Artificial grass has become a go-to resource Californians, both homeowners and commercial property owners. It is reliably beautiful without requiring water – a major asset considering our prolonged drought and other factors. It is also surprisingly versatile.
Whatever you want to do, there’s a grass for that
Just as different varieties of natural grass have varying characteristics, you can find different types of artificial turf grass specifically formulated to meet a variety of needs. For example, sometimes we want grass to feel naturally soft and fluffy underfoot, but softer materials aren’t as durable as those that can produce a stiffer, more resilient surface. The thinner pile breaks down faster under high traffic, which can shorten the life of the product. So how do you choose the right type of artificial grass?
Looks, feel, durability, and cost all dictate product choice. Here at Heavenly Greens, we carry more than two dozen varieties of top-quality artificial grass. Though each is different, they are based on three basic materials which offer distinct traits to produce different results:
Nylon
Nylon is very strong and produces the stiffest blades. That means it holds its original shape, even under hard athletic play or other types of high foot traffic. Nylon also stands up to high temperatures without losing stability or melting. These attributes make nylon the most expensive artificial grass material.
Nylon might look like natural grass, but it does not respond the same as the real thing. It is used to produce secondary thatch in high-end synthetic turf products and also for putting greens.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is the least expensive material. It has a finer texture, so it is the most realistic looking artificial grass. However, it is also the least durable, least resilient, and least heat-resistant. Under prolonged heat, the blades can become deformed.
Nonetheless, this material is popular for home putting greens because it has a softer roll. And because it is lightweight and flexible as well as affordable, it is also popular with people who want to use artificial turf grass for creative indoor or outdoor projects.
Polyethylene
This material produces the most life-like grass. Not surprisingly, it is a popular choice for home owners who want to replace their natural grass lawn with a synthetic turf product without sacrificing aesthetics. Polyethylene is vibrantly green, soft to the touch, yet very resilient. It is especially durable when combined with nylon as a secondary thatch. That makes it a good choice for athletic fields, too.
Artificial grass made from polyethylene is simple to maintain, as it requires only the occasional raking or brushing. This keeps the surface free of debris and “fluffs” the blades, ensuring the blades and infill retain their cushion and bounce.
Which type of artificial grass is right for your project?
Naturally, price is a concern for almost everyone. But choosing the least expensive product up front could result in noticeably lower performance and/or lifespan. Higher quality products last longer and function reliably over time, so the cost-per-year will be lower and your ultimate return on investment higher.
It is also important to consider money saved when replacing a live grass lawn with synthetic turf. Often, property owners have no idea what it really costs year in and year out to maintain their lawn.
Talk to an expert
To choose the best type of artificial grass for your project, you’ll need to consider how you want it to look, how you plan to use it, and how long you expect it to last. And you’ll need to consider special factors such as children and pets. Our turf experts at Heavenly Greens have extensive experience with all types of synthetic grass. They can help you make a decision that will be the most attractive, from every angle.