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Why Envirofill® is the Best Artificial Turf Infill For Your Yard & Home Projects
As a homeowner, your yard is often the backdrop of your family life. It’s where your children play, your dogs scamper around chasing squirrels, and where you host your famous barbecue parties. It may even be your favorite summer vacation spot.
Therefore, your yard’s ground needs to be supportive, safe, and functional for all these different uses you’ll be putting it to. You’ve already made a great decision by going with artificial turf for your home – but what’s in your turf may be the more important choice.
Motz has spent years developing Envirofill®, the perfect turf infill for home and yard spaces. It gives your turf a lush look, is long-lasting, and most importantly, completely safe for children and pets.
In this blog, we’ll explore all the important factors to consider when choosing turf infill, and how Envirofill® meets those needs in a complete and comprehensive way. We’ll break down:
- What artificial turf infill is and why it’s so important for your lawn.
- Factors to consider when choosing turf infill for your home’s outdoor spaces.
- What should not be in your artificial turf infill material.
- Your artificial turf infill options.
- Why Envirofill® is your best option.
What is Turf Infill?
Artificial turf infill refers to the materials that go between the blades of synthetic grass. Turf infill serves multiple purposes: it weighs down the turf for stability, helps the turf blades maintain an upright position for a natural look, and provides cushioning for safety and comfort.
If an artificial turf system is installed correctly, 90 percent of its weight should be comprised of infill, with the rest consisting of the turf and pad. Pound for pound, infill has a greater effect on the performance of artificial grass than any other component.
High quality synthetic turf infill will be durable and maintain its structure and functionality over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring the longevity of your artificial turf. At Motz, we make two patented infills that are amazing for home use.
We’ve written extensively about the importance of turf infill in our blog: Why Is Turf Infill Important In Your Backyard’s Artificial Grass?
Factors to Consider When Choosing Artificial Turf Infill
As a homeowner, your artificial turf will be used extensively by everyone in your family. Your pets and kids will come into contact with the infill as they run and roll around the yard. If you’re using it as a mini sports arena, it will be trafficked heavily. Bearing these uses in mind, here are some of the non-negotiables you need to consider when choosing turf infill for your yard.
1. Safety and non-toxicity
This is the most important factor for homes with children and pets, who are more susceptible to health risks from toxic substances. Choosing a non-toxic infill also ensures you’re contributing to a healthier environment, as it minimizes the risk of soil and water contamination.
2. Drainage and moisture control
Good drainage prevents waterlogging and promotes a dry surface, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. This is especially important in rainy climates or when pet owners need to frequently manage pet urine (Here’s our guide to tackling that!).
3. Cooling properties
Hot turf can be brutal for feet and paws, and can even cause burns. If you live in an area that experiences high temperatures and direct sunlight exposure, infill material, like Safeshell, that reduces the surface temperature of artificial turf will ensure your family can comfortably enjoy your yard even on hot days.
4. Odor control
As a family, you’ll have to deal with pet urine, wet weather and leaf litter, all contributing to bacteria buildup and smelly turf. Choose an antimicrobial infill with natural odor-controlling properties. Envirofill®, for example, is manufactured with Microban® antimicrobial protection to help prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes that can cause stains, odors, and product deterioration.
5. Shock absorption
Good shock absorption minimizes the risk of injuries from falls or impacts, providing a safer surface for users. The right infill absorbs and disperses the force from falls, ensuring your family can play hard without worrying about injuries.
What Should NOT Be in Your Yard’s Artificial Turf Infill
Considering how big a part artificial turf plays in your family life, do ample research into your infill before you purchase it. Scour the product information material thoroughly to ensure that there are no elements that can potentially harm your family or the environment. Avoid these at all costs:
1. Toxins
Harmful chemicals in artificial turf infill (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] and volatile organic compounds [VOCs]), pose significant health risks to humans (especially children) and animals. They can also leach into the soil, contaminating groundwater.
2. Abrasive materials
Infill that is too abrasive can lead to premature wear and tear on turf fibers, diminishing its aesthetic and functional lifespan–and not to mention, hurting those who come into contact with it. Crumb rubber and raw sand are common culprits.
3. Non-biodegradable materials
Infill that is non-biodegradable poses environmental challenges, contributing to long-term pollution. These materials often complicate disposal processes at the end of the turf’s lifecycle, impacting sustainability.
