When to add infill while brushing
Brushing lifts fibers and redistributes infill. You only add more when levels have dropped below the original spec or look uneven.
- Fibers that won’t stand up after brushing or look wavy and loose.
- Low spots where you can see backing texture or seams more clearly.
- Footprints linger or the surface feels slippery instead of grippy.
- Infill depth looks inconsistent across traffic lanes vs edges.
Quick checks:
- Expose a small area and compare blade height above infill to your install spec. Most landscape systems keep a visible blade height at the top while infill supports the lower portion of the pile.
- Pinch test. If you can easily pinch fibers flat to the backing in high-traffic areas, you likely need a top up.
How to top up infill correctly
Tools and materials
- Approved infill for your system, typically washed silica sand, coated cooling sand, antimicrobial pet infill, or performance infill for sports.
- Drop spreader or hand spreader for even application.
- Stiff bristle push broom or power broom.
- Leaf blower or shop vac for clean-up.
- Protective gear: dust mask, gloves, eye protection.
Step by step
- Work dry. Only brush and infill when the turf and infill are fully dry.
- Cross-brush first to lift fibers and identify low areas.
- Apply infill lightly with a spreader, focusing on low or high-traffic zones.
- Cross-brush again from multiple directions to settle infill between fibers.
- Repeat light passes until the area matches the original spec.
- Blow off excess from the top of the fibers and hardscape edges.
How much to add
- Top-ups are best done in light passes of about 0.25 to 0.5 lb per sq ft, checking between passes.
- Typical total installed ranges vary by product. Landscape and pet areas commonly use about 1.0 to 2.5 lb per sq ft. Sports systems can require higher totals. Always follow your turf’s spec.
- Stop as soon as fibers are well supported and stand upright with a consistent look.
Aftercare
- Brush one last time the next day to settle any remaining granules.
- Spot check edges, seams, and goalmouths or pet routes after the first week of use.
Avoid these mistakes
- Overfilling. Buried fibers or a crunchy feel mean you added too much. Remove excess with a shop vac and a fine screen.
- Using non-approved infills. Stick to what your system specifies to protect performance and warranty.
- Working wet. Moisture clumps infill and creates uneven levels.
- Dumping big piles. Even distribution in thin layers is faster and cleaner.
Infill choices and where they shine
- Silica sand: dependable stability for most landscape installs.
- Cooling-coated sand: helps reduce heat gain in sunny, high-heat climates.
- Antimicrobial pet infill: manages odor and stays cleaner in dog runs and kennels.
- Performance infill for sport: specialty elastomers or blends tuned for ball response and impact absorption.
Match the infill to your use case, climate, and turf product. When in doubt, follow the product data sheet.
Maintenance intervals that work
- Low-traffic yards: brush seasonally and inspect after storms or heavy yardwork.
- High-traffic or pet areas: brush monthly, inspect biweekly, and top up as needed.
- Sports and play: schedule routine grooming and measurements based on usage hours.
Quick troubleshooting
- Surface looks streaky after brushing: make another cross-brush pass from a different direction.
- Granules sitting on top: brush more to sink them between fibers or reduce application rate.
- Localized divots: target-fill only those zones and blend outward.
Spec and warranty notes
Your install spec is the standard. Always restore to that depth and type using manufacturer-approved infill. Document what you add and where. That record helps future maintenance and supports warranty compliance.
