What is the most realistic artificial grass anyway? Today, we look at three key aspects of turf to help you get started: Look, Feel, and Purpose.
The decision to switch to artificial turf instead of real grass can be challenging in itself, but finding the right type of grass for your lawn is just as challenging. Most homeowners replace real grass with artificial turf for the look of real grass, without the hassles and inconveniences.
Finding the most realistic artificial turf is a bit subjective, though, because everyone has a slightly different impression of what “realistic” grass looks like. When comparing brands of artificial grass, consider the look, feel, and purpose for the grass in order to determine what you believe to be the most “realistic” artificial turf.
What is the Most Realistic Artificial Grass?
Most consumers buy and install artificial grass because they want the look and feel of real grass without the hassle.
But finding the “most realistic” type of grass is subjective because when a consumer hears the word “realistic” in regards to grass, many different images may come to mind, depending on the person.
Some may consider particularly lush, deep green turf to look more realistic, while another consumer may feel a blend of colors or a shorter pile height looks the most realistic. Therefore, the definition of what “realistic” means in regards to grass differs from person to person.
Luckily, while embarking on your artificial turf shopping adventure, there are a few ways you can determine how “realistic” a brand of artificial grass looks:
- By how the grass looks
- By what the grass feels like
- By considering the purpose of the grass
See for yourself – get free artificial grass samples here.
The Look of the Grass
When someone says “realistic-looking grass,” you may envision a wide expanse of bold, solid green grass.
Or, you may think of a lawn that is lighter, varied shades of green. Color is one easy way you can consider which turf is the most realistic.
These days, grass companies carry artificial turf in just about every color, from gray to blue to hot pink. But if you’re going for a natural, realistic look, a mix of more subdued shades of green is considered, perhaps universally, most realistic compared to solid greens (which may come across as too reminiscent of a mini-golf course!).
The shape of the grass blades can also determine how realistic it appears.
Grass blades are manufactured in any number of different shapes and lengths. Consider the feel you’re after when looking at blade shapes. For example, blades shaped like a cat’s eye will feel softer and less dense while appearing thinner, but will still maintain the appearance of a real blade of grass.
How the Grass Feels
Another way to consider how realistic artificial grass is compared to real grass is by considering how the grass feels, both in the infill and in the material used to make the grass blades.
A number of different substances can be used for artificial turf infill.
The infill is what is spread as a layer underneath the artificial grass blades, enabling the blades to stand up straight.
Here at AGL, we use natural sand infill.
The type of infill also gives the artificial turf a particular feel. For example, if your idea of artificial grass is a turf that is quite firm, then you may consider the sand infill more realistic. Likewise, if you are in the market for artificial turf for a sports field, an infill of shredded tires will give the turf more bounce.
The material used to manufacture the grass blades also plays a major role in how the grass feels to the consumer. The material will determine not only the feel of the grass underfoot but also the durability of the grass. The most popular three materials used to manufacture artificial grass are:
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
If a more dense, sturdy feeling underfoot seems more realistic to you, you’ll want to consider either nylon or polypropylene, which are sturdier and stiffer, rather than polyethylene, which is the softest of most materials used to make artificial grass.
The Owner’s Purpose for the Grass
A third major consideration when determining what artificial grass is the most realistic is what the purpose of your artificial turf will be. How will you be using this artificial turf? The definition of what “realistic” turf looks like differs depending on what you’re using the turf for, which could include:
- Landscaping
- Dog runs
- Sport fields
When looking at different artificial turf brands and their many varying colors, densities, and infills, a good question to consider is this: if you were using real grass for this landscaping project, dog run, or sports field, what qualities would it contain? Would it contain varied shades of green, or would it be a solid color? Would it be soft and short, or tall and stiff? Answering that question will help you determine what “realistic” means for your project, and aiming to acquire turf that fits that definition will ensure you end up with the most realistic turf possible.
In Conclusion
The question of what artificial turf is the most realistic has no one concrete answer because there are numerous definitions of “realistic” and even more types and styles of artificial turf that can meet these definitions.
However, before you begin shopping for your artificial turf, consider your own definition of what “realistic” artificial turf should look like, taking into account the look, feel, and purpose of your turf.
Considering these questions will help you to determine what artificial turf is, by your own definition, the most “realistic” and therefore the best fit for your project.
