In September and October 2025, Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond’s remnants drenched Arizona in water and wind. Although significantly weaker than when they first hit the coast, the Valley received vicious storms, including a microburst that damaged roofs and uprooted trees in Tempe.
With such harsh storms hitting the Phoenix metro area, it’s important when developing landscaping projects for clients to think about the impact of weather. Artificial turf comes in designs meant to withstand Arizona’s hot weather and monsoon storms. Factors such as turf weight and infill type can also improve drainage and durability over the turf’s lifespan.
Turf with a higher face weight stands up best for repeated use, heavy traffic, and weather events, resulting in a longer lifespan. Higher face weight means that more material is used in each woven blade of synthetic grass for a thicker body that won’t bend as easily as a lighter weight synthetic grass.
Higher weight is particularly important for applications that see a lot of foot traffic, such as sports fields, playgrounds, dog parks and common areas in apartment or condo communities. Higher weighted turf can be more costly because more material is used. However, the longevity of the artificial grass easily offsets the upfront costs. Discuss the various options with your clients, and help them choose the synthetic turf that best meets their landscaping goals and budget.
In addition to turf weight, infill type also affects durability. Two common types are copper slag and silica sand, both of which Arizona Turf Depot offers. Silica sand is a lower-cost, softer option that closely simulates the feeling of natural grass and drains easier to lessen standing water. However, it isn’t the best option for keeping turf blades upright and preventing damage.
Copper slag keeps blades upright better than sand does, reducing damage to the turf during its lifespan. Although copper slag is more durable, it costs more than silica sand, doesn’t feel as close to natural grass and doesn’t drain as easily during heavy rainfall. It also retains more heat than silica sand, an important consideration in the desert.
Carefully review your clients’ needs to determine which infill will best meet their needs.
When your landscaping clients are looking to make the switch to artificial turf or replace their existing synthetic grass, the team at Arizona Turf Depot is ready to help. We can advise you on the best fit for infill and turf type for your clients’ budgets and help you select the right options from our high-quality inventory.
Visit or call Arizona Turf Depot at our West Valley showroom, 14131 N. Rio Vista Blvd., Suite 9, Peoria, AZ 85381 (623) 388-3389, or contact us at our Mesa location, 7645 E. Ray Road, Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85212, (480) 690-5591.