The Evolution of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is best known for its use in sports fields, but lately, homeowners have devised creative ways to bring its low-maintenance nature to their homes. Artificial turf is the perfect solution for homeowners who want a full, green lawn without too much effort. But there are also other ways to use it to brighten up your outdoor space. Let’s look at the history of artificial turf, its creative uses, and its future. The History of Artificial Turf The history of artificial turf begins in the 1960s in sports stadiums. In 1966, the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, was the first to install artificial turf. It was a short-fiber, dense carpet of nylon applied right over a bed of compacted soil in the stadium. In 1967, foam pads were inserted between the layer of soil and the turf. Coined AstroTurf at the time, many stadiums began switching over to it, as it could withstand lots of traffic while still holding up for play. Second-generation turf was invented in 1976. Its differences were that the fibers were longer, and this generation included a shock-absorbing pad beneath the carpet. The carpet was also filled with silica sand so that the grass blades would stand upright. This generation was not as widely used as the first generation of artificial turf, though it did pave the way for generation three. Third-generation artifical turf is what we know today. It’s similar to the second generation in that it has a shock-absorbing pad filled with granular material. However, it’s usually crumb rubber or a combination of crumb rubber and silica sand instead of just sand. The first was installed in a school in Pennsylvania in 1997; we’ve been using it ever since. Creative Uses for Artificial Turf Beyond Lawns There are now many different ways to use artificial turf in landscaping or even inside your home. Whether your goal is to create a low-maintenance area for pets or to use it sparingly as decoration, artificial turf is a fun and easy way to add some green. Lawn Cover It’s no secret that you could cover your entire lawn with artificial turf. However, the current trend is using artificial turf for specific areas, such as putting greens, poolside grass, and play areas. All three of these lawn uses require expert drainage, low-maintenance cleaning, and a soft, pest- and disease-free grass area, which are some of the benefits of artificial turf. Decorative Landscaping Artificial turf can be used for larger landscaping projects like patio accents, grass between pavers, or modern landscape designs like turf chess. It can also be used sparingly for doormats, carpeting, wall covers, or feature walls. Artificial turf is easier to manipulate and cleaner than regular grass, so it can be used for any project requiring some texture or a little green. Pets Because artificial turf is easy to clean and you pose no risk of killing your grass when you use it, it’s often recommended for pet areas. You can install it for a general pet space outside or get creative and use it for pet bedding or indoor potty areas. Uncommon Uses The great thing about artificial turf is that it can go anywhere. This means that small or urban areas can feel like they have grass, too. Terraces, balconies, and rooftops are becoming popular places to install artificial turf, as they provide an opportunity to bring that outdoor spirit to urban areas. It’s even been used to decorate furniture or create grass cushions. The Future of Artificial Turf There have been a variety of innovations in the artificial turf industry, from the creation of non-infill turfs that more closely resemble real grass to enhanced safety features. This non-fill turf features a thatch layer instead of a performance infill like rubber or sand. It is easier to recycle, lowers maintenance and cost, and improves field performance if used in a sporting area. This fourth-generation turf has not taken off quite yet, but there have been other advancements in the artificial turf sector, too, such as enhanced safety measures and improved drainage. Cooling technology has also been added, combating the heat buildup of artificial turf to make it more comfortable to play on. Regarding safety measures, many artificial turf grasses now come with antimicrobial protection, UV resistance, polyethylene fibers, fully permeable backing, heat resistance, and static block. Conclusion Artificial turf is a low-maintenance, energy-efficient lawn solution. It allows grass to find its way into urban spaces, spaces for the sick or elderly who cannot keep up with traditional lawn maintenance, and enhanced playing opportunities for sports nationwide. Now that you know how artificial turf started and where it’s going, you can assess your space accordingly and decide if artificial turf installation is right for you.