Is adding a synthetic field the answer?

Many factors impact the capacity of a sports field to handle high usage including: the soil type, grass species, weather conditions, kind of sport, amount of usage, management program, etc.

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Most school sports fields are also used for gym class, band practice, community activities as well as practices and games. Native soil fields can take just so much use before the turf thins and compaction becomes severe. Overuse does impact the function and aesthetic expectations of sports fields.

Some managers have considered adding a synthetic turf field which can be played on essentially 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Having and using a synthetic turf field would allow native soil fields to be rested and have time to recuperate. These fields are especially useful in the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate than in the heat of the summer.

Cornell Turfgrass Show webinars on Synthetic Turf Management:

• Natural grass vs. Synthetic turf decision making for K-12 schools (Dr. Andy McNitt)
• Synthetic turf management principles (Dr. Andy McNitt)

What are they made of?

Today's artificial or synthetic infill turf fields typically include nylon fibers attached to a porous polyethylene backing, 2 inch infill of crumb rubber placed within the fibers, and often a polyurethane pad placed just under the backing for extra cushioning.  For drainage, most use a 8-12 inch gravel/sand sub-base and sideline drains. These fields can take incredible amount of use compared to native soils fields.

The below subjective comparison of both natural grass fields and synthetic fields is a summary of collected input provided by a wide-range of users. See also the complete Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf Decision Making Guide.

Natural turfgrass Synthetic turf

1. Cooler feel particularly in the summer.
2. Softer and more forgiving.
3. Variable quality depending on the soil type and maintenance regime.
4. Traditional and severed the various sports for years.
5. Natural and calming feel.
6. Pleasant smells, e.g. freshly cut grass.
7. Visually appealing if well maintained.
8. Provides environmental benefits in terms of carbon absorption and contribution to biodiversity.

1. Consistent surface.
2. Warmer and subject to glare when sunlight is present.
3. Consistent quality and set maintenance regime.
4. Modern and innovative product.
5. Artificial and unnatural feel.
6. Strong odor particularly for synthetic turf with rubber infill.
7. Visually appealing, looks green all the time.
8. Suitable in many types of weather.
9. Durable and low maintenance.
10. Provides environmental benefits in terms of water saving and reduced maintenance.

Any drawbacks or issues with synthetic fields?

Cost of construction and maintenance

Synthetic infill fields are very costly to install and maintain in comparison to a native soil field.  They must be installed by experienced companies that specialize in this new technology.

Many factors influence field construction costs including field size, geographic location, site work required, labor costs, irrigation system, etc.

Comparison of Construction Costs of Several Sports Field Types

Field size: approximately 2 acres

Estimates Natural Turfgrass on Native Soil Natural Turfgrass on Sand-based Field Sand-Capped Field Synthetic field Construction Costs Source A $50,000 ' $150,000 $250,000 ' $350,000 $850,000 ' $1,000,000
(8-10 years of use before replacement) Source B $400,000 ' $600,000 $200,000 ' $300,000

$60,000 ' $100,000
Spartan Cap System

$600,000 ' $1,000,000 Annual Maintenance Costs Source A $4,000
250 hours of labor $6,000
375 hours of labor**
(not including equipment) Source B $5,000 ' $22,000

*Source A: Estimates are derived from average costs cited: A Guide to Synthetic and Natural Turfgrass for Sports Fields, STMA, and included annual inflation of 3%.
Source B: Information provided by David Minner, Extension Specialist, Iowa State University

** The cost can even be higher if field markings must be painted and cleaned often, or if frequent repairs are necessary.

Routine Maintenance

Although your maintenance program will depend on the amount of use, level of play, kind of sports played, type and quality of construction some basic practices must be made on a routine basis to protect your investment including:

1. Measuring field hardness periodically to ensure the level of hardness is lower than the 150 Gmax level. At least once a year.
2. Sweeping and dragging to keep the carpet fibers in an upright position. Once a week or once a month depending on use.
3. Loosening and redistributing of infill (to improve footing, reduce static electricity and improve the look of the field).  Groom fields before each game.
4. Checking and replenishing the infill level especially in high use areas. The infill creates the padding and shock-absorption for the synthetic turf system and restores the field's resiliency. At least once a year. It takes about 20 tons of crumb rubber to provide ¼ inch layer.
5. Using a vacuum or leaf blower to remove debris like sunflower seeds. After each game.
6. Cleaning with special solvents and cleansers with difficult to remove items. After each game.
7. Treating with anti-microbial products to remove bacterial growth. Weekly to monthly.
8. Troubleshooting for common problems and minor repairs, such as seam repair. Frequently.
9. Removing snow during winter months.

