Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about artificial grass, the installation process, and miscellaneous FAQs.
Questions?
General Artificial Grass FAQs
What Is Artificial Grass Made Of?
Artificial grass is made out of resilient compounds like polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. Manufacturers add other compounds to incorporate different features into their turf products. For example, some turf products contain antimicrobial additives that are infused with turf fibers or backing during the manufacturing process. This is especially valuable on fake grass for dogs as it helps prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria from dog urine.
What's The Best Artificial Grass For My Project?
There are many different styles of artificial turf and many of the synthetic turf applications are installed with generic styles of turf due to an assumption that all turf is the same or a limited variety is offered. This is not true, and our team can show you all your options and select the best application for your project.
Very low activity areas need to address quality, density, and aesthetics whereas areas with mid-level activity or more should have a thatch product with a higher density turf installed. A high-density, thatch-based product recovers significantly better during activity and grooming, as well as a high-quality yarn.
We recently published a detailed guide on “How To Choose The Best Artificial Grass For Your Space.”
What Maintenance Does Artificial Grass Require?
More a matter of keeping clean than maintaining… Remove organic materials from the surface, typically by using a leaf blower. Rakes may be required for removing heavier objects; however, the leaf blower is the ideal tool for general upkeep. A stiff, natural bristle broom can be used to “fluff” high traffic areas.
For a detailed guide, check out our post about: Artificial Turf Maintenance.
Does Artificial Grass Get Hot In The Sun?
Artificial grass does not stay as cool as natural grass which has water running through it, but it does not absorb and radiate heat like pavement, rock or brick. That said, summers in Arlington are hot, and any surface exposed to the sun long enough will heat up. To help keep your turf cool we recommend T°-Cool® Infill. It works by trapping moisture and slowly releases it through the process of evaporative cooling. This can lower the temperature of your turf by 30° F- 50°F.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
Most quality turf products have a 15-20 year life expectancy. Our warranty guarantees that it won’t fade or fall apart and that it will look great for years to come!
Does Artificial Grass Allow Water & Pet Urine To Drain?
Nobody likes a lawn strewn with puddles or the mud that gets tracked through your house. This is why artificial grass is designed with a backing that facilitates drainage in one of two ways. The two most common types of turf drainage systems are “Perforated or Hole-Punch” and “Non-Perforated or Fully Permeable.”
What Are The Most Common Artificial Grass Applications?
Artificial grass is extremely versatile and is commonly used at both residential and commercial properties throughout Arlington, TX.
The most popular turf applications are:
Pet Turf – One of the most popular applications for artificial grass is for dogs & pets. People choose to install pet-friendly fake grass for dogs and other pet uses because it doesn’t turn brown from dog urine, dogs can’t dig through it, and because of its durability it remains pristine, even with very active dogs.
Outdoor Living Areas – A lot of people choose artificial turf for its versatility in outdoor living spaces like rooftops, decks, balconies, patios, around swimming pools, etc.
Lawns & Landscapes – Synthetic lawns add aesthetic beauty to any property, and allow customers to avoid watering and maintenance costs. On average, when switching to artificial turf lawns, homeowners can save up to 56,000 gallons of water per year.
Backyard Putting Greens – Many Arlington residents get backyard putting greens installed to practice their short game whenever they want. It’s certainly easier than driving to the local driving range or golf course. Artificial turf putting greens can be completely customized, from the shape of the green to the breaks, you can even adjust the ball speed.
Is Artificial Grass Safe For Kids & Pets To Play On?
Yes! Artificial grass is safe for kids, dogs, and pets. Synthetic grass provides a lush, soft surface that helps to absorb the impact from falls.
With natural grass lawns, the biggest risk for dogs and cats is exposure to poisonous compounds. An artificial grass play area eliminates the need to use any lawn care products so your pets and kids will be safer than ever.
Questions?
Turf Installation FAQs
Can I Install Artificial Grass Myself?
