David Chaney and his team of researchers at the North Carolina State University- College of Textiles created artificial grass, or artificial turf, in 1960 for baseball fields. It wasn't until the 1970's that artificial turf became the top pick of surface material used in sport stadiums and fields across the USA and Canada. This material allowed traditional outdoor sports to be moved indoors, such as football and baseball and later soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and tennis.

Soon after, artificial grass was used at ski and snowboard resorts and clubs in Europe to create a feeling of warm and sunny conditions. Airports began using the surfacing because it provided a reliable pathway for emergency vehicles and planes that veer off the runway. Neighborhoods, schools and places of business began laying artificial grass on its grounds to reduce the amount of insects and animals that are normally attracted to grass. These places also wanted a pleasing view of always-green grass.

So what exactly is artificial turf?

It's a unique blend of polyethylene monofilament fibers and thatch layer that simulates a fine fescue grass or blue grass. This combination of fibers gives the turf its very soft, rich carpet like feel. Turf products are installed using a shock absorption and drainage pad for a long-lasting healthy environment.

Artificial grass has become the perfect supplement to real grass around the world for sports, recreation, businesses and even schools because this material provides many benefits for places with harsh climates and weather conditions, places with unwanted pests and even places that just want a low-maintenance yard.



Some advantages of installing artificial turf are as follows:

• Artificial turf is a wonderful supplement for places with a hot environment or places that don't get a sufficient amount of sunlight because grass has a difficult time surviving, but artificial turf can survive in any climate or weather condition.

• This surface material doesn't become muddy or flood like natural grass does because it has a layer under the grass-like layer that acts as a drainage system allowing water to fall through to the drain pad and then runoff to public drains.

• You don't need to trim or fertilize the surface, which means you can save money by reducing the number of people hired to maintain your lawn.

• The surface material deters insects and other animals from living in the artificial grass because it eliminates all components required for insect and animal survival, such as, soil, nutrients and water. It also reduces the risk of hidden foreign objects that can potentially injure children who fall.

• Of course, the turf is always vibrant green, so you won't have to worry about the visual appeal of your park, lawn, place of business or playground area.

Artificial turf has many benefits to play areas, residential and commercial lawns, resorts and sports fields. If you would like more information about artificial turf and its benefits, please visit BYO Recreation's website, or give us a call and one of our professionals will be happy to provide you with all the information you desire on artificial turf and other surfaces.

Be sure to check out our previous blog posts to learn more about surfaces and playground safety.