How cork and coconut reduce surface temperature

Both infills lower turf heat by limiting heat storage and slowing heat transfer to the surface. Cork uses closed-cell structure with trapped air that resists heat gain. Coconut-based organics hold light moisture, which adds evaporative cooling as water releases from the fibers.

  • Low thermal conductivity: Both materials insulate the blade base better than mineral or rubber infills.
  • Color and albedo: Lighter particles reflect more sunlight than dark elastomers.
  • Evaporative effect: Coconut fibers and some organic blends retain moisture that cools during evaporation.

What the numbers look like

Real-world temperatures vary by sun angle, wind, humidity, pile height, color, and measurement method. Typical field observations on sunny, 90 to 100 F days:

  • Cork infill: roughly 115 to 130 F surface temperatures.
  • Coconut or coconut-blend organics: roughly 110 to 125 F when lightly moist, 120 to 135 F when very dry.

These ranges are directional, not guarantees. Expect local conditions to shift readings up or down.

Climate fit and use cases

Hot, dry regions

Where humidity is low and irrigation is limited, cork often maintains slightly lower peak temps because it performs well without added moisture.

Humid or irrigated landscapes

Where rain or brief irrigation is available, coconut-based organics can equal or outperform cork by leveraging evaporative cooling.

Playgrounds and sports

Both options improve comfort over traditional alternatives. In high-traffic areas, confirm compaction resistance and grooming plans to keep performance consistent.

Maintenance and lifespan

  • Irrigation: A 2 to 5 minute midday mist during heat waves can drop surface temps quickly, especially with coconut-based infill.
  • Grooming: Light brushing every 1 to 3 months redistributes infill and stands up fibers.
  • Top-off: Plan for small top-offs over time due to migration, typically 5 to 10 percent annually depending on use and wind exposure.
  • Drainage: Proper base and drainage reduce microbial growth risk and stabilize performance.

Installation considerations

  • Infill amount: Most landscape systems target about 1.5 to 3.0 lb per sq ft depending on pile height and traffic.
  • Coverage planning: At 2 lb per sq ft, a 50 lb bag covers about 25 sq ft. Verify with your product's bulk density and your turf's spec.
  • Containment: Use proper edging. Organic infills are lighter than sand and can move in heavy rain or strong wind without good containment.
  • Compatibility: Confirm with the turf manufacturer. Match infill height to blade tips for safety and cooling.

Cost snapshot

  • Material costs vary by market. As a planning range, cork and coconut-based organics often land around 1.00 to 2.50 dollars per sq ft for material at typical landscape depths.
  • Shipping and labor: Organics are lighter than mineral infills, which can help with handling but may increase the need for containment care.

Odor and pets

Both infills are pet friendly. For odor control in dog runs, consider a zeolite layer beneath the primary infill, then top with cork or coconut to balance cooling and odor capture.

Sustainability and safety

  • Cork is harvested from bark and is renewable. Coconut fibers are an agricultural byproduct.
  • Neither contains crumb rubber.
  • Always review the product SDS and certifications for your project requirements.

Decision guide

Choose cork if

  • You want the simplest, low-maintenance cooling in hot, dry climates.
  • You prefer consistent performance without scheduling irrigation.
  • You need a light, natural infill with stable dry-state temps.

Choose coconut-based organics if

  • You have periodic rain or can run brief mists during peak heat.
  • You want maximum cooling potential via evaporative effect.
  • You are targeting play comfort in humid or coastal climates.

Cooling beyond infill

  • Use lighter turf colors with IR-reflective yarns when available.
  • Add shade where possible and increase airflow with open layouts.
  • Consider pairing organic infill with a zeolite underlayer or coated cooling sand in hybrid systems.

Ready to spec your system

We help you pick the right infill for your climate, use case, and budget. Talk to a FusionTurf specialist to dial in the details and keep your surface cool nationwide.