Artificial turf often gets a bad rap, and there are those people who continue to claim that real grass is safer and offers better performance. However, the truth is that turf offers the same level of safety and performance as grass fields. On the other hand, the fact that artificial turf offers all of the following benefits means that it should really be considered as the far superior option when compared to natural grass.
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Increased Playing Time
One of the largest problems with grass fields is that they tend to degrade in quality with high usage. In order to keep a grass field in good condition, it is necessary to limit the amount of playing time and also allow the grass to rest for several days in between use. None of this is a problem when you choose to install turf instead of laying down sod or planting seed. Compared to natural grass fields, turf is far better at standing up to heavy, repeated use without damage. In fact, a high-quality turf field can easily be used for hours each and every day with no ill effects.
Lower Maintenance
Ask anyone who&#;s ever had to maintain a grass field and they will tell you that a whole lot of time and effort goes into keeping the field in good condition. Watering, mowing, and fertilizing are all necessary to keep grass looking attractive and in playable condition. It is usually also necessary to replace parts of the grass or reseed the field in order to overcome the damage caused by repeated use. With a synthetic turf field, maintenance is minimal. In fact, after the turf installation is complete, almost no other tasks are necessary to keep it in good shape. In this sense, the lower maintenance definitely makes turf the preferred alternative.
Better for the Environment
Grass fields require a substantial amount of water to continue growing green and healthy. As water is one of our most important natural resources, it is essential that we do whatever we can to help cut down on waste. In this way, a turf field is definitely a great alternative since it NEVER needs watering. In addition, you can also eliminate the pollution and environmental damage caused by mowing and fertilizing a grass field. All of this means that turf is far more environmentally friendly.
Less Expensive in the Long Run
Turf installation isn&#;t exactly cheap, and there is no doubt that the upfront costs of turf are definitely higher than with grass fields. However, the fact that turf is low maintenance, long-lasting, and doesn&#;t need to be watered means that the turf will generally pay for itself within a few years. Although price definitely isn&#;t everything, turf will still offer you a far greater return on your investment in the long run.
Works Well in Any Climate
Grass fields can be extremely difficult to maintain in even the best conditions. However, the task can become nearly impossible during more extreme weather conditions. Freezing winters and sweltering summers can quickly kill off the grass and severely degrade the quality of the playing field. At the same time, both droughts and heavy rains have the potential to dramatically damage grass. This is yet another area where turf is a much better choice as it is guaranteed to stay in pristine condition no matter what weather conditions it&#;s faced with.
At MRC Recreation, we have years of experience in turf installation and use only the highest quality products from Desso Sports Systems. After examining the differences between grass and turf, there is no doubt that turf is the clear champion. Still, if you&#;re not convinced, why not contact us to learn more about why turf is the ideal choice for your needs.
A trend that is continuing to gain momentum is artificial turf fields. From NFL stadiums to local parks, artificial turf fields are becoming a popular choice and seem to be replacing natural grass fields at a rapid rate.
Artificial turf fields are composed of polyethylene plastic grass and a &#;crumb rubber&#; usually made of up to 10,000 recycled tires in a single field.
Although artificial turf fields have gained traction for several municipalities and sport franchises, some are still skeptical of their safety and sustainability. There are several pros and cons of artificial turf fields and understanding them can help you choose the best option for your next turf project!
Pros of Artificial Turf Fields
There are many upsides to having an artificial turf field instead of natural grass, including:
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- Less maintenance
Artificial turf fields are a more expensive option than natural grass upfront, but the maintenance to maintain them is small in comparison to grass fields. Typically, an average artificial soccer or football field would cost $800,000 to $1 million. However, you get this money back in the long-run since there is no need to water, cut, fertilize, or spray pesticides on the field each season. This cuts back on costs, energy, and time to upkeep, leaving more time to play! Most often, owners can break even within five to seven years of installing an artificial turf field.
- Weather proof
Artificial turf fields are not weather dependent. You do not need sun or rainwater to grow the grass and the field never gets muddy. Underneath the artificial turf is a layer of crushed gravel that helps with stormwater drainage. Gravel is porous and helps retain excess stormwater. Because of the effective drainage system, this allows more games to be played on the field without weather delays affecting it.
- Field Consistency
Artificial turf fields provide a consistent playing field. Natural grass can have divots, patches of thick grass, and patches worn down by use. This could lead to more safety hazards and injuries. With artificial turf fields, the field is always even and the pitch remains the same no matter the wear and tear. This keeps athletes safe and provides a level playing field for all participants.
- Environmentally Friendly
Some claim that artificial turf fields offer an environmentally friendly aspect. The field does not have to be watered, it uses recycled material for the crumb rubber, and does not require harmful chemicals like pesticides to help grow the grass.
Cons of Artificial Turf Fields
Although there are several positives to installing an artificial turf field, there are potential downsides to consider, including:
- Reduced flexibility
Because the artificial turf has lines embedded in the field weave, it can be a challenge to use as a multi-purpose field. Traditional grass fields can have painted lines that can be changed when needed, but with artificial turf, it can be expensive to change the lines of the field. To work around this, some owners have installed different color lines to indicate different sports&#; fields on the same turf.
- Heat Hazard
Due to the rubber crumb, artificial turf fields can be a heat hazard in summer months. On a 98 degree day, the field temperature can rise up to 120 degrees making it less comfortable to play on. Studies have shown that synthetic turf material can be up to 37 degrees higher than the air temperature. This can make it harder for athletes to stay hydrated during the heat of the day.
- Safety Concerns
Although the evenness of the field can provide safety measures in some areas, it leads to other safety issues that are not a concern with natural grass. Since there are 4-6 inches of packed stone underneath every artificial turf field, and due to the abrasive texture of the plastic grass, this can lead to harmful impact injuries. Instead of falling on a softer surface like dirt and grass, players may end up with more injuries like concussions. However, studies are being done to minimize this safety issue and artificial turf fields now undergo g-max testing that tests the impact of the field in order to make it safer. Many artificial turf fields now come with shock pads that can be installed underneath the turf weave, making for a plusher surface and a safer playing field.
Experience with Artificial Turf Fields
J.M. Thompson, general contractors in NC, have become subject matter experts on artificial turf fields. We have constructed 20+ artificial turf fields for sporting facilities and municipalities. One is Barton College&#;s artificial football field in Wilson, NC. This artificial turf field was the first one to be installed in Wilson, NC. The field is utilized for football, men and women&#;s soccer, and men&#;s and women&#;s lacrosse for both Barton College and the City of Wilson. Another project that has sharpened our expertise of artificial turf fields is Pleasant Park in Apex, NC. This 92-acre park for the Town of Apex includes six multi-purpose artificial fields. In Holly Springs, J.M. Thompson was part of the Parrish Womble Park renovation where we installed the largest artificial turf field in NC totaling three football fields in length. These multi-purpose fields can be used for several different town sports and events.
Why Choose Artificial Turf? Why Choose J.M. Thompson?
A family-owned and operated company, J.M. Thompson, general contractors and construction managers, brings together vast construction knowledge to each project they take on. The team is comprised of experienced professionals in the industry, as the company is only as good as its employees. Artificial turf fields offer a wider range of benefits for players and owners alike. For more durability, longevity, and consistency, consider installing artificial turf for your next project. Our deep parks and recreation portfolio shows that we are experts at constructing both natural and artificial fields. We will help transform your natural grass fields into long-lasting artificial fields.
For more information, please visit Artificial Grass For Football Field.