What Type of Synthetic Turf Infill is Right for Me?

“Infill” refers to the products that are placed between the blades of an artificial turf lawn, filling in the otherwise empty spaces. This infill aids synthetic grass in a number of different ways; it helps the turf blades maintain their upright position and shields the turf’s backing from the sun’s UV rays. It also helps give artificial grass the feeling of natural sod grass, with infill mimicking the way soil absorbs impacts. Lastly, infill weighs the turf down to prevent it from developing wrinkles, buckles, or ripples. If you’re considering adding a synthetic turf installation to your Sacramento home or business, you should consider the different types of infill available to determine which one suits your needs best. 

Silica Sand

One of the most common types of infill, silica sand is also one of the most inexpensive. Sand infill is created from quartz stones after they’ve been heavily eroded by wind and water into small granules. Silica sand not only helps keep turf standing upright, but it also improves the turf’s drainage and prevents puddles from forming on the surface of the lawn. Sand is best used in areas that receive light foot traffic, such as hills, balconies, commercial spaces, or open fields that aren’t used often.

Envirofill

Consisting of green silicone dioxide granules, Envirofill is designed to be a bacteria-free and non-toxic infill solution. Utilizing Microban antimicrobial technology, Envirofill provides a sterile environment for any bacteria that attempt to grow and reproduce in your turf. The end result is a turf solution that is inhospitable for microbes, but still clean and welcoming for pets and people. Envirofill is often used in areas where the transmission of bacteria is a common issue, such as children’s playgrounds and athletic fields.

Zeofill

Zeofill is a non-toxic and biodegradable infill solution made up of zeolite granules. Zeolites are a type of mineral frequently used in commercial applications as absorbents; this means that they excel at capturing and neutralizing chemicals that create unpleasant odors. Zeofill is most frequently seen in lawns that are used by animals as a bathroom, such as in dog kennels and the homes of pet owners. Zeofill can capture and neutralize the ammonia in pet urine, which is what creates foul smells. Zeofill does not require the usage of liquid turf deodorizer products, but it can work in tandem with them if the owner still wishes to use such products. Another advantage of Zeofill is that its granules do not compress easily, making it less likely that they will compact and negatively affect the lawn’s drainage. 

No matter what type of synthetic grass infill you choose, Artificial Turf by Fenix can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams. Our team of synthetic turf experts can help you design and install the lawn you’ve always wanted for your Sacramento home or business, letting you enjoy a fresh green exterior all year long with minimal maintenance requirements. Give us a call today at (877) 673-8873, and we can provide you with a free estimate for your project.

How to Prepare Your Artificial Grass for Spring

Spring is rapidly approaching, which means the time for home redecorating and cleaning is soon upon us. If you own an artificial turf lawn in Rocklin, chances are you’ve got some lawn furniture that needs to be moved or some weeds cropping up in the corners. While synthetic turf is far easier to care for than a natural grass lawn, there are still some basic things you should do to get ready for springtime.

Clear your lawn area.

First things first, you’ll want to pick up lawn equipment like patio furniture, planters, children’s playsets, and anything else you currently have resting on the lawn. This will make it easier to clean and fluff your lawn going forward, and it will give you a chance to refresh and rearrange your outdoor living area. Rotating and moving around this lawn equipment will also ensure that you don’t wear out certain spots before the rest of the lawn.

Check the lawn for any damage.

While artificial turf is very resilient, harsh winter weather can still cause damage to your lawn or its seams and edges. Again, this rarely occurs for professionally-installed lawns, but tears and buckles can happen on occasion. If you do spot any damage, don’t worry; it is very easy to repair small patches of synthetic turf without having to replace the entire lawn.

Clean your lawn.

Winter winds and rain can deposit twigs, leaves, and other debris on your lawn, where they can decompose and impede the turf’s drainage. You’ll want to rake or brush this debris away, but be sure to not use a metal tool. Plastic or synthetic bristles are perfect for digging out debris without harming your turf. After that, you’ll want to rinse your synthetic grass lawn with a garden hose to wash off dust and smaller debris. Lastly, areas that are used as a pet’s bathroom will need extra attention. Pet urine can leave unpleasant odors behind, which you can wash away with a mix of water and distilled white vinegar. The best solution, however, is a specialized deodorizer product that can chemically neutralize the ammonia in pet urine. 

Groom your lawn.

Grooming is critical for high-traffic areas or spots that frequently have heavy lawn equipment resting on them. If you have furniture or backyard sports equipment that remains in one spot for too long, it can cause the synthetic turf to flatten and look matted. Not only is it visually unappealing, but it also impedes drainage. You can re-fluff your artificial grass with a broom or brush, but again, remember to use a tool with soft synthetic or plastic brush bristles.

Remove weeds.

Weeds normally can’t sprout up through artificial turf, especially if you’ve had a weed barrier installed beneath it, but they can grow along the edges of the lawn where the turf edges have been disrupted or sediment has settled. Since the early spring is usually the rainiest part of the year for California, weeds are most likely to sprout up during this time. So, while you’re grooming your lawn, make sure to tug up any weeds that you see. 

Consider remodeling or new additions.

Spring can be a great time for exterior renovations, as the rainy season helps soften the soil and makes it easier to work with. This could be a good time to add a new section of artificial turf to your lawn, implement decorations like flowerbeds or hardscapes, or anything else your imagination can dream up!

If you’d like to install a new synthetic grass lawn at your Rocklin home this spring, you can trust the professionals at Artificial Turf by Fenix. With an artificial grass lawn, you’ll spend less time having to maintain your lawn and more time actually enjoying it. Call us today at (877) 673-8873, and we can give you a free estimate on your project.