More Than A Number

While the fake lawn of a few decades ago is something that many people would consider an eyesore, today’s artificial turf is an innovative material that is popular for both sports fields and residential and commercial applications.  This surface, considered by some to be the “third generation” of artificial turf, is both more attractive and safer than earlier attempts at synthetic grass were.  Many consider today’s outdoor artificial turf to be just as safe as a grass field.  It’s possible that, in cold weather conditions, synthetic turf is even safer.

Today’s synthetic turf is comprised of two different types of fibers: straight and curly. The straight fibers are coated with silicone, while the curly fibers serve to help make sure that the straight ones stay upright. Additionally, the synthetic turf features a layer of rubber granules placed over a base, which is made of expanded polypropylene.

Because it doesn’t have growth ruled by seasons and it is just as safe in cold weather, many sports teams are utilizing this artificial turf for all-weather training, ensuring that the players can stay in top shape no matter what the weather is like. Some teams that have maintained natural grass fields for years are now considering the benefits offered by an artificial alternative.  Aside from being less expensive to maintain, artificial turfs can reduce the number of games canceled each year due to the surface of the playing field being frozen. This makes it an appealing option for sports’ governing bodies to consider.