Similar to Art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Meaning, each of us will view the same turf product slightly differently. This is the reason there are literally hundreds of different choices out there for your yard, but consider what is most important to you from the following variables:
Length of the grass blade &#; for landscape applications, the height of the grass blades can vary anywhere from 1&#; to 2&#;, so the average is usually around 1.5&#;. The shorter the grass blades, the easier it will be to maintain, because fallen debris is less likely to get trapped within the grass blade layer. The longer grass blade products are often used for children to play on, as these tend to be a little more soft and lush. It&#;s a good idea to look at both ends of the spectrum, but we have found very realistic looking grasses at every height.
Colour &#; my recommendation is to choose the turf that will colour-match the best to your surrounding landscape. For example if there is a cedar hedge in your yard, you will want to choose the one that blends in with that colour to optimize the overall aesthetic. After hearing the feedback of hundreds of clients, most homeowners prefer a darker green colour with a golden-brown thatch layer. I have heard on many occasions that the light green looks more &#;fake&#;.
Density &#; refers to the density of the grass blades, which is actually a big determinant of the price of turf. Generally a nice healthy lawn is very full, while a less healthy lawn is quite sparse. When I show samples to clients, they always prefer the look of the more dense products, however, these are the highest on the price spectrum because they weigh more and require more raw materials to manufacture them. It&#;s a good thing to know ahead of time!
Oftentimes, a turf sample doesn&#;t do justice to what it will look like once it&#;s been installed in your yard. Therefore, you should look around the neighbourhood and see which ones you like and don&#;t like. If you need help identifying what kind of turf someone has in their front yard, just send me a message and I can let you know!
One last factor worth mentioning is that artificial turf looks much different from one angle to another. You may notice the grass blades have a certain direction, so looking &#;into the grain&#; will give you a deeper colour, while looking &#;down-grain&#; will look slightly more shiny from the reflection of the sun. This is normal with any type of grass, so consider which direction you will spend more time looking at it from. If it&#;s going in the front yard, you may want the grass blades facing the street to provide the best aesthetic and curb appeal.
An example of a turf that was chosen to best match the colour of the surrounding landscape. This one is called &#;Prime Fescue&#;, the most popular choice in !
Last Updated on August 14, by ReTurf
Man-made grass has come a long way from the neon green plastic eyesore it once was. Newer artificial turf can look incredibly life-like and realistic, with advanced technology and design mimicking the natural charm of a well-manicured lawn&#;without the mud, mowing, or moles.
If you&#;re considering making the switch or just curious about how synthetic grass can look and feel like the real thing, you&#;re in the right place.
The evolution of artificial turf technology is almost like the leap from black-and-white TVs to 4K Ultra HD. A big part of that difference has to do with the blades.
Forget the flat, uniform, single-colored plastic strips of the past&#;because new turf comes with a diverse range of blade designs. They come with varying widths, lengths, and curvatures that closely mimic the real deal. Made from materials like nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene, these blades don&#;t just look authentic&#;they feel it.
While this wasn&#;t so apparent with the old &#;astro&#; turf of the s and 70s, the blade design in modern artificial turf is a result of both artistic design and scientific engineering to look as realistic as possible. The variations in blade shape are no accident&#;they&#;re engineered to replicate the biomechanics and appearance of natural grass.
For example, some blades are designed with a spine running up the middle, which helps them stand upright, mimicking the natural resilience of grass against foot traffic. Other blades may feature a more pronounced curvature to enhance the softness and flexibility, making the turf feel more gentle underfoot.
Shapes of turf blades can vary more than many people realize:
The texture of the blades contributes significantly to both the look and feel of the turf. Manufacturers use different types of polymers to achieve desired textures. For instance:
The manufacturing process involves precision in the texturizing of these materials to enhance their natural feel. Techniques like fibrillation, where the blade surface is split into several finer strands, help create a softer texture that feels more like natural grass underfoot.
