Synthetic turf is a man made material that mimics the appearance, function, and feel of natural grass and is primarily used for landscaping (both residential and commercial), play areas for both kids or pets, or athletic fields. Synthetic turf is made from recycled material, which in turn reduces waste in our land fields, and is an ideal solution for any area that is visually unappealing due to overuse or adverse climate conditions. Rest assured knowing that synthetic turf is safe and studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have stated that synthetic turf has no adverse effect on child and people of all ages. The use of crumb rubber in the infill also helps keep more than 105 million used tires out of our landfills and provides a durable and safe turf. This is typically true for athletic fields where continual use and wear of the ground makes it difficult to maintain regular grass and turf.
A major benefit to synthetic turf is to provide you with a year-round, low maintenance surface with an appealing look. The sporting industry originally embraced the use of synthetic turf back in the 1960’s, but the industry has made great strides to improving the look and function of synthetic turf. Synthetic turf is available in various grass types that would blend in with grass in your area. Synthetic turf is made with many layers for functionality. The first layer, from top down, is what you actually see called the turf fiber area, followed by the infill layer which is made to appear like natural turf. The purpose of the infill layer is to provide stability, uniformity, and resiliency. There is also a backing layer, energy pad, leveling layer, drainage stone, drainage pipe, geotextile, and natural sub-grade layer. Each of these layers serves a purpose such as providing a method for drainage and padding. Although synthetic turf requires an upfront investment, for an athletic field it will basically pay for itself within 3-4 years. The reason this is more cost effective, long-term, than a natural grass field is that synthetic turf maintenance is typically 2-3 times less than natural turf, eliminating the need for mowing and chemical use. Also, because of the versatility of synthetic turf, the area can be used for events other than just sporting events, which can be a source of revenue for a school or business. Synthetic turf also has the ability to withstand consistent use and can be immediately used after a rain storm. Although synthetic turf cannot last a lifetime, it is U.V. stabilized in order to retain its color for as long as possible, depending on the type of weather it is exposed to. For example, synthetic turf in Florida may not last as long as synthetic turf in Maine, simply because Florida receives more intense sunlight regularly than does Maine.
To determine if synthetic turf is right for you, explore your options. If you are considering a synthetic turf, be sure to consult a professional to discuss the different turf products and systems that are available to ensure you are choosing the product that will best suit your needs.