- Although AstroTurf is a trademarked name, it is sometimes used synonymously with artificial turf. However, AstoTurf is a synthetic grass used mostly for sports. It is made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, which are formed into nylon fibers. Polyethylene, important in plastics, is the other key ingredient, mostly made of carbon and hydrogen. AstroTurf also has AlphaSan, an antimicrobial protection to keep it hygienic.
- Most of AstroTurf's advantages lie in its athletic qualities. Unlike real grass, it is low maintenance as well and isn't as severely affected by weather like natural grass. It also has no ruts and pits which would normally pose a problem to players. It is also a cheaper alternative to having high quality grasses, which most public school systems couldn't afford.
- Because AstroTurf is synthetic, it's made with materials that don't naturally occur in the environment. This means that it is incompatible with the rest of the environment to some extent. One of the dangers of AstroTurf is the possibility of chemicals running into the water supply. The AlphaSan antimicrobial system is safe for humans and even mammals, but it can adversely affect aquatic species. Another problem AstroTurf possesses is how much heat it absorbs. AstroTurf can get noticeably hotter than normal turf.
- Natural grass is created by nature using carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, photosynthesis, and various micronutrients which are then populated by insects and microorganisms all working in sync. Natural grass has the added benefit of helping the environment stay natural. This can be important considering that artificial grasses have no beneficial impact at all.
- Natural grasses are more aesthetically pleasing and continue to stay a part of the local ecosystem, benefiting and contributing to it. It also serves as a habitat for organisms, some of which break down pollutants, something AstroTurf cannot do. Natural turf also helps cool the environment, unlike AstroTurf which adds to the heat island effect, a phenomena of artificial surfaces absorbing heat which can potentially raise the temperature of an entire city.
- While Astroturf may pose a problem to the environment, maintaining turf can do the same. Adding pesticides, chemicals, and additives make natural grass less natural, but do benefit the athletic players. Real grass can also be expensive to upkeep. Bad weather and heavy use means that the grass gets worn and torn more often.
