Turf Infill
Also known as: infill, turf sand, synthetic grass infill
Turf infill is the granular material brushed into artificial turf fibers after installation. It weighs the turf down, holds the blades upright, protects the backing and helps with drainage and odor control.
In simple terms
Infill is the sand or coated granules you brush down into synthetic grass. It keeps the blades standing up, holds the turf flat, and for pet areas helps control odor.
In depth
Common infills include rounded silica sand, acrylic-coated sand and antimicrobial or zeolite products for pet areas. Infill performs several jobs at once: ballast (keeping turf flat without excessive fastening), fiber support (so blades stay vertical and resist matting), backing protection from UV, and drainage/odor management. The type and amount are specified by the turf’s pile height and use; pet turf typically uses an odor-controlling infill, while putting greens use specific sand for ball roll.
Why it matters
Infill is what makes artificial turf perform and last — without enough of the right infill, blades mat down, the turf can wrinkle, and pet odors linger.
Common mistakes
- Under-filling, which lets fibers flatten and the turf shift.
- Using a generic infill in pet areas instead of an odor-controlling product.
Examples & uses
- Silica sand for general lawns.
- Antimicrobial/zeolite infill for pet turf.
- Specialty sand for putting greens.