Turf has come a long way since the days of AstroTurf. Now, there are many options on the market that can provide a comfortable, safe playing surface for athletes of all levels. However, with so many choices available, it can be tough to decide which type of artificial turf is right to replace your grass fields. In this blog post, we'll compare natural grass and artificial turf to help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your needs.
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The Benefits of Turf over Natural Grass for Sports Fields
When planning out the design of a sports field, there are countless factors that need to be considered. Especially in Florida, the majority of owners are switching to turf fields to account for durability, athlete safety, and maintenance costs, among others.
One of the biggest benefits of turf over natural grass fields is its durability. Artificial turf fields can withstand heavy use without showing any signs of wear and tear, while natural grass fields can quickly become damaged under similar conditions.
Turf is also a safer option than natural grass for any sports field. It provides a more consistent surface that is less likely to cause injuries, while grass can be uneven and potentially hazardous.
Finally, artificial turf is much easier to maintain than grass. Synthetic turf fields don't need to be mowed at all, or watered as often, and they don't get muddy when it rains. This means that the artificial turf field will be playable for longer periods of time each year, and you'll save on maintenance costs in the long run.
How Turf can Help Reduce Injuries to Athletes
The surface of an artificial turf field is made up of individual blades of synthetic fibers that are anchored in a backing of sand and rubber. This construction allows for air to flow through the fibers, which helps keep the surface temperature cool in hot weather and prevents moisture from building up.
Natural grass fields, on the other hand, can become very slick when wet and can be very difficult to play on. This causes a significantly increased risk for players who are running at full speed, or pivoting and changing directions very quickly.
In addition to being safer and easier to maintain, artificial turf playing surfaces also provide a more comfortable surface for someone from any sport to play on. The individual fibers are soft and springy, which helps reduce injury rates by decreasing the number of falls or collisions.
The Cost Difference between Installing Artificial Turf and Natural Grass Fields
When it comes to whether or not to install artificial turf, the cost of a high-quality natural turf tends to be slightly more expensive than natural grass. However, the higher initial cost is often offset by the lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan of turf.
Natural grass fields also require frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizing in order to stay healthy, which can add up over time. Artificial surfaces require very little maintenance, making them a more economical choice in the long run. Rather than needing mowing every week, synthetic fields are good to go following their initial installation!
Maintenance Tips for Keeping your Synthetic Turf Field in Top Condition
If you're looking for a way to keep your artificial turf playing fields in top condition, here are a few tips that can help keep them virtually maintenance-free:
In most cases, a regular quick sweep can keep the surface clean by removing any dirt or debris. To clear larger pieces of debris, use a leaf blower to remove any leaves or other objects from the turf's surface. If any stains or marks appear on the synthetic turf, use a diluted bleach solution to clean them up. Be sure to test the solution on a small area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fibers. Finally, keep an eye on the weather and avoid using the field if it's wet or icy. This will help prevent any damage to the surface of the turf.
Utilizing these tips will help your synthetic artificial turf require far less maintenance than a natural grass field might, and help keep your players performing to the best of their ability as well.
Examples of Schools and Sports Teams that have made the Switch from Grass to Turf
The University of Florida installed new synthetic turf fields in 2015, and they have quickly become some of the most popular venues on campus. The Gators football team uses the synthetic turf fields for practice and home games, and they've also been used for other sports such as soccer and lacrosse.
In addition to the Gators, the Huskers also made the switch from a natural grass field to synthetic turf in 2015, and the new playing field has been a huge success. The University of Nebraska football team uses their synthetic fields for home games, and they've also been used for other sports such as soccer and track and field.
On the professional scene, the Seattle Seahawks made the switch from natural grass to artificial grass for their football field in 2002, pioneering the way for other NFL teams. The team has been using the same artificial surface for over a decade, and it's held up remarkably well despite the constant punishment of professional games.
DelaTurf: Setting the standard of sports fields since 2019
Natural grass has long been the traditional surface for any sports field, but over the most recent few years, synthetic turf has been gaining in popularity rapidly. There are several reasons why synthetic turf has many benefits over standard grass for most any sports field.
First, synthetic turf can help reduce injuries to athletes. Second, it’s more cost-effective to install and maintain than grass. Finally, artificial turf fields provide a consistent playing surface that is ideal for all types of sports, whereas grass can constantly change due to bad weather.
If you’re in the Central Florida area and are considering installing a new sports field or switching from grass to synthetic turf, call us at (407)-225-4288 to speak with an expert. We can help you choose the right type of turf and provide tips on how to keep it in top condition.
Looking to Make the Switch to Turf?
DelaTurf services the following areas:
Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Broward County. Our team commonly operates in Metro West, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oviedo, Oakland, Apopka, College Park, Winter Park, Sorrento, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, & Sanford.
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