The Pros and Cons of Synthetic Grass for Sports Fields

This blog post will list the pros and cons of artificial grass and compare it with real grass to highlight its benefits over natural grass. Many people favour artificial grass because it’s more convenient for modern, busy lifestyles. When landscaping your outdoor space, one of the most significant decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use artificial grass or natural grass. Both options have pros and cons; the right choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Natural Looking

The appearance of synthetic grass has improved vastly over time, and many higher-end surfaces have a compelling natural appearance. Our artificial turf looks and feels as good as the real thing. Our Which? Best Buy London is our most natural-looking grass and suits most gardens. While modern artificial grass is designed to look and feel like natural grass, there’s still no substitute for the real thing. Natural grass has a texture and colour that’s hard to replicate, and it can be customized to fit the specific needs of your landscape.

Artificial grass without pesticides.

Maintenance

Artificial grass is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require watering, mowing, or fertilizing. On the other hand, natural grass requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and vibrant. Artificial grass is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t need watering, mowing, or fertilizing. On the other hand, natural grass requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and vibrant.

Durability

Artificial grass is highly durable. It can withstand wear and tear, is weather-proof, does not dry out, gets waterlogged, and will not fall victim to pest infestations. It is way more robust than natural grass. Artificial grass is designed to be long-lasting and can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. Natural grass can be more fragile and may require reseeding or replacement if damaged.

Environmental Impact

Our grass can be recycled at the end of its life to be repurposed into other products. This reduces landfill and waste, preserves resources, prevents pollution, and saves energy. This makes our artificial turf products highly sustainable and reduces environmental impact. Natural grass is a sustainable option that provides essential ecosystem services, such as absorbing carbon dioxide and improving soil health. On the other hand, artificial grass is made from non-renewable materials and may contribute to environmental issues like the heat island effect.

Cost

Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, offers various cost benefits compared to natural grass. Here are some key cost benefits of artificial grass. Reduced Water Usage: Natural grass requires regular watering to maintain its lush appearance, especially in dry regions. This can result in significant water usage and increased water bills. In contrast, artificial grass does not require watering, as it is made from synthetic materials that do not require moisture to thrive. This can lead to substantial water savings over time, decreasing water bills and conserving a precious natural resource. Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass. Natural grass requires regular mowing, fertilizing, seeding, and pest control, which can be time-consuming and costly. In contrast, artificial grass only requires occasional brushing and debris removal to keep it looking clean and well-maintained. This can result in lower ongoing maintenance costs, saving time and money in the long run.

Cost-Effective Over Time: Although the upfront cost of installing artificial grass may be higher than natural grass, long-term cost savings can offset the initial investment. The reduced water usage, lower maintenance costs, and longer lifespan of artificial grass can save costs over time, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Consistent Appearance

Artificial grass consistently appears throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions or foot traffic. It does not require mowing, which means no uneven growth or unsightly patches. Without ongoing lawn care expenses, this can result in a consistently attractive and well-manicured appearance.

Synthetic grass, or artificial turf, has become a viable alternative to natural grass for sports fields. This turf type is made of synthetic fibres that mimic the look and feel of natural grass, providing a consistent playing surface regardless of weather conditions. However, like any other material, synthetic grass for sports fields has pros and cons.

Pesticides and herbicides: can be expensive, and their repeated use over time can add to high costs for homeowners or property owners maintaining a natural grass lawn. Additionally, using these chemicals can have adverse effects on the environment, including contamination of soil, water, and air, as well as harm to beneficial insects, animals, and plants.

With artificial grass, there is no need for pesticides or herbicides, as the synthetic materials used in its construction are resistant to pests and do not support weed growth. This means homeowners or property owners can avoid the ongoing costs of purchasing and applying these chemicals and reduce their environmental impact.

Furthermore, eliminating the use of pesticides or herbicides can also contribute to a safer environment for children, pets, and wildlife that may come into contact with the lawn. Artificial grass provides a worry-free alternative that does not pose health risks associated with chemical exposure.

It’s important to note that while artificial grass eliminates the need for pesticides or herbicides, regular maintenance such as brushing, debris removal, and occasional rinsing may still be required to keep the turf clean and well-maintained. However, these maintenance tasks are typically minimal compared to the ongoing use of pesticides or herbicides with natural grass.

