Desso Sports Systems
Robert Ramlotstraat 89
9200 Dendermonde, Belgium

Tel +32 52 262 411
Fax +32 52 214 865
www.dessosports.com
 |  
 |  

What is Desso Grassmaster?

the roots of the natural grass grow around the injected artificial grass resulting in a stronger pitch

Desso GrassMaster is a sports field of 100% natural grass reinforced with Desso synthetic grass fibres. The unique element of this patented reinforced natural grass system is the 20 million artificial grass fibres injected 20 cm deep into the pitch. During the growing process, the roots of the natural grass entwine with the synthetic grass fibres and anchor the turf into a stable and even field. In this way the natural grass fibres are well protected against tackles and sliding. Moreover, it ensures better drainage of the pitch. Despite the fact that 3% of the pitch is made up of synthetic grass fibres, Desso GrassMaster gives players the feeling of playing on a 100% natural grass pitch.

The needles of a computer-operated Desso GrassMaster machine inject 20 million Desso synthetic grass fibres into the natural grass

Expressed in figures: Desso GrassMaster comprises 100% natural grass and 20 million individual artificial grass fibres, or 40 000 km artificial fibres, in a single field (the circumference of the globe). Desso GrassMaster has the playing capacity of 3 standard natural grass pitches and over 250 Desso GrassMaster pitches have been installed worldwide

Top clubs like Arsenal FC, Feyenoord, Denver Broncos, Tottenham Hotspur FC and RSC Anderlecht are certainly convinced of the benefits. Desso GrassMaster is authorized both by FIFA and UEFA for top competitions.

Benefits of reinforced natural grass

synthetic grass fibres reinforce the natural pitch
  • The benefits of artificial grass

    The main benefit of artificial grass is its durability. Synthetic turf is so strong that neither weather conditions nor heavy sliding and tackles have an effect on it. In order to combine these benefits with the feel of play on natural grass, Desso Sports developed the reinforced natural grass system. The synthetic fibres also ensure better drainage of the pitch. Loose divots, subsidence, puddles and poorly repaired grass are a thing of the past. Together with the sand sub-base, the synthetic fibres ensure a smooth drainage of excess rainwater. Consequently a good quality of play is assured.
Reinforced natural grass pitch of the RSC Anderlecht plays and feels like pure natural grass
  • Quality of play of natural grass
    The perfect natural grass pitch is, and remains, the most enjoyable surface to play on, but is very hard to achieve. The injected Desso synthetic fibres help towards the target of the perfect natural grass pitch. The feel of playing on a Desso GrassMaster-pitch is identical to that of a 100% natural pitch. Ball behaviour, the interaction between player and pitch, grip and sliding characteristics…all have the natural grass feel.
    Desso GrassMaster is mainly used in stadiums. Often these stadium fields are surrounded by covered seating. As a result the circulation of air is obstructed and the natural growth of the grass impeded. Desso GrassMaster provides a solution in these circumstances.
Desso GrassMaster pitches are maintained in the same way as natural grass pitches
  • More hours of play

    A natural grass pitch can be played on for a maximum of 300 hours per season. A Desso GrassMaster pitch can easily take three times that. In addition to the higher playing capacity, there is also much less damage from play.
  • No extra maintenance

    Despite more frequent use a Desso GrassMaster pitch does not need any extra maintenance compared to natural grass. The clever combination of natural and artificial grass offers better control of the condition of the pitch. And that saves time and costs when caring for the pitch.
Concert on a covered Desso GrassMaster field
  • Smart investment

    Investments in sporting facilities must provide a return. Not only must the sport improve from it, but there must also be a recovery of costs. As a consequence, stadium managers, local authorities and sports clubs increasingly prefer a multifunctional use of the infrastructure. Just think of the organisation of events, concerts, etc.
    Moreover a Desso GrassMaster pitch can be used both for training and playing. Players who know "their" pitch have an important strategic advantage in competition.

Installation of Desso GrassMaster in five stages

First the pitch is excavated and filled with suitable, load-bearing material

Stage 1: preparation of the installation

  • Dig out Cunet. This is the section that is dug out if the existing ground has inadequate bearing capacity.
  • Provide drainage and heating system if applicable
  • Apply a foundation layer for water drainage
  • Add a thin top layer of sand enriched with compost
  • Create an even transition between the foundation and top layer
for an even quicker result you can use rolls of natural turf

Stage 2: the natural grass

  • Choose the type of grass. This is done in consultation with local experts and is obviously extremely important for the quality of the pitch.
  • Sow the natural grass.
  • You can also roll out any turf. This option can save a lot of time if an extra fast installation of your reinforced natural grass pitch is required.
A computer operated machine injects synthetic grass fibres into the pitch every 2 cm

Stage 3: inject synthetic grass fibres

Using the patented technology of Desso Sports Systems the synthetic grass fibres are injected into the pitch by computer-operated machines

  • 20 million ‘blades’ per pitch
  • 1 synthetic grass fibre every 2 by 2 cm
  • 20 cm deep
  • 1.5 to 2 cm of fibre exposed above ground level


Depending on the circumstances stage 2 and 3 may swap places.

the natural grass intertwines around the synthetic fibres which anchors the pitch more securely

Stage 4: natural and synthetic grass become one

  • natural grass grows deeper into the ground along the synthetic fibres
  • real’ grass intertwines with the artificial fibres
  • the turf becomes stronger and more stable
  • the combination of a sand layer and vertically injected synthetic grass fibres ensures faster drainage


Stage 5: Result: a structural, permanent improvement to your natural pitch.

 

 

Maintenance of Desso GrassMaster

lines and other features are painted on the Desso GrassMaster-pitch

The maintenance of a Desso GrassMaster pitch is comparable to that of a natural pitch. Fertilising, re-seeding, mowing and scarifying are the standard tasks. As with a completely natural pitch, the frequency of mowing depends greatly on the temperature and humidity. Desso Sports would be happy to draw up a maintenance programme with you.
The lines are painted on a Desso GrassMaster pitch. The paint is waterproof after drying for an hour. Eye-catching logos and other features can be included in the pitch.

Desso GrassMaster pitch with reinforced natural grass

"Winter maintenance has just been completed and the pitch looks like new again. Thanks to the efficient maintenance programme the Desso GrassMaster system remains in top condition in the long term. And because we save the money usually spent on repairs and laying of new sods, we quickly earn back the installation cost of the system."

Ross Kurcab, Turf Manager Denver Broncos Football Club & Certified Sport Field Manager
More

FAQs about Desso GrassMaster