Q: What Is Synthetic Turf?
A: The latest generation of synthetic turf is a grass-like ground cover that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function. When used on athletic fields, it provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery. As a landscape cover, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free surface that doesn't need to be watered or fertilized, and is available in styles that look like the grass types that are prevalent locally.
Q: How Is Synthetic Turf Made?
A: Most synthetic turf systems installed today include a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and resilient "grass" blades that are infilled with a granular filler to resemble natural turf. "Infilled" means that the man-made grass blades are interspersed with a top soil created with sand and/or granulated recycled tire rubber or other infill materials that provide the necessary stability, uniformity, and resiliency. Each blade customarily stands above the infill material. The typical blade length and system characteristics are determined by the specific activity requirements. In some applications, the synthetic turf system includes a pad or elastic layer underneath the turf, often in combination with lower pile height and less infill.
Q: How Is New Generation Synthetic Turf Different From That Of The Past?
A: Increasing demand for high quality playing surfaces and intense competition for field accessibility has given rise to a new generation of synthetic turf systems that replicate the look and feel of lush, natural grass. While the first artificial turf systems used in the 1960’s and 1970’s were hard, significant advancements have been made during the past few decades. By the 1990’s, the first synthetic turf systems with sand and rubber infill were introduced, which dramatically improved player performance and safety. Today’s synthetic turf, used by many NFL franchises, as well as member associations and teams of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the International Rugby Board and other international sports federations, combines the playing characteristics, look and feel of natural turf, with the advantages of increased frequency of usage, extra revenue generation, safety, longer playing sessions, fewer canceled games, and lowest cost per playing day.
Q: Why Has Synthetic Turf Become So Popular Over The Past Few Years?
A: Synthetic turf is a smart solution for playing fields and landscape that have become unsafe and unsightly from overuse or severe climatic conditions. A grass field simply cannot remain lush and resilient if it is used more than three to four days a week, or in the rain, or during the months when grass doesn’t grow. This fact, coupled with an escalating need for durable fields that accommodate multiple sports teams and activities, the high cost of maintaining a grass sports field, and the need to conserve water, have prompted a rising number of schools and parks to turn to synthetic turf to meet their program needs. Today’s synthetic turf is designed to simulate the experience of practicing and playing on the best grass fields.
Demand has grown to the point where more than 8,000 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are now enjoyed in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. About half of all NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf and, since 2003, over 70 FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup matches have been played on synthetic turf soccer fields.
Q: How Is Synthetic Turf Being Used In The Landscape And Recreation Market?
A: Thousands of homes, businesses, golf courses, municipalities, parks and tourist attractions like Disneyland and Steve Wynn’s Las Vegas resorts have turned to synthetic grass to provide a lush, attractive landscape solution that requires minimal resources and maintenance while saving millions of gallons of water each year. It is also a smart way to beautify public spaces such as highway medians and airport landing strips that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to maintain. Synthetic grass reduces city maintenance costs, freeing tax dollars for other purposes.
Synthetic turf also promotes greater utilization of land, as you can do more with the same space surface than with natural grass. Rooftops once deemed unusable for high rises and residential buildings can now feature inviting green area. Hotels that had to restrict the use of lawns for parties and events can now schedule as many functions as they can book.
Q: How Does Synthetic Turf Impact The Environment?
A: Synthetic turf has a measurable, positive impact on the environment. Depending on the region of the country, a typical grass sports field requires between 500,000 to a million gallons of water or more each year. During 2010, between four to eight billion gallons of water were conserved through its use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day. Therefore, a savings of four to eight billion gallons of water equates to the annual water usage of over 27,000 to 55,000 average American families of four.
Tax credits and rebates are being offered to residential and corporate users by an increasing number of local governments in light of the tremendous impact on water conservation. The Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates that every square foot of natural grass replaced saves 55 gallons of water per year. If an average lawn is 1,800 square feet, then Las Vegas homeowners with synthetic turf could save 99,000 gallons of water each year or about $400 annually. In Atlanta, homeowners could save $715 a year, not including much higher sewer charges.
The estimated amount of synthetic turf currently installed has eliminated the need for millions of pounds of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which has significant health and environmental implications. For example, according to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, polluted storm water runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in their state, with common examples including over fertilizing lawns and excessive pesticide use.
In addition, synthetic turf helps reduce noxious emissions (the EPA reports that a push mower emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars and a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars) and reduces grass clippings, which the EPA states are the third largest component of municipal solid waste in landfills.
Q: Is Synthetic Turf Safe?
A: More than 50 independent and credible studies from groups such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and statewide governmental agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health and the California Environmental Protection Agency, have validated the safety of synthetic turf (see Position Statements to learn more).
