Unlike in hockey or basketball, soccer players do not run full tilt all the time. Two players may stand still, passing the ball back and forth for a while. Of course, the turf they stand on makes a difference. While the players strategize and prepare for an attack, the lawn influences ball control. The artificial grass is, for all intents and purposes, a critical factor in how the game is played.
After all, synthetic grass imitates natural plants. But a synthetic playing field is still different from the original grass-covered pitch. You need to consider many details to determine the quality of a product. Especially if you need to place a turf field in a stadium.
About the content of this soccer turf guide
Here is the ultimate guide to help you understand how to choose the best artificial grass-surfacing football field. You will read about the most key characteristics of FIFA-approved turf systems.
First, you will find out about the differences between natural and fake grass. The following section will explain why you can find products for outdoor and indoor soccer fields. After that, we will tackle the materials and features that make up high-quality and low-quality products.
The next section on the effects of artificial turf will clear up any misconceptions you might still have. Lastly, you will read about the process of replacing the soccer turf. As well as the most frequent questions that might add any missing topic.
Artificial VS natural soccer turf
The pace of a soccer game depends on the playing surface. As you may know, most of the game consists of players passing the ball around with precision. But all of a sudden, strategies turn into short bursts of extremely fast action.
Soccer players can run seven, if not ten miles, during a single game. No matter where the ball is, players are always and potentially about 30 seconds away from scoring.
The constant tension between the opposing teams turns into foot traffic, walking, jumps, and sliding. In other words, the soccer pitch suffers from constant wear and tear. In an organic grass lawn, this can cause bare spots and dirt clods. When using synthetic turf, intense action can cause seams ruptures. But the differences do not end here.
1. The depth and pile height VS Maintenance
For one thing, the depth of the synthetic surface plays a major role in understanding the main differences. As you might guess, grass grows on the ground. So, you can judge a natural grass pitch by the quality of the soil to quickly assess whether the terrain is soggy or stiff and dry. But when creating a product that must mimic real grass, the manufacturer needs to decide how deep to make it first.
Shallow turf is more like a rough carpet that can lead to scraping your arms and legs. Just like green sandpaper, falling on these kinds of coverings is not pleasant. Instead, high-quality artificial grass is deeper and has soft plastic grass blades. All throughout the surface, you will also find sand or small rubber pellets to add more weight a stabilize the turf. Such infill also acts as cushioning and improves ball bouncing.
Mowing natural grass takes a great deal of time each week. Plus, you need to use fertilizers and overseen the bare areas. Artificial grass does not grow and requires virtually no maintenance. So, you decide how tall the grass blades are when you buy them. In fact, you can select the stitch rate per row to achieve a specific density.
2. Repairs VS Overseeding
Broadly speaking, natural turf is in poor condition after the long winter months. Keeping it green requires extensive maintenance all year round. Instead, a synthetic lawn remains the same color for longer. But you still have to deal with some drawbacks.
Repairing a turf field may require seaming tape, glue, staples, stakes, and non-galvanized nails. In the worst-case scenario, you will have to replace an entire section. Luckily, good quality products come with a 15-year warranty. But on the negative side, it might be harder to repair on your own.
Seeding and overseeding a natural pitch is time-consuming but easy. Apart from the cost of SOD grass seeds, you can save on solving such minor issues. The only drawback is that germination takes time. Plus, bad weather can cause further troubles and frustrate your efforts.
Hiring a lawn care company for cutting and fertilizing your real turf is costly. Depending on how big the field is, the expenses can pile up to several thousand dollars per year.
