Frequently Asked Questions
About Artificial Turf
Is artificial grass chemically safe?
SGW artificial grass is made with the highest safety standards for chemical makeup. Out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of public concerns, all TigerTurf products are created without PFAS chemicals in any part of the manufacturing process, including raw ingredients and materials.
How long does turf last?
High-quality artificial grass can last up to 20 years with average use and regular cleaning maintenance. To back this up, SGW Fort Lauderdale offers a limited 15-year warranty on all landscape turf purchased from our warehouses.
Is artificial grass safe for children and pets?
Yes. All Synthetic Grass Warehouse turf products are lead-free and safe for both kids and pets.
We also offer a selection of artificial grass products specially engineered for use in pet-friendly areas and kids’ playgrounds. Our IPEMA-certified PlayScapes system includes an eco-friendly foam underlayer that protects kids from impact falls, and our pet turf is ultra-durable for all-day running and roughhousing.
Does artificial grass fade or discolor?
Each blade of SGW synthetic grass product is coated with a UV inhibitor during the manufacturing process. This ensures the vibrant green color of your turf will never fade, regardless of sun exposure.
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Does artificial grass melt?
Yes. Synthetic turf melts at 175ºF or greater. Avoid using BBQs directly over your turf, and never pour boiling water onto the surface of your turf landscaping. If your house or business has double-paned windows installed, we recommend getting a UV filter applied to your windows before installing artificial turf as the glare from double-paned windows has a history of reaching high temperatures.
Can you use artificial grass around swimming pools?
Yes, artificial grass is great for pool areas. Synthetic grass will drain any excess water rapidly, remaining dry and slip-resistant. Artificial turf’s durable, tear-resistant blades also mean that you don’t need to worry about wet grass blades being tracked into the pool.
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Will artificial turf reduce bugs and pests?
Yes! Because synthetic turf has no organic matter or standing water, it’s an excellent pest deterrent. In fact, the installation process itself often removes and deters the presence of bugs and other pests. Once installed, it’s virtually impossible for pests to permeate the layers of sub-base, weed membrane, drainage materials and turf backing, giving you a pest-free lawn to be proud of.
What is face weight?
Face weight is a term that refers to how many ounces of yarn are used per square yard of turf. The higher the face weight, the longer and more dense the turf blades are likely to be. A high face weight can mean that the turf has thick fibers, densely tufted fibers or taller fibers (if not all three). Face weight is one indicator of a turf’s density and durability.
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What is thatch?
Thatch is shorter fake grass blades that are typically a different color from the taller primary turf blades. For example, most SGW turf products have varying shades of green as their primary blade tones and a brown or tan thatch. This provides added realism by imitating the dying blades that occur in natural grass while preserving a lush, evergreen appearance overall.
What is the difference between the turf backings that SGW Fort Lauderdale offers?
All SGW Fort Lauderdale turf backings are permeable to provide the highest drainage rates available, but we are proud to offer a backing designed specifically for areas with high drainage needs and frequent usage. Any products labeled with a clear permeable backing are ideal for these high-demand areas.
Does artificial grass feel like natural grass?
SGW Fort Lauderdale sells the highest quality artificial turf products engineered to look and feel like the real deal. However, due to turf’s durability, it tends to have more rigidity to it than natural grass’ soft, easily damaged texture. SGW Fort Lauderdale turf is still soft to the touch, but our blades tend to have more bounce-back than natural grass, so it can maintain its natural look with minimal maintenance.
How much can I save by installing artificial grass?
One of the biggest benefits of switching to synthetic grass landscaping is its long-term cost-saving benefits.
When it comes to the initial investment, synthetic grass is more expensive, costing an average of $9.00 per square foot versus $2.50 for natural grass. However, most homeowners see an ROI in approximately 2.5 years due to the long-term savings.
These savings primarily come from the lower maintenance requirements. With synthetic turf, you can eliminate mowing, edging, watering and any professional landscaping services. For most homeowners, 30 percent of all water usage comes from exterior landscaping. By switching to synthetic turf, you’ll significantly reduce, if not eliminate, up to 30 percent of your water use and therefore save up to 30 percent on your water bill. Additionally, since synthetic blades never turn brown or grow long, there’s no need to mow, trim, fertilize or re-sod your turf lawn. That’s thousands of dollars saved each year, plus more time for you to enjoy the outdoors with your family.
