What are the advantages of football artificial grass?
Natural grass soccer fields were once the standard for sports venues, but with the rapid development of the sports industry, their drawbacks, such as susceptibility to climate, high maintenance costs, and limited usage frequency, have become increasingly apparent. Today, artificial turf, with its stable performance, high cost-effectiveness, and wide adaptability to various scenarios, has become a common choice for professional competitions, clubs, and school sports fields. This article will analyze the advantages of artificial turf for soccer fields to help you understand its value.
Advantages of artificial turf soccer fields
(1) Low cost and easy maintenance
Compared to natural grass, artificial turf soccer fields eliminate the need for investment in grass seed procurement, watering, and fertilization. Furthermore, artificial turf soccer fields can be completed in just 7-10 days, half the construction time of natural grass, allowing for rapid deployment and shortening the field's downtime. In addition, high-quality artificial turf has a lifespan of 8-10 years, more than twice that of natural grass, resulting in lower annual costs over the long term.
Artificial turf requires virtually no complex maintenance. Daily tasks include sweeping away fallen leaves and debris; periodically using a specialized brushing machine to comb the grass fibers and remove compacted silica sand and rubber granules; and eliminating the need for irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide spraying, saving thousands of yuan in maintenance costs annually. Simultaneously, artificial turf is free from pests and diseases, preventing large-scale damage to the field due to pests and diseases, further reducing later repair costs.
(2) Professional Sports Performance
High-quality artificial turf boasts a rebound rate of ≥90% and a ball roll distance deviation of ≤5%, closely mimicking the performance of natural grass. It meets international standard certifications and is suitable for professional football matches. Furthermore, artificial turf exhibits excellent abrasion and tear resistance, withstanding ≥5000 abrasion cycles. Even with intensive use exceeding 10 hours daily, it maintains the integrity of the grass fibers and the flatness of the field, minimizing the likelihood of pitting or bald patches over long-term use.
(3) Reduced Risk of Sports Injuries
Athlete safety is paramount in field construction. The artificial turf features a thick PU cushioning layer that effectively absorbs the impact of running, jumping, and falls, reducing the probability of sprains and abrasions. Simultaneously, the absence of exposed soil on the artificial turf eliminates the slippery conditions that occur on natural grass after rain, enhancing safety during sports activities.
(4) Environmentally Friendly and Safe
High-quality artificial turf uses PE/PP material for its fibers, which contains no harmful substances, meets EU REACH environmental standards, and is harmless to athletes. Artificial turf requires no irrigation, saving thousands of tons of water annually. Furthermore, artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, preventing chemicals from seeping into the soil and groundwater, truly achieving a green and pollution-free environment.
(5) All-Weather Use
Artificial turf is more durable and unaffected by seasonal changes. Natural turf withers and hardens in cold regions due to low temperatures, and easily becomes muddy and waterlogged in rainy areas, leading to prolonged periods of inactivity. Artificial turf, made of a PE+PP blended fiber material resistant to both high and low temperatures, can be used stably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40℃ to 60℃, unaffected by harsh weather. This characteristic makes artificial turf an ideal venue for sports organizations to hold competitions and training sessions, especially when space is limited.
Furthermore, artificial turf fields are equipped with professional drainage systems, allowing them to be used again within 30 minutes after rain, reducing downtime by 80% compared to natural turf, truly achieving year-round usability and immediate use after rain.
(6) Scene Adaptability Advantages
The advantages of artificial turf soccer fields extend beyond soccer; their high adaptability allows for multiple uses per field, significantly enhancing the field's value.
Compatibility with Multiple Sports, Expanding Usage Scenarios
Besides soccer, artificial turf fields are compatible with rugby, baseball, hockey, and other sports. The field lines are clear and durable, allowing for quick switching between sports scenarios with simple adjustments to meet the needs of different events and activities, making them particularly suitable for multi-purpose stadiums and schools.
Adaptability to Different Field Sizes, Flexible Customization
Artificial turf supports personalized customization. Whether it's a professional 11-a-side standard pitch, a 5-a-side or 7-a-side pitch in a school or community, or even a rooftop soccer field or indoor soccer hall, the grass height, density, and color can be customized according to the field size and usage requirements, breaking spatial limitations.
Suitable for Densely Populated Areas, Reducing Management Difficulty
Soccer fields in schools and communities are used by diverse groups of people with high frequency of use, making natural turf easily damaged by excessive trampling. Artificial turf is durable and easy to maintain, making it a perfect fit for densely populated areas. It does not require frequent maintenance by dedicated personnel, reducing the difficulty and cost of site management.
Key Structures of Professional Artificial Turf
To maximize its advantages, high-quality artificial turf for football fields typically includes the following structure:
(1) Grass Fiber System
• Material: PE/PP blend, wear-resistant and UV-resistant
• Shape: C-shaped/W-shaped grass fibers for enhanced resilience
• Height: 50-60mm (recommended for international competitions)
(2) Infill Layer
• Bottom layer: quartz sand to stabilize the grass fibers
• Top layer: rubber granules for cushioning
(3) Drainage Base
• Permeable asphalt or gravel base
• Full-field slope design (0.5%-1%)
(4) Shock Absorption Layer
• Elastic cushioning layer (E-layer) to reduce impact
How to Choose High-Quality Artificial Turf for Soccer Fields
Faced with a dazzling array of artificial turf products on the market, mastering the following three points will help you avoid common purchasing mistakes:
• Check Certifications: Prioritize products that have passed international standard certifications to ensure that their sports performance and safety meet standards.
• Check Parameters: Pay attention to core parameters such as grass fiber density (≥10,500 tufts/㎡), fiber thickness (≥0.18mm), and buffer layer thickness (≥10mm). Higher parameters indicate better durability and sports performance of the field.
• Check Service: Choose brands that provide one-stop installation and after-sales service, such as UNIGRASS, to avoid problems such as grass fiber shedding or poor drainage that may prevent timely and professional maintenance.
FAQ
1. Is artificial turf prone to causing injury?
Modern shock absorption systems have significantly reduced the risk of injury. International studies show no significant difference compared to high-quality natural grass.
2. Will the surface temperature be too high in summer?
The new generation of artificial turf uses technologies such as cooling infill granules and light-colored grass fibers to control temperature rise within an acceptable range.
3. How to maintain it to extend its lifespan?
Monthly grooming, regular replenishment of infill granules, and timely removal of debris are key.
Conclusion
From professional competitions to mass sports, from cost to environmental protection, artificial turf for football fields comprehensively covers the core needs of field construction and operation. Whether it's a sports stadium pursuing professional performance or a school or community prioritizing cost-effectiveness, artificial turf is a high-value choice for football field construction.
