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What are the benefits of artificial turf?

Artificial turf only offers benefits, especially at a practical level:

• Artificial turf can be played more and for longer
• Artificial turf is unaffected by extreme weather conditions
• Artificial turf requires less maintenance than ‘real’ grass
• Artificial turf saves space.
• Artificial turf is ideal for technical training
• Artificial turf will allow you to earn back the investment after only a few years.

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Has synthetic grass been on the market for long?

In 1965 the very first synthetic grass baseball-field was installed in the US.  Since then synthetic grass has evolved phenomenally.  In Europe hockey was the ‘pioneer’ in the synthetic grass world.  Because of the major benefits other qualities were gradually developed for a wider range of sports.  Synthetic grass is for instance gaining increasing popularity in football.

Could moles damage artificial turf?

An artificial turf mat is in principle made in the same way as a carpet.  The synthetic fibres are tufted into a canvas and subsequently reinforced with a layer of latex.  This “backing” is so strong that moles cannot dig through it. In some cases an impermeable root canvas/foil is applied between the base and the artificial turf mats.

Will puddles stay on the artificial turf pitch?

Water permeability is one of the advantages an artificial-grass pitch has over a natural-grass pitch. First and foremost small holes are stuck in the artificial-grass backing to allow the water to drain through to the subsoil. The subsoil, moreover, consists of highly absorbent materials such as crushed rubble, gravel or a mixture of mineral matter. During heavy downpours the base is able to ‘store’ excess water and allow it to seep through slowly to the in-built draining pipes. All of the above enables the artificial turf to be kept in good working order.

How long will an artificial turf field last?

The life expectancy of an artificial turf naturally depends on the maintenance and how often/intensively it is played on.  
As standard you can reckon on an average of 10 years.  After that period the characteristics of play can steadily deteriorate. If this is the case and your field really needs renewing, then you have the option only to replace the top layer.  A measure which is considerably less drastic from a budgetary angle and yet makes your artificial turf field as good as new.

How do I keep a water-based hockey field free form algae?

The formation of algae increases the likelihood of slipping.  For that reason a team of specialists from Desso Sports will visit once or twice a year to professionally maintain and remove any build up of algae that has formed.  The club itself can easily practise the every day maintenance.  A water-based field must be sprinkled constantly.  In order to prevent the growth of algae hydrogen peroxide must be added to the sprinkler water at least 2 nights a week.  In the autumn this can even increase to five times a week.  In addition the field must be brushed at least once a month in the direction of the pile with a rotating brush.

What is the difference between playing on artificial turf and natural grass?

The feeling of play is subjectively similar and yet there are measurable elements that make it possible to compare artificial turf and natural grass.  Ball rolling, bouncing, sliding characteristics, heat development, shock absorption and wear and tear are only a few of the characteristics extensively tested by Desso Sports Systems. For instance, Desso’s sliding tester measures the heat-development between the turf and the skin. On the basis of that information fibre structures and compositions are revised until the artificial turf is as close as possible to perfect natural grass.  
If you are in any doubt, you can always contact us to visit a Desso artificial turf field in your area and to feel the difference yourself.

Is the hardness of an artificial turf field comparable to that of a natural grass field?

The hardness of a Desso artificial turf field corresponds to that of a good natural grass field.  Because artificial turf fields felt relatively hard in the past the compositions of the rubbery material with which the artificial turf is filled were analysed.  Currently you can choose between SBR, EPDM and TPE to fill your artificial turf field and these are available in various colours.  This choice depends on the quality of your artificial turf and the sport for which the field was designed.  The base and shock-absorbing layer under the artificial turf is also important as regards the hardness of a field.  Desso Sports is happy to advise you on your choice.

Can I play on artificial turf in ordinary boots?

Generally you can wear your normal sports shoes on artificial turf.  If you are playing sport on a Desso-artificial turf pitch, then you do not have to buy any special shoes.

Am I more likely to graze when playing sport on artificial turf? Can I make sliding tackles?

Today all the components of the artificial turf are developed in such a way that there is no additional risk of grazing or burning injuries.  Here we are mainly thinking of sliding tackles where the skin makes direct contact with the grass.  Desso Sports has a unique method for measuring and evaluating sliding characteristics. Based on the results the artificial turf components are adjusted so that the heat-development in the event of friction is almost as low as with natural grass.  Moreover the synthetic grass fibres and infill are composed on the basis of skin-friendly materials.

