Is Artificial Turf the Lawn of Tomorrow?

It seems we're getting increasingly skilled at making artificial things look just like the real deal. From Beyond Meat to porcelain tiles that imitate marble, these innovations often bring advantages over the originals. Meatless meat is better for the planet, while porcelain is more durable than marble.

Artificial grass has come a long way since its 1970s plastic version. Today's turf is as realistic as a Beyond Burger compared to the soy patties that school kids ate back then. In fact, it's now so lifelike that it's even becoming a popular choice for residential lawns.

What Is Artificial Turf Exactly?

"Artificial turf is made of polypropylene fibers woven into a carpet," says Iannick Di Sanza, marketing manager at Tarkett Sports. Di Sanza's company manufactures FieldTurf, which can be found under the cleats of teams like the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Polypropylene is a type of plastic fiber also commonly used in everyday products like pill bottles and yogurt containers.

In the early days, artificial turf was often referred to as "plastic carpet." Introduced by Monsanto in the late 1960s, AstroTurf, the first version of artificial turf, was installed at the Houston Astrodome's baseball field, writes Sports Illustrated. Just two years after the Astrodome's installation, 3M's Tartan Turf was used at Michigan Stadium.

The popularity of artificial turf fields grew rapidly, particularly in the NFL. Although players found it harsh on their bodies, artificial turf proved far more durable than natural grass. By the mid-1970s, second-generation turf featured longer fibers, a pad underneath, and sand infill. FieldTurf's third-generation turf followed quickly, and by 2011, according to research by orthopedic surgeon James R. Jastifer and his team, North America had over 6,000 synthetic turfs installed, with around 1,000 to 1,500 new installations each year.

Artificial Turf Today

Third-generation, or "infilled," artificial turf typically begins with polyethylene fibers, which can be monofilament, slit-film, or a blend of both. These fibers are tufted into a carpet, coated with a mixture of urethane or latex. Once rolled up, the carpet is shipped to the installation site, explains Di Sanza. When it arrives, the turf is unrolled and then glued or sewn together to form the field surface.

The next step involves adding the infill. Think of the carpet as strands of grass in nature, and the infill is the dirt beneath it. "Both are essential for performance," says Di Sanza. The infill consists of two or three layers made from sand – typically silica – and rubber, often sourced from recycled car tires. It’s spread layer by layer using a machine similar to a salt truck, followed by a brush tractor to smooth it out.

Who Is Using Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf is now commonly found on a range of sports fields, including football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and field hockey, both indoors and outdoors. Its durability makes it perfect for multisport fields, like those at high schools, where multiple teams practice, and the field is in constant use. The 2015 Women's World Cup was played on artificial turf, but the 2019 one wasn't, and the 2023 World Cup will not either. You may even come across a golf course with artificial turf, not just the mini-golf variety.

In a world increasingly concerned about natural resources, artificial turf has become a sustainable choice for home lawns. It requires no watering and minimal maintenance, which means no need for pesticides or fertilizers. Architectural Digest highlighted its eco-friendly benefits for drought-prone areas as early as 2010, and a quick search on Pinterest reveals countless ideas for residential use, from rooftop terraces and backyards to indoor feng shui. While manufacturers of sport turf prioritize safety, performance, and durability, residential turf is more akin to a "luxurious carpet," says Di Sanza, with an emphasis on comfort and aesthetics.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf comes with many benefits, including its durability and sustainability. Manufacturers continue to innovate to address concerns. Despite ongoing advancements, athletes still criticize artificial turf for potentially increasing injury risks. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine if these concerns are valid.

In a 2018 study, Hiroyuki Nunome, a professor of biomechanics at Fukuoka University in Japan, noted that while many studies have shown "no clear differences for injury risk" between natural grass and third-generation artificial turf, there remains a "considerable gap" in the stress-strain properties between the two. Nunome also pointed out that third-generation artificial turf can harden over time, and some studies were conducted on turf that was as old as eight years, coinciding with the typical eight-year warranty of FieldTurf.

Whether it's soft or not, those who have played on artificial turf in the South know that it can get scorching enough to feel the heat right through your cleats. FieldTurf has addressed this issue by developing a product that includes a cork layer designed to absorb both heat and shock.

"Almost every field in Texas now features Coolplay," says Di Sanza. "It significantly helps in reducing the heat."

Besides concerns raised by athletes, there is also criticism from advocacy groups who worry about the potential risks posed by chemicals in the infill. However, according to a FieldTurf report, more than 90 technical studies and reports have been carried out since 1990 by prominent universities, toxicologists, and government agencies, examining various health and safety issues surrounding the use of recycled rubber.

"These studies and reports have not found any correlation between recycled rubber infill and cancer or any other human health issues," states the TurfField report. Among the latest studies are one conducted by the Washington Department of Health and another by the Dutch government.

The differing opinions about artificial turf may stem from the wide range of turf types, maintenance levels, frequency of use, and even installation methods. It's probable that the condition of artificial turf at a local high school will be quite different from that found at major stadiums.

While artificial turf doesn’t need watering, it still requires upkeep, such as brushing, aerating, and ensuring that the infill remains at the correct level, according to Di Sanza. In addition to regular maintenance, stadiums with sufficient resources may replace their turf every few years. For example, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, home to both the NFL Falcons and MLS Atlanta United, replaced its Revolution 360 turf – which hosted Super Bowl LII – with FieldTurf's new CORE product. This product features a multilayer dual-polymer monofilament for a "more realistic, textured, grass-like appearance," as stated on the company's website.

"There’s good turf and there’s bad turf," says Di Sanza. "Having the right amount of infill is essential for protection. The installation team plays a major role in ensuring the long-term durability of the field."