What is synthetic turf?
It is a grass like surface that replicates lush natural grass in functionality and appearance.
Synthetic turf provides athletes a consistent surface that is playable year round and able to
endure roughly triple the use without downtime for recovery. For landscape purposes, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance surface that doesn't need to be watered or fertilized.

How is synthetic turf installed?
Synthetic turf systems first require design, planning and creation of specifications. Once completed, excavation, leveling and surface grading will be completed. Next, drainage systems are installed to prevent water buildup on surface. The turf is now ready to be laid on a multilayered backing system. The grass blades are then in-filled with a granular filler to provide stability, uniformity and to resemble natural turf. The length and quality of the turf is typically determined by type of play, budget and other activity requirements.

Why the popularity of synthetic turf?
Due to the need of resilient fielding that can handle many hours of play synthetic turf proves to be a perfect solution. Turf fields do not have to be watered, moved, fertilized or aerated which helps organizations both save money and protect the environment. Many educational establishments, municipalities, park systems and residential homes have implemented synthetic turf to meet their needs.

Today's synthetic turf is designed to stimulate the experience of practicing and playing on a grass-like surface year round. There is been an increase in demand in the installation of synthetic turf. Over 800 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are installed annually in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. Many NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf, and it is also approved for World Cup soccer matches.

Turf grass managers recommend against using a natural field for more than 20-24 hours per week or 680-816 per year for a three -season window, synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no "rest" required.

Which sports can be played on synthetic turf?
360 Sports Systems can install turf systems for football, soccer, field hockey, baseball, tennis, lacrosse and rugby. However, due to conservation of water, saving on materials and increase in the amount of rounds played, synthetic turf is making its presence known in the golf arena. There is also an increase of families implementing synthetic turf for residential landscape applications.

How does synthetic turf impact the environment?
Just the process of converting to synthetic turf is environmentally friendly. Water conservation, preventing chemical runoff, utilizing recycled tire rubber for infill, and reduction in CO2 all prove to be sustainable practices. The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) recognizes synthetic turf implementation as part of its green building criteria.

Synthetic turf conserves thousands of gallons of water per week. It is estimated that a grass field will require up to 50,000 gallons or more of water per week during peak season. When there is a drought, natural grass surfaces suffer. Also, the thousands of pounds of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides unneeded.

Lastly, the virtual eliminator of power equipment operations proves beneficial as it lowers the emissions of C02 into the atmosphere.

How does synthetic turf affect us?
Synthetic turf has a minimal impact on our health. There have been numerous studies that tested, run off, skin contact, ingestion and allergy considerations regarding synthetic turf. All conclusions shoed that synthetic is safe on all levels.

In regards to player’s physical safety, studies show that synthetic turf proves a safer surface. Natural fields lose consistency in their surface after many hours of play. This leads to sprained ankles, torn knees and falls. The traction, rotation, slip resistance, surface abrasion and stability that synthetic turf provides help prevent injuries that might have happened previously.

What is the warranty on the turf?
There is an 8 year warranty on premature wear including: fading, breakdown and degradation due to UV rays.

How does the cost of synthetic turf field compare to a natural turf field?
Purchasing a synthetic turf field may seem expensive initially, but the field pays for itself over time, proving to be a highly cost-effective investment. Synthetic turf fields are typically utilized for about 3,000 hours of play per year, with no downtime required. This is the equivalent of three to four well-maintained natural turf fields. Lastly, synthetic turf maintenance costs are two to three times less than natural turf, since no mowing, irrigation or chemicals are needed.

Which type of synthetic turf do I need?
360 Sports Systems will help you through the whole process of choosing the right turf. Our trained staff has the background and knowledge

If you have determined that synthetic turf is the way to go for your organization, determine the type of field needed based upon its desired usage. STC has prepared an information sheet online called Advice for Selecting Synthetic Turf to help you evaluate this decision and select the best provider for your needs.

What kind of maintenance is involved with Synthetic Turf?
Though its much less laborious that natural turf, there is still a small aspect of maintenance.
Types of maintenance would include: clearing of leaves and debris, leveling infill, power brushing the blades of fiber. 360 Sports Systems will provide maintenance programs for all your synthetic turf needs.