Artificial Turf Glossary, From Backing to Zeolite

Turf spec sheets and installer quotes are full of jargon that is easy to misread, and a single misunderstood number (face weight versus total weight, for example) can make two products look identical when they are not. The terms below are listed alphabetically, each with a short definition and, where useful, typical numbers and a link to the guide that covers it in depth.

A

Acclimation

Letting a newly unrolled piece of turf relax flat, ideally in the sun for 1 to 3 hours, before cutting or seaming. Rolls arrive with creases and curl from storage, and warm turf lies flatter and stretches more predictably, which reduces wrinkles later. See: wrinkles and buckling.

ADA accessibility

Whether a surface can be used by people with mobility devices, which under US accessibility guidelines means firm, stable and slip resistant along accessible routes. Playground surfaces are commonly evaluated with ASTM F1951; deep, loose infill and high pile can make wheelchair travel difficult, so short-pile, well-compacted systems perform better. See: playground turf guide.

Antimicrobial infill

Infill, usually a coated sand, treated with an agent meant to slow bacterial growth on the granules. It can help with odor in pet areas, but it does not replace rinsing and cleaning, and the coating wears over years of traffic. See: disinfecting and bacteria.

ASTM F1292

The ASTM standard specification for impact attenuation of surfacing within the use zone of playground equipment. It sets pass limits of an HIC under 1,000 and a g-max under 200 and is used to establish a surface's critical fall height. See: fall height and shock pads.

ASTM F1936

The ASTM specification for impact attenuation of turf playing systems as measured in the field, written for North American football fields. It sets a g-max ceiling of 200 at every test point, and many field owners set stricter internal targets so they have margin as the field ages. See: sports fields.

ASTM F355

The ASTM laboratory test method for measuring the shock absorbing properties of playing surface systems by dropping a weighted missile onto a sample. Other standards, including ASTM F1936, rely on its apparatus and procedure to produce g-max values.

B

Backing

The layered base of a turf product that holds the fibers in place and gives the roll its strength. It consists of a primary backing the yarn is tufted through and a secondary backing coating that locks the tufts. See: turf backing explained.

Bender board

Thin, flexible edging, typically made of plastic, composite or treated wood, that can be bent into curves and staked along a turf border. It holds base and infill in place and gives a crisp line against planting beds or gravel. See: edging and borders.

Berm

A deliberately raised mound of soil or base built into a landscape for visual interest, to define a putting green, or to direct runoff. Turf can be laid over gentle berms, but steep sides need extra fastening and relief cuts. See: slopes and hills.

Blade shape

The cross-section profile of a turf fiber, such as C-shape, W-shape, diamond or omega. The shape affects stiffness, how quickly blades spring back, how much light they reflect and how they feel underfoot. See: thatch and blade shapes.

C

C-shape blade

A fiber with a curved, crescent-like cross section. The curve stiffens the blade so it stands up better under foot traffic, and it is one of the most common profiles for landscape and pet turf.

Class II base

A California road base specification (from Caltrans) for crushed aggregate, usually 3/4 inch minus with enough fines to lock together when compacted. It is widely used as the 3 to 4 inch compacted base under residential turf in the West. See: base preparation.

Clinoptilolite

The specific natural zeolite mineral sold as odor-control infill. Its porous crystal structure holds a negative charge that captures ammonium from pet urine, which is then released when the area is rinsed. See: zeolite infill.

Coated sand

Rounded sand grains coated with acrylic, polyurethane or a similar polymer, often in a green or tan color. The coating makes the infill less abrasive on fibers, less likely to harbor bacteria in the grain surface, and less dusty than raw silica sand. See: coated sand infill.

Coconut infill

Organic infill made from coconut husk fiber and pith, sometimes blended with cork. It cools well when damp but needs moisture to perform, can freeze in cold climates and breaks down over a few seasons. See: organic infill.

Compaction

Packing base material densely with a plate compactor, roller or hand tamp so it will not settle under turf. Base is compacted in lifts of about 2 inches at a time, near its optimum moisture, and a common target is 90 to 95 percent of Proctor density. See: base preparation.

Cooling infill

Infill engineered to hold water and release it by evaporation, lowering surface temperature after it is wetted. The effect is real but temporary, typically lasting hours rather than a whole hot afternoon, and it depends on rewetting. See: why turf gets hot.

Cork infill

An organic infill made from granulated cork bark. It stays cooler than rubber and is lightweight, but it can float and migrate in heavy rain and needs periodic topping up. See: organic infill.

