Wondering how often to add sand to your artificial grass? It’s not guesswork—it’s maintenance that matters.
In this no-fluff guide, we break down how often to top sand up depending on traffic, what happens if you skip it, and whether DIY is a smart move. You’ll also get tips on choosing the right sand type and amount, keeping your infill stable longer, and deciding if premium alternatives are worth it. Let’s keep your turf looking sharp and feeling real—year after year.
How Often Should You Refill or Top Up the Sand Infill?
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule when it comes to topping up sand infill. It depends on how your turf is used, how much traffic it gets, and the quality of the original installation. That said, you can follow some general guidelines based on the typical use scenario.
- Low-traffic areas (like decorative garden spaces or rarely used backyards): Every 1 to 2 years
- Moderate-traffic areas (such as homes with pets or small children): Once a year
- High-traffic areas (including sports fields, schools, or public spaces): Every 6 to 12 months, sometimes more often
These are starting points—not strict rules. You might need to top up sooner if your turf sees a lot of daily activity, or later if it’s mostly decorative.
So how do you know when it’s time to add more sand? Start by looking at the grass itself. If the blades look flat and stay down after you walk on them, that’s one sign. If the surface feels uneven underfoot or you notice poor drainage after rain, it could be time. You may also see the backing material exposed in high-use spots—that’s a clear sign the infill level is too low.
Regular inspections help you stay ahead of wear and keep your turf performing well. Even a light top-up can restore support and improve appearance.
What Happens If You Don’t Add Sand Regularly?
Skipping sand top-ups might seem harmless at first. The grass still looks green, and you may not notice any major changes right away. But over time, the lack of infill can lead to bigger problems—both for how your turf looks and how it performs.
Without enough sand, your turf loses its structure. The blades won’t stay upright, making the surface look worn and flat. As the support weakens, foot traffic starts to push the grass down unevenly, causing dips or bumps that affect both comfort and appearance.
Drainage also takes a hit. Sand helps water move through the turf backing. When infill levels drop, water may pool on the surface or drain too slowly. That can lead to slippery spots, mold growth, or even damage to the base layer underneath.
Lastly, not maintaining your sand infill puts extra stress on the turf’s backing. With no cushioning layer to protect it, the backing takes direct impact from every step. This can shorten the turf’s life span and increase the risk of tearing or lifting at the edges.
In short, skipping sand maintenance may save time today—but it often means higher costs and more repairs later. Keeping your infill topped up is one of the simplest ways to protect your turf investment.
Can You Add Sand Yourself or Do You Need a Professional?
Yes, you can top up the sand infill yourself—and for many turf owners, it’s a simple and manageable task. You don’t need special training or heavy machinery. With a few basic tools and a bit of time, you can refresh your turf and keep it in great shape.
DIY works best if your turf is small to medium in size, and especially if you’re just topping up, not doing a full sand replacement. You’ll need a stiff broom or power brush, a drop spreader (or even a shovel for small areas), and quality silica sand. Spread the sand evenly, then brush it deep into the fibers until it disappears from view.
That said, some cases are better handled by professionals. If your turf covers a large area, has poor drainage, or hasn’t been maintained in years, a pro can assess the condition, apply the correct sand amount, and check for hidden issues. Commercial spaces or athletic fields often benefit from expert tools and faster service.
Still, don’t let complexity hold you back. If your turf is in decent shape, adding sand can be a weekend job. Take it slow, work in sections, and use clean, dry sand for best results. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend your turf’s life—no contract needed.
What Type of Sand Should You Use on Artificial Grass?
For most artificial grass installations, silica sand—also known as quartz sand—is the best choice. It’s clean, durable, and made specifically for this kind of application. Using the right sand helps your turf last longer, look better, and perform the way it should.
Silica sand works well because the grains are round and uniform. That means they settle evenly between the grass blades without cutting or damaging the fibers. They also stay in place better, resisting movement from foot traffic, pets, or rain. Good-quality silica sand is also washed and dried, which prevents dust and clumping. All of this adds up to better drainage, better support, and fewer maintenance problems down the line.
Not all sand is turf-friendly. Avoid using builders’ sand, beach sand, or play sand. These types often contain sharp particles, salt, or clay, which can clog your turf’s drainage system or cause long-term damage. Even if they seem cheaper, they usually end up costing more in repairs and upkeep.
When in doubt, ask for turf-grade silica sand from your supplier. It may come in slightly different grain sizes, but as long as it’s clean, dry, and designed for synthetic grass, you’ll be on the right track.
How Much Sand Do You Need for Artificial Turf?
As a general rule, most artificial turf systems need between 5 to 8 kilograms of silica sand per square meter. That’s about 50 to 80 kilograms for every 10 square meters of turf. This range gives enough weight and coverage to support the blades, cushion the surface, and keep everything in place.
The exact amount depends on the type of turf you’re using. Shorter-pile grass, like what you might use on balconies or decorative strips, usually needs less. High-pile or denser turf—especially for sports or pet areas—will need more sand to keep the structure stable and safe under foot traffic.
