The Benefits of Artificial Grass for Sports Fields

Artificial grass for sports fields and arenas is becoming a popular trend in the UK. With wide ranging advantages, from durability and consistency to performance in weather, synthetic pitches are commonly found in schools and sports facilities all around the country.

As synthetic pitches and grass technology improves, it can meet a wider variety of needs – in performance, longevity, sustainability and budget. We’re here to explore some of the benefits and how to get the most from artificial sports surfacing.

Is artificial grass better than natural for sports?

In general, artificial grass is a popular choice for sports field surfacing because it is designed to withstand heavy and frequent use. Sports facilities use it to reduce maintenance and to ensure all-weather playability on a consistent surface that is safer for the players. In the UK, this is a big consideration, as we experience frequent rainfall.

Today, improvements in artificial grass technology can work hand in hand with increasing standards, regulations and rising demand for uninterrupted play. Whether creating a professional pitch, a ground for amateur events or a practice field for sports at home, consistency is crucial.

Considerations and planning

Deciding on the type of artificial grass or whether it is right to use at all for the project involves careful evaluation of several factors. It is always advisable to seek expert, professional advice when planning a sizeable project like a sports field. Consultations should be commonplace with a reputable manufacturer or stockist of artificial grass for sports projects.

When preparing for a consultation, consider some important aspects:

Usage and frequency

Consideration of the sports to be played and how often are important factors. Artificial grass will be ideal for high or heavy use, designed to withstand consistent play without needing recovery time.

Ensure that the type of yarn selected meets the specifications for the type of sports that will be played on the pitch. Rugby, for instance, or a sport that requires the use of studded shoes, will need deeper consideration and some expert advice from the grass manufacturer.

Longevity and maintenance

It is essential to evaluate and compare the maintenance needs of the sports pitch in both natural and artificial grass. Both are long-term investment as today, artificial yarns can have a service life of up to 15 years.

In general, artificial sports pitches require far less maintenance than a natural counterpart, which requires mowing and regular care. During hot, dry periods, natural grass will rely on assisted watering and may need recovery time during wet spells.

Budget

Installing a synthetic sports pitch typically costs more initially. Allowance should be made for ground preparation, materials and installation. Hiring experienced professionals is preferable, to ensure the correct preparation, drainage and seaming placement design.

Evaluating the balance between initial cost vs the reduction in maintenance costs, playability and performance over time is an important step.

Aesthetic and playability

Artificial grass installations can today closely resemble natural turf, delivering a good aesthetic over a large area. It does behave differently to natural grass in terms of feel and is installed over carefully primed ground. This can affect the playability of certain sports. Discuss ball roll, bounce and player comfort with the grass manufacturer to make sure it meets the standards for the sports being played there.

For high impact sports, shock absorbing underlayers can be installed beneath the artificial turf or infill material added. This can enhance both safety and the comfort of the players.

Sports field location

Artificial grasses are designed to perform well in a range of climates and weather conditions. It can become hotter than natural turf if exposed to direct sunlight in extreme temperatures. This is known as the ‘heat island effect’ and should be a consideration.

In wetter locations, adequate drainage becomes more important as this prevents water pooling and interruption to playability.

Working with the right professionals

Creating the perfect surface for a sports field with artificial grass is a complex, major project and we’re here to help it run smoothly to completion. With expert knowledge and experience, the team at PermaLawn can guide you through your options, assess your needs and the requirements of the sports field and help you find the ideal yarn.

We’ll connect you with a trained and vetted local installer if you need us to and we’ll make sure you have everything you need, every step of the way. Talk to us today and let’s get started.

Find out more about PermaLawn here or browse our range of artificial grass to buy online.

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.