Recent highlights include:
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In October 2010, the California Office of Environmental Assessment completed its multi-year study of air quality above crumb rubber infilled synthetic turf, and bacteria in the turf, and reported that there were no public health concerns.
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In July 2010, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced that a new study of the risks to children and adults playing on synthetic turf fields containing crumb rubber infill shows "no elevated health risks.”
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The California EPA released a report dated July 2009 which indicated there is a negligible human health risk from inhaling the air above synthetic turf.
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Independent tests conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Department of Health, released in May 2009, proved there were no significant health concerns at synthetic turf fields.
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In July 2008, a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff report approved the use of synthetic turf by children and people of all ages.​
Q: How Does The Cost Of A Synthetic Turf Field Compare To A Natural Field?
A: A synthetic turf field usually has a higher upfront cost, but the field often pays for itself over 3-4 years, proving to be a highly cost-effective investment. Synthetic turf fields are typically utilized for about 3,000 hours of play per year, with no "rest” required, the equivalent of three to four well-maintained natural turf fields. In addition, synthetic turf maintenance costs are two to three times less than natural turf, since no mowing, irrigation or chemicals are needed. Because of its consistent availability, a synthetic turf field is also a reliable source of rental revenue for schools and communities.​
According to Cory Jenner, a landscape architecture professional in Syracuse, N.Y., the cost of installing and maintaining a synthetic turf sports field over a 20-year period (including one replacement field) is over three times less expensive per event than the cost of a grass field over the same period of time. This is because many more events can be held on a synthetic turf sports field. "Financially speaking, artificial turf is more cost-effective over time,” Jenner said. This cost per event advantage is validated by other authorities and field owners.
Q: Is Maintenance Of Synthetic Turf Required?
A: While much less time and money is required to maintain a synthetic turf sports field than a natural grass field, synthetic turf needs to be maintained to maximize playability and the life of the product. The STC's Guidelines for Maintenance of Infilled Synthetic Turf Sports Fields (available in English and Spanish) provides essential guidance on proper maintenance techniques and frequency. The Buyers' Guide and Member Directory will also guide you to specific service providers.
Q: What Is The Coverage Area Of A Pallet Of Sod?
A: Each pallet covers approximately 450 square feet or 50 square yards.
Q: How Do I Prepare The Ground For New Sod?
A: For best results, remove all existing vegetation to achieve a good bed of soil for the sod to be placed on. Rocks, roots, and other vegetation will impair the ability of the new sod to take root, often leading to sod failure. In rocky or uneven terrain, quality topsoil may be needed to be brought in to ensure a 6”- 8” bed of soil for the new sod. Till or rake the soil smooth to provide an even surface for the new sod. Because of the perishable nature of new sod, it is important to schedule the delivery of sod after the preparatory work has been completed. For intense treatment of land that needs fertilizer treatment, look into key products like copper sulfate pentahydrate and zinc sulfate.
Q: Do I Need To Fertilize The New Sod?
A: We recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after laying new sod to fertilize. Sod comes fully fertilized off the farm and fertilizing too soon may inhibit the ability of the new sod from rooting in.
Q: How Soon Do I Need To Lay The New Sod After Receiving It?
A: We recommend installing your new sod within 24 hours of delivery, or within 12 hours during hot weather. New sod should be watered within 30 minutes of installation.
Q: How Often Do I Need To Water The New Sod?
A: In general, we recommend watering twice a day for the first 7-10 days. This may vary due to environmental conditions or how fast the lawn dries out. The primary goal is to keep the sod and underlying soil moist for the first 7-10 days. A uniform application of ¾” – 1” per watering is recommended. After the first 7-10 days, gradually reduce watering to allow the soil to begin to firm up.
Q: What Type Of Grass Does The Best In Shade?
A: Zoysia and St. Augustine varieties can handle varying degrees of shade, depending on the variety. Visit our turfgrass selector to learn more about these varieties.
Q: What Type Of Grass Does The Best In Full Sun?
A: All of the varieties we carry will grow well in full sun. Zoysia, Bermuda, and Buffalo varieties require less water than St. Augustine varieties in full sun, with Bermuda and Buffalo requiring the least amount. It must be noted that all varieties will need regular watering to provide a healthy, vigorous lawn. Please visit our turfgrass selector to learn more.
Q: How Long Should I Wait Before Mowing The New Sod?
A: Once the roots are established you may begin mowing your new sod. This typically takes approximately 2 weeks, however individual results may vary.
Q: How Do I Measure The Area To Determine How Much Sod I Will Need?
A: To keep it simple, most areas to be measured can be divided into squares, triangles, or circles. Draw the area out on paper and use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions in feet, and then calculate the area of each section to get the square footage. Add up all the sections and divide by 450 to get the number of pallets you will need.
Q: What Time Of The Year Is The Best Time To Plant My New Sod?
A: Year round.