"I coach high school, premier and club soccer. I've played on a lot of indoor artificial turf fields and have seen the benefits first hand. I remember playing on the old surfaces. My knees, back and ankles would get so sore. This new artificial turf just doesn't even compare."
Dave DeConto
Donated $250,000 for artificial turf field at Sandwich High School in Massachusetts
A New Generation of Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf was introduced to much fanfare in the 1960s, but it was not until the early 1980s when a vastly improved second generation product gained widespread popularity. Then in the late 1990s, an infilled synthetic turf system was introduced that duplicated the look and playability of lush grass, and is the basis for the ever-evolving systems of today. With significant enhancements in appearance, performance, drainage, durability, quality and safety, the synthetic turf market is now booming in its three major segments: athletic fields, landscaping and golf.
Synthetic turf manufacturers and installers do not announce publically the square footage of the turf they manufacture or install, or their annual revenues. Nevertheless, Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI) publishes an annual report on the synthetic turf market, which it sells at a substantial cost on its website, www.amiplastics.com. Its April 26, 2010 press release announcing the results of its 2009 market survey may be viewed here.
Why the Growth?
There are several factors contributing to the increased demand for synthetic turf, including significantly improved safety, playability, and appearance since its introduction. Other factors include:
- Proliferation of multi use athletic fields, with durability a key factor in increased utilization;
- Growing demand for synthetic turf in residential and commercial landscape, golf, municipal parks, airports, highway medians, and many other applications;
- Lower annual operating costs and ongoing maintenance requirements;
- Favorable environmental aspects - eliminating water usage, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and utilizing recycled auto tires for the infill;
- Extension of the playing seasons for all sports, and the ability to use the surface in all weather conditions.
The Numbers
- About 5,500 synthetic turf sports fields are in use in the United States;
- The Association of Synthetic Grass Installers estimates that in 2009 more than 60 million square feet of synthetic turf lawns was installed in the U.S., up 20% from 2006;
- In 2009, nearly 1,000 synthetic turf fields were installed in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. In contrast, just 400 fields were installed in 2003.
To learn more about the benefits of synthetic turf, click here.
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