There are five different types of artificial grass: landscape, pet, putting green, playscape, and sports turf.
Each one is built differently, with a distinct pile height, blade shape, and infill setup. The right pick depends on what you’ll do on the turf, who’ll use it, and what your climate throws at it.
Quick Answer About Different Types of Artificial Grass
For most homeowners, landscape turf is the best type of artificial grass. If dogs run the yard, pet turf with antimicrobial protection holds up better and stops odor at the source.
Golfers want putting green turf with a tighter pile, daycares use playscape turf with cushioning, and athletic spaces need sports turf for cleats.
Request a free estimate today, and we’ll match you with the right product.
Types of Artificial Grass at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Installed Price | Key Feature |
| Landscape | Lawn replacement | $7.00–$10.30/sq ft | Multi-shade blades that look real |
| Pet | Dog owners | Similar to landscape | Microguard coating, 99% bacteria reduction |
| Putting Green | Golf practice | $9.80–$16.00/sq ft | Short, dense pile for true ball roll |
| Playscape | Kids’ play areas | $7.70–$10.00/sq ft | Optional fall-rated underpad |
| Sports | Athletic surfaces | Custom quote | Reinforced fibers built for cleats |
Switching from natural grass saves 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of water per year per 1,000 square feet. Annual maintenance drops from 100 to 150 hours to five to 10. Pricing scales with yard size, with our minimum project at $1,800.
Landscape Turf for Lawns and Yards
Landscape turf goes on backyards, front lawns, and any open space meant to look like real grass without the upkeep. Both products combine multiple green shades with a delustered finish, so the blades don’t shine like plastic in direct sun.
Magnolia Supreme 75
Supreme 75 is our most popular landscape product, with three shades of green and a brown thatch base that mimics natural grass.
Magnolia Select 82
Select 82 steps up durability for yards with heavy foot traffic. The denser pile and reinforced blades hold up to running and active play without matting.
All installs include a three- to four-inch compacted gravel sub-base, Triflow Backing that drains 900+ inches of liquid per hour, and Microguard antimicrobial protection. PFAS-free and lead-free materials mean no off-gassing in summer heat.
The 15-year warranty covers fade, seams, and backing failures.
Browse our full landscape turf lineup.
Pet Turf for Dogs and Heavy Use
Pet turf takes the worst beating of all the different types of artificial grass we install. Magnolia Pet Turf 60 has reinforced W-shaped and C-shaped blades that bounce back from running and digging, so high-traffic areas don’t go flat in six months.
The real difference is what’s underneath. Microguard coating built into the fibers (not a spray that wears off) kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria, and Triflow Backing drains 900+ inches of liquid per hour. Dog owners with two or three pets stop dealing with yellow patches and yard odor.
For odor control, we add zeolite infill since it absorbs ammonia from urine. Real grass dies under heavy pet use in two to three years; properly installed pet turf lasts 15 to 20.
Compare our pet turf options.
Putting Green Turf for Golf Practice
Putting green turf has a shorter, denser pile than landscape turf for true ball roll. We carry three options at different price points and stimp ratings.
Pro Putt is our entry-level green for backyards and casual play. Stimp 12 matches the speed of a well-maintained golf course green. Tour Putt (sand-filled) is our top product, with the tightest pile and most authentic feel.
Putting greens run $9.80 to $16.00 per square foot installed. See our putting green specs and options, or tell us about your space for a free quote.
Playscape Turf for Kids and Daycares
Playscape turf goes under jungle gyms, swing sets, and daycare play areas. The pile is shorter to keep kids stable on their feet, and we pair it with a fall-rated underpad for cushioning under climbing structures.
Magnolia Performance Play is our standard playscape product. We add a 1.1- or 2.1-inch underpad based on play structure height, softening falls and reducing head and joint injuries. The turf is PFAS-free and lead-free with Microguard coating.
Playscape installs run $7.70 to $10.00 per square foot, with the underpad as an upgrade. See our artificial grass playscape options for full specs.
Sports Turf for Athletic Use
Sports turf handles cleats, running, and sliding without breaking down. Magnolia Elevate 48 is our sports product, built for backyard practice areas, training facilities, and small athletic spaces.
The pile is shorter and denser than landscape turf for stable footing, and the fibers bounce back from repeated impact instead of lying flat. UV stabilization holds color through Dallas and Tampa summers.
We custom-quote sports installs since every athletic space has different surface and drainage requirements. See artificial sports turf applications.
How to Pick the Right Type of Artificial Grass for Your Yard
Three factors quickly narrow down the different types of artificial grass: pets, traffic, and climate.
For homes with dogs, pet turf (or landscape turf with Microguard for lighter use) outlasts standard turf by years. Heavy traffic and active families need Select 82, not entry-level products.
Climate matters, too: Florida’s heavy rainfall and Texas’s heat both call for Triflow Backing. If you’re not sure, we’ll measure your space and recommend what fits your use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the main types of artificial grass?
Pet turf adds Microguard coating and reinforced backing for heavy use. Landscape turf is built for appearance, putting greens use a tighter pile, playscape adds cushioning, and sports turf handles cleats.
How much does artificial grass cost installed?
Most homeowners pay $7 to $11 per square foot installed, putting a 1,500-square-foot yard at approximately $12,000 to $22,500. Most break even in five to seven years through saved water and lawn care. See our full cost breakdown.
Does artificial grass work for hot Texas summers?
Yes, when installed correctly. Light-colored landscape products like Supreme 75 stay 20 to 40°F cooler than dark turf. A quick hose-down through Triflow Backing cools the surface in seconds.
How long does artificial grass last?
All types of artificial grass we install last 15 to 20 years with proper installation. Cheap big-box turf fails in two to three years from matting and fading. Our turf comes with a 15-year warranty.
What infill goes under artificial grass?
Standard residential turf uses silica sand. Pet turf often gets zeolite for odor control since it absorbs ammonia, and T°Cool infill drops surface temperatures by an extra 10 to 15°F. See our infill options and specs.
Can I install different types of turf in the same yard?
Yes, we do this often. A project might mix landscape turf with a putting green inset or a pet turf section by a doggie door, with seams blended naturally.
Get the Right Type of Artificial Grass for Your Project
We’ve installed every type of artificial grass covered above across Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Tampa, and Sarasota. After 10,000+ projects since 2009, owner David Turner oversees product matching on every install, so you get the right turf for your space.
Request a free estimate or give us a call. We’ll explain what’s available and what best suits your project.