Artificial Grass Glossary
Adhesive
Polyurethane or epoxy based products used to join two pieces of artificial grass, to secure artificial grass to various edging systems or existing surfaces such as concrete. Can also be used to secure artificial grass to foam underlay. Can be supplied as two-part adhesive in either 2 gallon quantities or one-part in a 1 gallon factory-sealed bucket or a 32 oz. tube applied with a gun applicator.
Artificial Grasscapes Approved Installer
A fully trained and experienced artificial grass installer, regularly assessed by AG for quality and customer service. Comprehensive 10 Level Training/ongoing Education for Installers and Crown Jewel Partner Contractors.
AstroTurf
A brand name used to describe artificial grass. AstroTurf was the name given to the first artificial grass to be laid at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.
Backing
The materials used to make up the backing of artificial grass. The backing is used to secure and stabilise the fiber tufts. Typically made up of a primary and secondary backing. Silver Ion; an anti-microbial additive, can even be added during this process.
Cleaning
The periodic use of a garden vacuum, blower or stiff broom to keep artificial grass clean and free from debris.
Crumb Rubber
A rubber infill used on sports fields to mimic bounce and roll of real grass fields or feel of “loam.”
Drainage
A sub base system designed to channel water that percolates through the surface of artificial grass. Advancement in Air Drain Technology have allowed Pet Turf areas; both commercially and residentially, to be relatively odor free with a little help from (Anti-Microbial Infill) and in-ground tanks with Antimicrobial Liquid injected through Sprinkler Sprayers.
Durability
The resistance and ability to endure persistent wear from foot traffic, pets and general use.
Edging
An edge restraint system used to retain the sub base and laying course material and provide an anchoring point for the perimeter of an artificial lawn. Composite Edging is the preferred method for Skilled Professionals, which is staked into the ground and grade is adjusted to just above highest point of edging, whereby artificial grass is stapled to outside of composite edging, backfilled with rock/mulch/etc. eliminating need for visible edging.
Extrusion
The process of heating PE (Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene) or Nylon “chips” and adding respective colorant, then this “liquid plastic” is pushed through a fixed cross-sectional profile, that is then cooled to form the necessary fiber shape required. This process can be used to form a variety of fiber shapes including ‘S’ ‘W’ or ‘C’ shaped synthetic fibers. Advancements in extrusion to assist with odors of Pet Turf have seen Silver Ion extruded into these blades and even the backing to provide an additional layer of odor mitigation.
Face Weight
The total weight of the synthetic fibers used to manufacture the artificial grass, usually measured in ounces per square yard.
Fiber
Refers to the individual blade of artificial grass. Also called PE/PP/Nylon monofilament.
Fiber Shape
The shape of the fiber formed after extrusion. Can be many different shapes, each with various strengths and weaknesses, can also be used in cooling, such as the ‘W’ shape, which effectively provides more surface area to cool fiber.
Foam Underlay
A soft, cushioning foam installed directly underneath artificial grass designed to provide both shock attenuation and drainage and protect against injuries from trips and falls. Available in 8mm XPE Compression pad or a 5mm fleece pad used primarily for Specialty Turf and Golf Turf, foam shockpads can also be used to mask undulations in existing surfaces when installing artificial grass directly on top of concrete, decking, asphalt or paving. Some pads are made from recycled materials, while others are made from virgin materials and may be recyclable.
Gauge
The distance between rows of stitching, visible on the backing. The smaller the distance, the denser the pile. generally 1/8″, 3/8″ and 5/8″.
Head Impact Criteria (HIC)
An internationally recognized measure for the likelihood of head injury. Used in school or playground risk assessments prior to artificial grass installation to determine the thickness of foam underlay or shock pad required, if there is a risk of head injury as a result of falling from items of play equipment.
Hydro-Lock Glue (see also Adhesive)
A one-part urethane-based adhesive supplied in one gallon buckets or 32 oz. tubes, applied with a gun applicator. Essentially, uses the water in the sub layer/air to catalyze the curing process. This is great for beginners, DIY, but can be volatile in high moisture/rain as well as extreme changes in temperature. See adhesive.
Join
See ‘Seam’.
Joining Tape
See ‘Seaming Tape’.
Latex (Backing)
A secondary backing used to coat the primary backing, applied in various quantities and strengths. The secondary backing holds everything together and the higher the quantities of latex, the stronger the backing – a vital component of long lasting artificial turf.
