Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass
Wait for Tarkett to disclose coating chemistry and durability treatment composition.
Artificial grass typically uses polyethylene with durable stain and water-resistant coatings, often PFAS-treated. Tarkett provides no coating material or PFAS status details.
The safe swap
AstroTurf
SeeGreen 5 ft. W X 7 ft. L Green Polypropylene Astroturf
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyethylene turf with likely durable water/stain resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Durable stain/water-resistant treatments on artificial turf commonly involve PFAS; Tarkett has not disclosed whether this product uses PFAS, PFOA, or alternative fluorochemistries. Risk of leaching into groundwater or soil contact areas is unknown without treatment durability and composition data.
Source: ATSDR ↗Microfiber and microplastic shedding
Polyethylene artificial turf is known to shed fibers during use, especially under foot traffic and brushing. Shed fibers can accumulate in soil, be ingested by pets, or enter water systems; this is an inherent property of PE turf and not specific to Tarkett's product, but cumulative exposure over years of use is a documented category concern.
Heat degradation and off-gassing potential
PE turf backing and coatings can degrade or off-gas volatile compounds under high heat (prolonged direct sun, extreme climates). While acute VOC emissions are not typically reported for polyethylene turf, chemical finish degradation is plausible in very hot climates and has not been tested for this specific product.
Bacterial or algal growth if improperly drained or maintained
Artificial turf with drainage backing can harbor moisture, mold, or bacteria if not rinsed regularly or if installed over poor-draining soil. The water-resistant coating may slow evaporation, increasing risk of damp conditions in humid climates.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Polyethylene colorants and backing compounds may contain antimony or cadmium as processing aids or pigments; Tarkett does not publicly disclose heavy metal testing results for this product. Industry standards (e.g., EN ISO 6954) exist but are not universally required for residential artificial turf.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Select Surfaces Evergreen is polyethylene (PE) pile turf with a durable backing and what Tarkett describes as water/stain-resistant coating, but the specific chemistry of that coating is not publicly disclosed. Polyethylene fiber itself is chemically inert and stable under normal use. However, the "durable" stain-resistant and water-resistant treatments applied to artificial turf typically involve fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or other chemical finishes to repel liquids; without disclosure, the actual composition and leaching risk cannot be assessed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tarkett is a major global flooring and surfaces manufacturer with certifications in environmental standards (e.g., FloorScore, GREENGUARD), but the company has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or absence in its artificial turf products or coatings. No major recalls specific to this product line have been reported in consumer safety databases. Tarkett's silence on fluorinated treatment chemistry is the primary transparency gap for artificial grass buyers concerned about PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial polyethylene artificial turf products rely on water-resistant coatings; the market standard is not currently PFAS-free disclosure. Some competitors (e.g., brands marketing naturally drained or untreated PE turf) avoid additional chemical coatings, but Tarkett's Evergreen product is positioned as premium and durable, which typically correlates with chemical finishes. This product sits in the mid-to-premium range and does not stand out as uniquely transparent or uniquely risky compared to peers, but lacks peer advantage in disclosure.
If you buy it
Artificial turf generally sheds microfibers; regular brushing against the pile or foot traffic can gradually release PE particles, especially in high-wear zones. Rinse or brush the surface regularly to manage buildup of dust and debris, which can concentrate any surface-applied chemicals. Keep temperatures moderate (avoid prolonged direct sun exposure in extreme heat, as PE can soften above 70-80 C, though normal outdoor use does not typically reach this). Replace sections showing significant wear, color fade, or mat compression within 8-15 years depending on foot traffic. If PFAS-free certification becomes critical to your household choice, request written confirmation from Tarkett before purchase.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tarkett has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Artificial Turf
AstroTurf
SeeGreen 5 ft. W X 7 ft. L Green Polypropylene Astroturf
Polypropylene (PP) astroturf
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane or latex adhesive
Limited concern
Polypropylene UV degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Backing adhesive failure and fiber separation
Moderate concern
Infill contamination (if rubber granules used)
Limited concern
Lower concern; polypropylene rarely requires PFAS, but no brand disclosure on treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
AstroTurf
LITA ECO Ultra Thick Cut to Length
Synthetic turf fibers (polyethylene/polypropylene backing)
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from fibers
Moderate concern
Leaching from backing polymers or adhesives
Limited concern
Infill contamination (if sand or crumb used)
Limited concern
Wait for brand to disclose turf composition; synthetic turf historically may use PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Sportmaster
Multi Sport Turf
synthetic turf (polyethylene/polypropylene fibers, infill material unspecified)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Undisclosed infill composition and leachates
Moderate concern
Fiber degradation and microplastic generation
Limited concern
Volatile organic compound off-gassing during installation
Limited concern
Insufficient brand disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
More artificial turf grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.