Choosing the Right Turf Blade Shape

When trying to choose the right type of synthetic turf in Orange County, there are many different considerations you need to make. The face weight, drainage rates, color combinations, and other aspects are all things you need to take into account when making a choice. One characteristic you may not be thinking of, however, is the turf’s blade shape. Also known as the blade profile, blade shape is critical for achieving the look and function you want for your lawn. Blade shape helps make artificial grass look natural, helps it hold up against foot traffic, and can even help your lawn keep cool on hot days. Choosing the right turf blade shape can help ensure you enjoy your Laguna Niguel lawn for years to come. 

S-Shapes

One major advantage of turf blades shaped like S’s is that they can look more like natural grass than flatter blade shapes. This is because the curves of the S reduce the flat surface area of the blade which, in turn, means they reflect less sunlight. Reflected sunlight creates a mirroring effect on turf that can make synthetic turf look more white than green, which the S-shape reduces. S-blade turf is also very soft to the touch thanks to these curved edges. S-shaped artificial grass occupies the middle ground in terms of resilience and is usually used in areas with moderate amounts of foot traffic. 

M-Shape

An extremely durable turf blade shape, the M-shape spreads pressure across several separate points of the blade rather than just one. This means that as people and animals walk on the turf, the blade experiences pressure on multiple spots rather than just one, preventing the blade from tearing. This makes artificial grass with M-shaped blades ideal for landscapes and lawns that experience heavy amounts of foot traffic, including sports fields and athletic facilities.

Diamond

Diamond blade-shaped turf creates a soft and luxurious feel while mimicking the appearance of natural grass. Because it is so soft to the touch, diamond-shaped artificial turf is often best used in front lawns and landscapes that receive low to medium amounts of foot traffic and can emphasize its aesthetic qualities. 

Omega

A more complex shape that resembles the ancient Greek letter, omega-shaped synthetic turf is often used for very high-durability applications, such as pet turf. It is also usually seen with shorter pile heights to further enhance its resilience.

W-Shape

W-shaped turf blades are some of the newest types of turf to be introduced on the synthetic turf market. W-shaped turf blades are both ultra-realistic and durable, with the ability to return to their original shape even after heavy amounts of foot traffic. The unique shape of these blades also helps disperse heat due to their light-diffusing qualities. Instead of absorbing sunlight and the heat that comes with it, they reflect it away which can result in a cooler lawn versus other blade shapes. 

If you need help choosing the right blade shape for your artificial turf installation, consult with the professionals at OC Turf and Putting Greens. We’re the premier installers of synthetic turf in Orange County, serving Laguna Niguel and the surrounding area since 2004. If you’re interested in exploring synthetic turf options, give us a call at (888) 526-2289 today. We can provide you with more information about our artificial grass and putting green installation services, as well as a free estimate for your project.

Why Infill is Important to Your Turf’s Health

When you’re installing a new artificial grass lawn in Laguna Niguel or the rest of Orange County, one of the most important considerations you’ll run into is what kind of infill you should use. You may find yourself asking if infill is even something you need to bother with. In the vast majority of cases, infill is needed for artificial grass in Orange County to preserve the health and integrity of your lawn. 

Appearance

One of the most important aspects of infill is that it helps preserve the appearance and functionality of your synthetic turf lawn. Infill helps to weigh down artificial grass, which keeps it from wrinkling and sagging. Infill also helps individual blades of your synthetic turf stand upright and bounce back from being stepped on, which keeps them from flattening and looking matted. This is especially useful for areas that experience high amounts of foot traffic, like athletic fields or backyards. Lastly, infill can protect the backing material of the turf from the environment, especially the UV rays of the sun. The spots where turf blades are woven into the backing is where they are most susceptible to damage, but the presence of infill will help prevent them from being torn up.

Comfort

Infill also helps make your lawn more comfortable for everyday use. Infill between the blades of synthetic turf helps make it feel more like natural grass, providing the same soft, cushioned feeling that soil does. Infill also provides impact absorption, so that if someone takes a fall while running or playing on it, they’re less likely to hurt themselves. Harsh sunlight and a lack of water can cause a natural grass lawn to dry up and harden, but synthetic turf infill is always soft and yielding.

Maintenance

The last major reason to use infill is that it helps with the maintenance of your lawn. A layer of infill in artificial grass helps regulate and control the flow of water and other fluids through the grass, ensuring proper drainage. If you own pets, infill can also be critical in controlling the smells they leave behind after they go to the bathroom. Pet urine is high in ammonia, which leaves unpleasant odors after it dries out. Certain types of infill, such as Durafill, are able to chemically neutralize this ammonia, ensuring that your lawn continues to smell fresh. 

If you’re in need of a contractor to install artificial grass in Orange County, you can trust the professionals at OC Turf and Putting Greens. We’ve been the premier source of artificial grass installation for Laguna Niguel since 2004, with high-quality service performed by a team of experienced professionals. Whether you want a new synthetic turf lawn for your backyard or a new putting green, we can make it happen. Give us a call today at (888) 526-2289, and we can tell you more about our services and give you a free installation estimate.