It would appear at a cursory glance that synthetic grass is a very expensive replacement for natural grass, but the high cost is only up front. When measured over the life of the grass you will find that synthetic grass is actually a cheaper alternative to the real stuff and the savings may not simply be the cost of maintaining the grass.
So, that higher upfront cost of a synthetic grass surface is pretty quickly recouped by the lower maintenance requirements. Time, energy and the possibility of greater usage gives you a surface that will pay for itself over its lifetime.
Studies on Synthetic Grass Safety
There has been much controversy about artificial turf surfaces and its relation to heat, the sun, and hotter temperatures. There have been claims that artificial turf and its lack of watering makes it that much more susceptible to heat and heat absorbency. Studies have shown that there are evident possibilities of artificial grass surfaces rising in temperature during hot seasons. However, evidence of these studies do not completely rule this heat as an imminent danger to people or animals that come in contact with it, as there are ways of cooling turf and making it safe and hazard-free for all.
Synthetic grass fields and surfaces only rose to high numbers when under direct sunlight during studies. Thus, common sunny areas that have occasional clouds, overcast, or showers rarely reach extreme highs. The areas that do reach triple-digit temperatures usually fluctuate greatly throughout the day, depending on sun exposure. A study on heat and synthetic grass revealed that solar radiation, not air temperature, was the cause of high fluctuation in temperature. Another significant factor includes the type of infill used beneath the synthetic grass. It was noted that there is a possible lack of heat transfer from artificial grass fibers to the infill of the product. Thus, different materials used to engineer the turf could be significant factors in retaining heat. Though this study poses a risk to those who are concerned about surface heat, it should also be noted that this study was only done on one turf product, and therefore cannot be generalized for all artificial grass products on the market today.
Many modern turf products are coated with UV protection that withstands heat, sun, and other damaging effects. These products are designed to deflect heat and sun reflection that may cause discomfort to people and animals on the turf. There are different types of infill that help combat heat. The black crumbled rubber infill usually tends to absorb heat more than other types of infill. Other light-colored granulated infill, like Durafill, deflect heat better than infill that is composed primarily of dark crumbled rubber.
There are also ways to maintain cooler temperatures for synthetic grass.
In order to greatly reduce the high temperature of synthetic grass, it is as simple as dousing the surface with water for a few minutes. Other studies have shown that entire football fields with synthetic grass surfaces can reduced as much as fifty percent in temperature when sprinklers or hoses were used. This can total up to 60 degrees cooler in temperature. When the temperature is decreased and the surface is cooled, it can maintain a cooler temperature for a few hours after coming in contact with cool water. If possible, keeping synthetic grass in the shade can also help to keep it cool because as mentioned before, direct sun is a strong factor in increasing surface temperature. Though there have been past concerns about heat hazards and synthetic grass, many of the modern products on the market today have been designed to deflect heat and are much better than their older counterparts that absorb heat and increase temperatures dramatically. These newer synthetic grass options are easily cooled down and are both pet and family friendly, even on warmer days.
Artificial Field Turf
Synthetic turf is gaining importance every year. It does not require watering, mowing, fertilizing, and lower labor costs. Artificial grass can withstand any weather conditions. So this will help the players to play throughout the year. If the field has natural grass, the players will not be able to play during rainy season due to muddy patches. Natural grass requires a lot of money and time. It requires lot of maintenance costs. It requires watering, mowing, fertilizers. In some areas there may be water scarcity due to which they can't water their fields. This may create lot of problems to the players. So if synthetic grass is put up in the fields then you will not need any water. Synthetic turf can be used for sport purposes like soccer pitches, golf courses, tennis courts, hockey fields and cricket pitches.
Synthetic turf can be used for indoor soccer turf also. In Synthetic grass team names, logos, and other markings can be embossed very easily without regular repainting. Since artificial turf is very soft it can create less injury when compared to natural grass. The main reason for soccer being played 365 days in a year is due to the way synthetic turf was designed. Mostly the life span for synthetic soccer is 10 years. Since soccer is played throughout the year, its lifespan is reduced to 7 years. Artificial soccer requires very little maintenance. It mainly consists of brushing the surface to loosen the compacted infill, bring the yarns into an upright position and remove dirt such as leaves, clay and small branches off the pitch. This does not require highly skilled work force for maintenance.
Artificial turf made of polyethylene material is used for making soccer pitches because it very soft when compared to other materials such as polypropylene or nylon. Sports organizations can benefit from the installation of synthetic grass. Players will be happy playing on artificial grass instead of uneven lawns. Synthetic turf provides an opportunity for players to display their hockey skills. Synthetic turf offers comfort and limits danger to players. Synthetic turf also benefits cricket pitches. Synthetic grass can benefit both the batsmen and bowler to display their skills. Synthetic grass can be easily installed and maintained. It is user-friendly and the ball bounces in a very good manner. Synthetic grass is UV stabilized. Since synthetic grass is non-slippery players can play properly throughout the year. This type of grass is non toxic and non allergenic.