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Knowledge Base

Artificial Grass

Learn about artificial grass from a trusted source. From individual components to features, and from materials to manufacturing, we cover it all.

What is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass—also called synthetic turf—is a modern landscaping solution that looks and feels like real grass but requires far less upkeep. Originally introduced in the 1960s, it’s come a long way from the stiff plastic used in stadiums.

Today’s artificial grass is soft, realistic, and incredibly durable. Whether you’re dealing with drought, shaded areas, or patchy lawns, artificial turf gives you a green, hassle-free yard all year long—without the watering, mowing, or mess.

What Makes Up Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is more than just green blades. It’s a layered system designed to drain water, handle foot traffic, and stay securely in place—no matter the weather. The blades you see are only one part of a full turf system that includes layers beneath the surface.

Today’s artificial grass is soft, realistic, and incredibly durable. Whether you’re dealing with drought, shaded areas, or patchy lawns, artificial turf gives you a green, hassle-free yard all year long—without the watering, mowing, or mess.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

  • Turf Fibers: These are the blades of grass made from synthetic materials like polyethylene or nylon.
  • Thatch: Short, curly fibers beneath the blades that add cushion and a natural look.
  • Backing: The structure that holds everything together and allows for drainage.
  • Infill: Small particles (often sand) that keep blades upright and improve comfort.
  • Base: A compacted layer beneath it all that supports drainage and stability.

Each layer plays a role in performance, durability, and safety.

Turf Fibers

Turf Fibers

One of the following materials is melted down, mixed with coloring, and put into molds or extruded to produce the thin fibers that become the artificial grass blades.

  • Polypropylene (cheapest & least durable)
  • Polyethylene (most popular fiber materal)
  • Nylon (most durable & expensive)

Thatch Fibers

Thatch consists of shorter, curly, densely woven fibers that mimic the layer of dead grass and organic matter found in natural lawns. It enhances the true-to-life realistic appearance of the turf and adds to its softness.

  • Made With Polypropylene
  • Gives Turf Natural Look
  • Helps Support Turf Fibers

Backing

The “Backing” is vital for the stability, durability, and overall quality of synthetic turf. It typically consists of two layers – primary and secondary backing. Each layer serves a unique purpose in maintaining the integrity of the turf. By gaining an understanding of these components and the advantages and disadvantages of each coating, you can make an informed choice when selecting the right backing for your artificial grass.

  • Secures fibers in place
  • Facilitates drainage of water & dog urine
  • Keeps turf in place once installed

Infill Materials

Infill refers to the very small granular material (typically sand) that’s spread over the turf during the installation. Infill acts as ballast, keeps turf in place, protects the backing from UV damage, keeps fibers upright, and mimics the sensation of walking on natural grass.

  • Placed between artificial grass fibers
  • Keeps grass blades upright
  • Shields backing from UV rays
  • Facilitates drainage of water & pet urine

Sub-Base Material

The sub-base consists of porous materials that provide a solid foundation for artificial turf and allow water and pet urine to drain through the sub-base and into the soil below.

Popular base materials are:

  • 3 – 4″ of class II road base for regular turf installations
  • Decomposed granite for pet-friendly turf applications
  • Crushed Miscellaneous Base (CMB) & Crushed Aggregate Base (CAB)
Why Artificial Turf?

Why More Homeowners & Businesses Are Choosing Artificial Grass

At Heavenly Greens, we’ve helped thousands of Bay Area homeowners, schools, and businesses make the switch from natural lawns to high-performance artificial grass. Modern turf systems not only look stunning year-round but also deliver practical benefits that save time, money, and resources.

Save Water & Money

A traditional lawn can use up to 50,000 gallons of water each year. Artificial grass requires none.

Goodbye Lawn Care Chores

No mowing. No fertilizing. No re-seeding. Your weekends are yours again, with a yard that stays perfect on its own.

Green All Year Long

Rain or shine, summer or winter—our turf looks fresh, vibrant, and ready to enjoy every single day.