Yes. You can install artificial grass by yourself if you have the proper tools for the job. However, we strongly recommend going with a reputable artificial grass installation company. Working with a professional turf company, you can rest assured that your synthetic grass will be properly installed and will last for years to come.
Can Artificial Grass Be Installed On Dirt?
Before installing artificial grass on dirt, several steps must be taken to prepare the ground. The dirt surface must be properly flattened and topped with a base layer of crushed limestone that’s compacted. This creates a level foundation to install the turf and is permeable, allowing water & pet urine to drain.
Can Artificial Grass Be Installed On Concrete?
Installing artificial grass on concrete is actually easier than other surfaces as it doesn’t require much preparation.
How Much Does An Artificial Grass Installation Cost?
The final price of artificial turf depends largely on the size of the installation, type of turf being installed, amount of prep work required, etc. On average, for a 1,000 square foot installation, you can expect to pay around $8.00 – $15.00 per square foot.
We recently published a very detailed guide about Artificial Grass Costs.
How Long Does An Artificial Grass Installation Take?
Each install is unique. A typical residential installation will average 1-3 days from start to finish and this will be determined by numerous factors not limited to yard size, accessibility, and drainage issues.
The most basic description of our installation process begins with removing existing aggregate, installing our proven base system, laying the grass followed by infill and a brush-up! Your salesman will be able to provide you with a duration time frame when quoting your project.
Are All Turf Installations Basically The Same?
Not at all. Installation quality is very important for aesthetics and longevity. How the sub-surface is sculpted, how the edges are addressed, how the product is secured, and most importantly how the seams are put together. An inexperienced crew will leave you with noticeable seams, which is not aesthetically pleasing and will continue to open up over time.
Questions?
Miscellaneous FAQs
Is Cleaning Up After Dogs Easy On Artificial Grass?
Easy as can be! All you have to do is pick up any leavings and give the area a quick rinse once a week to flush it. Avoid over-saturating the area with water as it can have the opposite effect.
To learn more about pet-friendly turf or its applications, we recently published a very detailed guide that you might find helpful: Dog Run Ideas: The #1 Guide To Pet-Friendly Dog Potty Areas.
Do I Need To Be Present During The Installation?
It’s not necessary to be present for the duration of your artificial grass landscape install. Our trusted crew will ensure a quality installation through and through.
Does Your Turf Contain Lead or Other Heavy Metals?
No. Our synthetic turf products contain no detectable traces of lead or other RCRA hazardous waste heavy metals.
Does The Sheen / Shine On Artificial Grass Go Away?
Yes. The sheen on your artificial turf will progressively diminish and go away. Some products in the marketplace are shinier than others for various reasons i.e. wider blades refract more light, rectangular yarns refract more light, and some yarns go through a de-lustering process. The length of time depends on the product shape and the chemical makeup of the yarn.
Does Installing Artificial Grass Increase My Property’s Value?
You can bet on it! More and more people are making the switch to artificial grass as it is becoming exponentially more popular. A home equipped with turf will likely attract more buyers and ultimately sell for a higher value.
A custom artificial turf golf green in your backyard is certainly going to increase your property value and serves as a great selling point for your realtor to tout. If you’re on the fence about installing a golf green at your home or business, check out our guide on how to choose the best putting green turf for your golf green.
Learn about the countless other benefits of artificial grass.
How Much Will I Save By Installing Artificial Grass?
A lot. Artificial grass conserves water and eliminates the need for mowing, trimming, and fertilizing your lawn. Recurring droughts and the rising costs demanded by landscaping companies ensure you’ll save plenty over time. Moreover, you’ll be saving something more valuable than money: your time.
Ready to Begin Your Pet Turf Journey? Let's get there, together!
It’s not always easy to find the right artificial turf company to make your dream yard a reality. At Arlington Turf Installer’s we do quality work, stick to our deadlines & have a trusted team so you never have to worry about who is working on your yard.