Pros and Cons of Installing an Artificial Grass Sports Field

If you’re part of a sports club in Perth, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend—artificial turf is becoming an increasingly popular choice for sports fields. 

With its reputation for durability and low maintenance, synthetic grass offers a practical alternative to natural grass, especially in a climate where water restrictions and extreme weather conditions can impact field quality.

But is artificial turf the right solution for your club? 

While it offers numerous advantages, such as year-round usability and reduced upkeep costs, there are also potential downsides, including heat retention and long-term sustainability concerns.

Making the best decision for your club requires a clear understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks.

So let’s start with the pros and cons of a synthetic sporting surface.

Artificial turf has revolutionised sports fields across Perth, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.

Designed with synthetic fibres that mimic the look and feel of real grass, modern artificial turf provides a consistent playing surface, making it a popular choice for various sports, from football and soccer to rugby and hockey.

The rise in artificial turf installations across Perth can be attributed to the city’s unique climate. With hot summers and limited rainfall, maintaining lush natural grass fields can be challenging and expensive.

Most synthetic turf systems consist of three main components:

1. Synthetic Fibres – These replicate natural grass blades, offering durability and a realistic aesthetic.
2. Infill Material – Often made from rubber granules or sand, this provides cushioning and stability.
3. Backing System – The foundation that secures the fibres and ensures drainage efficiency.

Perth sports clubs are choosing artificial turf for a variety of reasons, including improved field availability, reduced maintenance costs, and the ability to withstand heavy usage.

Below, we break down the advantages in detail.

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✓ Durability and Year-Round Playability

One of the biggest advantages of artificial turf is its resilience. Unlike natural grass, which can become patchy, muddy, or uneven after heavy use, synthetic fields maintain a consistent playing surface throughout the year.

• High resistance to wear and tear – Artificial turf can endure thousands of hours of gameplay without significant deterioration.
• All-weather performance – Whether it’s the scorching Perth summer or unexpected rain, artificial turf remains playable, unlike natural grass, which can dry out or turn into a mud pit.
• Long lifespan – A well-maintained synthetic turf field can last between 10 to 15 years, making it a cost-effective investment.

This durability ensures that sports clubs can schedule matches, training sessions, and events without worrying about field damage or extended recovery times.

✓ Low Maintenance and Cost Savings

Maintaining a natural grass field is both time-consuming and expensive. Between mowing, fertilising, watering, and re-turfing, the costs quickly add up. Artificial turf significantly reduces these ongoing expenses.

• No watering required – Natural grass fields need at least 25mm of water per week in warm weather, adding up to thousands of litres annually. Synthetic turf eliminates this need, saving water and reducing utility costs.
• No mowing or fertilisers – Groundskeepers no longer need to invest in lawn care equipment or chemicals, further cutting operational costs.
• Fewer labour hours – Clubs can allocate resources to other areas instead of spending excessive time on field maintenance.

While the initial installation cost of artificial turf can be significant, the long-term savings on upkeep make it a financially sustainable choice for many sports organisations.

✓ Consistent and Safe Playing Surface

A well-maintained artificial turf field provides a uniform playing surface, which can enhance athlete performance and reduce injury risks.

• Even traction and ball roll – Unlike natural grass, which can develop bumps and bare patches, synthetic turf offers a smooth and predictable surface.
• Reduced risk of divots and potholes – These common issues in natural grass fields can cause trips and falls, leading to player injuries.
• Customisable shock absorption – Many modern artificial turfs are designed with shock-absorbing infill, reducing joint impact and the risk of long-term injuries.

These factors contribute to a safer and more reliable playing environment for athletes at all levels.

✓ Environmental Benefits in Water-Scarce Regions

Perth’s climate presents significant challenges for maintaining natural grass fields. With ongoing water restrictions and sustainability concerns, artificial turf offers an environmentally conscious alternative.

• Saves water – A standard sports field can require 5,000 litres of water per day during summer, whereas artificial turf requires none.
• Reduces chemical use – Natural grass maintenance often involves pesticides and fertilisers, which can contaminate local waterways. Synthetic turf eliminates this concern.
• Minimises carbon emissions – No need for fuel-powered mowers, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

For sports clubs looking to align with environmental sustainability goals, artificial turf is a responsible choice that helps conserve natural resources.

✓ Increased Field Usage and Revenue Opportunities

One of the most practical benefits of artificial turf is its ability to handle continuous usage without needing recovery time. This allows sports clubs to maximise their field availability.

• No rest periods needed – Unlike natural grass, which requires downtime for regrowth, artificial turf can host back-to-back matches and training sessions.
• More opportunities for community events – Sports clubs can rent out their fields for additional revenue, including corporate sports days, school events, and fitness programs.
• Higher return on investment – While the upfront cost of artificial turf installation can be high, the ability to generate continuous revenue helps offset the expense over time.

For clubs looking to expand their offerings and increase member engagement, artificial turf opens up a range of possibilities.

✗ Heat Retention and Player Comfort

One of the most significant concerns with artificial turf—especially in Perth’s hot climate—is its tendency to absorb and retain heat.

Unlike natural grass, which has cooling properties, synthetic fibres can become uncomfortably hot under direct sunlight.

• Artificial turf can be up to 30-50°C hotter than natural grass on warm days. Studies have recorded temperatures exceeding 70°C on synthetic fields, posing risks for players.
• Increased risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration – Playing on a scorching-hot surface can lead to faster fatigue and heat-related illnesses.
• Possible burns and discomfort – Players who fall or make contact with the turf for extended periods may experience skin burns.

