What Is an Astro Turf? | Brand vs. Artificial Turf

AstroTurf is a proprietary synthetic turf brand, not a separate category of grass; the broader category is artificial turf or synthetic turf.

Most people call any green fake grass “AstroTurf,” but technically the name belongs to one specific American brand. The distinction matters more than you’d think — especially if you’re shopping for a lawn or a sports field and comparing products by brand name rather than by what’s actually underneath. The same way people say “Kleenex” for all tissues, “AstroTurf” gets used for every synthetic turf on the market. Here’s what the brand actually is, where it came from, and why the distinction affects what you buy.

AstroTurf Is a Brand, Not a Type of Grass

AstroTurf is a proprietary synthetic turf brand currently owned by SportGroup, an American subsidiary that produces artificial turf for sports surfaces. The product line is positioned primarily for sports — athletic fields, pitches, and hockey surfaces — though the dictionary definition of “astro turf” broadly includes “playing fields, lawns, patios, and recreational or sports uses.”

The critical distinction: not all artificial turf is AstroTurf. Synthetic turf is the category; AstroTurf is one brand within it. Other major manufacturers like FieldTurf produce their own competing systems, each with different fibers, backing, and infill.

If someone tells you they want “AstroTurf” for their backyard, they probably mean artificial turf generally — and that’s a useful thing to clarify before you compare prices.

Where AstroTurf Came From: The 1965 Origin Story

AstroTurf’s origin traces to 1965, when Monsanto invented a short-pile synthetic turf product. It gained major public attention in 1966 when the material — then called “ChemGrass” — was installed in Houston’s Astrodome and rebranded as AstroTurf, named after the stadium itself.

That moment marked the first time millions of Americans saw a full sports field covered in fake grass, and the name stuck in the public imagination. Today, AstroTurf’s own website tells the story behind the product that revolutionized sports surfaces — a useful read if you want the full history straight from the company.

What Is AstroTurf Made Of?

Artificial turf generally consists of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass, attached to a backing material, with infill (usually sand or rubber granules) packed between the fibers to keep them standing upright. AstroTurf’s official product listings for preferred suppliers confirm this same basic construction: synthetic fibers, a backing layer, and infill are the core components.

Real products vary significantly by sport and application. AstroTurf’s hockey line, for example, includes certified models like Hockey Classic 42-16-13 EL15 and Hockey XLR8 SMART 38-16-13 E-Layer 15, which are approved under the FIH Quality Programme for international competition. Football and multi-sport fields use different pile heights and infill systems entirely.

The practical takeaway: don’t assume one artificial turf product performs like another. Fiber type, pile height, backing, and infill all affect how the surface plays, drains, and holds up over time.

Common Confusions: Astroturfing and Marketplace Listings

Two mistakes trip people up constantly when researching this topic.

“Astroturfing” has nothing to do with the product. The term refers to fake grassroots campaigns in politics and media — manufactured public support designed to look organic. The name puns on “AstroTurf,” implying something fake that looks real, but it’s a separate slang term entirely.

Marketplace listings labeled “astro turf” are often not the brand. Hardware-store products like Edgewood Matting’s Astro-Turf (a 19mm rubber matting) or generic “35mm Artificial Grass” rolls are different products entirely. One listing for “Astro Turf 55 x 90 cm” is actually a doormat. None of these represent official AstroTurf brand specifications, and treating them as such leads to wildly wrong expectations about performance and durability.

If you’re buying for a sports surface, check for certification — like the FIH-approved models listed above — rather than relying on the name alone.

For homeowners comparing options for their lawn, the differences between brand and generic products are just as important. Our tested roundup of the best astro turf for lawns breaks down which products actually hold up outdoors.

FAQs

Is AstroTurf safe for sports?

Certified AstroTurf hockey products meet FIH Quality Programme standards, which is the governing body’s mark of approval for international competition. For other sports, look for similar governing-body certifications rather than assuming the brand name guarantees performance. Infield fill, fiber type, and underlying shock pads all affect safety and playability.

How long does artificial turf last?

Quality synthetic turf systems typically last 8 to 15 years with proper maintenance, though the exact lifespan depends on the fiber quality, infill type, usage intensity, and climate. Sports fields with heavy use will wear faster than residential lawns. No official AstroTurf brand-wide lifespan figure exists, so treat manufacturer warranties as your real benchmark.

Does artificial turf need maintenance?

Yes, but far less than natural grass. Most systems require periodic brushing to keep fibers upright, infill top-ups, debris removal, and occasional cleaning. Sports fields need more intensive maintenance like deep cleaning and sanitizing. Your specific product’s care requirements will depend on its fiber, infill, and intended use.