Choosing Artificial Turf: Blade Height, Density & Feel

Walk into any turf showroom and you'll find rolls of artificial grass that look almost identical at a glance — but feel and perform very differently underfoot. Blade height, pile weight, blade shape, and infill type all affect how the finished lawn looks and holds up over time. Here's how to sort through it for a Halifax property.

Blade Height

Blade height (also called pile height) is measured in millimetres. Common heights run from 25mm to 45mm. For most residential Halifax lawns, 35–40mm looks the most natural. Shorter blades (25–30mm) are better for high-traffic areas, sports applications, and pet runs. Longer blades (40mm+) have a lush look but flatten faster under foot traffic.

Pile Weight (Density)

Pile weight is measured in ounces per square yard. Higher pile weight means more fibres per square inch — the turf feels denser and more cushioned. For a backyard lawn, look for at least 50 oz. For play areas or pet zones, 60–70 oz holds up much better over time.

Blade Shape

The cross-section of an artificial grass blade matters more than most people realize. C-shaped and S-shaped blades spring back upright after being walked on — they resist matting. Flat blades are cheaper but flatten permanently in high-traffic areas. Always ask about blade shape before committing to a product.

Colour and Thatch Layer

Good artificial grass mixes two or three shades of green with a brown "thatch" layer near the base. The thatch makes it look like real grass from a distance and adds depth. Single-colour products without a thatch layer look noticeably fake, especially from above.

What We Recommend for Halifax Yards

For most residential applications in the HRM: 35–40mm blade height, 55+ oz pile weight, C or S-shaped blade, with a mixed green and thatch colour profile. This hits the sweet spot of realistic appearance, durability, and value.