This is one area where natural grass has an inherent physical advantage.

Natural grass uses evapotranspiration, through which water moves through the plant and evaporates into the atmosphere. This can contribute to a cooler surface environment.

Synthetic turf does not have the same biological cooling mechanism.

Under strong sunlight, artificial turf can therefore become considerably hotter than the surrounding natural grass.

For hot climates or barefoot residential applications, consider:

• Shade
• Irrigation/misting where appropriate
• Light-colored landscaping
• Cooling strategies
• Limiting use during peak surface temperatures

This is an important consideration that should not be overlooked when comparing the two systems.

---

What About the Feeling Underfoot?

Natural grass provides a distinctive combination of:

• Soft vegetation
• Natural soil interaction
• Variable surface deformation
• Biological cooling

Non-infill turf can provide a more consistent and predictable surface, especially when combined with an appropriately designed backing or cushioning layer.

However, not all non-infill turf feels the same.

Two products with identical pile heights can have very different underfoot characteristics because of differences in:

• Fiber profile
• Fiber density
• Dtex
• Yarn construction
• Backing
• Cushioning
• Foundation

Therefore, buyers should request physical samples and, where relevant, performance test data rather than judging comfort from pile height alone.