Did you know artificial turf in Arizona has to be able to withstand extreme temperatures? Or that artificial turf can help with our lack of rain?
The artificial grass industry is thriving. There are over 26,000 artificial grass companies in the United States. Since 2013, artificial turf installations have doubled in popularity across all 50 states because of their cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility.
As people continually look for ways to save money or do things more efficiently, artificial grass becomes a viable choice for many homeowners and businesses alike. Artificial grass might seem like an odd choice for arid climates like Arizona’s but it actually responds quite well during smaller downpours (if at all) and requires very little maintenance when compared to natural turfgrass. This means artificial grass requires very little water, chemical fertilizer, and even fewer pesticides.
Another advantage of artificial turf is it can be used in a wide variety of climates because synthetic materials are made from petroleum-based products which provide a stable yet flexible surface designed for consistent playability. This means if your artificial grass is installed properly using UV protection, you should not have to worry about the artificial turf losing its color or shape over time…and because it’s artificial, if a few blades did come up, they could easily be rooted back into place.
So, after all that, what do we mean when we say “how does artificial turf respond to Arizona heat”?
Artificial turf responds well in warm climates like Arizona by deflecting the sunlight away from the surface, which reduces temperatures by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Utilizing artificial grass surfaces in play areas during the summer months can improve the comfort of anyone spending time on it.
Lower temperatures reduce the risk of heat stress and related injuries while artificial turf’s soft texture provides cushioning for falls, reducing your liability risks. However, artificial turf should not be used when shade is not available because artificial grass still absorbs heat from the sun even if it does not reflect it back into your surroundings. Allowing natural turf to grow under artificial turf allows sunlight to penetrate through the artificial lawn blades, preventing them from absorbing heat.
Another factor that would affect how well artificial turf responds to Arizona heat is the materials used to make artificial grass blades themselves. For example, artificial grass fibers that are made of heavy metals like copper or chromium can reflect the sun’s rays better than artificial turf constructed with artificial turf blades made of nylon which would be more likely to absorb heat.
Finally, it may seem like artificial grass is not a good choice for desert climates like Arizona because they do not drain well; however, there are many types of artificial grass that will drain properly, and any type that does not should have proper drainage installed under them. Artificial turf companies in Arizona utilize a filter fabric beneath their artificial lawns to prevent soil from going through the artificial blades while allowing water to drain underneath them into a collection system before returning it back into your lawn or landscape.
Artificial turf responds quite well to Arizona heat and actually uses it to its advantage, which is great news for homeowners in the area who want artificial grass but do not want to worry about excessive artificial lawn care.
Contact Artificial Grass Masters at (602) 691-5227 if you’re thinking of installing artificial turfgrass.