Staples Vs. Glue for Astro Turf
- The overall strength of a turf fastener is measured not only in its initial fastening ability but also by its weathering of conditions such as extreme heat, extreme cold, heavy rain and even long periods of drought. The glue used for outdoor artificial grass such as Astro Turf is designed for all weather conditions including wet weather and will remain steadfast for 10 years or more. Still, the glue used on artificial grass adheres to the packed gravel layer underneath, which is susceptible to shifting during heavy rain. Staples used in artificial grass provide a deeper anchor to the ground, reaching past the gravel layer into the solid earth. This provides extra certainty in areas that experience heavy rain seasons.
- Of course, while staples dip deeper than glue, each staple only fastens its local portion of the turf to the ground. Many staples are placed at intervals to give the appearance of uniformity, but close inspection will show some areas that are not bound by stapling. Conversely, glue is applied to the seams and the center of the backing and, when applied correctly, creates a bond that need not feature any loose or weak spots.
- One of the features of Astro Turf is its eco-friendliness. The material used in artificial grass is largely recyclable plastic and the lawn, once installed, doesn’t exhaust water supplies or require artificial fertilizers and pesticides. While the stainless steel or galvanized staples do not provide a significant danger to the environment, some artificial grass turf is made from chemicals that can harm the environment if they are allowed to dissolve into the ground. Several manufacturers make solvent free glues that do not harm the environment.
- Many homeowners choose to combine the two, using staples for deeper hold and glue for a uniform look. Because each of these items supports the artificial lawn in different ways, both can play a part in making the lawn secure.
