ASTROTURF

When people think of artificial grass, AstroTurf is often one of the first names that comes to mind. It is one of those rare brands that became closely linked with an entire product category, much like people using “Post-it Note” to describe any sticky note.

But the story of AstroTurf is more than a name. It marks a major turning point in the way synthetic turf was developed, used and understood.

Today, SYNLawn is part of Sport Group alongside AstroTurf, building on that global surfacing heritage with artificial grass made for Australian homes, schools, businesses and recreational spaces.

The history of AstroTurf began before it ever reached a major stadium. In the early 1960s, the Ford Foundation funded research into synthetic grass as a safer, more comfortable alternative to hard urban play surfaces. Monsanto developed the product, originally known as ChemGrass, with a focus on durability, cushioning, traction and cost efficiency.

ChemGrass was first installed at Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, before finding its breakthrough moment in Houston.

When the Houston Astrodome opened in 1965, it used natural grass under a glass-covered roof. The idea was simple: let sunlight in so the grass could grow. In practice, the glare from the roof made it difficult for players to see the ball, so the glass was painted to reduce glare. That solved one problem but created another, the grass could no longer survive without enough sunlight.

In 1966, ChemGrass was installed in the Astrodome and soon became known as AstroTurf. Its success helped prove that engineered turf could perform where natural grass could not, especially in demanding sports environments.

That early breakthrough changed the future of sports surfaces, but artificial grass has come a long way since the 1960s.

Modern synthetic turf is designed to look and feel far more natural, with improved fibre technology, softer textures, better drainage and more realistic colour variation. A quality artificial grass system needs to handle UV exposure, changing weather, regular foot traffic and everyday use while staying comfortable, practical and visually appealing.

Artificial grass is now used across a wide range of spaces, including:

• Homes and gardens, including front lawns, backyards, courtyards and pool surrounds
• Schools, childcare centres and playgrounds, where safety, durability and easy maintenance matter
• Pet areas, including dog runs, kennels and low-maintenance backyard spaces
• Rooftops, balconies and apartments, where natural grass may not be practical
• Commercial and public landscapes, including retail centres, offices and community spaces
• Recreation and lifestyle areas, including putting greens, mini-golf and entertainment venues

Many old assumptions about fake grass come from early synthetic turf systems, not the premium artificial grass products available now.

Modern artificial grass has been shaped by decades of product development, from softer fibres and more realistic colours to improved drainage, infill options and installation methods. For homeowners, schools and commercial spaces, that means a surface can be selected around the way it will actually be used.

With SYNLawn, that could mean a soft, natural-looking lawn for a family backyard, a durable surface for a school play area, a practical pet zone or a low-maintenance landscape for a commercial property.

AstroTurf and SYNLawn are both part of Sport Group, with each brand focused on different synthetic turf applications.

AstroTurf is best known for high-performance sports surfaces. SYNLawn focuses on premium artificial grass for landscaping, play, pet, recreation and commercial environments.

Each brand is designed around different surface needs. The right choice depends on the project, the environment and how the space needs to perform.

By starting with how the space will be used, customers can choose an artificial grass system designed for the right purpose.