CPSC handbook

Short name for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook. It explains use zones, critical heights and protective surfacing for public playgrounds and points to ASTM F1292 for testing surfaces. See: fall height and shock pads.

Critical fall height

The highest drop height at which a surfacing system still keeps HIC below 1,000 and g-max below 200 in ASTM F1292 testing. A playground surface must have a critical fall height at least equal to the fall height of the tallest equipment it serves. See: fall height and shock pads.

Cross-brushing

Brushing turf against the grain direction so fibers stand up and infill settles evenly between them. It is done after infill application and periodically on high-traffic or matted areas. See: brushing and grooming.

Crumb rubber

Ground recycled tire rubber used as infill, the same material sold as SBR infill. It gives good cushioning for sports fields but runs hot in sun, can carry a rubber odor, and is the subject of ongoing health and microplastics debates. See: crumb rubber infill.

Crushed rock

Clean, angular stone (often 1/4 to 3/8 inch) with the fines screened out. It drains much faster than road base and is used under dog runs and on poorly draining sites, though it is harder to grade perfectly smooth. See: sub-surface drainage.

Cup

The hole on a putting green, a standard 4.25 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep. Backyard greens use a plastic or metal cup liner set flush with the turf surface. See: building a putting green.

D

Decomposed granite

Granite that has weathered into fine gravel and sand-sized particles, often called DG. Under turf it is used as a thin leveling layer (roughly 1/2 to 1 inch) on top of road base because it grades and compacts to a very smooth surface. See: base preparation.

Denier

A linear density unit for yarn: the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of fiber. It measures the same property as Dtex, and you can convert with Dtex equals denier times about 1.11.

Dethatching

In natural lawns, removing the layer of dead organic matter. On artificial turf, the term is used loosely for deep-cleaning infill that has filled with dust, leaves and organic debris, usually with a power broom or stiff rake; it has nothing to do with removing thatch fibers. See: leaves and debris.

Diamond blade

A fiber with a diamond-shaped cross section and a central ridge. The ridge adds stiffness and the angled faces scatter light, which cuts down the plastic sheen some flat blades show.

Drainage rate

How fast water passes vertically through the turf backing, usually stated in inches per hour. Perforated backings often list around 30 inches per hour, while fully permeable backings can list hundreds, though the base and soil underneath usually limit real-world drainage. See: drainage rates explained.

Drop spreader

A walk-behind spreader that releases granular material straight down through an adjustable gate. It is the standard tool for spreading sand or zeolite infill at an even rate, measured in pounds per square foot. See: how to apply infill.

Dtex

Decitex, the weight in grams of 10,000 meters of yarn, and the main measure of how heavy each fiber strand is. Landscape turf yarns commonly fall around 8,000 to 15,000 Dtex; higher numbers mean thicker, more durable strands, not necessarily more of them. See: how to read a spec sheet.

E

Edging

Any border that holds base and turf edges in place, including concrete curbs, pavers, steel or aluminum strips, bender board and nailer board. Good edging stops base from washing out and gives the turf edge something solid to fasten to. See: edging and borders.

Enzyme cleaner

A cleaner containing enzymes or bacterial cultures that break down organic residues such as urine, feces and vomit. Unlike fragrances, enzymes digest the compounds that cause pet odor, and they need a few minutes of contact time and a damp surface to work. See: enzyme cleaners.

EPDM

Ethylene propylene diene monomer, a synthetic rubber made into colored infill granules. It is more consistent and less odorous than recycled tire rubber, costs more, and is still a rubber granule infill for microplastics purposes. See: infill types.

EU microplastics restriction

The European Union restriction on intentionally added microplastics adopted in 2023 under the REACH regulation. Granular infill for synthetic sports surfaces is covered but given an eight-year transition period, after which it can no longer be placed on the market; it does not ban turf itself or require removing existing fields. See: environmental impact.

F

Face weight

The weight of the yarn above the backing, in ounces per square yard, not counting the backing. Residential landscape turf typically runs about 50 to 90 oz per square yard; it is the most useful single number for comparing density and durability between similar products. See: face weight and density.

Fiber

A single strand of turf yarn, usually extruded polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon. Products typically combine several fiber types and colors, including straight blades and curly thatch. See: fiber types.

Fibrillated

Slit film fiber that has been split lengthwise into a net-like lattice. When brushed, the lattice opens into fine strands that hold sand infill well, which is why it appears on putting greens and older sports fields.

