One of the most common concerns among homeowners considering artificial turf is heat. With Texas summers reaching triple digits, many ask: “Does artificial turf get too hot?”

The short answer? Yes—but not always too hot to handle. The good news is that modern turf technology and a few smart choices can make your synthetic lawn more comfortable year-round.

In this blog, we’ll explain how heat affects artificial turf, what you can do about it, and why homeowners still choose it for their lawns, pets, and kids—even in the summer.

Why Artificial Turf Gets Warm

Artificial turf is made from synthetic materials like polyethylene, which absorb and retain heat from the sun—especially in direct sunlight during mid-day.

However, turf doesn't retain heat as long as concrete or asphalt, and newer products have cooling technology built in.

Factors that affect turf temperature:

• Direct sun exposure
• Turf color and material
• Infill type (sand vs rubber)
• Ambient air temperature
• Surface below (gravel vs soil vs concrete)

How Hot Does Turf Get?

On a hot summer day, artificial turf can be 20–50 degrees hotter than natural grass—but there’s nuance. The surface may feel warm, but not all areas heat evenly.

Turf in shaded spots or with light-colored infill can stay much cooler, especially if paired with airflow or tree cover.

Ways to Keep Your Turf Cooler

Kingswood Turf uses professional-grade installation techniques and cooling strategies to reduce temperature spikes. Here’s how you can keep your turf cooler:

1. Choose Heat-Reflective Turf Materials
Newer turf options are designed to reflect rather than absorb heat. These are perfect for areas with direct sun.

2. Opt for Light-Colored or Sand Infill
Sand-based infill tends to stay cooler than dark rubber granules and helps dissipate heat more effectively.

3. Incorporate Shade
Natural shade from trees, awnings, or pergolas can drastically cut heat absorption.

4. Rinse the Turf with Water
A quick rinse with a garden hose can reduce surface temperature by 20–30 degrees almost instantly.

5. Add Airflow
Breezy open areas cool turf faster than enclosed spaces with limited airflow.

Is It Safe for Kids and Pets?

Yes—with proper design, artificial turf is safe and usable for both pets and kids, even during summer. At Kingswood Turf, we consider heat mitigation during every install, especially in family and pet zones.

Tip: Install shaded turf sections for pet relief or add turf pads under trees for child play areas.

Why Turf Is Still the Smarter Choice

Even with heat as a factor, turf still beats natural grass when it comes to:

• Zero watering
• No mowing or chemicals
• Year-round aesthetics
• Durability for heavy use

With proper planning and installation, heat is a manageable issue—not a dealbreaker.

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