As you&#;ve probably guessed, the color of synthetic grass is very important. And achieving a natural look is not simply a matter of choosing an attractive-looking green. You have to consider the subtleties of how real grass appears in different seasons and light conditions.
Premium-grade turf blends several shades of green with brown and yellow fibers to give that full-bodied, &#;living&#; look. Instead of the grass looking uniformly bright, multi-colored blades add depth and makes your turf look alive. So even on a gray, drizzly day, your lawn could be the most beautiful lawn on the block.
The most realistic artificial turf features a blend of at least two, or potentially three different shades of green&#;light, medium, and dark. This variety replicates the way natural grass appears as it grows and interacts with sunlight. Some blades might be a vibrant, lush green, signaling new growth, while others take on a darker, more mature hue.
The inclusion of brown and yellow fibers mimic the thatch layer of natural lawns&#;dead and decomposing grass that sits at the base of a natural lawn, providing nutrients back to the soil. In artificial turf, this thatch layer adds a depth of color that enhances the realism, making the grass appear more multidimensional and alive.
High-quality turf manufacturers use a process that intersperses different colors randomly rather than in patterns. Random color distribution avoids the &#;fake grass&#; look that comes from too much uniformity and replicates the random growth patterns of natural grass. Some manufacturers go further and incorporate a slight color variation even within individual blades. Subtle gradation can better mimic the way natural grass blades fade from one shade to another, particularly towards the tips, which may lighten from sun exposure.
Tip: Premium turfs are infused with high-grade UV inhibitors during the manufacturing process. These inhibitors are mixed into the very makeup of the fibers to ensure that the color extends for years without significant fading.
When it comes to density, think of it as the thread count of your sheets. Higher fiber density means a thicker, more luxurious turf. Pile height adds to this lushness. Not too short that it feels like a putting green, and not too long that it looks unkempt. You want to find that sweet spot where it looks just plush enough to tempt you to kick off your shoes and sprawl out.
Fiber density in artificial turf refers to the number of fibers per square inch. Higher density turf packs more fibers into the space, which not only increases the softness and comfort underfoot but also enhances the appearance, making the turf look fuller and more natural. Higher-density turf can better mimic the lush, thick look of healthy natural grass. It also plays a role in durability&#;more fibers mean less wear on individual blades over time, thereby extending the turf&#;s lifespan.
Pile height is the length of the grass blades from the backing to the tip. The optimal pile height depends on the intended use of the turf:
Turf designed for playground use might feature a shorter, denser pile to withstand constant wear while still providing ample cushioning. Turf for residential use might focus on a longer pile for aesthetic appeal, with moderate density to balance appearance and maintenance needs.
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For the most natural-looking artificial turf installation you want to find the right balance between density and pile height. High density with too much pile height can make the turf look shaggy and unnatural, while low density with short pile height might look too sparse and feel hard underfoot.
Infill supports the blades, adds cushioning, and aids drainage, helping your grass stay perky and practical. Without infill, blades can flatten, making your turf look worn and unnatural.
Beyond aesthetic support, infill acts as a cushion that absorbs shock and reduces noise. Good quality infill facilitates quick drainage during rainy weather, preventing water from pooling on the surface. This not only helps maintain the look of the lawn but also extends its lifespan by preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.
Types of Infill
Selecting the right type of infill for your installation depends on several things, including the intended use of the turf, local climate conditions, and personal preferences for maintenance and feel. Families with younger children might opt for softer, non-abrasive infills like coated sand or crumb rubber for better safety during play. Installations in areas with high rainfall might benefit from faster-draining infills like silica sand to prevent waterlogging.
Choosing real-looking synthetic grass involves a spectrum of price points and features, much like purchasing any major home improvement. Overall installation costs can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the material quality, pile height, density, and even the type of infill used.
If your area experiences heavy use, investing in a higher-quality turf that withstands wear and tear might be more cost-effective over time. For decorative areas with less foot traffic, a mid-range option could suffice.
Note: If you don&#;t need brand new turf, you might consider looking at more affordable used artificial turf options to get the best bang for your buck.