3. Soccer boots for authentic and fake grass
If players play on shallow turf, they will have to use a turf shoe. These shoes have all the same design. In detail:
- the flat outsole feels about the same no matter what pattern you find on it
- they are usually made out of a durable rubber material with small rubber nubs scattered throughout the entire outsole
- as long as the nubs are on the outsole, players will have adequate traction
On deeper artificial grass, players can find a lot of variation when it comes to soccer boots. The quality of the synthetic field is what influences the choice. But in any case, studded soccer shoes with studs are necessary for optimal traction. But beware:
- Players should not wear firm ground football boots on fake grass because they are unsafe. Also, artificial grass is a very clingy surface
- Recommended football boots for artificial grass are called AG boots or boots with AG stud patterns
- Every brand of AG soccer boots offers something a little bit different. For example, a mixed FG/AG stud style pattern
Firm ground boots are made specifically for use on natural grass only. Both in regards to performance as well as durability. If one wears them on an artificial lawn, the shoes will break quickly.
There are countless versions of football boots for playing on natural grass. Generally speaking, all of them have long studs because outdoor pitches are often wet and muddy. These days, most boots on the market have a patented design that makes them exceptional for specific roles. But besides the different price tags, they all share the same structure for a perfect grip that makes you feel closely connected to the ball and the ground.
Outdoor VS indoor soccer field turf
In an outdoor stadium, the soccer artificial turf system needs construction of the highest level. Of course, this does not mean that indoor sports grounds receive less attention. But it reminds us that the former is outside in the open.
Think of the installation process as a factor that adds complexity to the whole project. First, the installing company needs to unload the turf rolls and draw the outline. Professional forklifts move the turf rolls to the fixed position by following the turf installation drawing. Lastly, they draw a clear outline of the pitch as per the dimension specified in the installation drawing.
Depending on the facility or stadium, the turf installation may take a few days. Especially if the company needs to remove the old turf first. For example, the staff may have to sever the seams. Or scrape off the residues from the concrete base.
1. About the place you choose to start the ground
If you are planning to start a small artificial turf, you should think about the business scope. For top-level football pitches, soft shock pads are a standard no matter if the playing field is indoor or outdoor. Correctly straightening and aligning the unrolled turf is also of the utmost importance.
In an outdoor stadium, the first step will always be land leveling. After that, setting the drainage systems is necessary. Usually, you achieve both results at once by applying a 1-2% slope radiating from one side to the next. Or from the center circle to the four corners.
A geotextile fabric layer staves off wild plants sprouting underneath the turf. Small details like that will keep the field in good condition at all times. Plus, they extend the turf life span. Since the initial price of artificial grass is higher than putting real grass down, your investment will repay itself over a 10- or 12-year period.
2. Rainfall percolation in the outdoor stadium
If you chose synthetic rolls that have good backing, the backing will allow for maximum drainage. Usually, manufacturers punch holes every 6 inches in every direction. Even the tufted threads from the turf let the rain pass through them.
A crushed rock aggregate below the turf can add speed to the drainage system. In this way, the turf can drain faster than natural grass. As soon as the downpour ends, you could walk across the pitch and feel no squishiness. Of course, it would be wet to the touch. But it will also feel rock solid.
Proper installation takes care of the drain pipes underneath the crushed rock aggregate as well. Once the water collects under the base, it should go somewhere and not accumulate there.
3. Converting concrete to turf
Converting a concrete floor into a fully functional soccer training facility is simple. Typically, most facility owners or managers opt for gluing the turf to the concrete. After all, by using a rubber and sand infill system, you can increase the cushioning effect.
But as soon as you glue a turf to a concrete surface, you make a mistake. What if you need to expand and improve the quality of the field? Changing or repairing that synthetic lawn would cost you way too much. Instead, you should choose a specific product for indoor soccer pitches.
Most companies use anchoring panels. They put the panels into the confines of any existing rink. Or cut some of the panels to go around the walls. In detail, these products come with a panel design that makes it easy to do so. But the installation process takes longer.
After that, the standard seaming procedure completes the installation. The energy restitution numbers of these solutions are extremely high. Which is great for playing soccer.
Anatomy of synthetic turf
Artificial turf testing takes into account many variables. For example, the ball rebound in different locations on a field. So, the better the components of the turf system, the better the results.