Maintenance
While the maintenance of artificial grass is minimal when compared with real grass, proper maintenance is paramount in ensuring a long lasting, high performing artificial turf. Involves cleaning, removing debris, applying an anti-microbial spray where/as needed, reinvigorating the fibers with electric or gas power brooms and topping up anti-microbial sand infill as necessary.
Nails (NON-Galvanized) – aka as 40d 5″ or 6″ Roofing nails
Used to secure the field of an artificial lawn. NON-Coated or allowance of “rusting” to occur. This will ensure that the artificial grass lawn stays secured for years to come. Professionally done alongside “Knee Kickers” and “Power Stretchers/Line Pullers” to ensure maximum stretch.
Nylon
The strongest and most resilient synthetic fiber used in artificial grass manufacturing. More abrasive than Polyethylene and Polypropylene. Nylon has been shown to be a durable choice when intense UV exposure is present.
Perforations
Holes punches in the backing of artificial grass at regular intervals to allow the percolation of water. Allows up to 2 gallon of water per square foot, per minute through the artificial turf.
Permeability
The rate at which the artificial grass allows liquids to percolate through the turf.
Pile Density
The amount and closeness of the artificial fibers, usually measured in stitches per square yard.
Pile Height
The lengths of the synthetic fibers from the primary backing to the tip of the fiber. Usually measured in inches.
Pile Weight
The total weight of synthetic fiber used in ounces per square yard. May be measure in kilograms/square meter when origin of artificial grass in Europe or Asia.
Polyethylene
The most common type of plastic used to form synthetic fibers used in artificial grass manufacturing.
Polypropylene
A plastic used to form synthetic fibers used in artificial grass manufacturing.
Polyurethane (Backing)
A secondary backing used to coat the primary backing that holds everything together.
Powerbrush
A mechanical tool used to reinvigorate and revitalize the fibers back to an upright position. Used by contractors to defibrillate the sand infill to the bottom of the pile. Can also be used to remove debris. Electric versions have advanced and are available at the home consumer level.
Primary Backing
A woven or non-woven fabric used in either single or mutiple layers, made from polyester of which the fibres are stitched to.
Sand Infill
A fine, silica sand that is applied to artificial grass that lies at the bottom of the pile. A sand infill is applied for a variety of reasons and offers many advantages.
Seam (or Join)
The area on an artificial lawn where two separate pieces of artificial grass meet. Secured using joining tape and adhesive.
Seaming Tape/Joining Tape
A strong fabric with a rough surface texture used to apply artificial grass adhesive that will bond to the backing of artificial grass. Provides a permanently secured join resistant to the elements and usage.
Shockpad
1″ or 2″ Shock Pads are primarily used on fall protection required playgrounds and would utilize a highly elastic, quick draining, anti-microbial material that is completely free of rubber, lead and heavy metals and is 100% recyclable. AG uses an American Made product that Complies with G-Max Testing and Head Impact Criteria (HIC) required in these forms of application.
Square Foot
A unit of measurement used to measure the area of a lawn.
Sub Base
A layer of aggregate that supports the artificial lawn and prevents it from sinking. Usually consists of either “Type II/Class3/4/5/6 Road Base/Recycled Concrete base with a finish of granite fines/chat/breeze/sand or granite/limestone fines. Installed to varying depths from 2″ to 4”. While putting greens should get 4-8″ of base to fully stabilize the Golf turf system, Playgrounds may require up to 20″ of base to replace mulch/pea gravel.
Permeable Sub Base
A layer of aggregate that allows liquids to drain freely through the sub base whilst preventing the artificial lawn from sinking. Usually consists of either granite or limestone chippings. Installed to varying depths from 2″-4″.
Thatch
A textured yarn that can be shorter or of a differing color to the face yarn to create a realistic look.
U-Pins
U-pins or commonly referred to as “sod Pins” are used to secure weed barrier and sod. They are Galvanized to prevent oxidisation and rust, therefore SHOULD NOT be used in the installation of Artificial Grass Turf.
Warranty
The period of time a manufacturer protects their products against yarn loss and color fading through manufacturing fault. Always check with your chosen manufacturer for length of warranty and for details on what is and isn’t covered. “Best in Industry Warranty” is usually set as 0-8 years 100% replacement on turf for mfg defect. Usually doesn’t cover damage from extreme pet damage or UV damage due to “Solar Melt.”
Weed Membrane
A layer of either woven or non-woven fabric placed underneath artificial grass to prevent weed growth.
Yarn
See ‘Fiber’.
Yarn Weight
See ‘Pile Weight’.