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How is artificial grass eco-friendly?
In addition to being aesthetically appealing and low maintenance, synthetic grass also aids in multiple aspects of environmental conservation.
- Water Conservation: In most parts of the country, natural grass needs to be watered several times per week to stay green and healthy. SGW Fort Lauderdale artificial grass, by contrast, never needs to be watered to remain green, aiding in water conservation efforts.
- Less Chemical Use: Say goodbye to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other harmful chemicals when you switch to artificial turf. Harmful chemicals from natural grass maintenance products often seep into the soil and nearby water sources, potentially damaging the local environment. With SGW turf, you can have a safer, family-friendly lawn.
- Reduced Air Pollution: Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, edgers and other gas-powered maintenance tools required for natural grass lawns all create air pollution. When you switch to SGW Fort Lauderdale artificial turf, you can get rid of those mowers and edgers, reducing carbon emissions and improving local air quality.
Does artificial grass drain?
Synthetic Grass Warehouse offers some of the most impressive drainage rates in the turf industry. All of our turf products drain at a rate of more than 30 inches per hour per square yard — significantly better than a natural lawn. Whether you have frequent rainstorms or pet urine to worry about, our industry-leading drainage capacity ensures that your artificial turf will continue to look great (and remain dry) long after installation.
Can turf grass get hot?
Synthetic Grass Warehouse offers the latest in artificial grass cooling technology with TigerCool. TigerCool synthetic grass is created with heat-reflective pigments and UV inhibitors to reduce surface temperatures by up to 15 percent.
Natural grass (and other variations of artificial grass) absorb infrared light from the sun and turn it into heat. Dark colors, like the greens and browns found in grass, absorb the most light and create the most heat buildup, causing those surface temperatures to increase the most. TigerCool, however, uses heat-reflective dark color pigments in the production process to prevent this heat buildup. With these pigments, infrared light is reflected rather than absorbed, which reduces surface temperatures significantly.
In a series of tests conducted by TigerTurf, it was indicated that TigerCool technology was able to successfully reduce artificial grass temperatures by 15 percent, or up to 10 degrees. This makes it safer and more comfortable for your family to enjoy their synthetic grass lawn.
Why should you switch to artificial turf?
- Evergreen Appearance: Artificial grass always appears perfectly groomed and remains lush and green year-round.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, artificial turf never requires mowing or edging, and it requires very little watering — only a quick rinse to remove dust and debris.
- Eco-Friendly: Since synthetic turf doesn’t require routine maintenance like natural grass, it eliminates the need for gas-powered lawn equipment and harsh chemicals from fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. It also allows you to save thousands of gallons of water each year.
Durable: Artificial turf stands up against heavy foot traffic and extreme weather thanks to our innovative tuft-bind technology.
What is infill?
Infill refers to the products placed between the blades of an artificial turf lawn, filling in the otherwise empty spaces. Infill is traditionally made of sand, rubber, EDPM or TPE.
Infill primarily helps the turf blades maintain their upright position and shields the turf’s backing from the sun’s UV rays. It also helps give artificial grass the feeling of natural sod grass, with infill mimicking how soil absorbs impacts. Infill also weighs the turf down to prevent it from developing wrinkles, buckles, or ripples, extending the lifespan of your artificial grass.
Is artificial grass safer than natural grass for outdoor playgrounds?
SGW Fort Lauderdale’s PlayScapes system is a playground landscaping system specially engineered to be safe and fun for kids of all ages.
All our play area turf products are IPEMA-certified and meet or exceed all standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material. They are installed with an eco-friendly foam underlayer that protects kids from impact injuries and falls from up to 10 feet high. Our foam padding maintains GMax scores, so you can rest assured that our artificial turf products are some of the safest and most durable landscaping options available on the market for children’s use.
All SGW turf and installation products are non-toxic and safe for both kids and pets, so you can keep germs at bay and better protect your kids at play without sacrificing fun.
What is artificial grass made from?
SGW Fort Lauderdale artificial grass is made from various materials, including nylon and polyethylene. Consult your preferred turf variety’s product page for specific information about its material makeup.
What is pile height?
