Artificial Grass Infill: Is It Necessary? Complete Guide to Making the Best Decision

When it comes to artificial grass, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether infill is necessary or artificial grass infill is a better option. The decision between the two depends on several factors. In this article, we will delve into the reasons for using infill, as well as situations where infill may not be required.

What is Artificial Grass Infill?

Artificial grass infill is a material inserted between the fibers of the grass to provide stability, enhance appearance, and extend the product’s lifespan. The types of infill vary, but their primary purpose is to improve the functionality and aesthetics of artificial grass.

Types of Artificial Grass Infill

Silica Sand

Silica sand is one of the most common infills for artificial grass. It is a dense and heavy material that provides excellent stability and support for grass fibers. Silica sand is resistant to compaction and weathering, making it ideal for various applications, from landscaping to sports fields.

Rubber Granules

Rubber granules, made from recycled tires, are another popular option. This type of infill is particularly beneficial in sports applications, as it provides a softer and cushioned surface, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, rubber granules are excellent for absorbing impact and improving playability.

Organic Infills

Organic infills, such as cork and coconut husk, are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly benefits. These materials are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a more sustainable option. Additionally, organic infills can help keep the grass temperature lower in hot climates.

Advantages of Using Infill in Artificial Grass

Structure and Verticality

Infill provides structure to artificial grass fibers, helping them stay upright. Without infill, artificial grass tends to flatten. Even thatched artificial grass may not hold up well without the support of infill. Infill ensures that the fibers maintain their natural appearance and prevents them from looking flat or matted.

Cushioning and Resilience

When walking or stepping on artificial grass, infill provides a cushioning effect. This padding protects the fiber roots and adds resilience to the entire artificial grass system. Infill allows the grass to better absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury. It also improves the surface’s comfort and playability.

UV Protection

Infill protects the primary backing of artificial grass from UV exposure. Traditional football grass or thatched artificial grass with fibers shorter than 30 mm may not have yarn that fully covers the primary backing. Infill acts as a barrier, protecting the primary backing from harmful UV rays. This protection helps extend the product’s lifespan.

When to Consider Infill-Free Artificial Grass

Infill-free artificial grass refers to grass with curled fibers (thatch), a narrow gauge, and a high stitch rate. The thatch fibers serve a similar purpose to infill by supporting the grass and providing resilience. Key factors for infill-free artificial grass include:

Thatch in the Root Zone

Using thatch in the root zone helps keep fibers upright without additional infill. This is especially useful in low-traffic areas where maintenance needs to be minimal.

Density and Flexibility

The density and flexibility of the grass are crucial in determining whether it needs infill. Dense and flexible grass can withstand traffic without flattening, making it suitable for specific applications such as play areas for children and pets, or areas around pools.

Comparison: Artificial Grass with and without Infill

Choosing between artificial grass with and without infill depends on the specific requirements of your project. Here are some key comparisons:

Landscaping and Play Areas

For low-traffic landscaping areas, you can use any of our recommended infill-free products. However, if the area experiences heavy traffic, it is advisable to use silica sand infill. This not only increases the lifespan of artificial grass but also provides stability.

Football Fields

Traditional football grass generally requires silica sand and rubber crumb infills. Without infill, football grass fibers tend to flatten. Rubber granules and silica sand work together to create a stable and flexible playing surface.

Infill-Free Grass

Although most artificial grass landscaping products feature root zone thatch, not all qualify as infill-free artificial grass. Some thatched artificial grass may lack sufficient density to keep the fibers upright. These products tend to flatten easily under pressure. In such cases, we recommend infilling the artificial grass with silica sand to improve stability, flexibility, and durability.

Recommended Applications for Different Types of Infill

Landscaping and Play Areas

For low-traffic landscaping areas, infill may not be necessary. For high-traffic areas, it is recommended to infill with silica sand to increase lifespan and stability. However, our infill-free artificial grass options, with thatch, narrow gauge, and high density, are suitable for specific play areas with steep slopes, play areas for children and pets, and poolside areas.

Football Fields

Traditional football grass generally requires infills such as silica sand and rubber crumb to create a stable and flexible playing surface. However, we offer infill-free artificial grass options that eliminate the need for sand or rubber infill. These options are ideal for smaller fields, multi-sport fields, and projects with reduced installation and maintenance requirements.

Maintenance of Artificial Grass with Infill

Maintaining artificial grass with infill involves spreading the sand with a drop spreader or a gypsum spreader, followed by brushing it into the fibers with a stiff broom. Larger projects may require a brush machine for efficient infilling. This process ensures that the fibers remain upright and that the grass retains its appearance and functionality over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between artificial grass with and without infill depends on the specific requirements of your project. For landscaping and high-traffic play areas, using infill is recommended to increase the lifespan and stability of the grass. Infill-free options are suitable for specific low-traffic scenarios such as steep patios, play areas for children and pets, and poolside areas. For football fields, infilled grass is generally preferred, but infill-free options can be considered for certain projects, especially if a shock pad layer is added to increase resilience and protection.

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