Built for Life's Demands

With durable fibers, your yard can handle kids, pets, and gatherings without wearing thin or turning muddy.

Better for the Environment

Reduce chemical use, cut emissions from gas-powered equipment, and helps conserve water—making it an eco-friendly upgrade.

An Investment That Pays Back

Turf quickly pays for itself through water savings, reduced maintenance, and longevity (15–20 years).

Where Artificial Grass Works Best

Artificial grass is more versatile than ever. Whether you’re rethinking your backyard, planning a pet area, or upgrading a commercial property, Heavenly Greens has done it all. Explore our projects and see how turf transforms spaces:

  • Residential Lawns & Landscaping – A picture-perfect yard, no upkeep.
  • Pet Turf & Dog Runs – Safe, clean, and odor-resistant.
  • Playgrounds & Safety Surfaces – Cushioned and built to meet fall-height safety standards.
  • Backyard Putting Greens – Practice your short game at home with professional-quality turf.
  • Bocce Ball Courts – Durable, low-maintenance surfaces that play true year-round.
  • Rooftops, Patios & Balconies – Lightweight solutions for urban living.
  • Commercial & Hospitality – Create lasting curb appeal without ongoing maintenance.

📸 Browse our [Gallery of Artificial Grass Installations] for inspiration.

Front Lawn-Highland-San Jose
Putting Green & Pool Area-H70 & Eagle Green
Pet-Friendly Turf-HG70-Modesto
1.1. Kids Play Area-Coronado-Saratoga
1.1. Bocce Ball Court-Bocce Oyster-Benicia
3.1. Pool Surround-Summer Rye-Los Gatos
First-Tee Golf & Learning Center-Featured Image

Artificial Grass FAQs

How is artificial grass made?

Artificial turf is made using a process similar to carpet manufacturing, with a few extra steps to add durability and realism. Here’s a simplified overview:

  • Mixing: Plastic pellets, colorants (for that lush green look), and UV stabilizers are mixed together.
  • Extruding: The mixture is melted and pushed through machines to form long, grass-like fibers.
  • Tufting: These fibers are stitched into a backing layer to create a grass mat.
  • Backing: A second backing layer is glued on and cured with heat to lock everything in place.
  • Finishing: The turf is trimmed, rolled, and prepped for installation.

The result? Realistic, long-lasting grass that holds up in all kinds of weather and use cases.

The quality of your artificial grass depends heavily on the materials used to make it. Here’s what you should know:

  • Polypropylene (PP): Budget-friendly and good for light-use areas or as thatch, but it’s the least durable.
  • Polyethylene (PE): The most popular material for grass blades. It’s soft, realistic, and great for lawns, pets, and play areas.
  • Nylon (PA): The toughest turf option. It’s perfect for high-traffic zones like sports fields, but it’s also the most expensive.

Choosing the right material depends on how you’ll use your space—kids, pets, sports, or just lounging.

A successful installation is the foundation of long-lasting turf. Here’s what the process looks like with Heavenly Greens:

  1. Prepare the Site – Remove existing grass and level the area.
  2. Build the Base – Install and compact a drainable sub-base for strength and longevity.
  3. Roll Out & Cut Turf – Lay turf precisely to fit your space.
  4. Secure & Seam – Join seams and anchor the turf to prevent movement.
  5. Apply Infill – Brush in infill material to stabilize blades, protect the backing, and improve comfort.

Yes. Heavenly Greens only installs turf that is non-toxic, lead-free, and family safe. Many options also feature antimicrobial protection to resist bacteria and odors.

Not with our products. Each turf system includes UV stabilizers that prevent fading and deterioration—even in California’s intense sunlight.

With professional installation, turf can last 15–20 years or more while maintaining its look and performance.

Absolutely. Our turf systems use advanced drainage to handle rainfall and pet use, and they’re unaffected by drought.

It can warm in direct sun, but heat-reducing infills and reflective turf technologies help keep surfaces more comfortable.