Pile height refers to the length of your turf fibers. This is generally an indicator of how your artificial grass will hold up to high foot traffic. The shorter your turf’s pile height is, the more durable it will be. Longer blades of grass provide a more luxurious look and feel, but they can become matted and unsightly if overused. It’s important to strike the right balance to achieve your desired look while selecting a product that can withstand the appropriate amount of foot traffic.
Will artificial turf stand up to the seasons?
Yes! Due to its durable polyethylene material, synthetic grass won’t dry up and turn brown in the summer or freeze in the winter. One of the biggest benefits of artificial grass landscaping is its lush, evergreen appearance year-round.
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About Turf Maintenance
Is artificial grass easy to maintain?
Yes! Synthetic turf’s low-maintenance nature is one of its biggest benefits for property owners. You can always invest in turf maintenance products and services, but a light rinse and cross-brushing are sufficient for routine upkeep.
Can I pour boiling water on my synthetic turf to disinfect it or kill weeds?
No. Boiling water has a temperature of 212ºF, and synthetic grass begins to melt at 175ºF. To disinfect your turf or kill weeds, we recommend using products specially formulated for use on artificial turf landscaping.
What are things you should avoid doing on or around artificial grass?
Artificial grass is extremely durable, but it can still be damaged with improper use and care. To keep your turf in its best condition, avoid using harsh chemicals and oil-based paints, as these can degrade the materials.
We also advise removing any sources of open fire or hot coals. If you have a barbecue or firepit in your backyard, set it on the patio away from your synthetic grass to prevent embers or hot grease from landing on your lawn and damaging the turf.
Finally, avoid puncturing your artificial turf. Using stakes or anything else that will puncture your turf’s mesh backing can ruin its structural integrity and lead to loose seams, improper drainage, broken turf blades and more. If adding any permanent structures such as a fence, light post or jungle gym, consult your artificial grass installer for advice on how to proceed with these installations without damaging your synthetic grass.
Will pet waste stain the artificial grass?
Since artificial turf is inorganic, its blades won’t stain from the bacterial components of pet waste. To keep your turf odor-free and in its best condition, pick up solid pet waste and rinse down urine as often as possible.
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Can you use a grill on artificial grass?
We don’t recommend using a grill on artificial turf, as the embers can melt and burn your turf blades. Synthetic turf’s melting point is 175ºF.
Will mildew or mold form on artificial grass?
Thanks to artificial turf’s ultra-efficient drainage capabilities, mold and mildew are very rarely issues with artificial grass. You are much more likely to experience mold growth with a natural grass lawn. However, to prevent any mold or mildew from growing, make sure that you properly care for your turf and remove any debris or other issues that could impede your drainage system.
How can I extend the life of my turf?
Artificial grass is extremely low maintenance, but performing occasional TLC will help you maximize the lifespan of your turf installation. Here are a few steps you can take to care for your synthetic turf lawn:
- Clear any debris like fallen leaves, branches and trash that may land on your grass. This will help it maintain a clean look and prevent matting.
- Gently spray down your lawn weekly to remove dust, dirt, pollen or pet urine.
- Pick up solid pet waste when your dog uses the bathroom on your lawn, and rinse it down to help pet urine drain quickly. This will help it smell fresh and remain odor-free.
- Clean any spills and stains with a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water.
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How do you clean artificial grass?
While synthetic grass is known for its extreme durability and low maintenance requirements, like all things, it requires occasional light cleaning to keep it in peak condition. Follow some of these quick and easy steps to keep your synthetic turf clean and well-maintained:
- Pick up or sweep away any large debris whenever you notice it. Items like leaves, twigs and petals that are immediately noticeable and easy to grab should be cleared off every few days to prevent matting.
- Rinse off your lawn once a week to clear off dust and small debris, aid drainage, and prevent odors.
- Cross-brush the turf blades every few weeks or whenever you notice matting from heavy foot traffic.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen with a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Remove pet waste as soon as you spot it to keep your lawn bacteria- and odor-free.
Can I powerwash my turf?
We don’t recommend powerwashing your synthetic grass unless your installation doesn’t include infill. If you have artificial grass without infill, you can safely proceed with powerwashing.
If your installation does contain infill (the vast majority do), we recommend cleaning your lawn by rinsing it gently with a hose, spot cleaning with a soap and water mixture, or enlisting the help of a professional artificial turf cleaning service.
How do I deter weeds?