In general, the four main components of synthetic grass are:
- backing system for permeability
- grass fiber, which can be an innovative, patented material
- infill for cushioning
- padding for shock absorption
Sometimes, suppliers can offer drain tiles to improve drainage as well. In any case, this list does not include extra accessories and tools like tape and adhesives.
1. The backing system
Drainage capabilities of artificial turf field depend on the backing. Of course, drainage is paramount when considering the artificial grass surface in a stadium. Without it, the ball would not bounce, and the pitch would not be safe. In fact, dirt and stagnant water can attract unwanted pests and bacteria. Over time, the turf can become a haven for other disease-spreading organisms.
The function of the backing is to provide a way for water to go through it and reach the underlying natural soil. As a result, proper drainage prevents odor buildup. Plus, it reduces or eliminates the need for chemicals or additives to cleanse the fake grass surface.
On the market, there are three types of drainage technologies on synthetic lawn products. Permeable felt-like drainage connects a permeable felt-like layer to the tufted artificial fibers. The backing layer absorbs moisture until it reaches saturation. When full, it begins to drain.
Hole-punched drainage is one of the most common types. In this second tech, manufacturers punch or burn holes through the though-coated artificial grass backing. Usually, the holes are 4 to 6 inches apart. The main downside of this tech is that any part without a hole is not permeable.
Patented drainage systems are the last type of backing systems you can find today. Broadly speaking, manufacturers employ several techniques to achieve better performances and superior permeability. Often, these products include hundreds of thousands of microscopic holes within a solid-state turf backing. They might cost more than the other options, but they ensure total permeability and zero absorption.
To fully understand the difference, you should set up a test for each product. If you observe the backing as you flow an equally pressurized stream of water representing a shower, you will notice one thing. That is, water begins to back up fast on a hole-punched backing. This is also true for the felt-like backing, and the only difference is the time it takes for the water to back up. So, you should always invest in better backing if you have an outdoor stadium.
2. Grass fiber
The shape of the grass can influence the quality of the turf field. But usually, grass fiber is associated with its abrasive quality. A player could sprint down the middle of the soccer pitch as fast as he can. Then, halfway up the field, a defender tackles and shoves him over onto the ground.
On authentic grass, the player might pop right back up and keep sprinting forward. But on a synthetic football pitch, falling can lead to injury and abrasion. In soccer, most players complain when they fall anyway.
Acting like the player is hurt has become a distinctive feature in this sport. But this does not mean that falling on grass fiber is pleasant. On the contrary, this detail influences the players’ behavior in many ways.
The yarn type and tuft bind can impact the ball roll. As you know, the main goal of most teams is to maintain possession as much as possible. After all, the other team cannot score when your team has the ball. A player might choose to pass the ball back to the goalie because it is better to go backward with the ball than make a risky pass. But on different turfs, the ball roll can change.
About the quality of artificial grass blades
Manufacturers aim for grass fiber that springs back into an upright position. Plus, they strive for a natural look and texture. This all comes down to the selection of the right thatch. Textured yarn can influence the total weight as well as the gauge.
Most grass fibers are made out of Nylon, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene.
To specify, Nylon turfs are not the most ideal ones. But they can be cheap. Just make sure to use a Nylon grass fiber for indoor stadium only. Polyethylene blades have a better UV resistance. So, you can use it in an outdoor stadium. Generally, you can find Polypropylene in the backing. Mainly because, unlike Nylon, this material does not absorb water.
3. Infill
The final step in turf installation is the spreading and brushing of the infill material. Infill varies from application to application. For soccer, the manufacturer should recommend specific infill material and infill rates in pounds per square foot.
The infill or layers of infill helps the grass blade stand up. Sometimes, it also contains antibacterial or odor neutralizing properties. Uncoated sand is an example of safe infill material.
Usually, the infill installation requires one or two passes. Of course, you need to complete the spreading of one layer of infill before spreading the second layer. Two passes may be necessary because of two critical components: silica sand and crumb rubber.
