What’s the Difference Between Artificial Turf & Natural Turfgrass?
How to Choose Between Natural Grass & Artificial Turf on Athletic Fields
At D & K Products, we know there’s no match for the safety, environmental benefit, and aesthetic beauty that natural turfgrass provides on athletic fields. But we also know that it can be difficult to weigh the pros and cons of the different types of playing surfaces that are out there.
If you’re trying to decide between natural and artificial turf, explore our guide to the differences between the two to help determine which one is best for you.
Looking for someone to help design a program to maintain your athletic field? Get in touch with our experts today!
What Is Natural Turfgrass?
Turfgrass is natural grass that’s used as cover for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and other surfaces. Some of the most common species of turfgrass for sports fields in the Midwest include:
- Fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
What Is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf, is an alternative to natural grass that’s used on many sports fields, putting greens, and even residential lawns. Artificial turf includes multiple layers:
A subbase layer, often composed of stone or gravel, that creates a foundation
A layer on top of the sub-base, or integrated within it, that uses materials like crushed stone, gravel, or sand to facilitate water drainage
A layer of padding, often rubber, to provide cushion that improves player safety
A “carpet” layer of artificial grass blades
An infill layer of crumb rubber, sand, or plant-based material that holds the grass blades in place
Turfgrass vs. Artificial Turf: Factors to Consider
The use of artificial turf on sports fields has grown rapidly over the last several years. At the same time, many athletic venues are continuing to prioritize turfgrass — or even switch back to it — for many reasons.
As you’re weighing the pros and cons of natural turfgrass and artificial turf, here’s a closer look at some of the main factors to consider.
Player Safety
The safety of players during sports that require fast movement, quick starts, and rapid changes in direction is one of the most important considerations in choosing a field surface. Many studies have shown that non-contact injury rates are higher on artificial turf fields than natural grass.
Total Cost
Natural grass is often far less expensive to install than artificial turf. Artificial turf’s savings lies in its relatively low upkeep costs since it doesn’t require mowing, watering, or fertilizing. However, artificial turf does still require regular maintenance, whether it’s brushing the grass, re-applying and disinfecting the infill, or using water to cool the surface during hot weather.
Environmental Benefits
The environmental debate over natural turf and artificial turf often comes down to water usage and chemical applications. At D & K Products, we stress that a professionally installed and properly maintained natural turf field is environmentally friendly. Natural grass also has an environmental benefit by cleaning excess carbon dioxide out of the air and converting it to oxygen.
Longevity
Both natural and artificial turf suffer from wear and tear and will require replacement over time. For natural turf fields, this is typically in the form of overseeding and replanting grass over time. For artificial turf, this includes a full replacement of the turf. Artificial turf fields typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years.
Temperature Control
Depending on the material used in artificial turf, it can become significantly hotter than grass when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. Grass offers a natural cooling effect to the area around it because it releases water vapor into the air surrounding it.
Appearance
Artificial grass remains the same color year-round, giving a consistent appearance. However, its appearance can look fake or “plastic.” Real turfgrass brings a depth of natural beauty that, when properly maintained, will provide a deep, vibrant green that has subtle variation throughout the season and the year.
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