FIFA Quality Programme

FIFA's testing and certification program for football turf, which checks ball roll, ball bounce, shock absorption, traction and durability in the lab and on site. Fields are certified at FIFA Quality or the stricter FIFA Quality Pro level. See: sports fields.

Fines

The smallest particles in a base aggregate, roughly silt and fine sand size. Fines bind road base into a hard, stable layer when compacted, but too many fines slow drainage. See: base preparation.

Flow-through

Drainage that passes straight down through the turf rather than running off across the surface. Fully permeable backings give true flow-through over the whole area, while perforated backings drain only through their holes. See: how artificial turf drains.

Fringe

The collar of longer turf (often about 1 to 1.5 inches) surrounding a putting surface. It slows balls rolling off the green and gives a place to practice chips and bump-and-runs. See: chipping, fringe and bunkers.

Fully permeable backing

A backing that lets water through its entire surface instead of through punched holes, usually a porous coating or non-woven construction. It drains faster and rinses pet urine through more completely, which matters most for dog areas and flat sites. See: turf backing explained.

G

G-max

The peak deceleration, in multiples of gravity, measured when a test missile hits a surface. Lower is softer; playground surfaces must stay below 200 under ASTM F1292, and football fields below 200 under ASTM F1936. See: shock pads.

Gauge

The distance between rows of tufts across the width of the turf. Landscape turf usually runs 3/8 to 3/4 inch, putting greens around 3/16 inch; a tighter gauge means more rows and a denser look. See: how to read a spec sheet.

Geotextile

A woven or non-woven synthetic fabric placed between the native soil and the base. It separates the layers so base stones do not push into soft or clay soil, and non-woven types also filter fine soil out of draining water. See: weed barrier.

Grain direction

The direction the fibers lean, set during manufacturing. All pieces in an installation must run the same way, ideally facing the main viewing point, or seams and patches show up as color differences. See: visible seams.

H

Heat island

The tendency of artificial or built surfaces to get hotter than vegetation and to raise local air temperatures. Synthetic turf in full sun can reach roughly 140 to 170 degrees F at the surface on hot days, far above natural grass. See: surface temperature data.

HIC

Head Injury Criterion, a number calculated from the full acceleration curve of an impact test that estimates the risk of a serious head injury. ASTM F1292 and the CPSC handbook use an HIC of 1,000 as the pass limit for playground surfaces. See: fall height and shock pads.

I

Infill

Granular material brushed down between turf fibers, such as silica sand, coated sand, zeolite, rubber or organic material. It weighs the turf down, supports fibers so they stand upright, protects the backing from UV and can add cushioning, cooling or odor control. See: infill types.

Infill migration

Infill shifting out of place, washing into low spots, splashing out at edges or being kicked away in high-traffic areas. It leaves fibers unsupported and backing exposed, so it is checked and topped up during routine maintenance. See: how much infill.

L

Landscape staples

U-shaped steel pins, commonly 6 inches long, pushed through turf into the base. They are used in softer bases and around curves, while longer nails are preferred in hard compacted road base. See: tools and materials checklist.

Latex

The most common secondary backing coating, usually an SBR latex. It is economical and holds tufts well but is more sensitive to prolonged moisture and heat than polyurethane coatings. See: turf backing explained.

Lead-free

Turf whose fibers and pigments are made without lead compounds. Some older turf used lead chromate pigments, so buyers for children's areas should ask for test documentation showing lead below consumer product limits. See: safety and health.

Low-E reflection

Concentrated sunlight bounced off energy-efficient (low emissivity) windows onto turf. The focused glare can push the surface past the softening point of polyethylene, leaving melted, shiny or curled streaks. See: window reflection melting.

M

Memory

A fiber's ability to spring back upright after being stepped on, also called resilience. Shapes with ribs or curves and thicker Dtex fibers tend to have better memory and resist matting. See: matted fibers.

Mesh size

A way to grade granular infill by the sieves it passes through and is retained on. A 20/40 mesh sand passes a 20 mesh screen but not a 40 mesh screen; lower numbers mean larger grains. See: silica sand infill.

Microplastics

Plastic particles smaller than about 5 mm. Turf can shed fiber fragments as it wears and rubber or plastic infill granules can migrate off site, which is the main environmental concern with synthetic sports fields. See: environmental impact.

Monofilament

A fiber extruded as an individual strand with its own cross-section shape, rather than slit from a film. Almost all modern landscape and pet turf uses monofilament polyethylene for a natural look and soft feel. See: fiber types.

