Although many people refer to synthetic grass and artificial turf as the same thing they are actually two different types of products that have been manufactured to perform two different types of tasks. In general, artificial turf is used for sporting and playing fields or playgrounds. It is designed to provide a surface that responds to sudden changes of direction and is cushioned enough to protect the body when you fall on it.
Where artificial grass has gotten itself a bad name is in the use of granulated rubber that was sourced from recycled tires as the turf infill. Infill is required to act as an artificial dirt to help the grass blades stand upright as well as providing a level of cushioning that approximates the natural cushioning of real grass.
Another sticking point with the use of artificial turf is the question over whether using it causes a higher number of injuries for athletes. It certainly created new injuries such as turf burn and turf toe, both of them unique to playing on synthetic turf. Over the years though there have been large steps forward in the technology used to simulate real grass conditions. Most specifically is the infill that is used these days that are now being made from different materials than in the past.
Two factors are very important for synthetic turf surfaces if they are going to be acceptable replacements for natural grass. The first is known as the coefficient of friction which talks about the ability for an athlete to turn suddenly on the surface. The tendency for synthetic turf to grab at the cleats of the player’s shoes can cause ankle and knee injuries.
The second factor is known as the coefficient of restitution which looks at the shock absorption provided by the surface. There is a standard level at which shock must be able to be absorbed and this must be met by all types of synthetic surfaces to avoid injury and concussion.
There is going to continue to be debate over whether synthetic turf is a safe surface to play on or not. Remember though, synthetic turf has been manufactured to provide a sporting surface that prevents injury and allows for peak performance. The primary function of synthetic grass, on the other hand, is to provide a landscaping solution that looks as similar to natural grass as possible.
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What do you think?
I had no idea that the two were different. I was just looking for synthetic grass for my yard for next spring, I am fed up with the mowing and the watering. I just need something that look decent so the neighbors don’t whine about my yard.