Pros of Synthetic Grass for Sports Fields:

Although installing artificial grass may be higher upfront than natural grass, long-term cost savings can offset the initial investment. The reduced water usage, lower maintenance costs, and longer lifespan of artificial grass can result in cost savings over time, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Penalties are furthermore to regard:

Initial Cost: The installation cost of synthetic grass can be higher than natural grass, including the costs of materials, labour, and equipment. However, the long-term cost savings on maintenance and water usage can offset the initial investment.

Heat Retention: Synthetic grass can absorb and retain heat, especially in hot climates, making the surface hot to the touch and uncomfortable for athletes during the summer months. However, advanced cooling technologies are available in some synthetic grass systems to address this issue.

Surface Hardness: Synthetic grass can have a more rigid surface than natural grass, which may increase the risk of injuries, particularly in sports involving frequent falls or tackles. However, some synthetic grass systems use advanced shock absorption technologies to mitigate this risk.

Environmental Impact: Synthetic grass is made from non-renewable materials and is not biodegradable, which can have environmental implications. However, some synthetic grass options are made from recycled materials and are more environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, synthetic grass for sports fields offers several advantages: durability, low maintenance, weather resistance, and consistency. However, some disadvantages are also to consider, such as the initial cost, heat retention, environmental impact, and surface hardness. It’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of synthetic grass based on the specific needs and requirements of the sports field before deciding. Consulting with a professional landscape architect or sports field expert can provide valuable insights and recommendations for choosing the right turf type for your sports field. Artificial grass offers various cost benefits, including reduced water usage, lower maintenance costs, eliminating the need for pesticides or herbicides, longevity and durability, cost-effectiveness over time, and consistent appearance. When considering the overall costs of maintaining a lawn, artificial grass can be a financially prudent choice for homeowners and property owners in the long run. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the specific costs and benefits based on your individual needs and circumstances before deciding. Consulting with a professional landscape expert or artificial grass installer can provide valuable insights and recommendations for determining the cost benefits of artificial grass for your specific situation.

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Jennifer Chester

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So so happy with our new lawn. What a difference! Guys worked really hard and did a magnificent job. Couldn’t be happier.

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Great service from the first quote to the cleaning up when they had finished. Garden looks fantastic the work was first rate. Could not ask for anything more. Thank you to all of you.

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Very pleased with the final results the team worked hard all day to get the job done even in the rain thank you very much top class job

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Great service! You are kept up to date every step of the way, they arrive on time to do the measuring up and the actual work. The process was very easy. They completely the work swiftly, to a great standard and then they tidied up real well.

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Excellent service again from Saygrass and Niti. A very professionally run company and great automated notifications ensuring the customer confidence and assurance. The maintenance visit was well worth it. The grass looks new again! Thanks Niti

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Professional respectful and efficient service and excellent result . What’s more half the cost of one estimate, but 100% the same protocol followed. Thanks .

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From the start, contacting Say Grass to the speed of installation and efficiency ect was the best service imaginable! I've not dealt with any other firm across all industries who have come up to this standard, it was amazing, judge from the before and after photos, terrific quality , realistic looking grass. Thank you guys.

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Excellent, I would recommend them, they are very helpful, so happy with the work they have done. Staff are very hardworking.

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A huge thank you to Nithi and his team. Was a smooth process from start to finish , great support and information given. The team showed up at 10am and worked non stop all day! They finished around 5pm. The garden is amazing and totally unrecognisable! All my neighbours are commenting on it and considering using the company themselfs. It’s really made the world of difference for our family already. Thanks so much guys you have been amazing! Pictures of before and after

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What fantastic service from the team. Punctual, professional, and very tidy. Fantastic installation - very pleased with the result. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of installing artificial grass

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I have had problems with my turf for the last 4 years and been laid three times found no solution but to look at the option of astroturf. Having 5-6 different surveys, Saygrass was the most consultive understanding and understanding of my concerns having two dogs. From completing the survey I managed to receive a quote within 15 minutes. After booking installation was complete in 2 weeks. The team were friendly experienced knowledgeable and complete the job in less than half a day. There was no mess and advised me on maintenance and aftercare. Can 100% highly recommend Saygrass, fantastic service .

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Saygrass did a great job. Nitii and team were professional , on time and friendly. Fully recommend this company. Happy with our new garden - Amazing work - 5 star

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The Saygrass team were extremely professional from start to finish, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work carried out, and the short duration it took them to accomplish this. The price was also considerably favourable.