Prevent problems and extra work by:

1. Establishing policies that prohibit the use of chewing gum, sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco while on the field surface.
2. Providing trash containers in strategic places so trash is not place on or around the field
3. Providing scraper mats where players and coaches enter the field so debris can be removed from shoes.
4. Involving athletes to help remove debris after reach game

Health impacts*

Concerns Natural Turfgrass Field Synthetic field Heat Grass dissipates heat and naturally cools the environment. Heat related injuries are rare. Can reach extremely high temperatures even at head level.** Abrasions, burns, grazes Generally soft and not abrasive. Only a problem when ground has become bare and dry. Most fibers are relatively non-abrasive. Choice of infill critical. Sand more abrasive. Rubber can cause friction burns if sliding. Traction: knee and ankle sprains and muscle strains Choice of grass type is important for traction. Too much traction has been linked to an increased risk of severe knee injuries and too little traction to muscle strains and facial fractures. Footwear plays a major role in the amount of traction a player experiences, so you need to consider if you are going to impose footwear rules on users to reduce the injury risk. Bacteria Less potential for abrasions. Greater potential for abrasions, opening up wounds to possible entry point for bacteria.

* Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf Decision Making Guide, Government of Western Australia, Department of Sport and Recreation. .
** 'Synthetic Turf Playing Fields, Present Unique Danger', Applied Turfgrass Science, November 3, , Brad Fresenburg,  University of Missouri.

More safety information:

See summaries of field safety issues studies conducted by Penn State University's Sports Surface Research Center.

Decision-making Steps

When considering adding a synthetic field, follow the steps for success:

1. Read resources published that contain the benefits and issues of both natural turfgrass fields and synthetic turf to aid in decision-making.
2. Visit the synthetic fields of your colleagues to see how they are performing and the level of care they require.
3. Only work with reputable companies that have the experience with construction and maintenance of synthetic fields.
4. Attend dealer sponsored training programs to learn recommended maintenance practices.
5. Read and follow manufacturer guidelines carefully to avoid having the warranty voided.
6. Develop policies that prevent or reduce the likelihood of increased maintenance or repair to the field.

Remember, before making any decisions, review the information found in the following publications.  Also take the time to visit and learn from other sports turf managers who have put in synthetic fields.

Resources

Decision'making resources:

Sports Field Management Association:

• Synthetic Turf or Natural Grass Sports Fields?
• Natural Grass Athletic Fields
• A Guide to Synthetic and Natural Turfgrass for Sports Fields: Selection, Construction and Maintenance Considerations

American Society for Testing Materials:

• Standard Guide for Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones for Athletic Fields

Government of Western Australia, Department of Sport and Recreation

• Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf Decision Making Guide

Turfgrass Resource Center:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Synthetic Sports Turf.

• Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and Facts

Construction and Maintenance Resources:

Synthetic Turf Council

American Sports Builders Association

• Buyer's Guide for Synthetic Turf Field Construction

 Current Research Findings on Health Issues

Synthetic Turf Systems Explained

If you're just beginning to explore the possibilities of an artificial turf field for your school's athletic facilities, you've probably come across a whole slew of new terms and words that may have you scratching your head. And while the vocabulary related to synthetic turf fields may puzzle you at first, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Once you understand a few key definitions and how artificial turf fields are installed, maintained, and enjoyed, you'll feel empowered to make educated decisions.

Allow us to explain the basics. This glossary answers questions like: 'what on earth is infill, anyway?' and provides definitions for frequently-used turf industry terms like 'pile,' 'silica,' and 'crumb rubber.' We'll help you get ahead of the learning curve and become a educated, active participant in building a synthetic turf sports field perfect for your school's athletic facilities!