As you might guess, you can only spread the infill material when the turf is dry. Otherwise, the moisture will cause clumping, which will lead to an uneven finish. Most infill material is so fine that it is best not to dump it in a single place all at once. A lawn drop spreader is highly recommended to spread the infill evenly. A number five or higher range setting is enough to get an even distribution across the whole field.
After spreading over the area, a stiff-bristled broom or powerbroom will help you work the infill material evenly into the grass blades. Spraying down the fake grass to remove and dust and dampen any static on the lawn is also recommendable.
4. Padding
Padding installation may require several tools. For example, a hot air gun, tape, snap line, ruler, knife, and material to press the shock absorption pad into place. After preparing and cleaning the sub-base, it is time to install the padding.
In an outdoor stadium, the installing company may use rolls. Instead, panels might be ideal for an indoor soccer pitch on a concrete floor. The goal is to set the cushioning and then nail it to the floor with a galvanized nail. As you might guess, fixing the underlay down stops any movement. So, the installer can place the synthetic grass on it, and the turf will be nice and solid.
Foam underlay plays a critical role in players’ safety. Mainly because it softens the feel of artificial grass. So, the pad is easy on players’ joints. Of course, the best padding has a specific design for immediate drainage.
The most common injury in football is the ankle sprain. Luckily, a high-performance shock pad system can lower the risk of ankle and hamstring sprains. Just make sure you get padding that complies with the requirements in your area. For example, the UNI EN 15330-1:2013 which is valid in Europe. Additional standards may apply.
Effects of grass turf on athletes
Some injuries are very common for athletes and active people. Others are devastating injuries that lead to surgery and months of recovery. From this point of view, the role of the surface is critical.
The old-school artificial turf, the astroturf, had a higher rate of injury. But the manufacturers evolved past that artificial grass generation.
Nonetheless, the infill surfaces have synthetic blades of grass stitched into a mat. Between those blades of grass, you have rubber pellets from used tires. And these rubber pellets may pose a health risk.
Most studies show conflicting results. In some studies, higher rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears become apparent. But in others, there is no link between common injuries and fake grass. Of course, no study focuses entirely on natural grass leading to higher rates of ACL tears. But that is so because the concerns about synthetic turfs depend on many variables. There are so many things that can go wrong in the course of the different seasons.
In some areas, rain may play a bigger role than in others. Perhaps, one place is colder than another. Other variables include:
- the time of the game
- weather and environment
- footwear (as mentioned, firm ground soccer cleats are not ideal for running on artificial turf)
1. Health concern about rubber infill
Tires are a toxic product that was never intended to be placed where children and teenagers play. There are more than 20 chemicals of concern, like cadmium and lead. Of course, cadmium is a known carcinogen. So, choosing appropriate infill makes a huge difference. Other potential harmful chemicals and their health impact include:
- Arsenic, Benzene, Fluoranthene (carcinogens)
- Benzothiazole (acutely toxic, respiratory and eye irritant)
- Carbon nanotubes (which may have asbestos-like toxicity)
- Manganese, Mercury (neurotoxins)
- Octylphenol (endocrine disruptor)
2. FIFA certified artificial grass and performance
Artificial soccer fields with FIFA certified synthetic turf must pass rigorous tests. First of all, slope, evenness, and permeability testing ensure optimal drainage.
The rolls are stretched to prevent bumps on any part of the field. Plus, inserting and seaming function lines guarantee a perfect aesthetic look.
Vertical deformation and ball rolling tests grant precious data to achieve a realistic vertical ball rebound. Thanks to rotational resistance tests, stadium owners can protect players against excessive play issues. Rotational testing is important because it resembles the effects on the players’ legs.
Shock absorption and energy restitution are tested in several locations on the football pitch. In actuality, tests measure the softness and the hardness of the surface. That is, how the surface reacts and how it impacts the quality of the game.
