How Long Is the Service Life of Artificial Turf on the Football Field?
Everyone has seen artificial turf - whether they know it or not - because it has been the mainstay of professional football pitches for decades. The product is so beautiful that many people don't recognize it as artificial grass, thinking they are looking at natural grass. However, unlike natural turf, artificial turf is low maintenance, durable, and has a long lifespan. Thanks to turf technology, you can enjoy the look of natural turf along with all the advantages of artificial turf.
SYSTURF offers a large selection of high-quality artificial turf and resources to help you get the most out of your turf. We will take you to understand the service life of artificial football turf, the factors that affect the cost of football turf, and the timing of football turf replacement.
The Birth of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf was first manufactured in the 1960s, most famously installed at the then-state-of-the-art Houston Astrodome Stadium, and has continued to evolve. Manufactured in a similar manner to carpet, nylon yarns are woven through a felt or latex backing to provide a durable, consistent surface that can withstand the stress of frequent wear and tear. Over the years, it has grown to look and feel more like the natural lawn it replaces than the rug that inspired its creation. Today, artificial turf is more durable than ever, wears less, and looks more natural.
SYSTURF Artificial Football Turf Is Ready for Big Games
For outdoor use, a maintenance-free, lifespan is typically up to 10-15 years but can be extended twice as long with minimal maintenance. In addition, SYSTURF's football field grass has UV inhibitors added directly to the resin, so they will never fade. Compared with natural grass which needs constant maintenance and reseeding every 5 years, SYSTURF artificial soccer turf has the advantage of saving a lot of time and money.
Unlike natural turf, synthetic turf is resistant to drought, shade, flooding, and foot traffic. After installation, it can be used no matter it is sunny or rainy. No need to wait for it to grow or treat it with extra care. Additionally, artificial turf is shock-absorbing, non-abrasive, and provides traction to help prevent injuries.
When it comes to artificial turf, football fields are usually the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. While turf is versatile and versatile, its durability and consistent texture make for an ideal playing surface for soccer. SYSTURF football field grass is durable enough to withstand hard tackles or goal kicks without flying grass and dirt. Players get a reliable field for practice or big games, and groundskeepers don't work overtime to maintain the field.
In addition, SYSTURF football field grass allows players to play indoor and outdoor games in rainy, cold, sunny, and hot weather. Indoor sports facilities provide multi-purpose spaces that can be used year-round so games don't have to end. The grass is also an ideal surface for gym flooring, as you can perform many exercises on grass that you wouldn't normally be able to do in a gym.
Factors Affecting Service Life
Material Quality
The quality of the materials used to manufacture artificial turf greatly affects its service life. High-quality fibers and filling materials are not easy to wear and fade, ensuring a longer service life.
Intensity of Use
Soccer stadiums, where games, practices, and events are often held, have higher foot traffic. Overuse can cause your turf to wear down faster, shortening its lifespan.
Climatic Conditions
Over time, extreme weather conditions, such as intense sunlight or heavy rain, can affect the integrity of a lawn. UV radiation, in particular, can cause fading and deterioration.
Maintenance Practice
Regular and proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your artificial turf. Inadequate cleaning, infrequent grooming and neglected maintenance can all lead to premature deterioration.
Ways to Extend the Life of Artificial Turf
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the appearance and performance of your artificial turf. Over time, debris, dirt, leaves and other organic matter can accumulate on surfaces, causing compaction and potential damage. Use a soft-bristled broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris and dirt. For a more thorough clean, use a mild detergent mixed with water to clean the lawn surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage fibers.
Manage Usage Patterns
Strategically managing football pitch usage patterns can significantly impact the lifespan of artificial turf. High-traffic areas such as goals and midfield are more prone to wear and tear. For a more even distribution of usage, consider rotating game areas on a regular basis. This approach allows worn parts to recover while giving other parts of the site a chance to experience less stress.
Handle Minor Repairs in a Timely Manner
Minor damage, such as small tears or loose seams, should be dealt with immediately to prevent it from deteriorating and spreading to a larger portion of the lawn. Regularly inspect the site and identify any signs of damage. If you notice any issues, such as loose seams or damaged padding, fix them as soon as possible. Ignoring these minor issues can lead to more serious and costly repairs.
