Turf or Grass ?

[BelieveITorNot]

I'm seeing more and more turf fields popping up throughout the state. It looks really good but isn't really the safest for players (KNEES & TOES). It seems that making hard cuts on turf does damage to the knees and toes. I also see the NFL is working toward moving to all grass. I love the turf look but I love the smell and softness of grass plus player health even more. What's your view on it? 

[UpperCumberlandMan]

Grass os best 

[Madddog2020]

Grass probably is best. But  more and more teams seem to be going to turf. I'm sure turf is cheaper to maintain as well

[Titletime]

Turf provides a much better playing surface, glad to see the increase in number of turf fields 

[TheCommissioner]

Always grass

[Jet Pride]

Turf because of better playing surface and lack of maintenance

[1983]

Grass is the better playing surface

Miss the grass on our field 

[CYJACKETT]

A turf football field offers several key advantages over a traditional grass field, especially for small high school programs with limited budgets. Here's why making the investment in turf can save money and enhance the athletic experience:

1. Reduced Maintenance Costs

   • Grass fields require regular mowing, fertilization, and aeration, which demand expensive equipment, labor, and materials. Turf fields eliminate these recurring costs, freeing up funds for other areas of the program.
   • Turf doesn’t need watering, which reduces water bills—a significant expense in maintaining a grass field.

2. Durability and Year-Round Use

   • Turf fields can withstand heavy use without turning into a muddy mess. They are perfect for schools where multiple teams (football, soccer, band, etc.) share the field, or where weather conditions frequently damage grass fields.
   • Grass fields often need time to "rest" to recover from wear and tear, while turf fields are ready for use immediately after games or practices, maximizing their utility.

3. Weather Resistance

   • Grass fields can become unplayable in rain, leading to game cancellations or costly repairs. Turf fields are designed to drain efficiently, keeping them playable in most weather conditions.

4. Long-Term Savings

   • While the initial cost of installing a turf field is higher, the lack of ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement sod makes it more cost-effective over time.
   • Grass fields often require re-seeding and field repairs after heavy use, which can add up quickly. Turf fields typically last 8–12 years before replacement is necessary.

5. Consistency and Safety

   • Turf provides a consistent playing surface, reducing the risks of injuries caused by uneven patches, holes, or bare spots on grass fields. This can keep athletes healthier and on the field more often.
   • Schools don’t have to worry about patches of grass dying off during extreme heat or cold, ensuring the field looks and performs its best year-round.

6. Community and Revenue Opportunities

   • A turf field can host a variety of events, from regional tournaments to community gatherings, without worrying about field damage. This can generate revenue for the school and enhance its role in the community.
   • Turf fields are visually appealing and give the school a professional, modern look, which can boost morale and pride for students and the community.

7. Environmental Impact

   • Turf reduces the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and require careful handling and costs.
   • The reduced water usage also supports conservation efforts, especially in areas prone to drought.

For small high schools, transitioning to turf isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical choice that aligns with financial constraints, improves safety, and enhances the overall experience for athletes, coaches, and the community. Investing in turf is an investment in the future.

[BelieveITorNot]

On 12/16/2024 at 7:51 AM, CYJACKETT said:

A turf football field offers several key advantages over a traditional grass field, especially for small high school programs with limited budgets. Here's why making the investment in turf can save money and enhance the athletic experience:

1. Reduced Maintenance Costs

   • Grass fields require regular mowing, fertilization, and aeration, which demand expensive equipment, labor, and materials. Turf fields eliminate these recurring costs, freeing up funds for other areas of the program.
   • Turf doesn’t need watering, which reduces water bills—a significant expense in maintaining a grass field.

2. Durability and Year-Round Use

   • Turf fields can withstand heavy use without turning into a muddy mess. They are perfect for schools where multiple teams (football, soccer, band, etc.) share the field, or where weather conditions frequently damage grass fields.
   • Grass fields often need time to "rest" to recover from wear and tear, while turf fields are ready for use immediately after games or practices, maximizing their utility.

3. Weather Resistance

   • Grass fields can become unplayable in rain, leading to game cancellations or costly repairs. Turf fields are designed to drain efficiently, keeping them playable in most weather conditions.

4. Long-Term Savings

   • While the initial cost of installing a turf field is higher, the lack of ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement sod makes it more cost-effective over time.
   • Grass fields often require re-seeding and field repairs after heavy use, which can add up quickly. Turf fields typically last 8–12 years before replacement is necessary.

5. Consistency and Safety

   • Turf provides a consistent playing surface, reducing the risks of injuries caused by uneven patches, holes, or bare spots on grass fields. This can keep athletes healthier and on the field more often.
   • Schools don’t have to worry about patches of grass dying off during extreme heat or cold, ensuring the field looks and performs its best year-round.

6. Community and Revenue Opportunities

   • A turf field can host a variety of events, from regional tournaments to community gatherings, without worrying about field damage. This can generate revenue for the school and enhance its role in the community.
   • Turf fields are visually appealing and give the school a professional, modern look, which can boost morale and pride for students and the community.

7. Environmental Impact

   • Turf reduces the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and require careful handling and costs.
   • The reduced water usage also supports conservation efforts, especially in areas prone to drought.

For small high schools, transitioning to turf isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical choice that aligns with financial constraints, improves safety, and enhances the overall experience for athletes, coaches, and the community. Investing in turf is an investment in the future.

Good find!! But Grass is safer, my only push back.

[MidTennFootball]

20 minutes ago, BelieveITorNot said:

Good find!! But Grass is safer, my only push back.

If the Football team is the one that uses it, maybe. For alot of these schools there are as many as 3-4 different sports using it. Combine that with the amount of precipitation we get every year, turf is cheaper and more consistent over time 

[TheCommissioner]

47 minutes ago, BelieveITorNot said:

Good find!! But Grass is safer, my only push back.

I feel it’s safer too please the beauty of a well manicured grass field on a Friday night under the lights in the fall is special too

[Thatonedude]

A few things. Turf is now cheaper than grass to maintain, IF you have a good grass field. There are plenty of teams with crappy grass fields, that mow it, and throw some sand in the low spots and pot holes, and survive. There's less injuries on grass as long as the field is maintained. A giant pot hole in the field is definitely not safer. That being said, if a school can raise the money, it's the best most cost efficient way to have a good playing surface all year long, but if a team is willing to do the work, and spend the money, grass is way better, but that also probably means that you also need to have a practice field, which you need to maintain to some degree as well. So realistically turf makes more sense.