known as a “wonder bar.”
8. Apply Infill:
Use a power brush to force grass blades up for infill to be applied. Apply your specified infill layer. The infill layer acts as a balance to hold the blades upright and gives the turf more weight.
9. Final Groom:
Power brush the turf once again to lightly force infill granules into the base of the turf. Remove any excess debris.
“If you have a synthetic grass lawn that your furry friends frequently use, some special attention is required once they “do their business.” Here are a few turf-cleaning tips that will make you and your pet happy and make your turf last longer and smell fresh:
1. If your pet’s waste is solid:
After the waste dries, remove it as regular grass, then rinse. If the waste is loose, remove and spot-treat it with the appropriate disinfecting cleaner, such as a cleaner like TurFresh.
2. If your pet’s waste is liquid:
Although liquid waste will be more challenging to locate on your turf, it is best to assume your animal uses the entire area. Pet urine contains ammonia, which can result in smelly turf. Our TurFresh product neutralizes odors caused by the bacteria from the ammonia in pet urine, making this a great option for maintaining your furry friend’s play area.
What to avoid when cleaning up after your pet:
- Harsh acids
- Cleaners containing alcohol
- Pressurized water
By avoiding these items, you can preserve your turf so it will last longer!
In the turf world, there are many different types of infill, and each one of these products serves a different purpose and specifically pairs with certain products. In the turf world, “infill” is the layer of sand used on top of the turf between the fibers for ballast and cushion.Listed here are the top three infill types used for synthetic grass and putting green installations:
1. Envirofill
Envirofill is an acrylic-coated sand most widely used by installers across the nation for its non-abrasive and anti-microbial properties. Not only does Envirofill inhibit the growth of bacteria within the turf, but the green color blends in with the blades because of the outer coating, and it also will not harm the turf. Once the sand granule is coated with green acrylic, Envirofill’s outer layer eliminates the granule’s angular outer edges, which can be abrasive for synthetic grass.
Envirofill typically comes in both large and small granule sizes. The large granule is primarily used for a typical synthetic grass landscape installation as opposed to the small granule, which is utilized in putting green installations.
2. Sand
The sand infill is most commonly comprised of a quartz base and comes in large and small granule sizes. The large granules are used primarily for any standard synthetic turf landscape installation, whereas the smaller granule-sized sand is used as infill for most synthetic putting green installations.
1. Low maintenance
Once it’s installed, artificial turf requires minimal maintenance or watering.
2. No need for a lawnmower
Lawnmowers become costly, need repair and makeup five percent of the country’s air pollution.
3. No fertilizers or weed killers
Synthetic turf will only require certain types of infill to help the blades stand tall. SGW infill products are safe and non-toxic to people and the environment.
4. Environmentally friendly
Not only does synthetic grass help air quality by eliminating gardening equipment, but it also saves a ton of water, in both quality and quantity. According to the Sacramento Bee, a typical natural turf lawn requires 55 gallons of water per square foot per year, which equals 44,000 gallons for an 800-square-foot lawn. Artificial grass saves up to 660,000 gallons of water over 15 years!
5. Forget about pulling weeds!
Most synthetic turf companies offer specific weed fabric designed to block weeds from creeping through your synthetic grass.
6. Long lasting
Synthetic grass can last up to 15 years before needing to replace it. Most synthetic turf products are built with the latest synthetic turf technology and are designed to withstand high amounts of foot traffic and all weather conditions.
7. Superior Drainage
Unlike natural grass, synthetic grass drains at a higher right and will not accrue mud or potholes. It will also dry faster and provide more outdoor time for fun activities or sports team practice.
8. Strong and durable
Most artificial turf blades are tufted into the polyurethane backing, each designed to handle large amounts of foot traffic. Feel free to play all kinds of activities on your synthetic grass.
9. Looks beautiful
Synthetic grass always appears perfectly groomed and remains green year-round.
10. Saves Time
Instead of spending the weekends manicuring the lawn, you can spend more time relaxing in your yard!
Yarn extrusion is defined as the process of transforming liquid plastic into individual solid fibers by pushing the liquid plastic through a fixed cross sectional profile that is designed to form each individual blade of turf. For example, a turf blade can be extruded with a ‘W’ shaped profile or a ‘U’ shaped profile. In the world of yarn extrusion, these companies are the main producers of the latest in synthetic turf technology:
TenCate Grass: As the world’s leading producer of high quality synthetic grass fibers, TenCate Grass develops and manufactures synthetic grass fibers, primary backing and infill materials for synthetic turf systems. With the latest in turf design, TenCate Grass features grass blades of all shapes and specs while incorporating “Cool Yarn” technology as well as U.V. inhibitors within their artificial grass materials. Their grass products are featured as a line called “TigerTurf” and is distributed across the continents. Synthetic Grass Warehouse is the exclusive North American distributor of this popular turf line.
Bonar: Based in Belgium and the United Kingdom, Bonar Yarns is one of the major players in synthetic grass yarn extrusion. They feature “Ultra technology” which focuses on durability, resilience and skin friendliness. “CoolGrass” technology is focused on the surface temperature of their products through light reflective technology.
Mattex: Based out of the Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the present day, Mattex has two facilities, one in Jeddah and one in Dubai as well as warehouse locations around the world. They focus primarily on carpet and synthetic grass backings.
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