Artificial grass has come a long way in recent years, transforming from what was a sports field exclusive to a sophisticated landscaping solution that offers numerous benefits for property owners alike. Whether looking for a low-maintenance lawn for your home or seeking an attractive landscape option for your business, having all the facts on artificial grass is important to making an informed decision on. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the facts of artificial grass, exploring its various features, benefits, and best practices to help you make the right choice for your next landscaping adventure.

Premium artificial grass is extremely durable and can withstand heavy use as well as hot and cold climates year after year. Artificial turf products made with advanced manufacturing techniques and premium materials are great options for businesses with heavy traffic, homeowners with pets, and those that want a long-lasting product. AGL Grass’ non-infill artificial grass is backed by a 15-Year warranty non-prorated, guaranteeing the performance and longevity of our grass products.

Artificial grass is a great choice for pet owners, allowing you to have a low-maintenance lawn that will hold up to the wear and tear caused by energetic dogs and pet waste. Not all artificial grass products are created equally so we recommend you look for a 100% pet-friendly grass product like AGL Grass’ K9 Artificial Grass which is also 100% infill-free.

Installing artificial grass directly onto soil or sand is never recommended. A quality synthetic grass product will be perforated to allow for proper water drainage, and if installed directly onto dirt, weeds will grow under and through your new grass. A natural dirt base will also be susceptible to elements like a freeze-thaw cycle or excess moisture from rain which will result in your artificial turf moving around and causing undulations and sinking.

A proper artificial grass installation on soil contains several components to provide a long-lasting, maintenance-free lawn:

• The Subgrade: After removing the natural grass and excavating 3 inches of soil, a geo-cloth is laid on top of the exposed subgrade, acting as a weed barrier between the organic soil and your artificial grass.
  
  
• Limestone Screenings: 3/4 Inch limestone screenings or other crushed stones are placed on top of the geocloth, then graded, and compacted to provide a stable, drain-efficient base for your artificial grass.
  
  
• Artificial Grass: Once your base is compacted, your new grass can be laid out, shaped, and secured. Now you can now rest easy knowing your new ever-green lawn will stand the test of time.
  
  

If you’re concerned about bylaws and meeting property requirements, you may have come across parameters around hardscape and softscape. A hardscape is a manufactured landscaping solution that is made of inorganic materials and does not allow for the flow or drainage of water, like stones, pavers, wood, or bricks and is usually a permanent feature. A softscape is defined as organic elements in your landscape like trees, plants, and grass which promote water drainage and can be easily removed. Artificial grass, while inorganic and a manufactured product, enables proper water drainage and can be easily removed or modified like natural grass, making it a softscape. However, before purchasing and installing turf, be sure to have all the facts on artificial grass as not all synthetic grasses are created equal and drainage levels vary. We also advise that you consult local bylaws and housing legislation to ensure the use of artificial grass on your property is permissible.

The latest generation of non-infill artificial grass is incredibly easy for any homeowner to maintain. Older versions of artificial grass require infill, an additive that is spread between the grass blades. Turf infill can be impossible to remove once installed (unless you replace your entire lawn) so property owners will infill artificial grass often resort to buying expensive cleaning agents that can be filled with chemicals to “clean” and deodorize the grass or hire companies to handle the maintenance of their fake grass.

For over 15 years, AGL Grass has manufactured and used the first ever proven non-infill artificial grass that has specially designed grass blades that naturally bounce back after compression, even with heavy foot traffic. Since our non-infill artificial grass is engineered to perform without the need for infill, you can easily clean up messes and rinse away any excess with a regular garden hose. You can also use a power washer if you want to give your grass and fresh and lush look. No additional chemicals or cleaning products are needed – just water!

Absolutely! A quality synthetic grass system can easily be fluffed up after being compressed for long periods of time. If you decide to move the play structure, we recommend brushing or power washing the hose to bring the grass blades back up after an extended period of compression. The same applies to planters, patio sets, and other backyard accessories.

Different brands and densities of artificial turf will have varying drainage rates so based on where you are using the turf, you may want to consider a higher flow rate for your grass. A good quality synthetic grass system is permeable and drains quickly so that you can go out and enjoy your outdoor getaway as soon as the rain stops.

