You have several choices when you decide to have a sports field installed. Of course, the grass is the most popular option, including its affordability, natural look, and ease of maintenance. On the other hand, Artificial turf is durable, easier on athletes’ joints, and requires less maintenance than natural grass. So, while the grass is excellent, synthetic turf is the way to go if you want to save money. Read on to find out how to maintain your soccer field turf.
Synthetic turf is less expensive than natural grass.
Artificial grass has many advantages over natural grass for sports fields. Synthetic turf requires little maintenance and requires little water, mowing, fertilizing, or weed control. It can also be installed yourself and save hundreds or thousands of dollars. Natural grass requires more maintenance and resurfacing after 10 years. But synthetic turf is more durable and lasts much longer than natural grass. You can use artificial turf for sports fields in any area where moisture and abrasion are common.
The difference in cost is great, but it is still important to have factual information before deciding. We have compiled this information from our company’s experience building and renovating sports fields made of natural grass in Texas and customer interviews to learn about costs and maintenance practices. In addition, we have compiled cost comparisons for synthetic turf sports fields currently in use. We also consider the quality of artificial turf fields and how well they last.
It requires less maintenance.
Good maintenance of athletic fields is essential to the performance of a lot. Proper care of sports field turf helps produce tough, dense grass. Deep rooting provides good anchorage, while regular watering promotes steady growth. The maintenance schedule should be flexible, considering the durability limits of the turf. A thorough inspection of the field is also necessary to ensure the safety of players and spectators. Several methods can make sports field turf more durable and require less maintenance.
Artificial turf fields, for example, require less water and fertilizer. They also need no regular downtime and don’t thin out over time. They also stay looking the same for years to come. And, unlike natural grass fields, sports field turf is more durable and can withstand back-to-back event activity and intense play. Artificial turf is also more consistent, meaning fewer divots and holes in the field. That’s one reason it’s becoming increasingly popular, especially in schools.
It is more durable
Synthetic turf has been used for years. Many fields include a tire crumb-rubber infill. A study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found no increased risk for children playing on fields with this infill but said further investigation is necessary. In response to these concerns, several infill types have been developed. Weeds also create trip hazards, and their presence should be avoided. Fortunately, synthetic turf is much more durable than sports field turf.
Sports field turf is also much harder to damage. Synthetic turf is three times stronger than natural grass and is not easily damaged by rough tackles. In addition, it is more resilient than natural grass, allowing it to withstand 3,000 hours of play every year or 250 hours each month. Since synthetic turf requires no extra maintenance, it can withstand years of constant play. Because artificial turf is made from a polypropylene/nylon blend, it’s also less likely to rip or tear.
It is easier on athletes’ joints.
Whether or not a sports field is easier on an athlete’s joints depends on the field’s type of surface and biomechanics. The greatest athletes have mastered the art of aligning their muscles and bones to minimize the risk of injury. A sports field made of grass or synthetic turf should be easier on the joints than on artificial surfaces. A study published in the journal JAMA Sports Medicine looked at the effects of artificial surfaces on the performance of athletes.
The main difference between the grass and artificial turf is the surface type. Grass has much more give to it, and turf doesn’t. As a result, turf causes athletes to sustain injuries to the knees, ankles, and lower body. Players may also experience soreness in their legs and lower back. Injury risk can vary from field to field depending on the type of surface, weather conditions, and the impact of players.
It looks like natural grass.
Artificial turf has been used for years on sports fields, but newer versions are much better. Older “turf” fields looked like pale hairs on rubber. Newer sports field turf is more lifelike and has many characteristics of natural grass. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of the two types of turf: