Artificial turf is gaining in popularity with homeowners all over the country. In California, its popularity is self explanatory. With no maintenance and no water required, homeowners do not have to worry about violating local regulations restricting the unnecessary use of water. Some homeowners like artificial turf for its durability and strength in areas where there is an excessive amount of foot traffic, such as play areas and dog runs. With all of these benefits, it is important to choose the right type of turf for your home. Create a budget, know what you can afford and begin to do your research.
Where Will the Turf Be Used?
When you are deciding what type of artificial turf to buy, you need to think about where it will be used. Will it be primarily for show and not have a lot of foot traffic, or will your children and pets be running on it all day long. A good example of this is the types of turf needed for recreational putting greens will be different than that chosen for a dog run or even a children's play area. While most types of turf will be fine for your dog's special area or where your children play, a certain type of turf is needed for a putting green so that the ball rolls smoothly and evenly. In fact, the most common type of turf chosen for a putting green is one that has the blades of grass sheared off at the top to allow for better ball play. The area where the turf will be installed will also determine the type of infill you will need.
Different Types of Infill
There are several different types of infill as well. While crumb rubber and sand are the most common, there is also pea gravel and mixtures of synthetic sand and crumb rubber that resist compaction and help to keep the turf soft and buoyant. Certain products are manufactured to help control odor and minimize the amount of moisture that is retained. Artificial turf itself is designed to provide adequate drainage when it comes to rain and precipitation. This prevents water from ponding or accumulating in low areas. In some cases, the area where dogs tend to use the bathroom, a light rinsing may be required to protect the turf from retaining odors and becoming discolored. One thing that needs to be mentioned is that crumb rubber infill is safe for playgrounds and areas where children frequently play. There has been much debate over its safety, but studies have proven that it is safe for both children and pets.
Durability
Artificial turf is designed to be extremely durable and stand up to excessive amounts of foot traffic. After all, it has been a mainstay for the NFL for over 40 years. Homeowners who choose to install artificial turf on the lawns, decks or patios can expect to have many years worth of beauty and resiliency when it comes to their yard. Many types of turf come with a 20-year warranty that guarantees it to withstand years of use.
When you are choosing the type of artificial turf you want to install, review the different options you have available to you. Talk to a landscaper and get recommendations about the pile height, the type of infill you will need and how long a specific type of turf is supposed to last. Make sure you are aware of the limitations each type of turf is known for. Turf with a shorter pile may not need much infill at all, while other types may required infill in order for the blades of grass to remain upright and give the appearance of a plush carpet.
