Since their inception, sports have been played anywhere there was an open field. To this day, a sprawling grass field is an invitation to drop what you’re doing and play a pickup game. Natural grass has always been a go-to athletic surface for schools and athletic facilities, as it’s easy on the joints and provides an extra layer of cushioning if athletes fall. But for all their aesthetic appeal, grass fields come with a slew of potential issues that quickly complicate your competition schedule and athletes’ ability to perform.
It could be a sudden downpour that leaves behind massive pools of water and patches of mud or the dozens of small holes left by cleats or collisions. Whatever the case, a natural grass surface requires constant time and attention and is subject to variables we simply cannot control. Luckily, there is a cost-effective alternative that’s designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday play. Artificial turf surfaces, like the ones offered by American Athletic Track and Turf, are the best alternative to natural grass surfaces. Here’s why.
Lower Cost and Quicker Installation
When looking to install an artificial turf surface on a sports field, three things play a huge role in the decision-making process. Two of the biggest considerations are the cost of material and installation when replacing a natural grass surface and the time spent on installing it. Oftentimes, artificial surfaces are brought in to replace natural grass when a facility making the switch has some spare time between the end of one season and the beginning of another. From start to finish, it typically takes two months to completely install an artificial turf surface, making it the ideal candidate for schools to install during their summer break, as their fields aren’t scheduled for use as frequently.
Clean and Easy Maintenance
Another equally important consideration is the annual cost of maintenance and the time required on the surface’s upkeep. Unlike natural grass, an artificial surface does not need to be mowed or watered. It is also not subject to pests like insects and, therefore, does not require pesticides to keep that lush green color that makes natural grass so appealing.
In place of mowing and pesticides, artificial turf should be brushed out periodically to prevent matting, something that is difficult to fix on natural grass. Additionally, the artificial surface can be sprayed with a disinfectant to keep the playing field clean, which makes it much safer and healthier for athletes to play on, especially the younger ones.
A Crowd Pleaser, Rain or Shine
When game day arrives, you want your field to look pristine. Having a great team goes hand in hand with having a beautiful facility, and the grounds are much easier to preserve with an artificial grass surface. Your athletes work hard, and the field they play on should do the same, which is why many artificial turf surfaces have built-in drainage systems that prevent the field from flooding should it start raining during a game. With an artificial surface, you won’t have to worry about your athletes stepping in a weather-induced hole and twisting their ankle, since the crumb-rubber infill is placed over a sturdy base layer that’s designed to prevent those dangerous, hard-to-see divots.
Learn More about Our Artificial Turf Surfaces
Making the switch from natural grass to an artificial surface requires planning and cooperation, but the benefits of an artificial surface are not something you should pass over. Your athletes will thank you, and so will your budget. For more information or to inquire about artificial turf surface installation, contact American Athletic Track and Turf today.
