Artificial Turf

Many schools and parks have moved to artificial turf claiming benefits for maintenance costs and aesthetics but have ignored other important factors when choosing a playing surface. Natural grass provides a safer play surface and is better for the environment than artificial turf. Injuries are more common on artificial turf, especially concussion, heat related and joint stress issues. (Meyers M, 2004.)Surface hardness is an important factor in head injuries caused by playing surface contact. (Penn State, 2016). A Gmax test is used to evaluate surface hardness, with a 200 Gmax as the highest recommended limit for safety. Most artificial fields installed have a Gmax of 130 when new, and increases over time. Natural grass fields typically have a Gmax of 80-140. Natural grass can be easily aerated to maintain desired Gmax ratings, but an artificial surface needs more extensive repairs and maintenance.
Artificial turf has higher incidents of injuries to joints (Grens, 2012). Artificial turf produces higher torque, velocity, and friction than natural grass. A foot torqued on grass will typically create a divot, but the artificial does not
Lawns act as natural filters taking up dust, pollutants, and particulate matter from the air and water. (Duvall, 1996.) Natural lawns purify rainwater and improve groundwater, they allow water to percolate and recharge the groundwater table. A lawn is one of the most effective plant materials to reduce runoff and prevent soil erosion. Most of the weight of a grass in its roots, which makes it very efficient at erosion prevention. Grass has an extensive system of leaves and roots, it is estimated that grass surfaces around the world trap up to 12 million tons of dust and dirt from the air each year. Over time, natural lawn provides a much-needed ecosystem for microorganisms in soils, which build beneficial organic matter and improve soil condition and