In recent years, artificial turf has become the go-to landscaping solution for Colorado lawns, commercial properties, golf putting greens, dog parks, playgrounds, public parks, and a host of other spaces where natural grass just isn’t as effective. But exactly what is artificial turf?
Keep reading this blog to learn more about the definition of artificial turf, as well as the history behind synthetic turf.
The Definition of “Artificial Turf”
Artificial turf is a synthetic grass with an exterior that makes it look like real grass. When artificial turf was first introduced in the 1960s, it tended to look fake; however, these days, artificial turf is often indistinguishable in appearance from natural grass.
Artificial turf is also known as “artificial grass” and “synthetic turf.” It is manufactured by stitching synthetic fibers to a backing, in much the same way that carpet is manufactured. The synthetic fibers on the surface of an artificial grass lawn are meant to emulate the look and feel of real grass blades. These blades on the surface layer can be manufactured and customized: different artificial grass products may have different colors, lengths, and textures.
Pile Height
Pile height, which is typically measured in inches, is one way to differentiate between diverse types of synthetic turf. Some synthetic turfs are taller than others, with fibers that extend from the primary backing to the tip of the fiber to create a denser, fluffier texture.
Thatch
Many types of artificial turf include thatch, which is a textured yarn that forms a secondary layer of short blades underneath the taller blades on the surface. Thatch is usually yellow or brown in color and is weaved throughout the green surface blades to make the turf appear more realistic: the different-colored thatch is meant to mimic the look of dead or dry grass often found in a natural lawn.
The History of Artificial Turf in the United States
Artificial turf was created in the 1960s and first used publicly at the Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island. It was later used as athletic turf for the baseball field at the Houston Astrodome, where the Houston Astros played their MLB home games. The turf was initially just used for the infield, and then later installed in the outfield as well for the second half of the 1966 season. Team officials felt that artificial turf was necessary because the closed dome did not allow enough sunlight for the grass.
By the 1970s, the AstroTurf used for the Houston Astrodome was installed in sports stadiums across the United States. In fact, artificial grass became so popular that it was on the field for the 1971 Super Bowl and as the backyard for the television show “The Brady Bunch.”
Today, artificial grass is routinely used for residential landscaping in the U.S, especially in western states like Colorado that have extremely hot summers and particularly cold winters. Technological advances have made modern artificial turf significantly more effective than the turf previously installed in sports stadiums and on residential lawns.
The Most Common Types of Artificial Grass in Colorado
Artificial turf is made from petroleum-based plastics. There are three (3) main types of artificial grass commonly used for Colorado lawns, landscaping, and other purposes:
- Nylon: This is the most durable type of artificial grass because it uses the sturdiest material. But there are drawbacks to nylon artificial grass, such as the high cost and the stiffness of the blades. The rigid surface of nylon can make it less safe when used for playgrounds and other areas where children might play.
- Polyethylene: This is the most realistic-looking artificial grass, with a green surface and a lush texture that simulates the raw look and soft feel of natural grass. Polyethylene artificial grass is often used for residential lawns and children’s play areas.
- Polypropylene: This is the most cost-effective artificial grass, with a somewhat natural look and feel that lands somewhere in between nylon and polyethylene. Polypropylene artificial grass is not the most durable synthetic turf, making it less effective when used in areas that get a lot of foot traffic. A common use for polypropylene is as a surface for golf putting greens and residential lawns.
Artificial Turf Is Easy to Maintain and Repair
A major reason that artificial turf has become so popular for Colorado homeowners, business owners, and others is that artificial grass surfaces are much easier to maintain and repair when compared to natural grass. For example, an artificial turf lawn does not need to be mowed or fertilized: just rinse the turf every so often and use a brush to keep the fibers in place. Moreover, when you install an artificial lawn, you won’t need to spend precious time pulling weeds or worrying about pest control options.
Installing Artificial Turf at Your Home: DIY or Professional Installers?
Once you’ve made the decision to switch from a natural lawn to an artificial turf lawn, you will need to decide whether you want to install the grass yourself or have a professional do it. If you opt for a Do-It Yourself, or DIY, installation of your synthetic lawn, you will almost certainly need assistance from several other people because installing artificial grass yourself can be a massive undertaking. There is a lot of heavy equipment, and the process can be time-consuming because there are many steps that must be completed before you can even begin installing the turf.
Artificial grass installation will probably require first excavating the area that you want covered with synthetic turf. You will also need to remove rocks, roots, weeds, and any other debris that might hinder the installation process. Then, before covering the ground with turf, you will need to compact and screed the surface. Then there is the actual installation, which can be extremely difficult to do right. That’s why most Colorado homeowners choose to hire professional artificial grass installers at Artificial Grasscapes of Castle Rock to handle their turf installation.
Choose Artificial Grasscapes for Your Colorado Artificial Turf Installation
Do you want a beautiful, sustainable, cost-effective landscaping solution for your Colorado home? Artificial Grasscapes is the region’s premier provider of artificial grass products and installation services.
Call 720-425-6437 or fill out the form below to speak with one of our experts today.