Explore the benefits and innovations behind SmartGrass, the ultimate solution for your landscaping needs. Learn more why SmartGrass is the preferred choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Why SmartGrass?
From its eco-friendly design to unmatched durability, find out why SmartGrass is the smart choice for a greener, low-maintenance lawn.
Questions About SmartGrass
Get answers to all your queries about SmartGrass. Understand the science behind our product and its unique features.
Artificial grass has become the biggest trend in landscaping over the past decade. The main reason is because the grass has come a long way from how it used to look and feel.
No, SmartGrass has a 10-year warranty that covers fading.
SmartGrass is made of UV stabilised polyethylene, that has been independently tested by SGS in a UV accelerator (which mimics the sun’s exposure). Low-quality artificial grass is known to fade, because of the poor quality materials used in manufacturing, and the blades of grass are thin.
Yes! SmartGrass Earth Series has a special drainage system which allows the dog pee to disappear quickly, so it is pet friendly.
Most landscaping artificial grass is designed to feel like real grass, although some cheaper products can feel plastic and oily. Thinner grass blades generally feel softer, but there is a trade off between softness and rigidity. SmartGrass is designed with the optimum thickness of blades, and still remains soft but rigid, which ensures the grass stands up.
Yes! Artificial grass used for landscaping comes in various colours and heights of green. Coloured turf (blue, purple, red, white, and yellow) are common colours for sports turf, and custom orders can be manufactured.
SmartGrass has a 10 year warranty, however in many applications it will last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. This is the same as our high performance sports turfs, which have up to 40 hours of use a week for 15 years.
Artificial grass has become popular because of it’s huge benefits. That said, it does still require some maintenance to keep it looking good.
Artificial grass can also get hot in the sun, just like concrete. This is easily managed by giving it a spray with a garden hose or irrigation system.
SmartGrass is the latest evolution of synthetic grass and now looks and feels so real. This is why so many people such as homeowners, schools and businesses see the value.
New sections are getting smaller, and so are the lawns. For many Kiwis, SmartGrass is the answer to minimising the hassle of mowing and maintaining such small areas.
Most SmartGrass is made of UV stabilised polyethylene. This is a very durable recyclable plastic that is resistant to fading and stains.
SmartGrass can offer environmental benefits once installed — especially in terms of reducing water use, fertilisers, and petrol-powered mowing. However, it’s important to note that its overall impact depends on how it’s used, maintained, and eventually disposed of. At SmartGrass, we’re committed to making that impact as positive as possible through longer lasting products, recyclable materials and responsible installation practices.
There are many differences between the quality of artificial grass available from hardware stores vs. SmartGrass.
SmartGrass is constructed of stronger materials, which makes it more durable than products made from hardware stores. This is why it comes with a 10 year warranty. It is also fully recyclable, and looks like real grass, unlike products available in hardware stores.
Artificial turf from hardware stores are useful for temporary applications (such as doormats) but do not last as long as SmartGrass.
SmartGrass is constructed using fire retardant materials. It is code compliant and has a fire rating certificate, meaning it can be used indoors. Fire is highly unlikely in the event a cigarette butt lands on the grass, however we recommend to keep any flames away from artificial grass.
Yes, artificial grass can be hot in the sun depending on the time of year, however this is easy to deal with. That’s why it is used by many preschools as a safe surface.
Latex backed artificial grass has a series of drainage holes throughout the backing. This allows water to drain through.
SmartGrass Earth Series has a fully permeable backing. This allows water to drain through freely, unlike the latex backing.
Dog pee also drains quickly through the Earth Series backing, into the sub-base.
SmartGrass is slip-resistant, meaning that in the wet it is still safe to walk on.
Most artificial grass used for landscaping comes in heights of 20mm to 40mm. The short varieties are generally cheaper and look more manicured, while the longer pile are more expensive and lusher looking.
If the grass is a high use area, we recommend a shorter pile grass.
The 35mm and 40mm pile heights are the most realistic looking to most people.
It is possible to install artificial grass yourself, however having artificial turf professionally installed may save you money in the long run. Builders will often prepare the base, and get the turf professionally installed.
You can learn exactly how to DIY install your artificial grass here.
Sand infill is spread on top of artificial grass when it is laid in outdoor areas, and is usually difficult to see. There are several reasons for the sand including:
Not in residential applications, this is used on football and rugby fields. Rubber crumb helps protect the players from injury, by cushioning impact.
While sand (infill) is laid on artificial grass outdoors, it does not need to be used on turf indoors.
Sand infill helps protect the backing against UV degradation, and is usually required for the warranty.
Without it, the grass will not stand up, and can sound ‘crunchy’ when walked on.
Special kiln-dried silica sand is laid on artificial grass. Different types of grass have different requirements.
Most landscaping grasses have 10-12Kg of sand per square meter.
The sand generally covers a third of the pile length and isn’t usually noticed until your close up to it. Some tennis surfaces are filled to the top of the yarn with sand.
It does not usually need topping up unless it has moved. Our maintenance service can help with this – learn more.
Yes! Artificial grass is just like carpet, and can be laid indoors. Most of our products have a D or E class fire rating, meaning that they can usually be used indoors.
One of the benefits of having artificial grass installed by a specialist installer is that the seams will be less noticeable. Like with carpet, joins may be seen if you look for them or if you know where the joins have been made, however, most people will not notice them when looking at the overall lawn.
Once artificial grass has been installed, a layer of sand is filled on top of it. This sand is difficult to move, and very heavy, but it is possible. If you wish to be able to roll up and move your grass, it will be installed without sand infill so you can do so.
