Natural Turf vs Artificial Surface

Natural turfgrass playing surfaces have been used successfully for many years and there is a wealth of scientific data documenting their safety. With proper management and balanced use, natural grass fields have been proven to withstand and accommodate multiple sports team usage. An entire natural turfgrass field could be replaced every year and have the worn parts of the field repaired, all at a significantly lower cost than installing and maintaining an artificial turf field.

An artificial turf field requires watering to cool the field to make it playable during warm days. What is generally omitted is the fact artificial turf fields need pesticides and disinfectants to prevent or eliminate mold, bacteria and other hazards that would otherwise be biodegraded by the natural environment of turfgrass fields. The maintenance equipment required for artificial turf fields is often underestimated. Companies produce entire lines of maintenance equipment for upkeep of artificial fields and for bringing them back to a playable condition.

• Municipalities, schools and groups are beginning to wake-up to the potential problems and negative affects involved with artificial turf. Several have placed a moratorium on its use until more of these questions have valid, scientific answers based on proven data.

• Surveys of NFL players show that most athletes prefer a natural grass playing surface and feel it is the more desirable, premium surface.

• Choosing the best playing surface for our children and athletes should not be taken lightly. Anyone interested in a sustainable future should be fully informed about the benefits of natural turfgrass to our ecosystem and concerned about the potential negative impact of using synthetic surfaces.

This video shows the concerns that have come to light with crumb rubber. It is worth the time to watch. - The Turf War / Julie Foudy (synthetic turf & cancer) ESPN – E60

For more information on Natural Turf vs Artificial Surface please visit the Facts about Artificial Turf page on the TPI website.

You can also download the Natural Grass and Artificial Turf; Separating Myths and Facts booklet.