Turf Time for a Seamless Experience

As municipalities, schools, colleges and universities look for cost-effective and sustainable solutions for their athletic facilities, many have looked to synthetic turf for playing fields. Compared with natural grass, synthetic turf offers enhanced design options, is less expensive on a cost-per-use basis, provides additional environmental benefits, and can be easier to maintain. 

Also, research indicates that synthetic turf is a safe playing surface for all ages.

The thin green carpeted fields over a hard base are mostly a thing of the past. Modern synthetic turf fields are made of longer fibers that look like natural grass and have a “crumb” rubber or sand infill that creates a responsive and comfortable playing surface. 

Installation methods differ, depending on the product. Generally, a porous backing, leveling layer, stone layer, and drainage system are installed beneath the playing surface. Often, an additional pad is installed under the backing layer to provide extra shock absorption. 

The drainage system also may include a screening or detention system that meets environmental and regulatory requirements for stormwater management. A properly installed turf field is tested for water-percolation rates, shock-absorption properties, and other safety and product integrity benchmarks. 

Lower Cost-Per-Play

A common misconception is that high-quality synthetic turf is affordable only with a professional team budget. The initial cost of a synthetic turf field may be higher than a natural grass installation; however, on a cost-per-play basis, synthetic turf is less expensive. The costs can be as much as 70 or 80 percent less than natural grass fields, according to a University of California-Berkeley study. 

The primary factor in cost savings is increased playing time. Synthetic turf fields can be played on during or after wet weather, unlike natural grass, which can be torn up when saturated. In addition, synthetic turf fields most often are designed for multi-sport use. A baseball or softball outfield could overlap with space designed for soccer, football, field hockey, and more. A design firm and installation contractor can assist with the optimal layout to accommodate field markings and appropriate spacing. 

Natural grass requires downtime for mowing, irrigation and periods of rest to reduce compaction. Synthetic turf needs far less attention and downtime. Once the infill settles a few months after installation, basic maintenance includes occasional brushing and raking to straighten matted fibers and keep the infill evenly distributed and loose. 

Chemical spills and body fluids should be scrubbed with a manufacturer-approved cleaning product. Weeds and moss might grow on perimeter areas that get less traffic. These should be removed carefully without tearing or damaging the surface. The most important maintenance measure is signage and education to prohibit gum chewing, tobacco use and food consumption. Repairs are needed from time to time, and coaches and staff should keep an eye out for any trouble spots. Most turf products are covered by a warranty.

Improved Player Safety

Often, natural grass fields are not well-maintained or are poorly designed. Many institutions do not have the resources to provide the required upkeep. Insufficient drainage and overuse leads to over-compacted soils—producing uneven or hard sections with poor vegetation. Uneven fields can lead to foot and leg injuries. 

Careful attention to the subsurface design and construction of a synthetic turf field provides a level and consistent playing surface and minimizes long-term settling. A 2004 NCAA study of injuries found that the injury rate during practice sessions was 4.4 percent on natural grass and 3.5 percent on synthetic turf. In 2010, a peer-reviewed study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine on injuries during college football games found a significant difference in injury rates on a high-quality brand of synthetic turf compared with natural grass: 12 percent fewer concussions and 32 percent fewer ligament tears occurred on synthetic turf. 

Head trauma and the long-term effects of repeated head impact are of utmost concern to athletes and their families. Scientists are just beginning to understand the short- and long-term risk of collisions and concussions sustained in athletics—particularly in youth and collegiate sports. 

The role of the playing surface in minimizing the force of impact and improving player safety should not be overlooked. An athletic field’s impact-absorbing properties are assessed by a standard measure of ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Material. This standard method measures the acceleration of a test object bouncing off a playing surface. The resulting value, the G-Max rating, is one quantitative safety indicator. A higher G-max rating means the playing surface is too hard and an athlete’s body will absorb too much of the force of impact, which makes the player more vulnerable to injuries. 

Synthetic turf fields are designed to meet or exceed the G-Max rating of the best natural grass playing surfaces. A professional-level, appropriately maintained natural grass field could have a G-max of about 70 g’s. For reference, the g-force of a fighter jet roll is about 9 g’s. More commonly, a natural grass field with typical maintenance will have an average G-max of 90 to 100 g’s.