ARTIFICIAL TURF PITCH MAINTENANCE KEY FOR SUCCESS

Artificial and synthetic surfaces are not maintenance free. Whether it is a 3G astro turf pitch, a sand dressed artificial grass pitch, or a sand filled synthetic turf pitch good maintenance is key for its success, longevity, and continued good play qualities. The use of artificial turf or astro turf pitches has become more and more popular for a variety of sports such as football, hockey, tennis and rugby as well as other uses for schools and sports centres alike. They are however not maintenance free and their success is often dependent on the maintenance and cleaning regimes implemented. ‘ It is a false economy simply to leave them until a problem arises’ says David Townsend, Maintenance Manager at Synthetic Sports Surface Company SSP Ltd, ‘I was watching a football match the other day on a 3g pitch and you could see the ball bouncing differently in areas of the 3g pitch. The different levels in fill and its uneven distribution having a subtle but obvious affect’. Compaction of the infill together with contamination will lead to poor performance and drainage issues on a poorly maintained astro turf. Whilst the maintenance expense should not be uneconomical there should be expenditure made available to avoid expensive future corrective maintenance. Not only this but the managers of such surfaces have a responsibility to ensure the synthetic turf surface is safe for players and users. Poor traction and safe carpet seams are essential for the artificial grass system not becoming slippery or containing trip points. Artificial turf pitch maintenance is key for success as it will ensure a safe environment for users as well as aiding the longevity of the surface and maximising the investment made. Astro Turf pitches are well used and more and more will be built to help our sporting traditions. They are a good surface but Artificial turf pitch maintenance is key to success.

For more information on ARTIFICIAL TURF PITCH MAINTENANCE KEY FOR SUCCESS talk to SSP Specialised Sports Products Ltd