Why Is Artificial Turf Better Than Natural Grass?

Artificial turf offers many advantages over natural grass.

Artificial turf is a synthetic alternative to grass. Found in athletic venues, commercial locations and even residential yards, artificial turf needs little to no maintenance. Although costly to install, when compared to the expense of maintaining natural grass with materials and labor, artificial turf may prove cheaper over time.

History

AstroTurf introduced the first synthetic fiber grass in 1964, installing it at a high school field in Providence, Rhode Island. However, the grand introduction came two years later when the artificial turf lined the surface of the Houston Astrodome. Since that time, artificial turf has replaced natural grass at high school, college and professional stadiums across the United States.

Maintenance Advantages

Unlike natural grass--which you must fertilize, aerate, mow and repair--artificial turf requires very little maintenance. Once installed, the daily upkeep costs pale in comparison to natural grass. In addition to saving on fertilizer and other materials, it greatly reduces the need for grounds-keeping labor.

Weather Advantages

Natural grass relies heavily on Mother Nature. During seasons of heavy precipitation, standing water causes natural grass fields to turn to mud and become uneven in many spots. Likewise, seasons of heavy sun and little rain, turn a field into a dust bowl of dry dirt and brown grass. During cold months, fields exposed to snow and frigid temperatures often break loose and crumble under athletes' feet. Artificial turf remains the same throughout the year, regardless of temperature. For weather-related issues, many cold weather stadiums and areas with extreme weather conditions have turned to artificial turf to replace natural grass playing surfaces.

Appearance

From a purely aesthetic point of view, artificial turf appears impeccable. Designed to give the appearance of a freshly cut lawn, artificial turf surfaces often include professionally designed lawn patterns or stripes to give a landscaped feel. Additionally, the fields do not include the uneven dips and crowns evident in many natural grass fields.

Safety Advantages

Initial artificial turf surfaces fell under considerable scrutiny for causing excessive injury. Modern artificial turf surfaces, however, are safer than natural grass. Professor Michael Myers of Montana State University released the results of a three-year study of player injuries on FieldTurf, an artificial turf surface, and natural grass. Dr. Myers concluded there were fewer injuries on FieldTurf as well as a drop in severity of injuries. FieldTurf is an artificial turf surface combining synthetic grass with rubber infill to emulate the softer feel and friction of natural grass.

References

• AstroTurf: History
• AstroTurf: About
• FieldTurf: College Study Proves FieldTurf Safer Than Grass
• FieldTurf: About