Artificial grass 101
The evolution of artificial grass
Artificial grass has undergone an impressive transformation since its introduction. Thanks to continual advances in production technology, modern artificial grass looks natural, feels soft, and can be used in a wide range of applications: from sports fields to gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces.
From green mats to natural-looking grass
The earliest generations of artificial grass were simple, flat green mats that lacked the look and feel of natural grass. To improve realism, manufacturers increased fibre height, creating longer, high-pile artificial grass. However, these longer fibres would not remain upright on their own.
This led to the introduction of sand infill, which supported the fibres, added weight to prevent shifting, and provided performance properties for sports use (such as ball bounce and shock absorption). In some specific sports applications, natural infills are used.
Artificial grass with sand infill
Sand-filled systems are still essential for many applications, especially sports.
Why sand infill is used:
- Keeps fibres upright
- Adds weight to prevent movement
- Increases durability under heavy use
- Improves sports performance (bounce, stability, shock absorption)
Sports fields such as football, tennis, and hockey almost always require sand infill to meet performance standards.
Non-infill artificial grass
In 2008, manufacturers sought a way to offer natural-looking, high-pile artificial grass without the need for sand infill. The solution was the introduction of a crimped support fibre woven into the grass backing.
How crimped fibres work:
A soft, curly fibre is added between the straight fibres.
This:
- helps support the pile (so it stands upright)
- creates a fuller, more natural look
- eliminates the need for sand infill in landscaping applications
Applications for non-infill artificial grass:
Non-infill artificial grass expands the possible uses significantly:
- Private gardens
- Balconies and roof terraces
- Small or irregular areas
- Indoor spaces
- Showrooms
- Trade fairs
- Temporary installations (quick to roll out and relocate)
Namgrass was a pioneer in this technology, helping bring high-quality non-infill systems to the European market.
A brief history of artificial turf
-
1960s
Artificial turf was invented as an alternative to natural grass for sports.
-
1964–1968
First installations marketed as Astroturf, used in the Astrodome Stadium, Texas (USA).
-
1980s
Major improvements made the product more skin-friendly and durable.
-
1990s (USA)
Artificial turf introduced for residential landscaping.
-
2000 (Europe)
High-pile landscape grass grows in popularity.
-
Since 2008
Introduction of non-infill, natural-looking systems with crimped fibres, pioneered by Namgrass.
Today, modern artificial grass has little in common with the bright green plastic mats still occasionally sold in garden centres. The latest generation is soft, realistic, durable, and engineered for specific uses.
Advantages of artificial grass
- Minimal maintenance → saves time and money
- No mowing, watering, fertilising, or weeding
- No need for storage of garden equipment
- No water usage
- Less exposed to pests
- Evergreen appearance → remains green in shade or extreme weather
- Suitable where natural grass struggles to grow
- Clean surface → ideal for children, pets, and pool areas
- Highly durable with a long lifespan
- No pollen-related allergies (e.g., hay fever)
- Easy to remove and reuse for temporary setups
- Always neat and mud-free
- Environmentally friendly: no fertilisers, no pesticides, no water waste
- Many Namgrass products are recyclable
- More cost-effective than natural grass long-term
- Adds value to properties
