You put infill, such as silica sand, on artificial grass.
Understanding Infill for Artificial Grass
Infill is essential for maintaining the look and longevity of your artificial lawn. It serves multiple purposes, ensuring your artificial turf remains beautiful and functional for years.
Why Use Infill?
- Weight and Stability: Infill, especially silica sand, weighs down the artificial grass, preventing it from shifting or wrinkling, and it anchors the grass blades in place.
- Prevents Matting: By filling the spaces between the blades, infill stops the artificial grass from being matted down by foot traffic. This helps it to look lush and natural, like real grass.
- Supports Grass Blades: The infill supports the grass blades, keeping them upright and providing that perfect, manicured look.
- Improved Drainage: While artificial grass already has drainage, infill assists with this and prevents water from pooling on the surface.
- Safety: Infill helps reduce the friction of the surface and protects the underlying backing of the artificial grass, reducing the risk of damage over time.
Types of Infill
While silica sand is the most commonly used infill for artificial grass, there are other options available. However, silica sand is generally recommended due to its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
- Silica Sand: This is the most common infill material. It's non-toxic, free draining, and provides the necessary weight and support.
- Rubber Infill: Sometimes used for sports applications, rubber infill provides additional cushioning and shock absorption.
- Zeolite Infill: This option can help with odor control, making it useful for pet-friendly areas.
How to Apply Infill
- Evenly spread: Use a spreader or a stiff brush to distribute the infill evenly across the entire surface of the artificial grass.
- Brush in: Work the infill down into the grass with a broom or brush, ensuring it settles between the blades.
- Repeat: Multiple passes might be necessary to ensure the infill is thoroughly distributed and settled.
Examples
Here are some practical applications of infill:
- Backyards: Silica sand keeps the artificial grass looking natural and ready for family gatherings or playtime.
- Sports Fields: Rubber infill adds cushioning and protects joints for athletes.
- Pet Areas: Zeolite infill helps to control odors and improve cleanliness.
Conclusion
Infill, especially silica sand, plays a crucial role in the installation and maintenance of artificial grass by providing the necessary weight, support, and drainage. It's not simply something to put on the grass, but an essential component of its structure and functionality.
