The use of artificial grass to replace natural grass is becoming increasingly predominant in today’s world. Especially in sports, different sports pitches use one of the many different types of artificial grass because of the superior qualities it has over natural grass. It for instance does not require any sunlight or mowing and it can be used more often. However, when it comes to comfort, artificial grass is still no match for a well maintained natural grass turf. This report aims to provide a proposal to enhance the comfort, i.e. reduce the discomfort of artificial grass by altering the surface properties. It therefore is focused on artificial grass that is designed to be in contact with human skin, such as artificial sports grass like soccer or field hockey. The report starts off with a description of several different kinds of artificial grass. Thereafter, it is investigated what types of discomfort or injuries typically result from using the turf, after which the underlying reasons for this discomfort are investigated. This eventually leads to a number of possible solutions and a final conclusion.
Artificial grass, mostly used as football/soccer grass, or golf grass, is a synthetic material which is manufactured with plastic and is easy to install. Pay heed to all these points before you install it in your home.
PROS
Aesthetically Pleasing It looks lush green, is always well-manicured and has an aesthetically pleasing look in all the seasons. Unlike real grass, it does not get damaged by external weather conditions like rain or harsh sunlight.
Maintenance Free
Artificial grass is stain-resistant, does not create muddy footprints, is low in maintenance and does not require herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers to grow. Since it does not need to be watered, it helps in preventing water usage without compromising on the aesthetics of the landscaped lawn. However it needs to be cleaned and sanitised periodically to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Looks like Real Grass
Artificial grass mimics the look of real grass and is available in different blade lengths, textures, density and shades of green. It can be used outdoors or indoors. Since it is a flexible material, it can be cut and installed as small strips between the walkway pavers.
Pet-Friendly
It cannot be dug and spoilt by pets. Make it a point to immediately remove pet waste from artificial grass and clean it with soapy water to minimise odour and prevent it from becoming a potential health hazard. Also, it will be perfect for just landscape grass, or a patch of decoration grass.
Resistant to Fading
This type of greenery is UV resistant which prevents the grass from fading in sunlight. As a result, artificial grass maintains its green colour throughout the year while natural grass may turn brown in the presence of excessive sunlight.
Highly Durable
It is long-lasting and can be used for upto 10 to 15 years depending on its quality and maintenance. If installed in a shaded area it will last longer than real grass which is exposed to direct sunlight.
Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass
The benefits and risks associated with natural grass and artificial turf playing fields have been the subjects of multiple studies. But few have examined the safety of these surfaces in high school sports — and none have examined the risks in high school sports beyond football. Also, the maintenance of a mini football grass won't be so high.
ARTIFICIAL TURF BENEFITS
Despite the protective benefits of natural grass fields, fewer schools use them because of the extra maintenance required and lack of flexibility. For example, if it rains on a Wednesday, students may have to stay off the field to prevent damage before a Friday night football game.
Artificial turf, including the the use of leisure grass, is easier to maintain, doesn't require water or fertilizer and can accommodate a variety of activities. With artificial turf, students can practice on the field in almost any weather without damaging the ground. Also, artificial turf doesn't freeze in the winter or thin out in the summer.
Dr. Voos says parents may want to ask coaches and athletic directors how they maintain their turf to keep students safe. "The main thing we want to emphasize is for parents and students to be aware of the difference," he adds. "Make sure kids have the right shoes in good condition, appropriate helmets and proper protective equipment."
The most popular use of artificial grass is to install it in a residential grass garden to replace an existing lawn as garden grass.
The popularity of artificial grass has grown at a fantastic rate and many homeowners are now realising the benefits of having artificial grass in their home.
Although it is not completely maintenance-free (as some manufacturers and installers will claim), compared to a real lawn, the maintenance involved with artificial grass is minimal.
This appeals to many people with busy lifestyles, as well as the elderly, who are often physically unable to maintain their gardens and lawns.
It’s also great for lawns that receive continual, year-round use from pets and children.
Synthetic turf is perfectly safe for both your family and your pets to use, and can even create a safer environment than real grass, as you’ll no longer need to use pesticides or fertilisers in your garden.
Many of our customers have become tired of traipsing up and down their lawn, mower in hand, instead preferring to spend their precious spare time in their garden with their feet up, enjoying a nice glass of wine.