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Fantastic job from start to finish - highly recommended!

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From start to finish the process was hassle free. Very well priced. Lads very good and very quick at their job. Very pleased.

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Amazing work highly professional workers good materials with incredible result I am recommending the company

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I would not hesitate in recommending this company. I never do reviews but these guys more than deserve a glowing review. Process was really clear from the start. The guys worked so hard and I couldn't believe how much they got done on day one. Great value for money and super quality work. Can't wait to enjoy my new garden!

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Saygrass did a great job in my garden at a good price. Elly provided the best customer service - she was available to help throughout the entire process. I would recommend being present from start to finish to ensure things are being done exactly to your liking as there were a couple of things I wished were done a little differently - but nothing that has impinged on my enjoyment of the garden. I would use this company again.

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Good pre service , excellent work on the ground. Finish looks great

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Did a amazing job very happy

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I had my garden done in fake grass and my slabs done at my front and so happy with it

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We had our artificial grass done couple of years ago. It was great, they did a great job at a competitive price. We had maintenance service afterwards, again it was well done and efficient, at a reasonable price. 5 star and trustworthy. Thank you!

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So pleased with our new grass. The work and preparation put in before they laid the grass was amazing. The guys worked really hard throughout. Highly recommended.

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Extremely grateful for the service we have had from you has been impeccable from receiving the free samples right through to your help and advice with installation.Excellent customer service, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Will most definitely recommend you.Thanks ones again for all your help.

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Genuinely I cannot make one single complain about this company. Genuine, honest, and professional people from start to the end. The quality of the grass is just outstanding, and the customer service went far and beyond to ensure I got what I asked for, I cannot recommend you enough. Amazing work, thank you so much Neeru for your hospitality throughout. Very helpful !

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Elly came round and done some measurements and explained everything with great detail. I'm a very visual person and elly took her time to help me understand what could be done and the potential my garden has. I had absolutely no knowledge in landscape,patios and artificial grass but now I feel so comfortable with garden being handed over to say grass :)

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Very friendly and professional

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5.0

This company is amazing. They go above and beyond your expectations. They are just too good.They laid my grass very very nicely and properly levelled the ground and everything else connected with the job was done to a very high standard. After completion they swept my garden and left everything very neatly. They are very polite and explain everything in detail. Owner and his team are genuine nice people.

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I've only used the service for a free quote for a start and I very certainly will recommend it. I chanced on to the site while I was surfing the net for an artisan service. Now, I can gauge if I'm offered value for my money. More people need to know about this type of service. And also, the rep that came over to guage the job was very professional and represented well. Good job 👏 👍🏾 👌

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Turned my nightmare mess of a garden into a dream garden! I can’t stop looking at it!

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Had a maintenance clean for my artificial lawn. The guys were very thorough, patient and professional. They didn’t complain or rush the job even though the work took longer than anticipated as I hadn’t had a maintenance service for a long while. I will use SayGrass annually going forward.

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At a little loss for words, spoke with a lovely person call Neeru. The initial conversation was positive, great phone etiquette. Was given an immediate price point as a reference. Upon searching around, they were the cheaper deal by at least 1k! I needed a quick turnaround too, Neeru was able to organise and get everything sorted within a week! Honestly shocked at the incredible speed of service, the people who came to complete the job were cordial, laid floor covers down to protect my floors and even swept up after they were done. Some things are expected, but this whole process has shown me that there are just some bits of class and customer service you can’t put a price on. Will be using them for every bit of Garden work from here on out!

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Amazing service received from SayGrass will definitely recommend to friends and love one's. Try them u will never regret it 👍

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Very professional service, completed driveway on time and to a good standard. Will definitely use their services again.

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Saygrass provided me with garden fencing and clearance. I was told that it would take two days and they kept their word. I am pleased and happy with the outcome and would gladly use them again as well as recommend them to family and friends.

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These guys were incredible! They did the whole job in a day, were very communicative and reliable. They have got to be the go-to company for artificial turf. With over 7 years in the industry they know what they are doing.

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I would really recommend this service. Friendly staff .Very helpful. I will definitely use this company again :)

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The team were attentive to detail, friendly, and efficient. The installation was completed by day 2 and the team was very proficient. I am very pleased with the end outcome, and the soft grass that was chosen looks excellent. I would like to thank Saygrass for transforming the garden and to give them the highest recommendation. Overall, it was a great experience with top service and installation.