Turf Terminology

Artificial turf’s adhesive bonds the different parts of the material together. The adhesive is used to attach the seams to the inserts to the base. It’s a water-based material made from urethane and/ or epoxy.

 A treatment applied to the turf to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, helping to keep the surface clean and hygienic.

 A surface treatment or texture designed to improve traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls, particularly important in wet or slippery conditions.

 Treatment applied to the turf fibers to reduce static electricity buildup, which can attract dust and debris.

Artificial turf’s backing is what the fiber tufts are secured to. Backing is most commonly made from either latex or polyurethane. Stronger materials like polyurethane result in a more durable, long-lasting material.

 The shape and structure of the individual fibers or blades of grass in the artificial turf.

Artificial turf comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose one that suits your taste and matches the region you live in.

Refers to an increase in density. The base area underneath your artificial turf installation should be compacted to ensure a seamless final result.

Crumb rubber is made from recycled tires and can either be ambient or cryogenic and used as infill.  Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens - Tucson has long ago discontinued the use of crumb rubber and strongly recommends against the use of crumb rubber infill in any installation as there have been reports of harmful chemicals.

The unit used to describe the mass density of fibers.

How close the tufts are to one another. Or, the mass of turf fibers per unit of volume.

Drainage is the part of artificial turf’s design that enables it to wash away water and other liquid materials efficiently.

The ability of a material to withstand regular use and the elements.

An infill material made from acrylic-coated sand. Envirofill helps moderate the temperature of artificial turf.

 Certification or accreditation indicating that the artificial turf meets specific environmental standards or regulations, such as being made from recycled materials or being recyclable itself.

How each individual turf blade is formed. Extrusion is the process of turning liquid plastic into individual solid fibers and can be used to create blades of many different shapes, such as “W” and “U” shaped turf blades.

The weight of artificial turf minus its backing material. The greater the face weight, the denser the turf fibers. At Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens - Tucson, our products range from 50 to 100 ounces per square yard.

Refers to a material that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Guidelines for fall safety; used in reference to playground systems.

An individual blade of artificial grass.

 Treatment applied to the turf fibers or backing to reduce the risk of ignition and slow the spread of fire in case of accidental exposure to flames.

A nail coated with zinc to prevent oxidation or rusting. Galvanized nails are used for construction.

Refers to the distance between stitch rows. The optimal gauge will depend on the weight of an artificial turf style.

 The ability of the turf to withstand high temperatures without melting or becoming damaged, particularly important in hot climates.

The material between turf fibers. Infill is usually made from sand or other natural minerals and helps ensure proper drainage and prevent matting.

 The depth of the infill material (such as sand or rubber) that is spread into the turf to provide stability, cushioning, and support.

 A guarantee provided by the manufacturer or installer covering the quality of the turf installation, ensuring proper installation techniques and materials are used.

 Artificial turf that is free from lead-based materials, ensuring safety for users and minimizing environmental impact.

A shining, light-reflective quality.

 A service offered by turf suppliers or installers that includes regular maintenance tasks such as brushing, grooming, and infill replenishment to keep the turf in optimal condition.

A material’s tendency to return to its original shape after a constraint has been removed.

A single filament of synthetic fiber.

A nail not coated with zinc used to secure artificial turf during installation.

 Materials used in the construction of artificial turf that are safe for humans, pets, and the environment, with minimal risk of harmful chemicals or off-gassing.

A resilient fiber used in artificial turf blades.

Holes in artificial turf backing to allow for proper drainage.

A material’s ability to let gas or liquids pass through it.

 Referring to artificial turf that is designed to withstand the activities of pets, such as digging and playing, while also being easy to clean and maintain.

The length of an artificial turf fiber.

A soft plastic used in most face yarns.

The chemical molecules that make up synthetic fibers, infill and artificial turf backing.

A coarse plastic used in thatch yarn or artificial grass putting greens.

A material used to coat artificial grass backing to secure its fibers.

A unique tool used for de-matting artificial turf.

 The ability of the artificial turf to bounce back to its original shape after being compressed or flattened.

Where two panels of synthetic turf are joined together.

 The strength of the seams where two pieces of turf are joined together during installation, ensuring durability and preventing separation over time.

A common sand variety consisting of broken-down quartz, minerals or rocks that measure between one-sixteenth and two millimeters in diameter.

Unit of measurement used in artificial turf installation.

A loop of yarn that connects one material to another.

The number of stitches per row – typically, how many stitches per inch of artificial grass.

Refers to an inorganic, man-made material.

 The surface feel and appearance of the artificial turf, which can vary depending on the type of fibers used and the manufacturing process.

Textured yarn used below the face yarn to enhance the turf’s ability to recover.

The total weight of artificial grass, including the backing material. Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens - Tucson's products range from 75-130 total weight in ounces.

The force needed to remove a tufted blade from its backing.

The process of inserting tufts through the backing material.

 The ability of the turf to resist damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause fading and deterioration over time.

 The practice of using artificial turf as a water-saving alternative to natural grass, reducing the need for irrigation and contributing to water conservation efforts.

 The ability of the turf to allow water to pass through, promoting efficient drainage and preventing waterlogging.

 A layer installed beneath the artificial turf to prevent the growth of weeds from underneath.

Zeofill is a natural mineral product derived from volcanic ash, specifically clinoptilolite, which is processed and granulated for use as infill in artificial turf installations. It is known for its excellent odor-neutralizing properties and its ability to absorb moisture and ammonia, making it particularly suitable for pet turf applications.

Zeolite Max is a nontoxic zeolite material that neutralizes odors from ammonia.