Brushing vs infill: what each actually does
Brushing
- Repositions and separates fibers after traffic.
- Improves appearance by lifting nap and removing light debris.
- Helps work infill down evenly when installed or topped up.
Infill
- Adds ballast so the system resists movement and matting.
- Supports blade bases to keep fibers upright under load.
- Distributes foot traffic, protects backing, and aids drainage when correctly specified.
These are complementary functions. Brushing is maintenance. Infill is structural support.
Why brushing cannot replace infill
- Without infill, fibers collapse again soon after brushing.
- Low or missing infill increases wear on tuft bind and backing.
- Traffic compresses unballasted turf, which accelerates flattening and sheen.
- Proper infill depth maintains resilience between maintenance cycles.
Recommended infill amounts by use
- Landscape lawns, 1.25 to 2.5 lb per sq ft depending on pile height and density.
- High traffic or commercial areas, 2.0 to 3.0 lb per sq ft.
- Pet areas, 2.0 to 3.0 lb per sq ft using antimicrobial or coated sand for odor control.
- Putting greens, 1.0 to 2.0 lb per sq ft of fine topdressing matched to the system.
Always follow the turf product data sheet for infill type, gradation, and target depth. When in doubt, verify with a FusionTurf dealer.
Maintenance schedule and technique
Routine brushing
- Light residential traffic: every 2 to 4 weeks.
- Heavy use or commercial: weekly or after events.
- Use a stiff nylon or polypropylene brush or a power broom. Avoid metal bristles.
- Cross brush against the grain in multiple directions for an even lift.
Decompacting and top ups
- Power broom quarterly or as needed to loosen compacted infill.
- Top up when infill has settled below the recommended level.
- Keep infill dry during application for best flow and distribution.
Tools that work
- Power broom for deep lift and decompaction.
- Stiff broom or rake with plastic tines for routine care.
- Drop spreader for even infill placement.
- Infill depth gauge and leaf blower for cleanup.
How to top up infill step by step
- Clean the surface. Remove debris and dry the area.
- Measure current infill depth in several spots.
- Load a dry, approved infill into a drop spreader.
- Apply in thin passes. Start with the lowest areas.
- Power broom or cross brush to work infill down between fibers.
- Recheck depth and repeat until you hit the target range.
- Blow off loose material and inspect traffic lanes for consistency.
Signs your turf needs more infill
- Fibers lean and stay down shortly after brushing.
- Backing is visible when parting the fibers.
- Surface feels hard or slick in main walk paths.
- Infill depth is uneven or clearly below spec when measured.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using too little infill and relying on brushing to carry the load.
- Brushing when the surface or infill is wet, which clumps material.
- Using the wrong infill type or particle size for the product.
- Overaggressive power broom settings that scuff fibers.
- Metal rakes or wire brushes that damage blades and backing.
Warranty and performance notes
- Most warranties expect proper infill levels and routine maintenance.
- Flattening tied to insufficient infill or neglect is preventable with the right care.
- Keep simple records of top ups and brushing frequency for proof of care.
Straight talk on infill choices
- Washed, kiln dried sand is a reliable baseline for many landscape systems.
- Coated sands can reduce odor in pet zones and improve hygiene.
- EPDM or TPE elastomeric infills add cushion where impact attenuation matters.
Skip shortcuts. The right infill and a consistent brushing plan deliver the look and feel you paid for.
Need help dialing it in?
If you want job specific infill targets or tool recommendations, connect with a FusionTurf dealer for a quick spec check and a maintenance plan that fits your site.
