A trend that is continuing to gain momentum is artificial turf fields. From NFL stadiums to local parks, artificial turf fields are becoming a popular choice and seem to be replacing natural grass fields at a rapid rate.
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Artificial turf fields are composed of polyethylene plastic grass and a 'crumb rubber' usually made of up to 10,000 recycled tires in a single field.
Although artificial turf fields have gained traction for several municipalities and sport franchises, some are still skeptical of their safety and sustainability. There are several pros and cons of artificial turf fields and understanding them can help you choose the best option for your next turf project!
Pros of Artificial Turf Fields
There are many upsides to having an artificial turf field instead of natural grass, including:
- Less maintenance
Artificial turf fields are a more expensive option than natural grass upfront, but the maintenance to maintain them is small in comparison to grass fields. Typically, an average artificial soccer or football field would cost $800,000 to $1 million. However, you get this money back in the long-run since there is no need to water, cut, fertilize, or spray pesticides on the field each season. This cuts back on costs, energy, and time to upkeep, leaving more time to play! Most often, owners can break even within five to seven years of installing an artificial turf field.
- Weather proof
Artificial turf fields are not weather dependent. You do not need sun or rainwater to grow the grass and the field never gets muddy. Underneath the artificial turf is a layer of crushed gravel that helps with stormwater drainage. Gravel is porous and helps retain excess stormwater. Because of the effective drainage system, this allows more games to be played on the field without weather delays affecting it.
- Field Consistency
Artificial turf fields provide a consistent playing field. Natural grass can have divots, patches of thick grass, and patches worn down by use. This could lead to more safety hazards and injuries. With artificial turf fields, the field is always even and the pitch remains the same no matter the wear and tear. This keeps athletes safe and provides a level playing field for all participants.
- Environmentally Friendly
Some claim that artificial turf fields offer an environmentally friendly aspect. The field does not have to be watered, it uses recycled material for the crumb rubber, and does not require harmful chemicals like pesticides to help grow the grass.
Cons of Artificial Turf Fields
Although there are several positives to installing an artificial turf field, there are potential downsides to consider, including:
- Reduced flexibility
Because the artificial turf has lines embedded in the field weave, it can be a challenge to use as a multi-purpose field. Traditional grass fields can have painted lines that can be changed when needed, but with artificial turf, it can be expensive to change the lines of the field. To work around this, some owners have installed different color lines to indicate different sports' fields on the same turf.
- Heat Hazard
Due to the rubber crumb, artificial turf fields can be a heat hazard in summer months. On a 98 degree day, the field temperature can rise up to 120 degrees making it less comfortable to play on. Studies have shown that synthetic turf material can be up to 37 degrees higher than the air temperature. This can make it harder for athletes to stay hydrated during the heat of the day.
- Safety Concerns
Although the evenness of the field can provide safety measures in some areas, it leads to other safety issues that are not a concern with natural grass. Since there are 4-6 inches of packed stone underneath every artificial turf field, and due to the abrasive texture of the plastic grass, this can lead to harmful impact injuries. Instead of falling on a softer surface like dirt and grass, players may end up with more injuries like concussions. However, studies are being done to minimize this safety issue and artificial turf fields now undergo g-max testing that tests the impact of the field in order to make it safer. Many artificial turf fields now come with shock pads that can be installed underneath the turf weave, making for a plusher surface and a safer playing field.
Experience with Artificial Turf Fields
J.M. Thompson, general contractors in NC, have become subject matter experts on artificial turf fields. We have constructed 20+ artificial turf fields for sporting facilities and municipalities. One is Barton College's artificial football field in Wilson, NC. This artificial turf field was the first one to be installed in Wilson, NC. The field is utilized for football, men and women's soccer, and men's and women's lacrosse for both Barton College and the City of Wilson. Another project that has sharpened our expertise of artificial turf fields is Pleasant Park in Apex, NC. This 92-acre park for the Town of Apex includes six multi-purpose artificial fields. In Holly Springs, J.M. Thompson was part of the Parrish Womble Park renovation where we installed the largest artificial turf field in NC totaling three football fields in length. These multi-purpose fields can be used for several different town sports and events.
Why Choose Artificial Turf? Why Choose J.M. Thompson?
A family-owned and operated company, J.M. Thompson, general contractors and construction managers, brings together vast construction knowledge to each project they take on. The team is comprised of experienced professionals in the industry, as the company is only as good as its employees. Artificial turf fields offer a wider range of benefits for players and owners alike. For more durability, longevity, and consistency, consider installing artificial turf for your next project. Our deep parks and recreation portfolio shows that we are experts at constructing both natural and artificial fields. We will help transform your natural grass fields into long-lasting artificial fields.
When it comes to playing surfaces, the debate between natural grass and artificial turf has been ongoing for years. Professional and amateur sports alike have grappled with the decision between the two for their playing fields. Each option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but which one is truly better? In this article, we'll talk about both options and explain why ProGreen's field turfs can make the decision much easier.
Key Takeaways:
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ProGreen Advantage: ProGreen's dedication to offering natural-looking and natural-feeling artificial grass bridges the gap between natural and synthetic turf, providing a safe, durable, and visually appealing alternative for various applications.
