Artificial turf can get quite hot, even more so than natural grass. On warm, sunny days, turf surfaces can climb above 150°F. These temperatures can create risks for bare feet and pets.
How Hot Can Artificial Turf Get?
Especially under direct sunlight, artificial turf can get much hotter than natural grass. In some cases, surfaces can reach up to 180°F. This temperature has been recorded on days hovering around 90°F outdoors. This surface temperature is hot enough to cause burns in just a few seconds.
Natural grass usually stays between 20°F to 40°F cooler than artificial turf, even in the harshest summer elements. Artificial turf remains one of the hottest materials routinely used in outdoor settings.
The extreme heat stems from the turf’s plastic materials that are designed to absorb and trap solar radiation. Unlike natural grass, there is no cooling from evaporation, meaning the temperature will keep rising until the sun goes down.
Types Of Artificial Turf
The types of artificial grass materials will undoubtedly play a crucial role in both performance and durability. The extreme heat in Arizona calls for materials that can withstand high temperatures without compromising on quality. Let’s take a detailed look at the three types of artificial grass below.
Nylon
Nylon stands out as a material because it offers much strength and resilience. It has very good resistance to heavy foot traffic and can thrive in extreme weather conditions. Oftentimes, this artificial turf type is used in high-end applications for its ability to mimic natural grass.
The only drawback with this material is the cost. Nylon will cost more than both polyethylene and polypropylene.
Polyethylene
This is one of the most common materials used for artificial grasses due to its vibrant color and soft texture. It is ideal for both recreational areas and residential lawns. It is resistant to wear and tear and will maintain its lush appearance as time goes on.
Its resistance to high temperatures also makes it a great pick in Arizona. However, this material may not be as resilient as nylon when it comes to handling foot traffic.
Polypropylene
Less durable than both the other materials, polypropylene is still quite popular because it is more affordable.
This material is easier to handle during installation due to its light weight. However, the Arizona heat can cause its color to fade over time.
Why Does Artificial Turf Get Hot?
Artificial turf can become hot simply due to the way it is made and how it ultimately reacts to sunlight. There is no way for the turf to release heat, unlike natural grass. Instead, several factors outlined below can cause your artificial turf to really heat up in the summer.
Turf Color And Height
Features like color, fiber density, and pile height can impact how much heat is absorbed by the turf. Taller, tightly packed blades can also trap warmth and reduce airflow overall.
Darker shades will attract more sunlight, naturally. Some newer coatings can reduce heat, but not all turf includes this level of protection.
Infill
Lots of artificial lawns make use of infill, such as silica sand, rubber granules, or even organic blends. While infill supports the blades, it can also absorb more heat.
Some types can even raise the temperature more than normal.
Unable To Release Heat
As mentioned above, artificial turf cannot release heat. Once the surface heats up, there is no way to cool it down. On hot days, artificial turf will feel even hotter than the air surrounding it.
Plastic Fibers
Polyethylene and polypropylene are essentially plastics, and these materials are often used for turf. These plastics absorb and retain heat when struck by sunlight.
Plastic does not breathe like organic materials, meaning the temperature will rise and likely stay quite high throughout the day.
Which Artificial Turf Is Best For The Heat?
For the harsh climate of Arizona, nylon is generally considered the best equipped for the desert environment. However, if there are some budget concerns, high-quality polyethylene is your best option.
Sonoran Landscape Design In Arizona
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