What Is The Difference Between Natural & Synthetic Turf?
Whether you are renovating a current field or drawing up plans for a new sports construction project, we can help you with all the details. It is important to properly research the perfect playing surface for your sports field to ensure a proper field is built. Two quality sports field surface options are natural and synthetic turf, but what is the difference? In this article, we will explain the benefits and drawbacks of natural and synthetic turf to help guide your sports field decision.
Natural Turf
Natural turf is a common turf choice for sports fields, because the turf is a living plant. With proper maintenance, natural turf can enhance a sports field by aesthetics and use. Below are 3 benefits of natural turf.
- Environmentally Friendly
- Cooler Surface
- Fewer Health & Safety Risks
Environmentally Friendly
Natural turf can benefit the environment simply by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Installing natural turf is a sustainable way to have a functional, aesthetically pleasing sports field.
Cooler Surface
Natural turf can provide a cooler surface for athletes, because of its natural cooling effects. Normally, natural turf stays below 85 degrees and avoids further injury when athletes come in contact with the turf on hot summer days.
Fewer Health & Safety Risks
As we mentioned, natural turf can lower health and safety risks for athletes. It can be softer on the body if players take a fall. Installing natural turf can lower the risk of injuries and be a quality choice for your sports field.
Drawbacks Of Natural Turf: Among all the benefits of natural turf, it also presents some limitations. Natural turf requires much more maintenance when compared to synthetic turf, because it is a growing plant. However, we are experts at natural turf maintenance! We can help fertilize, mow, and keep your turf healthy all season.
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass. The surface provides a durable playing field and is used by multiple different athletic teams. Below are 3 benefits of synthetic turf.
- Low Maintenance
- Weatherproof
- Long Lasting
Low Maintenance
Due to synthetic turf not being made of real grass, it is extremely low maintenance. Synthetic turf does not require mowing, watering, or fertilizing to have a nice appearance before and after field use. To ensure synthetic turf maintains a quality appearance, we suggest occasionally brushing and rinsing the turf. At River Region, we can help maintain synthetic turf to help ensure the longevity of your sports field.
Weatherproof
Synthetic turf can be used in all weather conditions, because it does not get muddy or change during certain weather conditions. Additionally, synthetic turf does not fade in the sun or increase the risk of athletes slipping in rainy weather conditions.
Long Lasting
With proper maintenance, synthetic turf can last up to 10 years on your sports field. Synthetic turf is very durable and can endure more than 500 hours of field use before needing repair.
Drawbacks Of Synthetic Turf: While synthetic turf can provide many benefits for a sports field, it also has a few limitations. Due to the low maintenance and long lasting quality of synthetic turf, it is more expensive to install and can have higher surface temperatures. Hotter days can increase the field temperature and make it uncomfortable for athletes to play on.
Both natural and synthetic turf surfaces can be quality options for a sports field due to the many advantages both provide. We can help maintain both fields and have them functioning their best all season long. Visit our website to learn more about turf maintenance and sports field construction!