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Player Preferences: The choice between natural grass and artificial turf often boils down to personal preference, with some athletes preferring the organic feel of natural grass while others appreciate the consistency of artificial turf.
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Economic Benefits: Artificial turf can be a cost-effective option over time, requiring less maintenance and downtime compared to natural grass, ultimately saving money in the long run.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the pros and cons of real grass surfaces versus artificial grass, you should first understand the fundamentals of each. Regarding sports, natural grass has been the traditional choice for playing surfaces for centuries. (Of course, artificial grass just didn't exist way back when.) Its organic nature provides a soft and forgiving surface, which is ideal for reducing the impact of falls and collisions. However, a natural grass lawn requires maintenance to upkeep its pristine condition.
On the other hand, artificial turf offers a synthetic alternative that aims to mimic the look and feel of natural grass. Artificial grass gained popularity due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. It provides a consistent playing surface regardless of weather conditions and heavy use. However, concerns regarding injuries on artificial turf have sparked debates within the sports community.
Outside of sports, artificial grass is gaining popularity simply because of its improved design. When people first started using artificial surfaces in place of a natural grass field or lawn, it didn't look great. Modern artificial grass products have greatly improved since then, and ProGreen prides itself on being the best in the market. Now that people have the option between a nice-looking natural grass lawn and a nice-looking artificial grass lawn, the choice becomes more difficult.
Safety First: Injury Risks
Back to sports, one of the primary concerns when comparing natural grass and artificial turf is the risk of injuries. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between playing surfaces and injury rates among athletes. While artificial turf is praised for its durability and consistency, some research suggests that it may increase the risk of certain injuries, particularly foot and ankle injuries.
According to studies conducted by sports medicine experts, athletes playing on artificial turf may experience higher rates of foot and ankle injuries compared to those playing on natural grass. The surface's unforgiving nature, combined with the use of blade-shaped cleats, can lead to increased strain on athletes' lower extremities. This has led some organizations, such as the NFL Players Association, to advocate for natural grass playing surfaces to reduce the risk of injuries.
The level of intensity may be starkly different between professional athletes and everyday people. Unlike natural grass, artificial grass can withstand a lot of elements, like harsh sun exposure, heavy foot traffic, and rambunctious kid and pets. However, unlike other brands, ProGreen's artificial grass is designed with safety and high-intensity in mind. You shouldn't have to pay more to have the same level of safety. We provide artificial grass fields that truly mimic natural grass in such a way that you can feel just as safe.
Maintenance Matters: Long-Term Considerations
While natural grass offers a softer and more forgiving playing surface, it comes with significant maintenance requirements. From regular mowing and watering to fertilizing and aerating, natural grass fields demand ongoing care and attention. This can translate to higher maintenance costs and potential downtime for field maintenance of the natural grass lawn.
On the other hand, artificial turf requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass. Once installed, artificial grass provides a consistent playing surface year-round, regardless of weather conditions. It is specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. The long-term maintenance costs associated with artificial turf, including periodic cleaning and infill replenishment, are not as high as they are for natural grass.
Synthetic turf can be a great option for you if you want to save time and money maintaining your lawn. If you expect to host intense football games, you shouldn't have to think about whether artificial grass or natural grass would be better. Our artificial turf compared to natural turf will always win out in the long run when it comes to maintenance requirements.
Performance Impact: Gameplay and Athlete Experience
Beyond safety and maintenance considerations, the choice between natural grass and artificial grass can also impact gameplay and overall athlete experience. Some athletes argue that natural grass provides a superior playing surface, allowing for better traction and maneuverability. Others argue that artificial turf offers a more predictable surface, ideal for fast-paced sports like soccer and football.
Professional athletes, including NFL players and soccer stars, have weighed in on the debate, sharing their preferences based on personal experiences. While some athletes prefer the consistency of artificial turf, others swear by the natural feel of grass under their feet. Ultimately, the choice between natural grass and synthetic turf often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the sport.
However, Progreen makes the choice easy. Our synthetic turf is manufactured to match the advantages of natural grass. While the decision is based on personal preference, you should be able to compare apples to apples, which is why ProGreen is the leader in artificial grass products. Overall, a natural grass lawn in its prime will smell good, look good, and feel good. Our artificial grass will look good, feel good, and do good to your bank account!
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate of natural versus artificial grass, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each surface offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, from safety considerations to long-term maintenance requirements. But the choice becomes much easier with ProGreen products. Our dedication to offering natural-looking and natural-feeling artificial grass has allowed us to create products that bridge the gap between natural and synthetic turf.
Do you prefer the organic feel of natural grass? So do we. Do you want to feel safe when playing on the field? So do we! The durability of our artificial playing surfaces is unmatched, but we haven't sacrificed safety or feel for longevity. We prioritize what you should prioritize, offering a safe, soft, durable, long-lasting, money-saving alternative to natural grass that you can enjoy for years.
Contact ProGreen today to learn about our artificial turf products and see if it is the right option for you.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Football Artificial Grass.
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