Can the colour of the artificial turf rub off onto my clothes during the game?

No. Artificial turf is colour-fast and the colour of the artificial turf will consequently not rub off onto your clothes, ball or other material.

Can a synthetic grass pitch be played on in freezing weather or heavy downpours?

In comparison to natural grass the characteristics of play on artificial turf are more stable.  Artificial turf pitches are drained in an efficient way and can also be played on a lot quicker after a heavy downpour than a natural grass pitch.  If you live in a region where there are harsh winters, then you may consider integrating a heating system under your artificial turf.  Desso Sports Systems will be happy to advise you.

Can I contact a person with experience of playing on artificial turf?

Would you like to experience what artificial turf feels like yourself, then you can always contact your local Desso Sports Systems office or drop us a line via the contact form.

Does a ball behave in the same way on artificial turf as it does on an ordinary field?

The difference in ball behaviour between natural fields and artificial turf is constantly reducing.  Depending on the quality of artificial turf chosen and the base the top performing artificial turf systems are increasingly more like playing on natural grass.  Desso Sports Systems’ newest artificial turf quality Desso Challenge Pro² is an artificial turf mat on which the characteristics of play are very close to those of natural grass.

Can everyone play on artificial turf?

Yes, the newest artificial turf systems are even considered very user friendly by professional players.  From young to old, amateur to professional…due to the skin-friendly characteristics and good shock absorption artificial turf is suitable for everyone.

At what sporting levels is artificial turf used?

Desso GrassMaster has been FIFA and UEFA certified for official top football matches for a long time.  UEFA, the European Football Association, has now also given the green light to hold competitions of the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup and the qualifying heats of the World cup and European championships on artificial turfs. Artificial turf is also recognised in other sports in addition to football for top matches at the highest level.  Naturally artificial turf is also suitable for amateurs, associations and schools.

Do heavy downpours or winter weather not have any impact on the quality of the grass?

The quality of the grass is not affected by extreme weather conditions.  The artificial pitch should only be rested  in cases where there has been  a heavy frost.

Could I be injured more easily on an artificial turf pitch?

No. The shock absorption of an artificial turf field is tested very extensively.
In order to make the artificial turf feel as natural as possible it is filled with sand and/or rubber pellets.  These give the sportsperson the same feel and shock absorbency as soil with natural turf.  The filler is developed so that it offers the best functional sporting characteristics for the sportsperson.  Naturally the base also plays a role in relation to the technical sporting characteristics. A mixture of lava and/or rubber of circa 10 cm are applied to the foundation.
An e-layer or elastic layer made from bonded rubber can also be chosen. This ensures the necessary shock absorption and makes artificial turf very friendly to the muscles and joints.

What happens to artificial turf if I drop a cigarette on it?

Smoking on artificial turf is not recommended. A burning cigarette could indeed damage the fibre.

After how many years will an artificial pitch need replacement? - What is replaced?

The life expectancy of an artificial turf naturally depends on the maintenance and how often/intensively it is played on. 

As standard you can reckon on an average of 15 years.  After that period the play characteristics deteriorate. In these circumstances you do not have to replace the entire field. Usually only the turf requires renewal and the sub-base can be re-used. This has positive implications for facility budgets.

How often do you have to mow a Desso GrassMaster pitch?

The frequency of mowing depends greatly on the conditions of grass growth (temperature and humidity) and the stadium architecture.  The maintenance of a Desso GrassMaster pitch is in fact comparable to that of a natural pitch. The difference is that the field is stronger and more stable thanks to the injected synthetic grass fibres. Thus some typical natural grass problems are resolved.

Can Desso GrassMaster also be installed on smaller areas?

No. The computer-controlled machines which inject the artificial turf into the soil are designed to equip a sports fields with synthetic grass fibres as quickly and efficiently as possible.  As a result the machines are too large for use in gardens, drives, etc. 

Can 1 artificial turf be used for different purposes?

Yes. There are a number of set combinations like soccer/rugby/American football where all those sports can be played on the same field.  The various line markings are then integrated in a different colour. This is also possible for indoor sports areas that have almost the same demands on a field.  For schools and local authorities, multifunctional artificial grass pitches are often the best solution so that many sports can be played.  Sports like hockey require a special artificial turf and are consequently more difficult to combine with other sports.
Desso GrassMaster can also be used for different sports. By adapting the line markings this reinforced natural grass system offers a lot more possibilities.  The field of the Denver Broncos is a good example of this.