Yes! Specialist installers are able to lay pavers in a stepping stone formation in your lawn. The pavers are laid as part of the base, and the artificial grass is cut around them so they sit at the correct height. This is a great method to ‘break up’ an area.
SmartGrass is either glued around the perimeter to concrete, or nailed to a timber boxing. When laid on an AP20 / crusher-dust base, 130mm turf pins will secure the turf to the base. Sand infill is usually spread on top of the turf at 12kg/m2 which helps weigh it down.
Homeowners, schools, businesses, councils, and just about anyone who has a lawn. Projects are as small as a few square meters, all the way up to multiple sports fields.
There are several different types of artificial grass, as they can be used for a variety of purposes. These include:
You can park on artificial grass, however damage is not covered by the warranty. Many people park a boat or trailer on artificial grass, because it won’t kill the grass and doesn’t need to be moved to mow it.
Yes! As long as there are no sharp or high pressure points, heavy objects can be used on artificial grass.
Yes! Artificial grass is often used on mounds or slopes where using a lawn mower is not practical. This can be difficult to install, and should be completed by a specialist installer.
SmartGrass artificial turf is typically $45 – 80/m² + GST. Fully installed, most 30 – 100m² areas cost $120 – 180/m² over concrete, decks or balconies, or $180 – 380/m² to convert an existing lawn. That’s similar to paving, about half the cost of kwila decking, and saves you thousands in lawn maintenance long term. Every job starts with a free on-site measure and quote, so you get a fixed price with no surprises.
Prices are a guide only: your quote depends on the turf you choose, area size and shape, site access and base preparation.
We can provide a ballpark figure over the phone, but we need to visit the area to give you an accurate quote.
All our machinery is designed for hard to access areas (we don’t usually use a digger). Steps and tight corners can add additional time and cost to the job, but it’s still easily done.
Our local SmartGrass franchisee will usually be the one to install your lawn. They are professional turf installers (it’s all they do).
We install lawns as small as a few square metres, up to international grade sports fields with our sports products. No area is too small.
The average residential installation is around 20-200m2 for a lawn, and 500-600m2 for a tennis court.
After a site scrape or excavation is completed, we will install timber boxing around the area and base up with AP20 & crusher dust. The grass comes in rolls (like carpet) and is then installed on the base. It can also be laid onto concrete, decks, butynol and many other surfaces.
It can be used to retrofit an exisiting lawn or laid onto concrete, decks, butynol and many other surfaces. It comes on rolls (similar to carpet), and is usually laid by a specialist installer.
When we retrofit an existing lawn, the grass and soil is removed. SmartGrass is laid on a compacted rock base with great drainage properties (it is not laid on soil).
There are a few things you need to do to maintain your artificial lawn, depending on what you use your lawn for.
They are:
Artificial grass can be vacuumed if indoors. If it is outside, you should lightly wet it (to prevent sand infill being uplifted), and use a leaf vacuum or blower.
SmartGrass won’t stain or discolour if red wine is spilt, or if a dog pees on it. We advise against using any chemicals on or around it that contain bleach.
Weeds will not grow through artificial grass if it has been installed correctly. It is possible for weeds to sprout around the edges (as they do around concrete pavers), or germinate in the sand infill on top. You can spray weedkiller on your grass, or remove the weeds with a stiff broom.
SmartGrass Earth Series has a 10-year warranty. This covers aspects that would cause the turf to prematurely fade or deteriorate (i.e. UV stability & tuft lock). The warranty does not cover misuse or negligence.
Yes – spot repairs are very straightforward. These are common after damage from burns resulting from fireworks or braziers. Providing you have an offcut from when it was installed, a specialist installer can repair it. If you have a SmartGrass Installation, we have the repair turf ready.
Our local SmartGrass franchisee will usually be the one to install your lawn. They are professional turf installers (it’s all they do).
The lifetime of SmartGrass sports turf depends on how much use it gets and what it is used for. Some community and club fields are used for 60+ hours each week, some private courts are only used once a month. We expect most sports turf to last 10-15 years although we have seen some still functioning great after 20 years.
We will advise you of the estimated lifetime for your particular turf and intended use when you get in touch.
Different projects will have different needs but most sports fields are installed on a compacted aggregate sub-base which is free-draining. Indoor sports turf and cricket wickets can be installed directly to concrete. Some sports fields may be installed to an asphalt or concrete base as well.
Get in touch with us and we will send an information pack that outlines approximate costs, ways to fund your project and details for options that you may need to consider for the facility (e.g. grandstands, lighting).
Most full sized sports fields are installed over an underlay to protect players from injury and absorb shock. A shockpad should especially be considered for school and professional grade applications to meet Head Injury Criteria (HIC).
Shockpads come in different thicknesses, from 10mm to 35mm+. We’ll let you know whether shockpad is appropriate for your project and what thickness is most suitable.
Shockpad is recommended if you will be using the turf for body and weight training. It helps with shock absorption, cushioning impact and is softer on the body. Our shockpads are firm to work out on while providing just enough flex to reduce discomfort and the chances of injuries and strain.
Underlay is not recommended underneath sled strips as the sled can create creases in your turf over time. In this case, turf should be glued directly to the concrete foundations for strength.
Yes, all SmartGrass gym turf can withstand the weight of cardio and weight machines and equipment. If a large amount of the SmartGrass surface is covered with significant weight, you might need to move equipment around to brush the blades back up every couple of months to get the best lifespan out of the turf.