Maintaining the field for aesthetics and longevity is also important. By using the appropriate machines, the turf will last longer. But from the football-playing perspective, the most critical reason is correct ball response. In other words, with proper maintenance, the players will interact with the surface correctly.
The improvements you can achieve with different turf-grooming techniques are noticeable. So, your budget will influence what type of maintenance you can afford to do as well. At the top professional soccer level, there is no difference between natural turf and artificial turf when it comes to maintenance.
Tips to replace soccer turf
Although the artificial lawn may look nice and acceptable from a distance, you might have to replace the soccer turf. A damaged synthetic pitch is not fun or safe to walk on.
Grading a section can solve most of the problems in that area. But first, make sure that the new artificial grass fabric has a color that matches your turf. When brand-new, soccer turf has a dark green color. Especially if you are replacing an indoor soccer turf.
The grass fibers are usually coated with chemicals to resist discoloration due to UV exposure. As you know, in an outdoor stadium, the pitch remains exposed to the sun. So, manufacturers apply a special coating to help your grass stay green. But the coating only lasts three months. After that, you will see the true color of your new turf. So, you should make a test with several types of turfs before ordering a roll. Suppliers should have no problems in giving you a sample.
Do-it-yourself repairs and turf installation
If you are not hiring an installing company, make sure to stretch the artificial turf roll out into place. Then, put a couple of galvanized nails in those places to hold it in that spot. Keep stretching the roll as you move down from one end to the other.
The key to nailing your 6-inch galvanized nails is using one nail to pull back the rest of the artificial turf blades. Only then, hammer it down with your hammer. Otherwise, you will damage the spot by catching the grass blades as you put the nails in. So, take your time perfecting this step.
Once the nail is down, move the blades around. Try to feel it out with your hand. More importantly, see if the nail head cuts any grass blade. Generally speaking, you do not need a lot of nails in the middle of the soccer pitch, but use plenty of them on either side to stretch it out as possible. That is, fill the perimeters and edges because that is where the lawn can easily get flipped up or come off.
The really skilled part of artificial turf installation includes clean cuts. For one thing, you do not want to mess these cuts up because you will not have more turf to replace the error. Of course, you can put a seam in. But it would ruin the whole section of the soccer pitch because most rolls are to be used as a seamless piece.
Best soccer turf suppliers
These days, most soccer turf suppliers ship their products from China. But as you might know, installing turf in a stadium would be better if the supplier is nearby. After all, if the turf breaks before the warranty expired, you would claim a replacement.
Perhaps, the best way to select a suitable soccer turf supplier is to start with your needs. For example, if you host top-professional athletes, you should search for a supplier who has products that meet FIFA standards.
All the best soccer turf suppliers pay attention to infill. As hinted at above, infill materials relate to the safety of the players or student-athletes that use your stadium. High school athletic directors have plenty of options to choose from. In fact, the amount of companies and information is out there on the Internet.
About price and budget
The more and heavier the infill, the better the chances for a safer surface. But infill is just one side of the coin. The base, sub-base, and backing complete the total package to whether the artificial turf system is going to be a safe, long-lasting, and durable product.
Some companies put a real emphasis on infill. While others do not. Usually, the reason for that is that the more infill, the more the cost goes up. There is no price tag that you can put on the safety of a player or student-athlete as far as an athletic director is concerned.
Sometimes, budgets are a concern. But all the details you read about above can make a difference in the final users’ well-being. As managers or stadium owners, the quality of the product should always trump budget issues. Even though you should be cost cognitive, the players or students are your most precious thing.
In order to be fair to both manufacturers and suppliers, you should list what you want in your final bid proposal for your field. The list should include what you think provides a safe environment for the players or student-athletes.
Soccer field turf Questions and Answers
1. How is synthetic grass made?
Since the invention of astroturf in the 1960s, new field production systems emerged. At first, the carpet industry developed technological advances. To make the artificial grass you see in sports arenas and training facilities around the world, manufacturers had to scale up production.
