Essential FAQs About Artificial Turf in Knoxville, TN

Artificial turf in Knoxville, TN is fast becoming a popular landscaping option for both home and business owners in the area. Still, there remains a lot of confusion about what artificial turf actually is, how it works and whether or not it’s a good alternative to grass.

Whether you’re a business owner considering installing artificial turf at your office complex or a homeowner who wants a low-maintenance lawn, you’ll find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about artificial turf below

What Is Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf, is a man-made material that looks and feels like natural grass. It’s composed of a thatch layer, an infill material and a backing.

The thatch layer is typically made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene or nylon. The infill material is usually made of crumb rubber, sand or a combination of the two. The backing is usually made of polypropylene or polyurethane.

How Is Artificial Turf Installed?

The installation process of artificial turf in Knoxville, TN will vary depending on the type of turf you choose and the size of the area you’re installing it in.Generally, however, the process involves removing the existing grass and preparing the ground for the turf.

Once the ground is prepped, the turf is laid down and secured in place. The infill material is then spread over the turf and brushed into the turf to help the blades stand up.

How Does Artificial Turf Stay in Place?

It is usually secured in place with nails, staples or a special adhesive. The infill material also helps to keep the turf in place.

Is Artificial Turf Safe?

Yes, artificial turf is safe even for kids. It’s made of materials that are non-toxic and won’t harm the environment. The infill material is also safe. Depending on the type of infill you choose, it can be made of silica sand, walnut shell, eco-friendly materials and other safe options.

Specifically, artificial turf offers the following safety benefits:

• It’s non-slip, so it’s less likely to cause injuries
• It doesn’t harbor bacteria or insects
• It’s hypoallergenic
• It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals

Is Artificial Turf Durable?

Yes, artificial turf is quite durable. It’s made to withstand heavy traffic and can last for years with proper care.

In fact, synthetic turf is a top choice for sports leagues like the NFL, MLB and FIFA sporting fields. It’s also becoming a landscaping mainstay in high-traffic commercial establishments like event venues, retail complexes and hotels.

Is Artificial Turf Good for the Environment?

This may be surprising, but artificial turf is actually good for the environment. Here’s why:

• It doesn’t require water to stay green, so it can save a lot of water
• It doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides, so it doesn’t pollute the ground or water
• It doesn’t need to be mowed, so it reduces emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers
• It can be recycled

In short, you can feel good about installing artificial turf knowing that it’s not harming the environment.

Is Artificial Turf Low Maintenance?

Yes, artificial turf is one of the lowest maintenance landscaping options available. It quite literally gets rid of almost every lawn care chore on your to-do list.

You won’t need to water it, mow it, fertilize it or treat it for pests. You also won’t have to worry about reseeding or aerating it. The only thing you’ll need to do is brush it occasionally to keep the blades standing up and looking fresh.

Does Artificial Grass Look Real?

It depends heavily on the type of turf you choose. In recent years, manufactures have made huge strides in making synthetic grass look and feel like the real thing. This includes crafting blades that reflect natural light to make the turf look green.

Some types of artificial grass in Knoxville, TN even have a thatch layer that gives it the same bounce and feel as natural grass. You can also find artificial grass products that mimic different types of grass, such as fescue and bluegrass.

Naturally, don’t expect high-level realism from cheap and low-quality artificial turf. If you want your synthetic grass to look as real as possible, it’s worth spending a little extra on a higher-quality product.

Can Dogs Pee on Artificial Grass?

This is a common question we get from Knoxville pet owners. The answer is a solid yes. Your furry friend can go on synthetic turf just like they would on natural grass.

The difference is that pet turf is much easier to clean. All you have to do is spray it down with water or a mild cleaner and let it air dry.

It’s also worth mentioning that artificial turf is often used in dog parks and pet-friendly businesses. So, you can rest assured knowing that your pet is safe to use synthetic turf.

Is Artificial Turf Hot?

This is another common question we hear from Knoxville homeowners. The answer is that due to the synthetic materials, it gets a bit hotter than grass. However, it’s significantly cooler than hardscape like concrete and stone.

How Do You Clean Artificial Grass?

Cleaning is quite simple. You can use a hose, leaf blower or even a broom to remove debris like leaves and twigs. For tougher messes, you can use a mild cleaner or diluted vinegar solution.

When it comes to stains, you can treat them like you would with any other type of carpet. For instance, you can use a detergent solution for food and grease stains. For pet stains, you can use an enzymatic cleaner.

Can You Grill On Artificial Grass?

We don’t recommend placing grills directly on top of synthetic turf. While artificial grass doesn’t burn, hot embers and coals can damage the turf.

If you want to grill on your turf, we recommend using a portable grill that sits on top of a protective mat. For permanent grills, be sure to place it on some sort of hardscape a few feet away from the turf itself.

Can You Install Artificial Grass Yourself?

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you might be tempted to tackle the installation process on your own. However, we don’t recommend this for several reasons.

First, artificial turf is heavy. The rolls can weigh up to several hundred pounds each. Second, the installation process is quite involved. It requires excavating the area, preparing the base, installing the turf and infilling it.

Third, if the installation isn’t done correctly, it can void the warranty. So, unless you actually install artificial grass for a living, we recommend leaving it to the professionals.

Where Can You Install Artificial Grass?

It can be installed just about anywhere. The most popular places are yards, patios, decks, rooftops, commercial landscapes and putting green installation in Knoxville TN. However, it can also be used in more unconventional places like around pools, in play areas and as event flooring. In fact, you can even have it up walls and on roof decks!

Learn More About Artificial Grass in Knoxville, TN!

We know you probably still have a few questions. At Knoxville Artificial Grass, we love chatting and sharing tips about all things turf. Feel free to give us a call or send us a message online. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or provide a free quote for your project.