You don’t need to be exact down to the gram. What matters is that the infill is spread evenly and reaches the right depth, typically 10 to 20 millimeters. It’s better to work in layers and brush the sand in gradually than to pour it all at once.
Can you add too much sand? Yes, overfilling can make the surface feel hard or reduce drainage efficiency. It may also bury the blades, making your turf look flat. So stick to the recommended range and observe how the surface reacts. If it feels firm and looks upright, you’re on the right track.
Factors That Affect Sand Maintenance Frequency
How often you need to add sand isn’t just about time—it’s about how your turf is used and what it’s exposed to. Here are the key factors that can change your sand maintenance schedule:
- Foot traffic: The more people walk, play, or run on your turf, the faster the infill gets displaced. High-use areas like walkways or sports spaces may need topping up every few months.
- Pets: If you have dogs or other pets using the grass daily, expect the sand to shift more quickly. Digging, scratching, and frequent cleaning can all reduce the sand level faster than normal.
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain can wash out infill, especially on sloped installations or poorly drained areas. Windy environments may also blow dry sand away over time.
- Sun and UV exposure: Strong sunlight doesn’t just fade turf—it also makes the fibers more brittle. As the turf ages, it may lose infill retention, meaning sand slips out more easily.
- Initial installation quality: If your turf was installed with minimal infill or uneven distribution, it might require more frequent top-ups from the start.
- Type of turf and blade height: Longer blades usually need more sand to stay upright. Softer, more flexible fibers may also rely more heavily on infill for structural support.
By paying attention to these factors, you can adjust your maintenance routine and keep your turf in top condition year-round.
Tips to Reduce the Need for Frequent Sand Refilling
If you want to spend less time refilling sand, good habits and smart choices can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to help your turf hold onto its infill longer:
Brush your turf regularly.
Using a stiff broom or power brush once every few weeks helps keep the blades upright and redistributes infill evenly. This simple task prevents sand from clumping in one area or escaping too quickly in high-traffic zones.
Start with the right amount of quality sand.
Turf installed with too little infill will need attention much sooner. Using a proper amount of clean, turf-grade silica sand from the start gives your grass a stronger foundation and better durability.
Install proper drainage.
Poor drainage can cause water to carry sand away or let it settle unevenly. A good sub-base and weed barrier under your turf will help water flow smoothly and protect the infill layer.
Avoid over-cleaning or pressure washing.
It’s tempting to blast the turf clean, especially in pet zones, but high-pressure water can wash out sand. Stick to gentle rinsing and spot-cleaning when needed.
These steps don’t take much time, but they can stretch the life of your infill and reduce how often you need to top it up. A bit of care now saves you a lot of effort later.
Alternatives to Sand Infill: Are They Worth It?
While silica sand is the most common choice for artificial grass infill, it’s not the only option. Depending on your needs, there are several alternatives that offer different features—but they also come with trade-offs.
- Rubber infill (crumb rubber or coated rubber): This type is often used on athletic fields. It offers better shock absorption and stays cooler underfoot in hot weather. However, rubber can have an odor, and some people have concerns about long-term health or environmental effects.
- Organic infill (cork, coconut fiber, walnut shells): These are natural, eco-friendly options. They’re biodegradable and less abrasive than sand. On the downside, they can break down over time, may hold more moisture, and usually cost more. They also require more frequent replacement in humid or wet environments.
- TPE (thermoplastic elastomer): TPE is a high-end, durable infill used in premium projects. It’s clean, long-lasting, and non-toxic. It doesn’t compact as easily as sand or rubber. The main drawback? It’s expensive—often several times the cost of basic infill.
So, are these alternatives worth it? That depends on your goals. For standard residential use, silica sand still offers the best balance of performance, cost, and availability. But if you’re working on a sports field, eco-focused project, or luxury install, exploring other infill options might be a smart move.
It’s Just Sand—Until You Know Better
On the surface, topping up sand might seem like a small task. But now, you know better. You’ve seen how this one layer—nearly invisible—holds up the entire system. It protects the structure, supports the look, and preserves the feel underfoot.
More than that, it protects your time. Your investment. Your peace of mind.
When your turf stays level, soft, and upright—day after day, year after year—it’s not luck. It’s maintenance done right.
And behind that maintenance is understanding. Now, you’ve got it.
How do you know if your turf needs more sand?
Check the blades—if they look flat or don’t bounce back after walking, it’s a sign the infill is low. You might also notice the surface feels uneven or the backing is visible.
Can you remove sand from artificial grass later?
Yes, but it’s not easy. You’ll need a shop vacuum or professional equipment to pull it out. Most people only remove sand if they’re replacing the turf or switching infill types.
Should the sand be visible on the surface?
Not really. After brushing, the sand should settle into the base of the turf, supporting the blades without being noticeable. If you see large patches of exposed sand, it may not be brushed in properly.
Can you install artificial grass without any sand?
Technically yes, especially for very light-use or decorative areas. But skipping sand usually leads to poor stability, faster wear, and a shorter lifespan for your turf.
What happens if you add too much sand?
Too much sand can smother the grass blades, making the surface hard and flat. It can also block drainage. It’s better to apply in layers and stop when the turf feels firm but still flexible.
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