Most weeds cannot penetrate a synthetic grass backing, especially if you install a weed barrier cloth under the turf. However, if a weed sneaks through the synthetic turf perforation where weed cloth is not installed, you can use a weed killer safe for use on artificial grass or pull it out by hand.
To prevent future weeds from growing, perform occasional maintenance such as brushing your lawn with a stiff brush regularly and cutting back any overhanging trees or hedges. These steps will help prevent airborne seeds from landing on your lawn and growing into weeds.
About Synthetic Grass Warehouse
What is SGW Fort Lauderdale’s warranty?
Synthetic Grass Warehouse offers a limited 15-year warranty on all landscape artificial turf and a limited 8-year warranty on all putting green turf. These warranties cover any manufacturing issues or defective materials that arise during the normal use of the product within the time from the date of manufacture.
What does SGW Fort Lauderdale do to deliver the best customer experience?
The only thing better than our artificial turf is our customer service. At SGW Fort Lauderdale, we only offer products that maintain the highest standard of quality. Every turf product we sell is made with high-quality materials safe for every member of the family, especially children and pets.
We also have several distribution centers nationwide that eliminate the middleman, delivering factory-direct pricing and a seamless synthetic turf purchasing experience from start to finish. Our top-rated customer support system will commit to your landscaping needs without delay, providing unbeatable customer service as well as unparalleled industry and product knowledge. That’s why SGW Fort Lauderdale is the top artificial grass distributor in North America!
How many warehouses does SGW Fort Lauderdale have?
SGW Fort Lauderdale has eight warehouses across four different states providing nationwide coverage. To find your nearest SGW Fort Lauderdale location, click here.
Are all synthetic turf products the same?
SGW Fort Lauderdale offers dozens of unique artificial turf products designed to serve many different aesthetic and functional needs. Our turf varieties range in price, color, pile height, face weight and other factors that affect performance.
Whether you want lush landscaping for your front lawn, durable turf for an athletic facility, pet-friendly landscaping for your kennel, or high-performance synthetic grass for a commercial property with high foot traffic, SGW Fort Lauderdale has a product for your requirements. Consult your installer or an SGW Fort Lauderdale team member about which artificial turf product is best for you.
About Installation
Do I really need to hire an installer?
We strongly recommend hiring a professional artificial grass installer, especially if your installation area is greater than 200 square feet. A professional installer will have all the necessary licenses and insurance to provide you with peace of mind and safety.
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Can you install artificial turf on concrete?
Yes, artificial turf can be easily installed on top of concrete. Just make sure that you take the time to prepare the surface before installation properly, and ensure that the concrete surface is flat and even. We also strongly recommend using AirDrain as a stabilization base as a way to create proper drainage abilities, as well as even out surfaces that may have cracks or damage.
What goes under artificial turf?
Artificial grass requires several layers of additional materials before the turf itself can be installed. This is why synthetic turf installation should generally always be performed by professional installers.
- Sub-Base: If you’re installing your turf on top of soil, you’ll need a sub-base to give your turf structural stability. This allows your turf blades to remain upright despite foot traffic to lawn furniture. Your sub-base is a layer of mixed materials, or aggregates, that create a smooth, compacted surface to support your lawn.
- Weed Membrane: Weed membrane is laid immediately under the synthetic grass. This mesh fabric stops any seeds from finding their way into the group and germinating.
- Drainage: A drainage grid such as AirDrain is typically installed to elevate the turf above the sub-base. This 1-inch gap allows air to circulate and water to drain rapidly, enhancing the turf’s performance.
Can synthetic grass be used for driveways?
Artificial turf can transform the appearance of your driveway, giving it a more modern and luxurious look. Many homeowners choose to incorporate turf ribbons with concrete pavers for elevated curb appeal.
To avoid rapid wear and tear, however, choose a turf variety made for high foot traffic and install it in areas that won’t receive much vehicular traffic.
Can you install turf on a sloped yard?
Yes. Artificial turf can be installed just about anywhere, including on hilly terrain and oddly-shaped areas of your lawn. Consult your artificial grass installer for more details on your specific landscaping needs.
Are all turf installations similar?
No. An artificial turf installation is only as good as the installer. When choosing an artificial grass installation service, do your due diligence researching their credentials, insurance, history and endorsements.
If you need help finding a qualified synthetic grass installer in your area, contact us for SGW-approved installer recommendations.
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