N

Nailer board

A strip of rot-resistant or pressure-treated wood (often a 2x4) set flush with the base at the perimeter. It gives turf edges a solid surface to nail into where there is no concrete curb or rigid edging. See: edging and borders.

Nails

Galvanized landscape nails or spikes, usually 5 to 6 inches long, driven through turf into compacted base. A common pattern is every 6 to 8 inches along edges and seams and on a grid of about 12 to 24 inches in open areas, adjusted for the base and slope. See: how to install artificial turf.

Nap

Another word for grain direction, the way turf fibers lean. Installers talk about the nap when matching seams and when deciding which way a lawn should face.

Nylon

A strong, heat-tolerant fiber polymer. It is the most durable and resilient of the three main fibers and is common on putting greens, but it is stiffer, more expensive and less natural-looking for lawns. See: polyethylene vs nylon vs polypropylene.

O

Omega blade

A fiber with a cross section shaped like the Greek letter omega, with a rounded center and flared edges. The shape adds stiffness and resilience without making the fiber feel coarse.

Optimum moisture

The water content at which a base material compacts to its highest density. Too dry and particles do not lock together; too wet and the base pumps and ruts, so installers dampen base lightly before compacting. See: base preparation.

Organic infill

Plant-based infill such as cork, coconut fiber or ground walnut shell. It runs cooler than rubber and avoids plastic, but it can decompose, float, freeze or attract pests and usually needs more top-up. See: organic infill.

P

Perforations

Holes punched through the turf backing, typically a few inches apart, to let water drain. They work on well-prepared bases but can clog with fine sediment and drain far slower than fully permeable backing. See: how artificial turf drains.

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large family of persistent chemicals. Some fluorinated compounds have been used as processing aids in plastic extrusion, and some states have moved to restrict PFAS in artificial turf, so buyers can ask for third-party test results. See: safety and health.

Pile height

The length of the fibers from the backing to the tips, usually in inches. Landscape turf commonly runs 1 to 2 inches, pet turf about 1 to 1.5 inches, and putting greens 3/8 to 5/8 inch. See: pile height.

Plate compactor

A gas-powered machine with a vibrating steel plate used to compact base material. Rental units for residential work typically deliver about 3,000 to 5,000 lbs of compaction force. See: tools and materials checklist.

Polyethylene

The most common landscape turf fiber polymer, often shortened to PE. It is soft, natural looking and non-abrasive, with good UV resistance when stabilized, but it softens at a lower temperature than nylon. See: fiber types.

Polypropylene

A lower-cost fiber polymer, often shortened to PP, used mainly for thatch, primary backing fabric and some budget or putting green products. It is less soft and less resilient than polyethylene for lawn blades. See: polyethylene vs nylon vs polypropylene.

Polyurethane backing

A secondary backing coating made of polyurethane, often shortened to PU. It is more moisture and temperature resistant and often more flexible than latex, which makes it a common upgrade for pet and hot-climate turf. See: turf backing explained.

Power broom

A motorized brush, either walk-behind or attached to a small machine, that sweeps turf with rotating bristles. It lifts matted fibers, works infill into the pile and pulls out debris much faster than hand brushing. See: brushing and grooming.

Primary backing

The woven fabric, usually polypropylene in two or three layers, that yarn is tufted through during manufacturing. It provides dimensional stability and the base layer that the secondary coating bonds to. See: turf backing explained.

R

Relief cuts

Short slits cut into the turf edge so it can lie flat around curves, corners and obstacles without bunching. Cuts are made from the back, between tuft rows, so they stay hidden. See: cutting around obstacles.

Resilience

See memory: the fiber's ability to recover its shape after being compressed. On spec sheets it may also refer to how well the whole turf system rebounds under load. See: matted fibers.

Road base

Crushed aggregate, typically 3/4 inch minus with fines, compacted into a firm layer under turf. Residential lawns commonly use 3 to 4 inches of compacted road base, more for heavy traffic or soft soils. See: base material calculator.

Roll width

The width of turf as manufactured, most commonly 15 feet, with 12 feet also available. Roll width drives seam placement and waste, so layouts are planned around it. See: roll layout calculator.

S

SBR

Styrene-butadiene rubber. As infill it means granulated recycled tire rubber, also called crumb rubber; as a backing term it refers to the SBR latex coating used on many turf products. See: crumb rubber infill.

Seam adhesive

Glue, typically a one or two-part polyurethane, spread on seam tape to bond the backings of adjoining pieces. It needs proper cure time and temperature, and too much adhesive can wick up and mat fibers along the seam. See: seaming artificial turf.

