In 1966, artificial turf gained notoriety by providing the first synthetic sports field for the Houston Astrodome. Today, artificial turf is available in a variety of colors and lengths suitable for many commercial and home uses.
Benefits of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is attractive, durable, and requires little maintenance. When properly laid, it withstands rough activities with little tearing, puckering, or decay. For precise activities, artificial turf provides a uniform surface free from clumps, holes, or bumps that might disrupt delicate movements. Watering, mowing, fertilizing, and reseeding are not necessary, and artificial turf is usable year-round regardless of the weather, without resting or regrowth periods between vigorous activities. For locations that are often in the media spotlight, such as professional sports fields, artificial turf is consistently attractive without dull areas or uneven coloration.
Artificial turf also benefits the environment. Often manufactured from recycled products, artificial fields utilize thousands of old tires and other waste materials that would otherwise clog landfills. Because they do not need to be fertilized or watered, fewer pesticides and harmful chemicals are introduced to the ecosystem and thousands of gallons of water are conserved.
Many schools and other financially conscious institutions turn to artificial turf to save money. While the field may initially be more expensive to install, the lack of maintenance and conserved supplies rapidly compensate for the added expense.
Artificial turf does have drawbacks, however. Because of the material’s unyielding nature, athletes may be at greater injury risk when playing on artificial fields. Friction burns on elbows, knees, and feet are common, and additional protective gear should be worn to prevent injuries. Artificial turf heats up quickly in the sun, and can reach temperatures up to thirty degrees higher than natural turf. This is a concern during energetic activities when athletes may dehydrate more quickly on an artificial field.
Commercial Uses
Artificial turf is best known for its use in indoor athletic fields. The durability is a bonus for many active sports, and it can be played on frequently without maintenance or other upkeep. The vibrant color is attractive for professional sports, and team names, logos, and other markings can be imprinted directly on the turf without frequent repainting. From croquet courts to football fields to high-quality putting greens, synthetic turf offers many attractive benefits.
Malls, hotels, and similar indoor resort areas frequently use artificial turf for display grass in both permanent and temporary exhibits. Easy to clean and maintain, it coordinates well with seasonal displays and can be quickly relocated when making changes. Artificial turf helps bring nature’s beauty inside for a fraction of the cost, maintenance, and labor of natural grass.
Many retirement communities use extensive amounts of artificial turf for landscaping. It is handicap accessible: wheelchairs roll easily across the turf, and canes or walkers do not sink into unseen holes. Because it is easy to maintain, it provides seniors the beauty of a decorative lawn without the expense and labor of frequent yard work.
Home Uses
Artificial turf has many uses for private homes and can be purchased from home improvement stores. In regions with little rainfall where growing grass is difficult, it is possible to have a brilliantly green lawn using synthetic turf. Less ambitious projects include using artificial turf as tread for decks, patios, stairs, and children’s play areas. A generous piece of artificial turf is a perfect floor mat for a children’s party or craft area, protecting carpeting from accidental spills. It is also very serviceable as flooring in a dog house or kennel, cushioning paws and providing a warmer surface than a standard concrete floor.
Artificial turf can be used in smaller quantities for creative projects. Leftover remnants from large projects easily become useful welcome mats or even unique tote bags and summer placemats. Larger pieces are useful for school projects, such as creating models. Artificial turf is a unique tablecloth for a sports party, and can even be incorporated into a golf-themed room as tee time carpeting.
For nearly forty years, artificial turf has found widespread use for both commercial and private applications. From sports fields and indoor landscaping to pet flooring and novelty crafts, artificial turf is the natural choice for many innovative projects.
