Definition of an Artificial Grass

Artificial Grass – What is it and What are the benefits?

The use of artificial grass in place of natural grass is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s world. Especially in sports, various sports pitches use one of several types of artificial grass. For example, it does not require sunlight or cutting and can be used more often. However, in terms of comfort, artificial grass is still no match for well-maintained natural grass turf.

The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations for enhancing comfort.  reducing the discomfort of artificial grass by changing surface properties. Therefore, it focuses on artificial grass that is designed to be in contact with human skin, such as artificial grass in sports such as football or field hockey. The report begins with a description of the different types of artificial grass. Next, research is conducted into what types of discomfort or injuries commonly result from turf use, followed by an investigation into the underlying causes of the discomfort. This ultimately leads to multiple possible solutions and a final conclusion.

The Science Behind Artificial Grass.

Artificial grass is a material made of artificial, man-made fibers that look like real grass.

Artificial grass blades are green and come in different pile heights. It is made in the same way as a carpet is made. It has a solid backing and then the blades are machine stitched. Most of the new grass being manufactured today also comes in a gray stick that mimics the look of dead grass that you would see on a real grass lawn. With the new technology that is available today, artificial grass has made leaps and bounds in its realistic appearance.

Artificial grass was first used in 1966 when it was installed in the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first domed indoor multipurpose sports stadium. During the stadium’s inaugural season in 1965, they failed miserably to grow real grass. 

Artificial grass is commonly used for sports. In some parts of the country, artificial turf is more common than real grass on high school football fields. Its use is expanding into other types of sports applications such as batting cages, soccer complexes, and baseball fields. However, it is now being used for residential and commercial landscaping as well.

Why Consider Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass offers many benefits to consumers. It saves both money and time and is a great landscaping option. Natural grass requires 55 gallons of water per square foot per year, however, synthetic grass does not, significantly reducing monthly water bills.

Most residential water use comes from landscaping. There are drought conditions in some parts of the country and water conservation is a necessity. Many people feel that it is more important to conserve water to grow food than to use it for landscaping and beauty purposes. Artificial grass is something that can give people the look of green grass without maintenance.

Real grass can die. Artificial grass can last twenty or more years to create a “forever lawn.” The good thing about it is that once installed it is always green. Lawns can never be overgrown or become brown spots.

Landscaping is no longer needed. Since artificial grass does not grow, you do not need to hire a landscaper to maintain your lawn. Fertilizers, weed control products, pest control products, and lawn care equipment have become a thing of the past.

Artificial grass saves time as it does now no longer want to be maintained like an actual lawn. So, if you maintain your lawn yourself, you won’t need to mow it on a weekly basis. In addition, eliminating lawnmowers is an environmental benefit as it reduces emissions into our environment. A lawnmower runs 11 cars for 1 hour.

What Makes A Good Quality Artificial Grass?

As a consumer, there are a few key factors that are very important when comparing artificial greenery and grass products. It is in your best interest to buy “good quality” grass as this will determine how long it will last and how good it will look. A good quality product starts with the backing material, you want to choose a product that has a polyurethane backing and not latex. Also, you want the product to have a UV-resistant protective coating. This is of particular importance as it will protect the artificial grass from the sun and keep it looking green. Products that are not treated with a UV protectant may fade to blue or white. 

Artificial grass for sport

An artificial turf sports field is a system that consists of several phases and several materials. Each component contributes to the quality and characteristics of the field. The basic construction consists of a permeable material, and a drainage system covered with sand or gravel. If the system has a cushioning layer, it will be installed later. Depending on the type of sport, different systems are developed: sanded or semi-sanded, sand and rubber.

Artificial turf is available in different pile heights (height of straight fibers) and this height will determine, for an infill system, the amount of sand and/or rubber required. The pile height, potential fill, and infrastructure are always relevant.

We can try to convince you that playing conditions on turf are just as good, but now we have the numbers to prove it. How the ball spins, how it bounces and shock absorption are just some of the specifications that are measurable and therefore comparable. Organizations such as FIFA and FIH have very strict testing systems, resulting in only the best systems being approved and certified.

The benefits of artificial grass are numerous. Just the idea of ​​being able to play all year round, regardless of the seasons, in perfect playing conditions that never vary. No need to worry about mud or rain, just a flawless green pitch at all times. Sowing, mowing, fertilizing and line marking are things of the past so there is less work, less cost, and less worry.

Artificial grass for the garden

Artificial turf for landscaping should not only be durable but also beautiful. Plus, used this way, synthetic turf takes a leap in quality, and we offer lawns that are indistinguishable from the real thing. A word of warning, however, some things are more important than aesthetics! If you choose artificial turf, it is very important to go into all the details and find out what it is made of, the product quality of the materials used, and the warranty.

That being said, if you want to spend more time enjoying your garden and less time maintaining it, our artificial lawn is the perfect solution.

Human Health Questions

Given the relatively recent development of new-generation artificial turf, there are countless questions regarding its potential impact on health and the environment, with rubber infill being one of the main sources of concern. Particles can become airborne and carried into homes on clothing and athletic gear. There are also questions about dermal and ingestion exposure, and environmental effects.

For athletes, the little black rubber pellets can seem like little more than a nuisance. Others are more concerned, especially when it comes to children’s involvement. Petty Wood, executive director of the nonprofit Grassroots Environmental Education, argues. “This crumb rubber is a material that cannot legally be disposed of in landfills or dumped into the ocean because of its toxicity. Why Earth? But we let our children play on it?

Recycled crumb rubber contains many chemicals known or suspected to cause health effects. The most common types of synthetic rubber used in tires consist of ethylene. Propylene and styrene butadiene combined with varying amounts of vulcanizing agents, fillers, plasticizers, and antioxidants, depending on the manufacturer. 

Most of these restrictions are related to preventing pest problems and tire fires. which emit toxic substances such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, PAHs, and VOCs.