Synthetic turf fields require lower maintenance, allow higher usage, and provide all-weather surfacing which permits use even after significant precipitation.

Athletic fields can see a wide range of sports play and usage. This can be a struggle for field maintainers to keep up with when it comes to taking care of natural turf. In addition, field managers are always looking for low-maintenance ways to care for turf. Before planning your next field design, here are some important sustainable benefits of synthetic turf to consider.  

High Demands

Natural fields take a beating especially when under the high demand seen in big tournaments or weekend-long events. The recovery time for a natural turf field vs. synthetic is drastic. Adding extreme weather elements presents an even longer recovery. To spread out usage, some teams have looked to preserve grass on their natural turf stadiums by utilizing multiple practice fields during the season. Doing this requires extra fields and adds more field maintenance. Synthetic turf surfaces are better suited for high demand usage.

Watering Burden

Watering natural turf can become a huge chore, requiring attention and oversight. In dry climates, not enough water can cause grass blades to shrivel up and die, and too much can end up creating soggy dead spots. Artificial turf is suitable for many types of weather climates and works great in areas that get low precipitation. Water consumption and management can be eliminated.

Seamless Length

Mowing, rolling, and aerating become a high-cost routine for taking care of natural turf. Artificial turf doesn’t require mowing. You also won’t have to wait for a field to dry out or find additional support during peak growing or playing season.

Healthy Appearance

Real grass needs periodic feeding and fertilizing. In addition, invasive weeds can become a problem prompting the use of spraying pesticides on your field. This can cause usage downtime and cost a lot to treat. With synthetic turf you will find that high usage and an exceptional level of performance can always be expected without environmental impacts.

Repurpose

Artificial field turf typical life span lasts around 10-15 years depending on usage, maintenance, and climate conditions. Many components in the field can be reused for another resurfacing such as underlayment, substrate, and infill. Some synthetic turf can be reused or recycled into other injected molded products. It’s important when designing your next field that you consider materials that are reusable or recyclable to see the benefits such as life-cycle cost and end-of-life options.