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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ASTRO TURF

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This guide will walk you through all you need to know about astroturf, including; the origins of astroturf, the difference between astroturf and artificial turf, plus the uses of astroturf.

Astro Turf Origins

Many people believe Astro turf to be another name for artificial turf, however, this isn’t necessarily true.

Astro turf originally came to light around 60 years ago all the way back in 1965, not as a product, but as a company. James Faria & Robert Wright founded this company and sold Astro turf under the name ChemGrass, but promptly changed their name to “AstroTurf” shortly after launch.

Not long after Astroturfs’ formation, they blew up big time by installing Astro turf in the Houston Astrodome which was home to the major league baseball side, aptly named the Houston Astros…as you might be able to tell, there was a big Astro-based theme going on in Houston during the ’60s. Regardless, this was a big improvement on what has usually been painted dirt as a playing surface. The general public found that astroturf made the game of baseball more exciting, this was down to the vast improvement of the playing surface. Astroturf made the ball travel faster and bounce higher, making baseball games more hectic and enthralling.

From here, Astroturf became the market leader for artificial turf in America and set a high standard for Astroturf going forward, with Super Bowls, world series and European football being played on the revolutionary surface. Unfortunately for Astroturf, competitors were on the rise in the early 2000s. These competitors led to the downfall of Astroturf as they declared bankruptcy in 2004. Since 2004, the Astroturf name has been purchased and passed around by various companies who have tried to revive the artificial sporting surface. 

Uses Of Astro Turf

In current-day applications, astroturf is used almost exclusively for sporting events and arenas. 

Sports that utilise astroturf include the following:

  • Football Pitches
  • Hockey Grass
  • Tennis Courts
  • Baseball Grounds
  • Cricket Grounds
  • Rugby Fields
  • Golf Courses
  • American Football Pitches
  • Bowls Lawns
  • Lacrosse
  • Ultimate Frisbee Courses
  • Badminton Courts
  • Futsal Pitches
  • Multi-Use Game Areas (MUGAs)

What Is The Difference Between Astro Turf & Artificial Turf?

The key difference between astroturf and artificial turf is mainly down to how both products are used. Astroturf is primarily used for sporting and outdoor events due to its toughness. In general, the term astro turf is rarely used in the UK anymore when referring to artificial turf, instead, astroturf is usually associated with artificial turf that is sand filled. People choose to sand infill their astroturf in order to increase its rigidity and strength when being used in sports or areas with high amounts of foot traffic.

Additionally, astroturf can also be mistakenly used to describe 3G grass. 3G grass stands for third-generation synthetic surface as it is comprised of synthetic turf which utilises both sand infills & rubber infills. These pitches are rising to prominence across European football and are growing evermore popular by the day! However, it is important to remember that 3G is not quite an astroturf.

Finally, we have artificial turf. Artificial turf is a lot more common than astroturf or 3G grass, as it is used pretty much anywhere that has a flat surface. This includes; back gardens, front lawns, displays, gyms, events & pretty much any other indoor surface. Artificial turf has the most uses out of 3G & astroturf, as sand and rubber infills aren’t necessary for artificial turf to be used. Furthermore, artificial turf can come in various different colours, pile lengths, and textures & utilise different features. For example, Lazylawn has developed artificial turf that utilises state-of-the-art technology to use UV rays to neutralise nasty odours left by pets!

Astro Turf FAQs

How much does it cost to lay Astroturf?

The cost of laying Astroturf can vary, this depends on the size and intended application of the turf. Usually, it will depend on needing a quote from a professional Astro turf layer to give an accurate price. Fortunately, Lazylawn offers an installation for all of your artificial grass & Astroturf needs.

To enquire about astroturf installation, click here

How is Astroturf laid?

Astroturf is laid in the same manner as other artificial turfs. You create an edge, lay a base, apply a membrane, and then lay and trim the artificial grass to suit your needs. Whilst the process sounds simple, it is very much easier said than done!

Can you lay Astroturf yourself?

Yes, you can lay Astroturf yourself. However, it is not recommended to do so unless you are experienced with doing so. When laying Astroturf, missing one step or doing something incorrectly could mess up the whole project. This would cost way more than a professional installation.

Regardless, if you wish to lay astroturf yourself, read our DIY installation guide for tips and guidance!

Is Astroturf good for dogs and pets?

Yes, astroturf is usually fine for dogs and other pets, as long as you do not have large or coarse infills on your astroturf. Some dogs and other pets may try to eat rubber or sand infill, which isn’t exactly ideal.

The best artificial turf for dogs and pets is from the LazyLawn AIR range, which is made specifically for pets by keeping them safe from infills and naturally neutralising odours by using UV rays.

If you would like to learn more about artificial turf & dogs, read our artificial grass for dogs guide.

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Excellent, I would recommend them, they are very helpful, so happy with the work they have done. Staff are very hardworking.

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A huge thank you to Nithi and his team. Was a smooth process from start to finish , great support and information given. The team showed up at 10am and worked non stop all day! They finished around 5pm. The garden is amazing and totally unrecognisable! All my neighbours are commenting on it and considering using the company themselfs. It’s really made the world of difference for our family already. Thanks so much guys you have been amazing! Pictures of before and after

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What fantastic service from the team. Punctual, professional, and very tidy. Fantastic installation - very pleased with the result. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of installing artificial grass

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I have had problems with my turf for the last 4 years and been laid three times found no solution but to look at the option of astroturf. Having 5-6 different surveys, Saygrass was the most consultive understanding and understanding of my concerns having two dogs. From completing the survey I managed to receive a quote within 15 minutes. After booking installation was complete in 2 weeks. The team were friendly experienced knowledgeable and complete the job in less than half a day. There was no mess and advised me on maintenance and aftercare. Can 100% highly recommend Saygrass, fantastic service .

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Saygrass did a great job. Nitii and team were professional , on time and friendly. Fully recommend this company. Happy with our new garden - Amazing work - 5 star

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The Saygrass team were extremely professional from start to finish, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work carried out, and the short duration it took them to accomplish this. The price was also considerably favourable.

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Fantastic job from start to finish - highly recommended!

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From start to finish the process was hassle free. Very well priced. Lads very good and very quick at their job. Very pleased.

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Amazing work highly professional workers good materials with incredible result I am recommending the company

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I would not hesitate in recommending this company. I never do reviews but these guys more than deserve a glowing review. Process was really clear from the start. The guys worked so hard and I couldn't believe how much they got done on day one. Great value for money and super quality work. Can't wait to enjoy my new garden!

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Saygrass did a great job in my garden at a good price. Elly provided the best customer service - she was available to help throughout the entire process. I would recommend being present from start to finish to ensure things are being done exactly to your liking as there were a couple of things I wished were done a little differently - but nothing that has impinged on my enjoyment of the garden. I would use this company again.

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Good pre service , excellent work on the ground. Finish looks great

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Did a amazing job very happy

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I had my garden done in fake grass and my slabs done at my front and so happy with it

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We had our artificial grass done couple of years ago. It was great, they did a great job at a competitive price. We had maintenance service afterwards, again it was well done and efficient, at a reasonable price. 5 star and trustworthy. Thank you!

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So pleased with our new grass. The work and preparation put in before they laid the grass was amazing. The guys worked really hard throughout. Highly recommended.

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Extremely grateful for the service we have had from you has been impeccable from receiving the free samples right through to your help and advice with installation.Excellent customer service, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Will most definitely recommend you.Thanks ones again for all your help.

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Genuinely I cannot make one single complain about this company. Genuine, honest, and professional people from start to the end. The quality of the grass is just outstanding, and the customer service went far and beyond to ensure I got what I asked for, I cannot recommend you enough. Amazing work, thank you so much Neeru for your hospitality throughout. Very helpful !

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Elly came round and done some measurements and explained everything with great detail. I'm a very visual person and elly took her time to help me understand what could be done and the potential my garden has. I had absolutely no knowledge in landscape,patios and artificial grass but now I feel so comfortable with garden being handed over to say grass :)

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Very friendly and professional

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5.0

This company is amazing. They go above and beyond your expectations. They are just too good.They laid my grass very very nicely and properly levelled the ground and everything else connected with the job was done to a very high standard. After completion they swept my garden and left everything very neatly. They are very polite and explain everything in detail. Owner and his team are genuine nice people.

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Turned my nightmare mess of a garden into a dream garden! I can’t stop looking at it!

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Had a maintenance clean for my artificial lawn. The guys were very thorough, patient and professional. They didn’t complain or rush the job even though the work took longer than anticipated as I hadn’t had a maintenance service for a long while. I will use SayGrass annually going forward.

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