System Components

System Components Defined

Turf Fiber

Turf fiber comes in 3 different types:

•  Slit-Film: Flat turf blades formed by slitting a thin sheet of plastic. 
•  Monofilament Fiber: Dimensional turf blades that stand upright.
•  Dual Fiber: Slit-film and monofilament turf blades blended together.

Learn more about different types of synthetic turf by watching this short video on artificial turf types.

Thatch

A shorter, squiggly fiber built into the turf that helps to add fiber and infill stability to the turf system. Thatch is not included in all turf systems. 

Turf Backing

The sheet of woven plastic that holds the blades in place. In most systems, the backing has perforated holes and is the main method of vertical drainage on the field.

Pile

The length of fiber from the backing to the tips. It varies in height depending on the application. 

Free Pile

The height of the fiber above the infill.  

Turf Infill

Infill is the dense, fine particle material located within the synthetic turf. Supporting the turf blades, it acts as the ballast, footing, and athlete shock absorption.

Infill Layer 

Sand is often added to lighter weight, performance infills to achieve proper ballast. (Make sure the performance infill is deep enough to cover the common cleat length your players will be using. If the performance layer is not deep enough, your player's cleats might be interacting with sand meaning you will not receive all of the performance benefits of the top layer of infill.)

Crumb Rubber

This is a composite material of shredded rubber, sourced from used tires. Crumb rubber is the most widely used throughout the United States and typically the least expensive infill option.

Did you know that Motz offers turf infill solutions that are safe, allergen-free, antimicrobial, and made from natural ingredients?

Progressive Infills (Also known as Alternative Infills)

Infills that are not made from recycled car tires. These infills focus on enhancing the performance of the field and the safety of the players as well as acting as a ballast to hold the turf in place to prevent wrinkles. Envirofill and Safeshell are progressive performance infills.

Envirofill

Coated round sand infused with Microban antimicrobial protection. Envirofill is durable, easy to install, clean, low maintenance, and reusable. 

Safeshell

An organic performance infill that is 100% natural. It is a proprietary blend of Black and English walnut shells sourced and manufactured in the United States. Safeshell is a cooler infill that is low maintenance, durable, natural, and allergen-free. 

Infill Migration

When the infill within the synthetic turf system moves out of the system over time. It is usually subtle, incremental movement and can be caused by the infill shifting when being played on, weather conditions, or leaving the field with players.  

Infill Flyout

When activity on the field causes infill 'to fly out of the turf.' This can become an issue because the infill sticks to clothes, gets in shoes, and moves from its original placement in the field causing uneven infill depth, thus, leading to infill migration as defined above. 

Top off

Throughout the life of a field, infill will migrate slightly no matter how dense the product is. There are sections of the field that wear faster and may need more infill applied to them from time to time. The act of adding more infill into the turf after it has been installed is called topping off. Progressive infills, such as Envirofill and Safeshell are usually a denser infill meaning they migrate less which leads to less maintenance/top off compared to traditional infills.

Shock Pad

A shock pad is the layer of foam padding installed over the layer of gravel and under the layer of turf in an artificial turf field. It's often a required safety component of synthetic turf sports fields because its cushiony-support provides protection regardless of infill depth and also reduces concussions. Shock pads help you to get more life out of your field. It comes in varying thicknesses and is available in different types of foam. Not all shock pads are made equal; arm yourself with knowledge about this critical component of a synthetic turf system.

Base

The base of a synthetic turf field is a solid foundation that provides stability for the rest of the system. It is made of gravel (which typically consists of 2 layers: coarse gravel and fine gravel). Some areas of the country use materials like crushed limestone while others use decomposed granite. 

Understanding How Synthetic Turf Sports Fields Work 

We hope these definitions will aid you in your research and planning. If you still have questions about certain terms or how artificial turf fields work, the USGreentech team is always happy to help. Don't hesitate to get in touch.

For information on the performance tests available for synthetic turf sports systems and what the tests mean, read this blog. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Recycled Football Field Turf. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.