10 tips to follow when switching to synthetic turf

For clients wanting to switch to synthetic turf, there are some key aspects landscapers need to keep in mind before they make the switch.

When purchasing synthetic turf, landscapers should keep these tips in mind from John Blaize, director of Act Global and Chairman of the Board of the Synthetic Turf Council (STC).

The STC has published “Considerations When Buying Synthetic Grass for Landscape Use”, which provides guidelines on artificial turf selection, suppliers, manufacturers and installation practices.

Act Global offers 10 tips for purchasing synthetic landscape turf:

1. Know your suppliers
Research the seller to understand their reputation and stability. Check their website, local Registrar of Contractors (ROC), business registrations and research any complaint records online. Most companies should be licensed, bonded and insured. Inquire about the company’s quality checks and procedures. ISO 9001 Quality Certification is a good indicator of manufacturing practices, as a world-recognized standard for quality management.

2. Check references
Know the company’s business history and ask for installation references, both recent jobs and ones that are several years old.

3. Look for industry certifications or memberships
Are they members of the Synthetic Turf Council and other industry organizations? STC members must comply with the organization’s Code of Ethics and remain in good standing in the industry.

4. Consider intended use for the turf
Artificial turf comes in many varieties, colors, heights and densities. A higher foot traffic area, such as a backyard, will require a denser, more durable product than an area with very little foot traffic. A playground or pet area may require something with a shorter pile height and less infill. Various shades of green are also available to match natural foliage, depending on the region of the country.

5. Follow STC synthetic turf quality buying guidelines
Understand terms such as face weight, pile height, primary and secondary backing, tuft bind, and water permeability, and recommended guidelines for each. For example, most synthetic grass products have a total face weight between 40 and 100 ounces per square yard, and a tuft bind of at least 6.8 pounds.

6. Obtain test reports and product documentation
Many companies make promises about their product. Reputable suppliers should provide documents and test reports that back the claims. Look for documents which verify the face weight, coating, backings, UV testing and tuft bind. Many low-end or overseas products are poorly made with little UV protection and experience breaking or fading.

7. Understand the terms of warranty
An eight-year warranty is standard industry practice. Review all warranty terms, including type of damage covered, for how long and under what conditions. Does the warranty cover product defects, premature aging, and installation and workmanship errors? Understand the procedures for filing a claim, and how complaints will be handled and solved.

8. Obtain copies of the installation plan, turf and infill samples
Obtain copies of a contract and installation plan that details materials and base preparation guidelines. This could include seaming materials, infill, synthetic turf, base materials and weed barrier. Silica sand is the recommended infill, as granules are larger and less susceptible to clumping than common masonry or playground sand. The turf sample should identify where the turf was manufactured and the name of the product and manufacturer. Verify the turf received for installation closely matches the sample retained.

9. Get everything in writing
This includes warranty, contracts and installation plans. Get in writing that the product you selected is the product that will be delivered.

10. Ask for maintenance guidelines
While synthetic turf requires less maintenance than natural grass, installers should provide recommended guidelines for caring for the turf lawn. These may include recommended tools, frequency of maintenance, procedures for cleaning up spills, dealing with snow and ice, and more.