Compare Landscape, Pet, Playground & Putting Green Turf
A clear, side‑by‑side comparison of the four main types of artificial grass — so you can quickly understand which turf is engineered for your needs, your space, and your long‑term expectations.
Start by identifying your primary use case
Each turf category is engineered for a specific purpose. Choosing the right one starts with understanding how the space will be used most of the time.
| Use Case | Best Turf Type | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Front or back yard | Landscape Turf | Balanced look, comfort, and durability for everyday family use. |
| Dogs & pet areas | Pet Turf | Engineered for drainage, odour control, and easy cleaning. |
| Playgrounds / daycares | Playground Turf | Meets fall‑height safety standards with shock‑pad underlayment. |
| Putting greens | Golf Turf | Short, dense pile for consistent ball roll and speed. |
Compare the specs that matter most
Pile height, density, drainage, and backing systems vary significantly between turf types. Here’s how they stack up.
| Spec | Landscape | Pet Turf | Playground | Putting Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pile Height | 1.5–1.75" | 1.0–1.5" | 1.25–1.5" | 0.5–1.0" |
| Face Weight | 50–80 oz | High density | Medium–high | Very high |
| Drainage | Standard perforated | Enhanced drainage | Standard + shock pad | Minimal (not needed) |
| Backing | PP + PU | Reinforced | PP + safety underlayment | Ultra‑stable |
| Best For | Lawns, yards | Dogs, kennels | Schools, daycares | Golf surfaces |
Understand the pros and cons of each turf type
No turf type is “best” — each one is optimized for a specific purpose. Here’s a balanced breakdown.
| Turf Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Turf | Natural look, versatile, comfortable | Not ideal for heavy pet use |
| Pet Turf | Fast drainage, odour‑resistant, durable | Less plush than landscape turf |
| Playground Turf | Safety‑rated, soft, impact‑absorbing | Higher cost due to underlayment | Putting Green Turf | True ball roll, dense, low pile | Not suitable for general yard use |
Which turf type is best for your specific situation?
Here’s a quick recommendation matrix based on the most common homeowner needs in Ontario.
| Situation | Recommended Turf | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General front or backyard | Landscape Turf | Balanced softness, appearance, and durability for everyday use. |
| Homes with dogs | Pet Turf | Superior drainage, odour control, and reinforced backing. |
| Kids’ play areas | Playground Turf | Shock‑pad underlayment meets fall‑height safety standards. |
| Backyard putting green | Putting Green Turf | Short, dense pile engineered for ball roll and speed. |
| High‑traffic commercial space | Heavy‑Duty Landscape Turf | Dense yarns and strong backing for long‑term durability. |
Can you mix different turf types in one project?
Yes — and it’s often the best approach. Many homeowners combine turf types to get the perfect balance of aesthetics, performance, and functionality.
• Landscape turf + a backyard putting green
• Playground turf in a kids’ zone + landscape turf around it
• Pet turf in high‑use areas + landscape turf for curb appeal
How each turf type looks and feels
Beyond performance, homeowners care about realism, softness, and overall appearance. Here’s how the categories compare.
| Turf Type | Realism | Softness | Density | Overall Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape Turf | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Natural, lush, premium |
| Pet Turf | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Durable, firm, fast‑draining |
| Playground Turf | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Soft, cushioned, safe |
| Putting Green Turf | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Short, dense, performance‑driven |
Final recommendation: choose based on use case first
Specs matter — but your primary use case matters more. Start with how you’ll use the space, then choose the turf engineered for that purpose.
• **Pet turf** → best for dogs
• **Playground turf** → best for kids & safety
• **Putting green turf** → best for golf
If you’re unsure, we can recommend the right product in minutes.