Plastic grass products are commonly called Astroturf much as tissues are called Kleenex, but next generation field turf products are far superior in appearance and playability. New artificial grass products such as Sprinturf, SmartGrass, Sporturf, and FieldTurf place polyethylene fiber plastic grass mats over a sand and gravel base for drainage. The plastic grass blades are top-dressed with crushed rubber infill often mixed with sand. What kind of maintenance does artificial grass require?
Synthetic Turf Grass Lawn Care- Manual and Mechanical Maintenance
Artificial field turf requires less frequent care than natural grass seed or sod, but is by no means maintenance free. Synthetic grass maintenance schedules include:
- Raking (combing)
- Deep-tining
- Vacuuming
- Leaf-blowing
- Hand-picking
- Wetting
- Washing
- Sanitizing
- Treating for weeds and pests
While synthetic grass suppliers market turf as a minimal maintenance product, the athletic field manager for Michigan State University presented the true costs and labor involved in synthetic turf maintenance at the Synthetic Turf Infill Seminar in Detroit [Fouty 2005]. Amy Fouty detailed the $22,760 yearly cost and 280 hours annual labor caring for a 3 year old indoor synthetic field.
Fouty stressed that these values were less than the requirements for a turf grass field, but more labor intensive than expectations based on manufacturer representations. Outdoor synthetic fields entail additional maintenance compared to indoor artificial turf applications. Smaller residential turf installations require significantly less labor and associated costs than university sports fields, but require similar care.
Specialized equipment vacuums up, replaces rubber crumb infill, and rakes through plastic grass fibers. Manufacturers may specify vacuuming twice yearly, but a New Yorkers for Parks report [2006] details high use fields vacuumed monthly, bimonthly, or multiple times per week in actual practice. Owners can hand-pick trash daily and use a leaf blower to remove debris or hire a lawn care service specializing in synthetic turf maintenance.
Artificial turf must be wetted to reduce temperatures on hot days as temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit [Williams and Pulley 2002]. Synthetic field grass requires treatment with fabric softeners and solvents to reduce static cling, maintain appearance, and keep the turf product clean. Routine sanitization reduces disease risk and became part of many turf product manufacturers’ maintenance schedule after a MRSA outbreak and other infections linked to artificial grass field [Begier, et al. 2004].
Weeds will eventually take hold in outdoor artificial field turf. Herbicide treatments are part of regular maintenance. Some synthetic turfs harbor molds and fungi [McNitt 2008]. If these organisms become a problem, turf can take on a dirty or slimy appearance and fungicide application may be necessary.
Seam repairs, rubber infill replacement, or grade adjustments after settling result in additional work and expense.
Artificial Field Turf Care- Maintenance and Management Considerations
Synthetic grass can save time and money in reduced care. Still, artificial turf products are not maintenance free. Buyers should consider manufacturer care instructions when selecting a turf product and determine what maintenance and repair services, if any, are included in the bid price before signing an installation contract.
Busy homeowners without time for lawn maintenance will enjoy the ease of an artificial turf product. Synthetic lawns are always green, even when owners travel and neglect maintenance. Field managers appreciate increased durability and playability combined with reduced watering and labor costs. High turf installation costs may negate maintenance savings if increased playability does not bring revenue.
In areas such as Las Vegas and Phoenix with high water costs, drought conditions, poor soil, or watering restrictions, natural grass seed or sod lawns may not be viable. Synthetic lawns may be the only option for a green yard or high use sports field.
References:
Begier, Elizabeth et al. “A High-morbidity Outbreak of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Among Players on a College Football Team, Facilitated by Cosmetic Body Shaving and Turf Burns.” Clinical Infectious Disease, Nov 15, 2004; 39(10): 1446-53.
Fouty, Amy. “A Sport Field Manager’s Perspective: Synthetic Turf Considerations, Maintenance Costs and Concerns” May 11, 2005 presentation at the Synthetic Turf Infill Seminar, Detroit, Michigan. Reviewed by Lynn Brakeman in “Experts Spell Out True Cost of Synthetic Turf Maintenance.” Athletic Turf News, May 24, 2005.
Huber, Cheryl. “A New Turf War: Synthetic Turf in New York City Parks.” Prepared by the Research Department at New Yorkers for Parks, Spring 2006.
McNitt, Andrew. “A Survey of Microbial Populations in Infilled Synthetic Turf Fields.” Pennsylvania State Department of Soil Science, 2008.
Williams, Frank and Gilbert Pulley. “Synthetic Surface Heat Studies.” Brigham Young University, 2002.
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