UV Protection
Artificial turf is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays every day, which causes the fibers to fade and deteriorate. Using a UV protectant specially designed for artificial turf can help protect the fibers from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Regular application of UV protectants can prolong your lawn's vibrant appearance and extend its overall lifespan.
By implementing these measures, you can ensure your artificial turf remains in top condition, providing a safe, enjoyable playing surface for years to come.
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Lawn?
The service life of artificial turf is usually 8-10 years. The reuse potential of old field components depends on the use (sports played, frequency of play, weather conditions, etc.), product quality, and maintenance of the turf over its useful life. In some cases, soccer fields are barely usable after only 6 years and the turf system needs to be replaced. With professional care, proper equipment and high-quality products, artificial turf soccer fields can be used for training and competition for up to 10 - 12 years.
Artificial turf pitches are durable and can withstand quite a while, but nothing lasts forever. After years of heavy use, you'll start to see certain signs on and around the field that you should consider replacing your turf playing surface.
Here are some "red flags" to watch out for:
- Inlays and seams start to loosen and require more frequent repairs
- Lawn surface color fades from bright green to gray-green
- Loose turf fibers are scattered around the pitch and fill particles accumulate on the sides of the turf field
- Uneven overall appearance with split turf fibers throughout the site
What Factors Affect Artificial Turf Replacement Costs?
From removing worn turf fields to recycling materials to laying new playing surfaces, there are a variety of factors that affect the total cost of replacing a synthetic turf field surface. Here is a simple breakdown of these factors:
- Soccer Field Type and Size – it is safe to say that removing and resurfacing a softball diamond requires less labor and material than replacing a regular sized soccer field surface
- Competition Level and Quality of Turf Materials - the higher the competition level of the main users of the venue, the higher the quality requirements for turf materials
- Geographic Variation in Labor Costs - impacts removal, disposal, recycling and installation costs
- Disposal and Recycling - fees vary by state
- Customization and Design Factors - additional line marking, additional lawn coloring, logos and names will add to the overall cost
In Conclusion
Artificial turf brings huge benefits to football pitches, but its longevity depends on factors such as material quality, maintenance and use. By adopting proper maintenance practices and keeping up with industry innovations, you can ensure your artificial turf will perform its function effectively for years to come.
By getting started right, choosing the best turf for its purpose, and installing it properly, turf can be made to last. Consult our experts to find the right lawn for you. For more information on artificial turf or if you would like to purchase artificial turf, please contact us. SYSTURF is a professional custom artificial turf manufacturer, with 30 years of production experience, 60% of the production staff are skilled workers with more than 8 years of work experience, covering an area of 60,000 square meters, and loading more than 30,000 square meters of artificial turf from SYSTURF every day. We'd love to help you find the best artificial turf for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Artificial Turf Suitable for Extreme Weather Conditions? Artificial turf is designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, but extremes can affect its lifespan. UV protection and proper maintenance can help mitigate these effects.
Q2: Will Heavy Rainfall Affect the Life of Artificial Turf? Heavy rain can affect the condition of your lawn, especially if your drainage system is inadequate. Regular grooming and addressing drainage issues can help maintain the lifespan of your lawn.
Q3: Are There Any Specific Maintenance Procedures for Areas with High Traffic on the Field? Yes, high-traffic areas will require more frequent grooming and maintenance to prevent excessive wear. Rotational use patterns and targeted care can prolong its lifespan.
Q4: How Often Should I Schedule Professional Lawn Maintenance? Professional maintenance should be scheduled at least annually, but frequency may vary depending on the intensity of use and climatic conditions.
Q5: Can Artificial Turf Be Recycled? Yes, many artificial turf components can be recycled. Some manufacturers offer take-back programs to minimize the environmental impact of lawn treatments.
Q6: Will Artificial Grass Fade Over Time? As long as you take good care of your lawn, it can last for several years, even up to 20 years. This means that the lifespan of artificial turf can be 10 to 20 years. For example, if you use it on a football field, it won't last as long as it does in your backyard.
