FAQ
The following is a list of frequently asked questions; if you have another question, or need to clarify an answer given here, contact us at 410.721.1556. We enjoy talking turf!

Q: Why choose synthetic turf?
Synthetic turf playing fields exponentially increase playing and practice times because they are less susceptible to the distress of usage and weather. Since the fields remain uniform and consistent, season after season, they yield longer “playability.” They can also be used within hours of installation. Moreover, while turf grass managers recommend against using a natural field for more than 20-24 hours per week, or 680-816 hours per year for a three-season window, synthetic turf can be utilized for approximately 3,000 hours per year with no "rest" required.

Q: How is synthetic turf made?
Today, most synthetic turf systems include a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and resilient grass blades that are in-filled with a granular substance to resemble natural turf. This means that the man-made grass blades are interspersed with a top soil created with sand and/or granulated recycled rubber or other materials, providing stability, uniformity, and resiliency. Each blade customarily stands above the in-filled material. The typical length and quality is determined by the specific activity requirements.

Q: Why has synthetic turf become so popular over the past few years?
The escalating need for durable fields that accommodate multiple sports teams, coupled with spiraling land costs, increasing maintenance, water usage costs and climatic shifts, have prompted a rising number of schools and parks to turn to synthetic turf to balance their program needs. Today's synthetic turf is designed to simulate the experience of practicing and playing on a grass like surface year round. Demand has skyrocketed, and now, more than 800 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are installed annually in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. About half of all NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf, and it is approved for World Cup soccer matches.

Q: How does synthetic turf compare to natural turf when it comes to player injury rates?
Synthetic turf is created with resilient materials that provide a level of decreased impact that is difficult to sustain on worn down, distressed natural turf fields. So, its usage enhances player safety, reducing injuries. Plus, its traction, rotation and slip resistance, surface abrasion and stability meet the rigorous requirements of the most respected sports leagues and federations. In fact, the NCAA published the results of a study among schools nationwide (college fields have a higher maintenance budget than do high school or community fields) comparing injury rates between natural and synthetic turf. During the 2003-2004 academic years, the injury rate during practice reached 4.4% on natural turf, but just 3.5% on synthetic turf. During games, the injury rates were 11.5% and 11.4% respectively.

Q: How long can a synthetic turf field be used?
With regular maintenance, fields made from synthetic turf usually last up to 10 years, and are typically warranted by the manufacturer for seven to eight years.

Q: How does the cost of synthetic turf field compare to a natural turf field?
While purchasing a synthetic turf field may seem expensive initially, the investment pays for itself over time. Synthetic turf fields are typically utilized for about 3,000 hours of play per year, with no "rest" period required, or, the equivalent of three to four well maintained natural turf fields. Plus, synthetic turf maintenance costs are two to three times less than natural turf, since no mowing, irrigation chemicals or field lining are needed. Because of its consistent availability, a synthetic turf field is also a reliable source of rental revenue for schools and communities.

Q: What goes underneath the synthetic turf?
The turf must be secured on a suitable base, depending upon its application. For sports usage, a dynamic vertical drainage base is the norm, but in a landscaped application, the turf can just be laid on a hard, flat base. In children's playgrounds, a shock pad is recommended to meet Critical Fall Height legislation. The laid turf can be in-filled with a combination of sand and/or granular rubber, or other available materials, to stabilize and create specific playing characteristics. It is important to consult a professional regarding this process, such as a civil engineer or base contractor, such as SASS, experienced in sports field construction.

Q: Is maintenance of synthetic turf required?
While much less work is required than with a natural grass field, synthetic turf fields do require some maintenance to maximize “playability,” and life of the product. Minimal maintenance includes activities such as brushing the fiber, clearing the area of leaves and other debris on a weekly basis, etc. Depending upon the type of surface and the amount of usage, more vigorous work may be required, typically by maintenance specialists, to remove contamination and to decompress the in-fill on a regular basis. SASS can provide further details on maintenance.

Q: How long will it take to install our field?
A new field can generally be ready for play in 90 days or less!