Where are you planning to install your turf? High-traffic areas, sports fields, or your fur babies&#; playground?
Each scenario demands different durability levels and drainage capabilities. Also, pile height matters here: shorter blades for heavy usage and sports, longer for that dreamy, natural garden look.
For areas that will see a lot of footfalls (i.e. public spaces, school playgrounds, backyard paths, etc.) durability is important, so you&#;ll want a turf that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Opt for grass with a shorter pile height and higher density.
All things being equal, shorter blades, generally around 0.5 to 1.25 inches, are less likely to bend or get matted down from constant use. These turfs are typically made with tougher materials like nylon or a nylon-polyethylene blend, known for their resilience with heavy use.
Tip: It&#;s important to balance these specifications with practical considerations like installation and maintenance. While it might be tempting to choose the highest durability for every scenario, remember that factors like comfort, appearance, and cost are also important.
Installing synthetic grass isn&#;t rocket science, but it&#;s not exactly a walk in the park, either. If you&#;re handy and have the time, DIY installation might save you some green&#;though believe it or not, hiring professional installers can also save money on artificial turf installation.
If you do go the do-it-yourself route, be ready to get down and dirty with ground preparation and have the right tools on hand. Otherwise, it might be wise to hire professionals to make sure it&#;s done right.
Note: This isn&#;t a weekend warrior type of project&#;it demands precision and the right set of tools, which can be a significant investment. Any small misstep could impact the overall appearance (and realism) of your lawn. If you&#;re not completely confident in your skills, it might be wise to lean on the expertise of professionals to ensure your yard looks just right.
While DIY projects can be fulfilling, professional installation can come with the assurances of quality and efficiency, backed by experience. Here&#;s why hiring pros might be the better option for some homeowners:
Ultimately, whether you choose to install synthetic turf yourself or hire professionals should align with your comfort level, budget, and desired outcome. If you go the DIY path, thorough preparation, having the right tools, and having understanding of the install process are critical. If you opt for professional installation, selecting a reputable, experienced turf installer will ensure your investment is protected and your faux grass looks realistic.
Low maintenance doesn&#;t mean no maintenance. Give your artificial turf some TLC with regular brushing to keep the blades standing tall and proud.
Rinsing helps fend off odors (important for pet owners), and keeping up with infill levels will keep the turf feeling soft and looking natural.
Sunlight can be brutal. To prevent your vibrant green from fading to a sad, sun-bleached blotch, make sure your turf is armed with UV protection. This keeps your lawn looking fresh and green for years, even under the scorching sun.
For those of you looking to tread lightly on the planet, consider the environmental impact of your artificial turf. Some options are made from recycled and/or 100% recyclable materials and are more sustainable. Choosing an eco-friendly option can make your green space greener in every sense of the word.
Last but not least, understand what your warranty covers. It can range from UV protection to wear and tear and even installation issues. Knowing what&#;s covered can save you from future headaches and help ensure that your investment in artificial turf is well-protected.
Thanks to the marvels of modern manufacturing, synthetic grass today does more than just look like your ideal lush lawn, it acts like it, too. With durability that laughs in the face of heavy foot traffic&#;and low maintenance that frees up your weekends from mowing duties.
Whether you&#;re building a backyard paradise or just want a patch of green without the hassle, realistic artificial turf just might be the way to go. But choosing the right turf isn&#;t just picking the prettiest swatch. It&#;s paying attention to the little details&#;blade shape and texture, a palette of natural hues, just-right density, and the type of infill used.
Whether it&#;s making a safe play space for the kids and pets, creating a backyard garden retreat, or rolling out a welcoming &#;green carpet&#; for your business, every space has its unique demands.
Thinking of going faux? Don&#;t go it alone! Our turf experts are here to help you sift through the options and assist you with your project, making sure your artificial grass is not just installed, but inspired. Get in touch with us with questions or for a free quote.
Are you interested in learning more about Custom Artificial Turf? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!