Artificial Field Turf Versus Grass Playability
Does Synthetic Turf Outperform in Rainy, Snowy, and Hot Conditions?
Sep 12, 2008
How does the four-season performance of natural grass sod and synthetic field turf compare? The predominant weather conditions in the region may determine whether natural grass or artificial turf fields are superior.
Synthetic Turf Fields Vs. Natural Grass Sod- Playability in Wet Conditions
Artificial turf sports fields have gained popularity in coastal climates like Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, BC. While parts of natural grass fields may be soggy or muddy during long rainy seasons, fake grass exhibits reduced surface moisture and excellent playability in the rain. Extended seasons in wet regions help justify the higher cost of artificial playfields. Wet synthetic grass fields may provide better traction and resist damage. Of course, players will still get wet!
Proper design of natural grass playfields can minimize drainage issues, with particular attention paid to soil preparation, pitch grade, and swales. Overall, synthetic turf remains superior in the rain. West Vancouver Soccer Club players extol the virtues of various synthetic surfaces in their region during rainy conditions.
Artificial Turf Vs. Natural Grass Sod Fields - Playability in Cold Winter Conditions
Synthetic grass fields may be particularly susceptible to frost heaving. Some suppliers provide different fill options to reduce the chance of heave and bid solicitations and installation contracts commonly cover the issue.
An artificial field turf manufacturer’s winter product advisory warns that plastic grass fibers may become brittle during extreme cold. Ice may also make artificial fields too slick for play. They remind users that synthetic turf sports fields are “always available, but not always playable.”
Field Turf vs. Natural Grass Sporting Fields - Warm Weather Playability
Artificial turf fields reach high temperatures on a sunny day. A Brigham Young University study by Williams and Pulley measured synthetic turf temperatures exceeding 120 F; by comparison, asphalt was 94 F. These high temperatures put players at risk for heat-related injuries and necessitate frequent wetting of turf surfaces on hot days. Natural grass remains cooler than surrounding air temperatures during warm weather play, but watering schedules may reduce field availability if poorly timed.
Synthetic Field Turf vs. Natural Grass Sporting Fields- Availability, Durability, and Suitability
Playability of any sports field depends on its availability. When weather conditions, maintenance tasks, or resting periods make a field unavailable for play, users and field owners both lose. The primary reason that field owners justify the higher costs of synthetic turf products is an assumed increase in playability, with the possibility for increased revenue in some venues.
Artificial fields provide increased playability primarily through reduced maintenance downtime, superior durability, and increased usage during adverse weather conditions.
While fake grass fields are by no means maintenance-free, using artificial turf recoups the many hours lost mowing, watering, and allowing natural grass fields to rest.
A big drawback, aside from high cost, remains when considering faux grass for multiuse areas. While synthetic turf fields may be superior for most sports-oriented play, they provide limited use for non-sports play. Natural grass still excels in broad free-play suitability.
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