4. Dusty, fine particles
Fine, dusty particles in infill can be problematic, potentially causing respiratory issues when inhaled. They can also create maintenance challenges by spreading around the yard and necessitating frequent cleaning.
What Infill Should You Choose for Your Yard? Assessing Artificial Turf Infill Options.
Choosing a synthetic turf infill is a bit like choosing the ideal pair of shoes: it all depends on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing! Just as each shoe serves a unique purpose, each type of infill brings its own set of benefits tailored to your turf’s traffic, usage, and environmental needs.
Read more: What Are My Artificial Turf Infill Options?
1. Silica Sand
Composed of finely ground quartz, silica sand is one of the oldest and most common infill materials used in artificial turf. It is ideal for low-traffic areas and general landscaping.
Pros:
– Cost-effective and widely available.
– Provides basic support to keep grass blades upright.
Cons:
– Tends to harden over time affecting the comfort and playability of the turf.
– Dusty, does not lead to a lush lawn appearance.
Also read: Think Twice Before Using Raw Sand for Artificial Turf Infill
2. Crumb Rubber
Made from recycled tires, crumb rubber is known for its durability and resilience. You’ll find it frequently used in sports fields and playgrounds.
Pros:
- Excellent for shock absorption, providing a safe surface for physical activities.
- Highly durable, it withstands heavy use.
Cons:
- Can absorb and retain heat, raising the surface temperature of the turf.
- Potential health concerns due to the toxic chemicals used in tires.
3. Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural, volcanic mineral known for its ability to control odors. It is favored for pet areas due to its odor-neutralizing properties.
Pros:
- Excellent at controlling and neutralizing odors, especially ammonia from pet urine.
- Non-toxic and safe for pets and children.
Cons:
- Limited shock absorption makes it unsuitable for sports or play.
- Tends to cake in very wet conditions, leading to an unappealing-looking and ineffective turf.
4. Organic Options (Cork, Coconut Coir, Walnut Shells)
There are several natural, biodegradable materials available, like cork, coconut coir, and walnut shells that are environmentally friendly. They are suited for eco-conscious homeowners and green landscaping projects.
If you’re looking for a natural product, Safeshell might be a great option for your artificial turf yard. It’s a USDA-certified, 100% organic turf infill made of walnut shells. Read more about it here.
Pros:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly, decomposing naturally without harming the environment.
- Lower heat retention, making the turf cooler underfoot.
- Chemical free and compostable
Cons:
- More expensive than crumb rubber
- Certain organic infills can require more maintenance
5. Envirofill®
Envirofill® is made up of pieces of coated sand for use in pet areas, play areas, and general home landscaping.
Pros:
- Low maintenance and easy to manage.
- Microban® antimicrobial protection infused into every piece helps prevents the growth of bacteria and microbes that can cause stains, odors, and product deterioration.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to plain silica sand, but offers added health and maintenance benefits.
Now that you’ve got a rough idea about the different infill options available to you, here’s a table quickly comparing them according to the factors you’re considering for your home turf:
| Factor/Infill Type | Organic Materials | Crumb Rubber | Zeolite | Raw Sand | Envirofill® |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toxicity/Heavy Metal Content | Low | Moderate/Low | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Heat Retention | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Drainage | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Abrasion | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Environmental Impact / Sustainability | High | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Odor Control | Low | Low | High | Low | High |
| Dust Production | Moderate | Moderate | Low | High | Low |
| Shock Absorption | Moderate | High | Low | Low | Moderate |
When you compare the options out there, it quickly becomes obvious that with many of them, there’s a strong compromise to be made. For example, Zeolite is a great turf infill for dogs because of its odor-controlling properties, but it has low shock absorption, making it unsafe for play. Not the case with Envirofill®. It’s got the whole package. It meets all the essential criteria for a safe and effective product – plus it comes with a 16 year long warranty.
Made of coated sand, it is infused with Microban® antimicrobial protection, actively preventing bacterial and microbial growth, ensuring a clean and hygienic surface. This makes Envirofill® especially advantageous for families with pets and children, providing a safe environment for play and relaxation.
It is also toxin-free, and so safe that it is exempt from California’s stringent Prop 65 labeling requirements. Envirofill®’s balance of safety, cleanliness, and environmental sustainability makes it a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable and family-friendly turf infill solution.
You can find Envirofill at 200+ locations all over the states. It’s even available at Home Depot.
Have more questions? Reach out to our team– we’re always glad to help.
Thinking of getting Envirofill®? Read this.
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