Why artificial turf scores over natural grass

Austin, Texas - September 2009

Gone are the days when the grass was conspicuous by its absence in playfields that held events very frequently. The reason was not inadequate or inept maintenance but the durability of grass itself to survive the rigorous assault of all the sports persons concerned.

In addition to the frequency with which games are played, the climatic conditions play a pivotal role in deciding the type of turf for a stadium. Games played on natural surface in inclement weather can leave the entire surface in a shambles.

Thus managements of stadiums opt for synthetic turf when the number of games to be played in a particular stadium is unlimited and the weather conditions are also harsh.

The artificial turf provides the added advantage of diverse events like concerts, drill teams, intra-murals, and star-nights being held in the arena without running the risk of damaging the turf.

Contrary to the popular perception, one has reasons to believe that there is no significant difference in the severity of injuries suffered by athletes on natural grass or synthetic turf fields.

Various national level studies by the NFL and FIFA back this claim. The number of serious injuries on artificial turf in playing condition has been shown to be slightly fewer compared to natural grass.

Natural grass is no free lunch. It comes with its own initial capital costs and recurring operating cost. What may appear as a natural, freely available commodity of nature can entail installation of new drainage and irrigation systems and purchase of equipment for maintenance of the facility.

The cost for a contractor or maintenance team to maintain the field and periodic equipment replacement cost have to be factored in while deciding on natural grass. Water, fertilizer, fungicides, lime, striping paint and fuel to operate equipment are some of the other essentials required to maintain a natural grass facility.

On the other hand, the initial capital cost pertaining to installation of synthetic turf includes cost of excavation, paving, drainage and installation of synthetic turf. The material required on a day-to-day basis to keep the artificial turf in good shape would include fuels and to operate the requisite maintenance equipment. Whether used for soccer, football, rugby, field hockey or other sports, maintenance is an important element. A small investment in routine maintenance can prolong the sports field surface or landscape lawn area.

At the end of the day, the decision regarding which surface to install must weigh the long term intended use of the facility.