How to Choose Artificial Grass for a Sports Field

If you are contemplating the purchase and or installation of artificial grass for a sports field, then it is imperative that you carefully consider the characteristics of artificial grass in order to ensure that you choose a type of synthetic grass that will provide a happy balance between your needs as a business operator, and the safety of your customers as well.

Low impact based surface
Certain types of sports, and more specifically, contact sports, have a higher than average risk of injury being sustained due to the rough and tumble nature of the sport. In particular, impact injuries are commonly sustained during these types of sporting activities and as such, the inclusion of appropriate synthetic grass will help to act as a cushion of sorts, absorbing the worst of the shock wave that will be experienced as a result of the injury.

However, it is worth noting that not all forms of synthetic grass will provide some protection and so in order to make sure that your newly installed synthetic grass will indeed provide some relief; make sure that it has an e-layer underneath it. An e-layer is the term used to refer to the shock pad layer that lies directly underneath the synthetic turf.

Consider the different types of infill system on offer
The type of infill material that is most appropriate for your sports field will be entirely and wholly contingent upon the types of sports on offer. For example, contact sports such as American football and rugby are best serviced by the usage of softer infill material such as rubber; to provide the maximum amount of shock absorption for the players.

On the other hand, sand as an infill material is recommended for sports fields that will have ball-based games such as hockey or tennis played on them. The reason for this is due to the fact that the sand will serve as a bedrock for the blades of the synthetic grass, ensuring that they remain fully erect and rigid at all times.

This is significant because this means that the velocity and trajectory of the ball will be inhibited and reduced; ensuring that the ball will move at more manageable and controllable speeds, whereas permanently flat blades of artificial grass will mean that the players will lose control of the ball and struggle to capture it.

Consider the abrasiveness of the synthetic grass
Dermal abrasions and friction burns are commonly associated with contact sports; by virtue of the high speeds and temperatures that can build up during the course of game play; this is especially true within artificial turf anyway by virtue of the fact that it has heat absorbent properties.

Therefore, choosing non-abrasive artificial grass will help to reduce the risk of friction burns and other skin injuries from occurring. However, this is not always a realistic option and as such then, the latent temperature of the synthetic grass can be reduced by virtue of water cooling and irrigation.