To combat this issue, clubs can implement cooling measures such as water misting systems or alternative infill materials, but these solutions come with additional costs.

✗ Injury Risks and Harder Surface Impact

While artificial turf provides a consistent playing field, it doesn’t always replicate the natural give of real grass. Some players and medical professionals express concerns over its impact on athlete health.

• Increased joint strain – Harder surfaces can contribute to more stress on joints, increasing the likelihood of overuse injuries.
• Higher risk of turf burns – Sliding on synthetic grass can cause painful abrasions that are less common on natural turf.
• Potential for non-contact injuries – Some studies suggest a slightly higher incidence of ACL tears and ankle sprains on artificial surfaces compared to natural grass.

Although modern synthetic turf is designed with better shock absorption, sports clubs should consider the specific needs of their athletes when evaluating injury risks.

✗ Environmental Concerns and End-of-Life Disposal

While artificial turf saves water and eliminates pesticide use, it raises other environmental concerns, particularly around sustainability and waste.

• Microplastic pollution – Many artificial turfs use rubber and plastic infill, which can break down over time and contribute to microplastic contamination in the environment.
• Limited recyclability – Once artificial turf reaches the end of its lifespan (typically 10-15 years), disposal can be challenging, as many facilities lack proper recycling programs.
• Potential chemical exposure – Some older synthetic turfs have been found to contain chemicals that may pose health concerns, though modern versions have improved in this regard.

Sports clubs committed to environmental sustainability should carefully research turf materials and consider responsible disposal plans when replacing old fields.

✗ High Initial Installation Costs

While artificial turf reduces long-term maintenance expenses, the upfront investment can be a barrier for some clubs.

• Installation costs typically range between $300,000 and $1,200,000 per full-sized sports field.
• Additional infrastructure may be required – Drainage systems, shock pads, and specialised infill can add to the cost.
• Replacement costs – Even though artificial turf lasts a decade or more, eventual replacement is necessary, adding to long-term financial considerations.

For clubs with tight budgets, the decision to invest in artificial turf requires careful financial planning.

✗ Reduced Natural Feel and Player Preference

Despite technological advancements, artificial turf still doesn’t fully replicate the feel of natural grass. Some athletes and coaches prefer the traditional playing experience, and switching to synthetic fields can be met with resistance.

• Ball movement and traction differences – Some players find that artificial turf affects the way the ball moves, bounces, and rolls.
• Aesthetic differences – While artificial turf looks well-maintained year-round, some clubs miss the fresh, natural appearance of real grass.
• Psychological impact – Players who have trained on natural grass for years may find it harder to adjust to synthetic surfaces.

Sports clubs should consider player feedback and training adaptability before making the switch.

Artificial Turf vs. Natural Grass

Natural Grass: The Traditional Choice

Natural grass has been the go-to option for sports fields for decades. It provides a soft, natural feel underfoot and is often preferred by athletes for its impact absorption.

However, maintaining a grass field in Perth’s climate can be costly and time-consuming.

Pros

• Superior cooling properties – Stays significantly cooler than artificial turf, reducing heat-related discomfort.
• More eco-friendly – No synthetic materials, microplastic concerns, or recycling challenges.
• Preferred by many players – Offers a natural grip, ball movement, and softer landing.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements – Regular watering, mowing, fertilising, and reseeding needed.
• Weather-dependent – Can become muddy in wet conditions or dry and patchy during droughts.
• Limited durability – Heavy use leads to divots, uneven surfaces, and field closures for regrowth.

Artificial Turf vs. Hybrid Turf

Hybrid Turf: The Best of Both Worlds?

Hybrid turf combines natural grass with synthetic fibres to improve durability while retaining some natural feel. It’s commonly used in elite-level stadiums and high-performance venues.

Pros

• More durable than natural grass – Reinforced fibres help maintain field integrity.
• Natural cooling benefits – Still cooler than full synthetic turf.
• Enhanced playability – Offers a balance of consistent surface and traditional feel.

Cons

• Still requires natural grass maintenance – Watering, mowing, and fertilising remain necessary.
• Expensive to install – Costs more than both natural grass and some artificial turf options.
• Limited availability – Not as widely used or accessible as artificial turf.

Choosing the best playing surface for your sports club is a significant decision that impacts performance, maintenance costs, and long-term sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• Artificial turf offers durability and year-round playability but can become extremely hot in the summer.
• It requires minimal maintenance, saving on water and upkeep costs, but the initial installation is expensive.
• Artificial turf provides a consistent playing surface but may increase the risk of turf burns and joint strain.
• Environmental impact varies – while it conserves water, concerns exist about microplastics and recycling at end-of-life.
• Natural grass is cooler and preferred by many athletes, but it requires high maintenance and is vulnerable to weather conditions.
• Hybrid turf offers a compromise, but it’s costly and still requires some natural grass upkeep.

Choosing the right sports surface is a big decision, and getting it right from the start can save your club time, money, and unnecessary headaches.

With years of experience and a commitment to quality, Evergreen Synthetic Grass is Perth’s trusted leader in artificial turf solutions.

We understand the unique demands of sports clubs and offer expert guidance to help you make the best choice.

Our high-performance artificial turf is designed for durability, safety, and long-term cost savings—so you can focus on the game, not the upkeep.

Looking to learn more? Contact us today at (08) 9303 2130 or claim your FREE quote online to save time and money.