人工草坪是一种长相类似天然草地的合成纤维，大部分时候是在市内体育场，让原本就在草地上进行的活动使用，但是现在也逐渐被被用在住家草皮，或是其他商业的应用。人工草皮之所以被广泛使用的原因主要在于维护方便：这些「草」在高强度的使用之下仍然能屹立不摇，也不需要修剪或是灌溉；再加上维持天然草地的日照量以及保持不易，室内以及半露天的体育场必须、也只能使用人工草坪。当然，人工草坪也有缺点，如：寿命有限、需要定时清理、塑胶制品需消耗石油、在填入时会产生的化学毒素及健康考量。

人工草坪在1960年代被使用在新建的休士顿体育馆，因此开始广泛受到关注。当时所使用、由孟山都开发的产品被称做「AstroTurf」，也在20世纪末期成为所友人工草坪的口语称呼。目前，AstroTurf仍然是个注册商标，但已经不由孟山都所有。1960年代使用的第一代的人工草皮（i.e., short-pile fibers without infill）目前大多被第二代草皮（sand infills）及第三代技术取代。

Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass. It is most often used in arenas for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass. However, it is now being used on residential lawns and commercial applications as well. The main reason is maintenance—artificial turf stands up to heavy use, such as in sports, and requires no irrigation or trimming. Domed, covered, and partially covered stadiums may require artificial turf because of the difficulty of getting grass enough sunlight to stay healthy. But artificial turf does have its downside: limited life, periodic cleaning requirements, petroleum use, toxic chemicals from infill, and heightened health and safety concerns.