Top Asked Questions About Pet Friendly Artificial Grass Infills

We are a nation of pet lovers and so, when it comes to home improvements and accessorising living spaces, we always consider our furry friends. Laying artificial grass is something many pet owners mull over as it can make maintenance easier. However, getting pet friendly artificial grass is important if you plan on letting animals out on it. The infills of the synthetic turf are a part of this, so making sure what’s in them is pet friendly is imperative to keeping a happy and healthy animal.

What Is Artificial Grass Infill?

Normally referring to the products placed between artificial grass blades to aid in them standing up, grass infills are a way of mimicking the feel and impact absorption of real grass to give your artificial lawn an even more authentic feel. It can provide ballast to make sure the lawn doesn’t wrinkle or crease, whilst also assisting in drainage. It can also be used for odour control and UV protection.

Infill used to be more important to help longer grasses stay upright, as they support the base. But these days artificial grasses come with a structured base featuring shorter blades and thatching that helps keep the blades upright without the need for infill. Many people still choose to add it to their synthetic lawns for added stability.

Is Infill Necessary for Artificial Grass?

Many modern types of artificial grass are made to be non-infill so that you don’t have to worry about it, but you still need to make sure what type of false turf you have, for maintenance reasons. Infill will often come as part of the installation process, but you can top them up, and should add to them annually if your imitation grass requires it. 

Types of Artificial Grass Infill

There are many types of artificial grass infills, each with differing properties for different situations, so understanding what is right for you and your situation is important. 

Silica Sand

Tiny granules of quartz, silica sand is an extremely popular infill choice because it supports drainage and assists in keeping artificial grass upright. It can come in different sizes, with smaller options recommended for putting green turf.

Rubber

There are a couple of rubber infills used on artificial turf, but they aren’t typically applied to residential use of synthetic lawn. Crumb Rubber is often made from recycled tyres and offers bounce and underfoot comfort so is regularly found on sports fields. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a man-made product with a very high level of durability. Considered by many as a little safer than crumb rubber, it can also be found in athletic environments

Sand

Coated sand is typically found in older artificial grass installations but that’s not to say its use is outdated. Specialised sand with a coating that prevents dust inhalation and minimises abrasions, it can be a good choice for play areas and playgrounds. Untreated sand can also be used on artificial grass but will not have the same safety properties.

Natural or Organic Infills

Natural or organic infills are increasing in popularity due to their more environmentally friendly status. Things like walnut shells, coconut shells, cork, and varying mixtures of these, are chemical free and compostable so are commonly found in natural infill products. 

Other Infill Options

There are also a wide variety of other infill options that are usually designed with specific uses in mind. Often referred to by brand name, many are a mixture of the above types of infill.

What is Pet Friendly Artificial Grass?

There is a common misconception that artificial grass contains lead and other harmful elements to pets, but modern imitation lawns don’t use these materials. Pet friendly artificial grass has a permeable backing, so liquids don’t pool, and don’t hold onto unpleasant odours.

What is The Best Infill for Artificial Grass with Pets?

Acrylic-coated sand or silica sand are both good with artificial grass for dogs as they remain cool in warmer weather and don’t absorb liquids. Rubber infills are softer under paws and can be gentler on ageing joints.

What Grass Infills Eliminate Pet Odours?

Silica sand can hold onto odours if not properly treated but there are choices out there that will have treatment that won’t hold onto smells. Acrylic-coated sand has antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria growing and causing smells and other unpleasant issues making it an ideal option as when installing artificial grass for dogs.

Summary

Choosing pet friendly artificial grass and infills will rely on what you need for your pet. Something that doesn’t get too warm under direct sunlight, doesn’t hold onto odours and, most importantly, doesn’t harm your pet.

Grass 24/7 has a wide-ranging collection of infill-free artificial grass for dogs and cats across all sorts of budgets. With permeable backings, they’re ideal for muddy paws, as well as accessories for cleaning up any little accidents and don’t need anything added to them once fitted.