Seam line

The joint where two pieces of turf meet. A good seam line has matching grain direction, consistent gauge spacing across the joint and no fibers trapped in the glue. See: visible seams.

Seam peaking

A seam that rises into a ridge or tent because the edges were pushed together too tightly or the base underneath is high. It is one of the most common seam defects and usually requires re-cutting the seam. See: visible seams.

Seam tape

A strip of backing fabric, usually 8 to 12 inches wide, laid under the joint between two pieces of turf. It is either coated with adhesive on site or comes with a peel-and-stick adhesive layer. See: seaming artificial turf.

Secondary backing

The coating applied to the underside of the primary backing to lock tufts in place, typically latex or polyurethane. Its quality largely determines tuft bind and how the turf holds up to moisture and heat. See: turf backing explained.

Shock pad

A resilient layer of foam, rubber or similar material installed under turf to absorb impact. Shock pads are used to meet critical fall height targets on playgrounds and to reduce reliance on rubber infill on sports fields. See: shock pads.

Silica sand

Rounded quartz sand, commonly in 16/30 or 20/40 mesh, used as the default infill for residential turf. It is inexpensive and adds ballast, with typical rates around 1 to 2 lbs per square foot, but uncoated grains can trap odors in pet areas. See: silica sand infill.

Slit film

Fiber made by extruding a thin plastic sheet and slitting it into flat ribbons. It is often fibrillated into a lattice and is common on sand-filled putting greens and older sports turf. See: fiber types.

Sod cutter

A machine that slices under existing grass to remove it in strips, usually 1.5 to 3 inches deep. It is the fastest way to clear a lawn before excavating for turf base. See: tools and materials checklist.

Stimpmeter

A 36-inch grooved bar used to measure putting green speed. A ball released from a notch rolls onto the green and the average roll distance in feet is the stimp reading; backyard greens are commonly built for about 9 to 12. See: green speed and Stimpmeter.

Stitch rate

The number of tufts per unit length along each row, often quoted per 4 inches or per meter. Combined with gauge it determines tuft density, so a high stitch rate on a wide gauge can still produce a sparse product. See: face weight and density.

Sub-grade

The native soil beneath the base layers. It needs to be graded, free of organic matter and compacted before base goes down, and its drainage capacity largely decides whether a site needs extra drainage work. See: clay soil.

T

Thatch

The short, curly, often tan or brown fibers mixed in at the base of the pile. Thatch supports the longer blades so they stay upright and makes the lawn look more like real grass. See: thatch and blade shapes.

Total weight

The weight of the yarn plus the primary and secondary backing, in ounces per square yard. It is always higher than face weight, so comparing one product's total weight against another's face weight is misleading. See: how to read a spec sheet.

TPE

Thermoplastic elastomer, a rubber-like plastic made into infill granules. It is more consistent than recycled rubber and recyclable in principle, but it costs more and is still a polymer infill under microplastics rules. See: infill types.

Tuft bind

The force needed to pull a single tuft out of the backing, measured in pounds. Many specifications call for at least 8 to 10 lbs; higher numbers mean fibers are less likely to pull out under dogs, play or power brooming. See: how to read a spec sheet.

Tufting

The manufacturing process in which needles push yarn through the primary backing in rows to form loops or cut tufts. Gauge and stitch rate are settings of the tufting machine.

U

UV stabilizer

Additives blended into turf fibers that absorb or neutralize ultraviolet energy. They slow fading and embrittlement, and their quality is a major factor in how long turf holds its color in high-sun regions. See: fading and UV damage.

W

W-shape blade

A fiber whose cross section forms a W, with several ridges that act as reinforcing ribs. It stands up well to traffic and the ridges scatter light to reduce glare.

Walnut shell infill

Organic infill made from crushed and screened walnut shells. It is hard, heavy enough to stay put better than cork, and plant based, but it can break down and may be a concern for people with tree nut allergies. See: organic infill.

Weed barrier

Fabric laid under or over the base to block weeds from growing up through the turf. Turf backing itself is a partial barrier, so placement and whether a separate fabric is needed depend on the site's weed pressure. See: weed barrier.

Y

Yarn

The continuous synthetic fiber strands that are tufted into the backing to make turf. A turf product's yarn description covers polymer, Dtex, color and blade shape. See: fiber types.

Z

Zeolite

A porous volcanic mineral, usually clinoptilolite, used as infill to control pet urine odor. It captures ammonium ions and releases them when rinsed, and it is often blended with or layered under sand at around 1 lb per square foot in dog areas. See: zeolite infill.