Today, it all starts with bags of white plastic pellets. The latter is the base material for the turf. Then, the manufacturer adds green pellets for color, along with chemical stabilizers and additives.
Industrial equipment melts and extrudes the plastic through a steel plate with holes in it. In this way, the machine creates strands of green fibers. A water jet cools and solidifies the strands as soon as the machines pull them out.
The synthetic yarn travels through tubing to a tufting machine. In detail, the tufting machine is a giant sawing machine with hundreds of needles. The machine hooks the strands through the meshed synthetic sheeting. Underneath, small knives cut the looped yarn. So, it looks like a spike of grass.
Usually, an inspector examines the turf to make sure the yarns are even. Then, machinery moves it forward to a coating roller. Which binds the yarn to the backing. Once dried, hot pins burn holes into the turf to make it permeable.
Of course, each manufacturer has specific machines and patented equipment to make different products. So, the over quality changes from brand to brand.
2. How is the new generation of artificial grass different from past products?
Previous generations had normal grass fiber. Instead, 3rd and 4th generation turfs have c- or v-shape blades. This detail makes them more resilient. It is almost as if these turfs have a built-in memory function. Plus, the lawn looks more natural.
As the fiber is better, the soccer player who falls after sprinting will not cut himself as badly as before. Thanks to excellent UV stabilization, most products remain green for many years. Nowadays, most products offer more multi-colored yarn with different shades of green. Besides, innovative coating leads to up to 20% less heat storage than previous generations.
Modern turfs have a different design process. In fact, a computer simulates actual grass and provides the engineers with accurate data before production starts. Unlike astroturf of years gone by, manufacturers can now lower the price while providing high-quality products. However, high-quality products still have varying price tags.
The safety aspect of newer turfs includes a softer surface than previous artificial lawns. In most cases, the new turf will comply with your soccer association standards. But thanks to the Internet, you can request a detailed list of features to meet the requirements.
3. Why did artificial grass become so popular in the past few years?
Soccer turfs must meet a lot of safety standards. So, artificial grass offers a quick, affordable solution for stadium owners to save on their investment.
Modern artificial grass is much more stable than previous products. Plus, it stays consistent at all times. This means the soccer teams can use the turf in winter for training and friendly matches or tournaments.
Of course, durability is key in the artificial lawn industry. In 20 years, manufacturers have honed their sports field production processes. They know that synthetic turfs may get up to 100 hours of play on them per week. So, they improved product quality to meet big challenges. As a result, manufacturers often offer a 15-year plus warranty with their turfs.
Today, all-inclusiveness is also a critical topic. Being able to invite anyone in the playing field means ensuring accessibility. For instance, artificial turfs represent the best option for creating pathways for the visually impaired.
Similarly, synthetic grass is ideal for creating a soccer surface anywhere you cannot build a natural grass pitch. At the same time, the latest products and installation techniques ensure no trip hazard. You can create an outdoor or indoor soccer pitch with no edge and a smooth transition. No matter the design of your stadium, specialists can always install a lawn after an in-depth consultation.
4. Should I groom my artificial soccer field sample?
Grooming techniques for artificial grass make a big difference. When synthetic grass arrives at your stadium, it comes in huge, heavy rolls. Sometimes, rolls can weigh over a thousand pounds. So, you should get a sample before placing an order.
What you will notice is that the sample you receive looks matted. So, here is a tip for grooming the sample to better assess the quality of the turf.
First, gather these tools:
- some sharp scissors
- a pen or marker
Squeeze along the edges of the sample. Then, take the scissor and trim the grass along the edge of the backing. Finally, that the pen and place the tip into the outermost groove between the stitch rows. Run the pen or marker through the length of the groove and then repeat on each row.
In the end, the sample will be more representative of the finished installation. The powerbroom you should use after the installation will help you groom the soccer field once in place.
