What is synthetic turf?

The latest generation of synthetic turf is a grass-like surface covering that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function. When used on playing athletic fields, it provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery. When used as a landscaping cover, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free ground cover that doesn't need to be watered or fertilized.

How is synthetic turf made?

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 materials that provide the necessary stability, uniformity, and resiliency. Each blade customarily stands above the infill material. The typical length and quality is determined by the specific activity requirements.

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 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 stimulate the experience of practicing and playing on a grass-like surface year round. Demand has grown to the point where over 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.

Which sports can be played on synthetic turf?

Synthetic turf sports fields for football, soccer, field hockey, baseball, tennis, lacrosse and rugby has traditionally represented the greatest percentage of the synthetic turf market. However, drought conditions and low water in many areas has prompted irrigation restrictions, which has dramatically increased the demand and regulation for synthetic grass in landscape and golf applications.

How is the new generation of synthetic turf different from that of the past?

Increasing demand for higher quality playing surfaces and intense competition for field accessibility have given rise to a new generation of synthetic turf systems that replicate the look and feel of manicured 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, player comfort and performance become the top priority and the first synthetic turf systems with sand and rubber infill were introduced. Today's synthetic turf, supported by the NFL, UEFA, FIFA and many international federations, combines the playing characteristics, look and feel of natural turf, with the advantages of increased playability, safety, longer playing seasons and less canceled games.

Why have some vocal organizations been raising "serious questions" lately about synthetic turf?

As the popularity of synthetic turf escalates, so does scrutiny about its usage. Insightful and responsible questions are being asked regarding synthetic turf's potential negative impact on the environment and health of its users. The STC acknowledges the concerns of parents, school boards, athletic directors, local officials and environmental and regulatory groups in this regard. As the industry's trade organization, it is our responsibility to address these issues in an unbiased and judicious manner.

During the past decade, much independent, credible research about synthetic turf has been conducted worldwide, and is ongoing. Reputable governmental bodies has been conducted worldwide, and is ongoing. Reputable governmental bodies and scientists in Norway, Sweden, Canada, Great Britain, New Jersey, California and Connecticut, international sports organizations such as FIFA (the international governing body on soccer), and trade institutes have examined the health and environmental aspects of synthetic turf. Their exhaustive efforts have concluded that there is every reason to use synthetic turf, and the environmental and health impact is negligible.

How does synthetic turf impact the environment?

Synthetic turf is environmentally friendly in origin, application, use, disposal, sustainability and water conservation. Crumb used tire rubber has been safely utilized in synthetic turf sports fields since it was introduced in 1997, and in playgrounds and tracks for much longer. The U.S. EPA's position is that scrap tires are not a hazardous waste, and recommends using crumb material from granulated used tires for playgrounds, running tracks, and sports fields. This decree has afforded the opportunity to recycle 25 million used auto tires per year, tires that would otherwise end up in U.S. landfills.

Does synthetic turf conserve water?

Synthetic turf can significantly conserve water usage, which is critical during times of drought. A well-maintained natural turf field requires consistent irrigation and ongoing applications of both fertilizers and pesticides. It is not uncommon for grass fields to require 50,000 gallons or more of irrigation water per week during growing season and thousands of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually. Synthetic turf fields substantially decrease water usage, essentially eliminate chemical treatments and reduce the man hours and power equipment operation needed to maintain a grass field.

What impact does synthetic turf have on human health?

Synthetic turf has a minimal impact on human health. Scientists internationally have spent much time investigating the impact of synthetic turf on human health. During the 2006 meeting of the International Association of Sport Surface Sciences (ISSS), an independent technical organization, multiple studies evaluated its effect on factors like water run -off, air, skin contact (allergy), ingestion, etc. Those reports, each independently conducted by various countries,furthers substantiated the safety and minimal risks in synthetic turf usage.

Is synthetic turf toxic?

Claims of toxicity are generally based on extreme laboratory testing such as the use of solvents and high temperatures to generate pollutants. Rarely replicating actual field conditions, this laboratory work does not represent realistic material characteristics. More often than not, even with laboratory testing, results in levels of pollutants are below existing background levels within the environment. In fact, the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has noted that many of the chemicals found in crumb rubber are very common in the urban environment. Given these facts, and the results of studies conducted in the United States and Europe, the environmental concerns have been deemed insignificant by third-party experts. This position is consistent with recommendations of regulating agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. EPA and FIFA, that sports fields are an acceptable use for recycled auto tire rubber.

How can I learn more about scientific studies that have been conducted on the health and environmental impact of synthetic turf?

Individuals need to weigh the facts themselves to determine if synthetic turf best meets their needs. Visit the Reference Library on our Web site www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to view unfiltered international studies, links to industry resources and new position statements as materials are developed.

What impact does synthetic turf have on playing time?

Synthetic Turf playing fields exponentially increase playing and practice time because they can be used daily and in all types of weather, without worry of damage. Playability is enhanced since the fields remain uniform and consistent, season after season. They can also be used within hours of installation. In addition, while turf grass managers recommend against using a natural field for more than 20-24 hours per week or 680-816 per year for a three -season window, synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no "rest" required.

How does synthetic turf compare to natural turf when it comes to player injury rates?

Because synthetic turf is infilled with resilient materials that provide a level of impact attenuation that is difficult to sustain on worn down, over-used natural turf fields, its usage can enhance player safety and reduce the amount of injuries. 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 2003-04 academic year, the injury rate during practice was 4.4% on natural turf, and 3.5% on synthetic turf. During games, the injury rates were 11.5% and 11.4% respectively.

How long can a synthetic turf field be used?

With regular maintenance, synthetic turf fields usually last up to 10 years, and are typically warranted for seven to eight years.

How does the cost of synthetic turf field compare to a natural turf field?

Purchasing a synthetic turf field may seem expensive initially, but the field pays for itself over time, 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.

Are all synthetic turf products the same?

No, there are a variety of different types of synthetic turf products that range in feel as well as infill materials. You can find out more about these products at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org, which features a list of certified synthetic turf manufacturers and systems builders.

Can synthetic turf hold up under heavy use?

Yes, synthetic turf can hold up under very heavy use. While natural turf can't be played on in pouring rain or during the months of dormancy, synthetic turf allows for more playing time and has a durability that outlasts that of natural turf.

Does synthetic turf fade?

Synthetic turf is U.V. stabilized to minimize any fading and deterioration.

How do I install synthetic turf?

Installation guidelines are available from turf manufacturers. However, it is recommended that the synthetic turf is installed by a team of professional contractors that you select with the help of a landscape architect and engineer or independent consultant.

What goes underneath the synthetic turf?

The turf must be laid on suitable base, depending on its application. For sport usage, this may include a shock pad while in landscape applications, the turf can just be laid on a flat hard base. In children's playgrounds and sporting fields, a shock pad is recommended to meet Critical Fall Height legislation. The laid turf can be "infilled" 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 about this process.

Which type of synthetic turf do I need?

If you have determined that synthetic turf is the way to go for your organization, determine the type of field needed based upon its desired usage. STC has prepared an information sheet online called Advice for Selecting Synthetic Turf to help you evaluate this decision and select the best provider for your needs.

Is maintenance of synthetic turf required?

While much less work is required than with a natural grass field, synthetic turf need to be maintained as well to maximize playability and life of the product. Minimal maintenance would include brushing the fiber up, clearing the area of leaves and litter on a weekly basis. Depending upon the type of surface and the amount of use, more vigorous work could be required, normally from specialists in maintenance, to remove contamination and de-compact the infill on a regular basis. Details on maintenance are available from manufacturers.