Artificial grass keeps ‘growing’ in popularity for sports applications because of its myriad benefits compared to regular turf. For hockey fields, high quality artificial grass like that offered by Turf Green Brisbane is massively favoured. With a consistent playing surface that allows for fast, intense play while minimising injuries – not to mention the low maintenance requirements and year-round vibrant green – it’s no wonder so many modern hockey fields are opting for artificial grass.
Is Fake Grass the Best Option for a Hockey Field?
Does Artificial Turf Create a Consistent Playing Field?
One of the major draws to using artificial turf is its levelness and stability. This uniform surface that always stays in its flat, pristine condition and doesn’t develop uneven areas or get muddy is ideal for fair, safe, and ultimately more fun gameplay. With natural grass, there’s always the risk of bumps that cause the ball to move in unexpected ways or cause tripping. Artificial grass nips so many of the drawbacks of natural grass right in the bud. With more predictable ball movement and better control, players can engage in a much more strategic game.
Does Artificial Turf Increase Safety for Hockey Fields?
Artificial turf has been shown to decrease the risk of injuries when used for hockey fields. However, first remember that the quality of the grass makes a big difference. You should always consult with an expert like Turf Green on what type of infill, drainage, and foundation to use for the best safety enhancement for a hockey field. It’s also important to regularly maintain the grass to keep it in top shape and retain its benefits.
There are some great ways artificial turf increases safety for hockey fields, including:
- Shock Absorption: With enhanced shock absorption, particularly if a shock-absorbing foundation is used beneath the grass, players have extra cushioning beneath their feet. This means there’s reduced strain on their joints as they play intensely, particularly in their knees and ankles. Also, the soft but sturdy flooring minimises the risk of injury from nasty falls, preventing concussions, strains, and broken or fractured bones.
- Slip-Proof: The best artificial turf for hockey fields helps reduce friction, especially in a game where players are constantly stopping and turning at a fast pace. This flooring will prevent slips and falls, helping to reduce the risk of injury.
- Precise Movement: Because of the even flooring, the ball travels faster and more precisely. This adds a level of control to the game, where there’s less risk of error or danger from unpredictable ball movements.
- Weather Resistance: Artificial turf can sometimes be slippery when wet, but it dries a lot faster than regular grass. It also doesn’t get muddy. This increases safe play all year.
Can Artificial Grass be Better for Intense Field Hockey Gameplay?
Although a lower quality field might be acceptable for people playing hockey just for fun, when it comes to professional, intense hockey players, they want a field that can allow them to show off their skills and be competitive. With the faster and more predictable ball movement, players are able to make more strategic moves while also playing with quicker reflexes.
The game becomes more exciting for players as they can develop their skills more and more. Greater agility is enabled, particularly with the added safety that allows more movement with less risk. Fewer interruptions from poor ball movement and bounces, fewer injuries, better speed, and all-weather no-mud playing create a far superior game for those looking to have professional gameplay.
Can Artificial Turf be used Year-Round for Hockey Fields?
Natural grass can easily be affected by the weather – whether it’s becoming muddy and unusable due to rain or going brown and patchy due to drought or poor growing conditions. Artificial turf totally circumvents these issues. It doesn’t get muddy, has great drainage, and always stays green and stunning. It doesn’t need mowing, has amazing durability, and can withstand intense play.
Because artificial turf has all these benefits, players are able to enjoy games any time of the year, and in any weather. No need to cancel events or reduce the intensity of play. This is especially important for sports centres with fewer resources, such as for schools or community centres. Players are always kept busy, without the need to stop for high-level maintenance at any time.
Is Artificial Turf an Environmentally Friendly Choice for Hockey Fields?
One of the greatest benefits of ‘fake grass’ is that it has little environmental impact. It’s literally a green option for sports venues! Here are some of the great ways it helps the environment:
- Less Water: Unlike natural grass, artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered. Its drainage options can even be used to collect water after rainfall. This is a fantastic boost for the environment, but particularly great for areas that often face drought.
- Less Chemicals: Again, artificial beats natural when it comes to chemical use. Natural grass often requires pesticides and fertilisers to stay vibrant green and not patchy. Artificial grass always stays as is, without any need for harsh chemicals. Because chemicals don’t run off the grass and into ecosystems, the entire area benefits.
- Less Maintenance: The lower maintenance needs mean energy and resources are saved, such as fuel used for mowing.
Contact us
Would you like to explore the artificial turf options for your hockey field? Our experts at Turf Green Brisbane are excited to help! We’ll run you through what will work best for your needs, from foundations to infills, and get you started on the journey to greater gameplay. Contact us now.
