Does artificial turf get hot in Colorado?

Updated November 11, 2026

What published tests found

Two sources show the pattern clearly.

• Vets Now, a UK veterinary service, reported that artificial grass, a running track and asphalt were all above 50 C (122 F) at 2 pm. Natural grass was the coolest.
• Resource Central, a group that opposes synthetic turf, says turf can reach 160 F.

Conditions differ from test to test. Treat the numbers as a warning about direct afternoon sun, not a forecast for your yard.

Is it safe for dogs and kids?

Heat is the main risk, not the turf itself. A surface that feels fine through shoes can burn paws and bare skin. Use the 7-second test. Press the back of your hand on the turf for seven seconds. If you cannot keep it there, paws and bare feet should stay off.

It is a rule of thumb from pet-safety advice, not a standard. Use it on hot afternoons for turf, concrete and asphalt alike.

What reduces heat

• Shade. Trees, shade sails and pergolas keep direct sun off the surface. Shade is the most dependable fix on this list.
• Rinsing. A hose cools the surface for a while. The effect fades as the water dries.
• Cooling infill. Some products are made to lower surface heat. Ask the manufacturer for its test data and what it adds to the price.
• Timing. Mornings and evenings run cooler. Schedule summer play for those hours.

How it compares with other surfaces

The Vets Now test put turf in the same range as asphalt and a running track. Concrete also gets hot in direct sun. Natural grass stayed coolest, which is a real point in its favor. Our turf vs sod guide weighs that against water and upkeep.

Planning around heat for pets

Put turf where it gets afternoon shade, or add shade over the dog area. Dog runs deserve extra thought, because a dog in a run cannot always choose where to stand. See dog run turf.

Heat also affects odor. Hot, dry weather dries urine into the infill faster, so rinse more often. Read pet turf odor and drainage for the routine and pet turf cost for what infill choices do to a budget.

Playgrounds and other play areas

Kids play barefoot or in shorts, so surface heat matters in play areas too. Plan shade, and ask the manufacturer what it says about surface temperature. We cover this on the playground turf page.

A simple check before pets and kids go out

Use the back-of-hand test. Press your palm flat on the turf for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws and bare feet.

Test on a sunny afternoon, since that is when the surface peaks. Mornings and evenings are cooler. A quick hose rinse brings the surface temperature down, and shade over the play or potty area helps all day.

When you ask us for an estimate, tell us which part of the yard gets afternoon sun. We will plan the layout and talk through shade options with you before anything is installed.

Common questions

Sources

• Vets Now: never walk dogs on hot asphalt, tarmac or artificial grass
• Resource Central: Why fake grass isn't a real solution

Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.