What is Infill and Why is it the Secret to a Great Artificial Lawn?
When you look at a beautiful, lush artificial lawn, you see the perfect green blades. What you don't immediately see is the vital component that makes the entire system work: Infill.
Infill is the granular material spread and brushed down between the fibers of your artificial turf. It's a non-negotiable part of a professional installation, acting as the foundation that gives your synthetic grass its realism, performance, and longevity.
Here is a complete breakdown of what infill is, what it does, and how to choose the right type for your home.
1. The Core Purpose: Why Infill is Essential
Think of infill as the unseen hero of your artificial lawn. In natural grass, soil and thatch hold the blades upright, provide cushioning, and help with drainage. In an artificial system, infill takes over all of these crucial functions.
Without infill, even the highest-quality turf would quickly become flat, matted, and unstable. It simply wouldn't look or perform like a real lawn.
The 4 Major Jobs of Artificial Turf Infill:
Supports the Blades: Infill acts like a spine for the grass fibers, helping them stand tall and straight. This is what keeps your lawn looking full and lush, even after heavy foot traffic.
Adds Weight and Stability (Ballast): Infill provides the necessary weight to hold the turf securely in place. This prevents the turf from shifting, wrinkling, or developing unsightly ripples, especially during high winds or temperature changes.
Enhances Cushioning and Safety: The infill creates a soft, natural layer that mimics the "give" of soil underfoot. For play areas and pet turf, it provides critical impact absorption for safety.
Protects the Turf Backing: By covering the turf's backing material, infill shields it from excessive UV exposure. This crucial protection significantly extends the overall lifespan of your investment.
2. Choosing the Right Infill: A Guide to Your Options
The type of infill is perhaps the most customized decision in your turf installation. The best infill for your neighbor's putting green is likely not the best for your pet-friendly family backyard.
We simplify the decision by focusing on three key factors: Usage, Climate, and Budget.
Common Infill Types and Their Best Uses:
Silica Sand:
What it is: Natural, rounded quartz sand.
Best For: Budget-conscious projects or decorative, very low-traffic landscape areas with no pets.
Key Benefits: Most affordable; provides excellent stability and drainage.
Considerations: Can retain heat; can compact over time; does not neutralize pet odor, which can lead to smells.
Zeolite (Mineral-Based):
What it is: A natural mineral (often volcanic ash) that is highly porous.
Best For: Pet Turf installations – especially backyards or dog runs where pet waste is present.
Key Benefits: Exceptional Odor Control—it naturally absorbs and neutralizes ammonia from pet urine, preventing smells. Also helps with cooling due to its porous nature.
Considerations: More expensive than basic sand; often used as the top layer over a silica sand base for added stability.
Coated/Acrylic Sand (e.g., Envirofill, HydroChill):
What it is: Rounded sand particles coated with specialized polymers. These coatings often include various enhancements.
Best For: Playgrounds, high-traffic family yards, or hot climates. Any residential area where cleanliness, comfort, and advanced performance are desired.
Key Benefits: Antimicrobial (fights mold and bacteria); often includes cooling technology (like HydroChill) to reduce surface temperatures; excellent durability and consistent performance.
Considerations: Higher upfront investment compared to silica sand, but offers superior performance, cleanliness, and comfort.
Crumb Rubber (SBR):
What it is: Granules made from recycled tires.
Best For: Athletic/Sports Fields requiring high impact absorption (e.g., football, soccer fields).
Key Benefits: Superior cushioning and shock absorption for impact sports.
Considerations: Not recommended for residential use. It retains significant heat, can have an odor, and black particles can track into homes.
Which Infill is Right for You?
For Pet Owners: Zeolite is the undisputed champion. It is the only infill specifically designed to control the ammonia smell that causes turf odor.
For Kids and Play Areas: We highly recommend Coated Sand for its antimicrobial properties, added cushioning, and ability to stay cooler, ensuring a hygienic and safer surface.
For Hot Climates: Look for premium Coated Infills with HydroChill or similar cooling technology to keep the turf surface significantly cooler under the sun.
For Putting Greens: A specific, fine-grain Silica Sand is used, installed to a precise depth to control the speed and roll of the golf ball.
We are here to help you choose. Our team always recommends the infill that provides the best combination of performance, longevity, and peace of mind for your unique property goals.
3. How Much Infill Do I Need?
The required amount of infill is measured in pounds per square foot (lbs./sq. ft.), and it depends entirely on your turf's pile height (blade length) and its intended use.
Standard Landscape Turf (1.5" - 2" tall): Usually requires 2-4 lbs. of infill per square foot to adequately support the blades.
Pet Turf: Typically requires a heavier fill of zeolite to ensure maximum odor absorption and efficient drainage.
Putting Greens: Require a finer-grain silica sand, often installed much deeper to control the speed and roll of the ball precisely.
Trust is built on accuracy and quality. Our professional installation process uses specialized power brushes and spreading equipment to ensure the exact, uniform amount of infill is placed across your lawn. This meticulous approach guarantees proper performance, optimal aesthetics, and compliance with your turf's warranty.
Ready to discuss your perfect turf system, from the blades to the essential infill?