Not at all!  A quality artificial grass product will be unaffected by snow, salt and sleet and can be “fluffed up” once spring arrives. You can easily clear a patch of grass with a shovel for your pet to use in the colder months.

It all depends. Much like other home improvement projects, you get what you paid for with artificial grass. Choosing a high-quality, soft yet durable, infill-free turf solution may cost more upfront but will pay off in the long run, significantly reducing the amount of maintenance needed, eliminating watering consumption, and no added infill maintenance which can add up substantially over time. Opting for a cheaper turf product may save you money initially, but maintenance and costs will add up, and the quality and softness of the grass blades vary significantly from more premium products. Grass products with infill will compact over time, trap foul odours, and require you to hire a turf maintenance company to break up the infill and deodorize it with chemical cleaners. Your initial investment with a premium artificial grass lawn will pay itself off in the first few years with all of the maintenance that will be eliminated by a durable and carefree solution.

Infill is not a necessary component for all artificial grass systems, and that’s a good thing. Infill is not an effective component in turf installation, as it clumps together and holds onto odours from pet waste and unfortunately is nearly impossible to get rid of once installed. Whether you go with sand, envirofill, zeofill, or an organic infill option, the small granules will bury themselves between the grass blades, meaning you will have to replace your entire lawn to remove the infill. The best infill for artificial grass is no infill. A non-infill artificial grass product is designed to maintain its lush grass blades with advanced manufacturing technologies, leaving you with a clean, odour-free lawn.

Switching to an artificial grass lawn eliminates the use of carbon-emitting lawn equipment like lawn mowers and weed whackers, as well as harsh chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers – not to mention saving tons of water yearly. Not all artificial grass products are created equally, however, and “budget-friendly” artificial turf is often made using harsh chemicals, and unrecyclable plastics, and requires infill that can be toxic and need regular cleaning with heavy-duty products. Non-infill synthetic grass like AGL Grass is made from premium 100% non-toxic polyethylene that can easily be recycled after use. Eliminating the use of infill also means no cleaning products or chemicals are used in non-infill artificial grass, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly product.

You have probably infilled artificial turf in sports fields in the form of cryogenic rubber but for residential and commercial applications, sand, Envirofill, Zeo-fill, or natural variations like coconut or walnut shells are used. The idea behind using infill in artificial turf what that the infill would support the grass blades and keep them from matting. However, it quickly became obvious that this was not the case. The grass blades were significantly taller than the height of the infill, and the blade would bend and eventually break over the top of the infill. If more infill is added, the grass blade will still bend and break, but at a higher point than if there was little or no infill. Another issue with using infill in artificial grass is that over time, the infill will become compacted with heavy use from walking, playing, pets, and the weather. When this happens, you can either break up the infill or add more infill overtop, but the cycle will repeat itself. Lastly, using infill for artificial grass will trap any fluids and harbour bad odors from pets, making it unhygienic and resulting in a “litter-box” effect that can get on your pet’s fur and be brought into the house.

Non-infill artificial grass has become increasingly popular due to its unique features and benefits that eliminate the maintenance that comes with a natural lawn and synthetic turf product. Unlike traditional artificial grass that requires infill to support the grass blades, non-infill grass is designed to naturally stand on its own. This eliminates the need for frequent maintenance and reduces the risk of infill blowing away or developing odour issues. Non-infill grass offers a natural look and feel, making it a perfect choice for both residential and commercial applications.

In conclusion, artificial grass has evolved significantly over the years, offering a sophisticated landscaping solution that provides numerous benefits for property owners. With its durability and ability to withstand heavy use and various climates, premium artificial grass is an excellent choice for both homes and businesses. For pet owners, artificial grass is especially pet-friendly, offering a low-maintenance lawn that can endure the wear and tear caused by energetic dogs and pet waste. Non-infill artificial grass has revolutionized the industry, eliminating the need for messy, ineffective infill and providing a natural look and feel. With its numerous benefits, artificial grass is undoubtedly the best option for creating your very own low-maintenance outdoor paradise.