The turf field has come a long way since its origin in the 1960s. The industry enjoyed a boom in the 1980s, particularly among Major League Baseball and National Football League teams.
But advancements in technology have made it an increasingly sensible option with as many as 1,500 new installations every year. In the following article, we’ll be discussing the many reasons artificial turf is the first choice among sports teams. Let’s begin!
1. Turf Requires Less Upkeep
Adding an artificial turf means cutting back on annual maintenance costs. Maintenance includes mowing, fertilizing, herbicide applications, and aeration.
Costs can vary. But one estimate puts a 57,600-square-foot football practice field at around $6,045 annually.
2. It Offers Better Consistency
An artificial field application includes surface rolling before the actual pieces are laid out. This ensures a flat, even surface.
The payoff for this would be offering protection from the often-dangerous nuances of natural grass. Namely, no mud, potholes, or puddling.
3. Artificial Field Life Expectancy Is Better
The cost to install a turf field is anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot. While that’s expensive, stadiums with turf can last for as many as 25 years before having to be replaced.
During that time, you save on the aforementioned upkeep. You also save on the manpower you’ll need for said upkeep.
4. It Is Drought Proof
Natural grass requires extra attention during long periods of drought. Overly dry conditions make it susceptible to brown patches or dying out altogether.
Artificial turf does not require constant watering or chemical applications. It is essentially drought-proof, making it a particularly excellent choice for temperate climates. And in colder, harsher environments, it maintains the same consistency.
5. Turf Will Not Stain
Intense contact with natural grass, such as the kind you see in American football, can leave hard-to-wash stains. This expedites uniform and equipment replacement.
We like to refer to this as the hidden maintenance cost of natural turf. Artificial fields, on the other hand, can take the abuse without leaving their mark.
6. And It Reduces the Potential for Injury
You’ve probably heard of the injury known as turf toe and wondered what it could possibly be referring to. Well, turf toe is when you get a sprain of the big toe due to intense activities.
Put those activities on an uneven, unpredictable surface, and you are likely to agitate the injury further. This makes it harder to recover.
The evenness of turf fields keeps the structure of the foot stable. This ends up reducing the risk of turf toe, sprained ankles, and other injuries.
7. Turf Lends Itself to More Frequent Use
Need to play multiple sports in the same field? What about a double-header with a rival team? A turf field allows you that freedom without the risk of tearing up the field.
Your Future Turf Field Is a Wise Investment
More schools and sports teams are deciding to go the turf field route for the clear reason that it’s a wise investment in their players and facilities. If you’re ready to make that investment, contact the New England Turf Store today.
