Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and Facts

Cost

• It is a myth that it costs much less to maintain an artificial grass playing field than a natural one. The University of Arkansas Turfgrass Science Department notes 2005 annual maintenance costs at Michigan State University ranged from $8,133 to $48,960 for its natural grass fields vs. $13,720 to $39,220 for its artificial fields.

Water Consumption

• It is a myth that artificial turf does not require watering. One of the main reasons artificial fields need water is to cool the turf on hot days. Pennsylvania State University considered data from 2004 to 2006 for its study about controlling artificial turf temperatures through watering. The study notes that surface temperatures for artificial fields can rise as high as 199 F. The Landscape Management website states that synthetic surfaces require irrigation systems not only for cooling but also to remove debris, avoid fires and clean up bodily fluids.

Infection

• It is a myth, based on data from a 2010 CalRecycle safety study by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, that players are more likely to get bacterial infections from artificial turf. However, the study reported an increased risk of abrasions, which can make players more susceptible to infectious agents off the field.