Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and Facts
When deciding whether to install natural or artificial grass, it is necessary to consider the myths and facts about each kind of turf. Some misunderstood issues concern cost, water consumption and infection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cost
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It is a myth that it costs much less to maintain an artificial grass playing field than a natural one. The University of Arkansas Turfgrass Science Department notes 2005 annual maintenance costs at Michigan State University ranged from $8,133 to $48,960 for its natural grass fields vs. $13,720 to $39,220 for its artificial fields.
Water Consumption
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It is a myth that artificial turf does not require watering. One of the main reasons artificial fields need water is to cool the turf on hot days. Pennsylvania State University considered data from 2004 to 2006 for its study about controlling artificial turf temperatures through watering. The study notes that surface temperatures for artificial fields can rise as high as 199 F. The Landscape Management website states that synthetic surfaces require irrigation systems not only for cooling but also to remove debris, avoid fires and clean up bodily fluids.
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Infection
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It is a myth, based on data from a 2010 CalRecycle safety study by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, that players are more likely to get bacterial infections from artificial turf. However, the study reported an increased risk of abrasions, which can make players more susceptible to infectious agents off the field.
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References
- University of Arkansas: Turfgrass Science: Synthetic (Artificial) Turf vs. Natural Grass Athletic Fields
- Pennsylvania State University: Temperature Amelioration of Synthetic Turf Surfaces through Irrigation
- Landscape Management: Synthetic turf irrigation --- Part 1
- "San Francisco Chronicle"; Artificial Turf Study --- Abrasions Only Health Risk
- CalRecycle: Safety Study of Artificial Turf Containing Crumb Rubber Infill Made From Recycled Tires
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
