If you’re planning a new synthetic grass installation for your Dallas home or business, there’s a good chance you’ve already inspected different artificial turf products, spoken to a few different wholesalers, and even received an estimate or two. However, there’s another major consideration you need to make when planning to install artificial turf: the infill. 

Infill is the material added to artificial grass that nestles between the turf blades, supporting them and keeping them from laying flat. If synthetic turf is allowed to become matted, it can damage the blades and impair the lawn’s drainage. Therefore, your turf should have the right kind of infill to improve its appearance and extend its lifespan. To choose the right infill for your project’s unique needs, keep these five factors in mind when shopping for your artificial grass infill.

1. Material

Infill can be made from several different materials, and this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing which infill product is right for you. Each material has its own pros and cons, and it can affect your lawn’s durability, longevity, and performance.

Silica sand infill, for example, is great for areas with heavy foot traffic since it prevents the turf blades from becoming matted easily. It’s also one of the most affordable options because it’s widely available. Another example is Envirofill, an antimicrobial infill made of all-natural materials, which is ideal for playgrounds, pet turf, and other high-traffic areas thanks to its antibacterial properties.

2. Drainage

Although they serve different purposes, infill can affect your turf’s drainage, so you need to keep your drainage system in mind when choosing the best infill product for your installation. The most crucial aspect of infill in this regard is the infill particulates’ sizes. 

If your infill particulates are too small and block the drainage grid, you can experience standing water and buildup, which can attract insects, encourage mold growth, and compromise your family’s health and safety. If you’re unsure whether your infill choice will affect drainage, ask your artificial turf manufacturer or installer for their recommended infill pairing.

3. Sun Exposure

High-quality artificial grass products, such as those offered by SGW Dallas, will be manufactured with UV inhibitors that protect the turf blades from sun exposure and prevent color fading. However, it’s never a bad idea to add more sun protection for your landscaping investment whenever you can.

Infill can help further protect artificial turf from UV rays by providing a layer of protection that prevents the sun’s rays from reaching the turf backing. This helps prevent cracking and other premature damage, which could reduce your turf’s lifespan. Certain infill products such as Envirofill can also help keep lawns cooler and more comfortable, in addition to offering effective sun protection.

4. Bacteria

If you have a synthetic turf playground, pet area, or athletic facility where germs are a concern, antibacterial infill options can help give you peace of mind. One of the most popular antibacterial infill products is Envirofill, a non-toxic, non-absorbent infill that’s pet-friendly, kid-friendly and safe for the environment.

Envirofill’s green silicone dioxide granules are cooler under the sun than black crumb rubber and more sanitary than silica. It offers Microban antimicrobial protection that is infused into the granules during the manufacturing process to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can cause stains, odors, and deterioration. Microban has been scientifically proven to disrupt the bacteria process that converts pet urine into ammonia odor, so Envirofill will reduce pet odors by up to 99 percent. No matter what you need your turf to stand up to each day, antimicrobial infill will help it endure with greater cleanliness and fewer odors.

5. Budget

Ultimately, your chosen infill will be partially determined by your budget. The cost of artificial grass infill can vary depending on the material and the quantity required, so keep this in mind when shopping for your desired infill product.

Generally, rubber infill is more expensive than sand infill, and specialized infills like Envirofill can cost most of all. However, you’ll need to weigh the benefits of each product, as high-quality infill options can last longer and provide more value even if they have a larger initial cost. You’ll also need to consider any warranties or guarantees that come with your purchase, as this will help you get the most out of your investment.

If you need further guidance in choosing which artificial turf installation products are right for you and your clients’ needs, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse location. At SGW Dallas, we can help you find the perfect synthetic grass products for your home or business, including infill. SGW has been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers, and homeowners alike with all their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about our products or to receive guidance with your next turf grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.