Pet Turf Temperature Control

The biggest concern our clients have when researching a pet turf system is the temperature of the surface. Below we'll talk about what features look for to attain the coolest space for your furry friends!

Is Artificial Pet Turf Actually Safe?

This answer is easy. Artificial pet turf is completely safe and lead-free! Manufacturers provide certificates with their products, so we can confirm this. It's also incredibly difficult for dogs to chew, dig up, or ingest artificial grass. Only a very persistent dog will succeed in tearing through the thatch, infill, and two to three layers of backing. To find the answer to other frequently asked questions regarding pet turf installation, check out our FAQ page.

Does Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass Get Hot?

The short answer is yes. K9 turf is made of polyethylene. It absorbs heat and can reach temperatures as high as 120F. This can be hot to the touch, becoming a discomfort for you and your pets. Because we want comfort to be top of mind, manufacturers try to reduce the heat of the surface as much as physically possible. Some will coat artificial turf with heat-reflecting layers, while others reduce the density of the backing material.

We have visited hundreds of backyards and pet facilities and research materials from various suppliers. From our experiences, we believe there are multiple factors that affect the temperature of artificial grass. We cannot guarantee that these statements are 100% true, they are just our observations. 

• The Darker the Turf, the Warmer It Gets. 
• The Denser the Turf, the More Heat It Absorbs.
• The Flatter the Blade, the Faster It Transfers Heat.
• The More Uniform the Turf Is, the Less Wind Cools The Surface.
• The More Infill Applied, the Warmer It Gets.
• The More Matted the Turf Gets, the Denser And Warmer It Gets.

What to Look For:

A pet turf system with a cooler surface will be lime green, have a low pile, with a 60-ounce wide shape. Stronger and thinner blades with space in between them are ideal for airflow and can be stabilized with antibacterial sand or a mix of antibacterial sand and turf deodorizer. This will still become warm on high-temperature days, but it's bearable.

What to Avoid:

Typically, a pet turf system runs the risk of being warmer if it's dark green, with a high pile, and 90-ounce slim blades. We also recommend avoiding diamond blade turf with green-colored silica infill, it’s hot as hell and will burn the feet right away.

We created a turf lab testing popular artificial grasses in terms of temperature. To hear our findings and learn the coolest turf options for pets, check out our article here! 

Cool the Surface Of Your Turf:

Unlike concrete, artificial turf cools down within minutes when wind, evaporation, or shade is a factor. We suggest the following methods:

• Increasing Air Circulation With A Blower.
• Install Shade Mechanisms Such As An Umbrella Or Awning Where Turf Is Used The Most.
• Rinse the Turf With Water. The Surface Of Your Artificial Grass Will Remain Cool Until the Water Evaporates.

To hear more tactics and ways to cool the surface of your artificial lawn, check out our other article! 

And there you have it, our recommendations when attempting to achieve the coolest surface for your pet turf system. Remember, your dogs can't express discomfort in the same way we can. For this reason, we don't recommend leaving them outside unsupervised for long periods of time on hot days. If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call!