There has been a lot of debate to whether synthetic turf fields or natural grass fields are better. Artificial fields have become more popular due to the year-round versatility, annual upkeep, and durability. However, natural grass fields are better for the environment, overall traction on the pitch, and might even lessen the chance of injury.
Each type of outdoor sports field has its perks, but which has more benefits? In today’s blog, Hoover Met Complex lists benefits of both turf fields and grass fields.
Artificial Turf Fields
Year-Round Quality
Throughout the year, turf fields hold their quality. On average, an artificial turf field can be played on for more than 3,000 hours per year, without necessary resting time. When looking at natural grass, they can only withstand around 680 – 816 hours of play per year. The estimate of these hours also takes into account winter seasons, rain, and other natural occurrences.
Sometimes the weather can be your biggest enemy. Read this blog to learn how to plan around bad weather: Planning Around Weather: Outdoor Sports Complex
Price
One of the most important things to consider before installing a turf outdoor sports field is the price and return on investment. Turf fields, especially the labor associated with installation, are an expensive upfront cost. Typically after the installation of a high-quality turf field, the bill can cost anywhere from $850,000 – $1,000,000. Even though the upfront cost is high, the return on investment is much higher, with an average payback time of around four years.
Conservation Efforts
With synthetic turf fields, they save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per year. Currently, there are over 6,000 turf fields in place in the United States alone. From each of these fields, they save between 500,000 to 1,000,000 gallons of water each year.
Natural Grass Fields
Environmental Benefits
Having a grass outdoor sports field is excellent for the environment. Because there are no harsh chemicals or non-biodegradable products that go into the field, it keeps the soil quality high. Another perk of natural grass is it reduces carbon dioxide pollution and traps dust and dirt that is generally released into the air from synthetic turf. Natural grass also acts as a filter for pollutants from getting into water supplies!
Air Quality
Grass is one of the leading producers of oxygen, as it is continuously converting carbon dioxide. A natural grass outdoor sports field produces enough oxygen for a family of four! Just from choosing a natural grass field, it can become a greenhouse for an urban area.
Player Appeal
Most players have a preference between synthetic turf and natural grass. One of the leading indicators that show players are more likely to choose grass over turf is the strain on major muscles and ligaments. Also, on a natural grass outdoor sports field, the temperature is cooler, really showing after extended gameplay. Traction is a significant factor on natural grass, as the ball does not skip as much, slowing down play.
Outdoor Fields at Hoover Met Complex
Hoover Met Complex offers a variety of outdoor sports fields that meet the needs of both amateurs and professional players. Within the large campus of fields, there are four artificial turf baseball fields, one natural grass baseball field, five NCAA regulation multipurpose fields, and 16 tennis courts. If you are looking for a new place to hold a practice, game, or tournament, visit our website to talk to our friendly staff. Contact us today with any questions you might have or check out to outdoor sports fields for yourself at 100 Ben Chapman Drive.