Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

AstroTurf

AstroTurf is a trademarked brand of synthetic turf designed to mimic the appearance and functionality of natural grass, primarily used in sports fields, recreational areas, and landscaping to provide a durable, low-maintenance surface alternative to live turf. Invented in the mid-1960s by researchers James Faria and Robert Wright, it originated as a solution for urban schoolyards facing challenges with maintaining natural grass under heavy use. The product's breakthrough came in 1966 when it was installed in the Houston , the world's first domed stadium, after the venue's natural grass died due to insufficient sunlight from the painted translucent roof panels. This installation, initially branded as ChemGrass before being renamed AstroTurf to tie into the Astrodome's space-age theme, marked the first widespread adoption of in , enabling year-round play without the limitations of weather or soil conditions. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, AstroTurf became the dominant surface in newly constructed multisport stadiums across the , including venues for , , and soccer, as it offered consistent playability and reduced maintenance costs compared to natural grass. Over time, AstroTurf evolved through multiple generations, incorporating advancements like materials for better cushioning and , addressing early criticisms regarding player safety and heat retention. As of 2025, now a of Sport Group after being sold by in 1988, the brand continues to innovate with eco-friendly, permeable designs suitable for both athletic and non-athletic applications, influencing the global synthetic turf industry.

History

Invention and Early Adoption

AstroTurf originated as Chemgrass, a synthetic turf invented in 1965 by chemists James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright to provide a safe, durable alternative to and playgrounds in urban areas. This development addressed the growing need for all-weather play surfaces that could withstand heavy use without the maintenance challenges of natural grass, particularly in densely populated cities where space for was limited. Funded initially by the through Monsanto's Chemstrand subsidiary, the product featured a short-pile backing designed for traction and cushioning, marking an early innovation in synthetic materials for sports and . The breakthrough adoption of Chemgrass occurred in the Houston , the world's first fully air-conditioned domed stadium, which opened in 1965 with a natural grass field. However, the stadium's translucent roof panels created glare that hindered visibility for outfielders tracking fly balls, prompting officials to paint sections of the panels white; this blocked sunlight essential for grass growth, killing the field and leaving a strained dirt surface that required constant watering and painting to mimic grass. installed Chemgrass in the 's infield in early 1966, with the first uses occurring during high school baseball games before the professional season; the full outfield conversion followed, enabling the first complete game on synthetic turf on July 19, 1966, when the Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8-2. Renamed AstroTurf later that year to reflect its debut, the product transformed the venue into a viable year-round sports facility. Early implementations faced significant hurdles, including high production and installation expenses that initially restricted widespread use beyond demonstration projects. For specifically, the uniform green surface necessitated painted lines to delineate foul areas and baselines, as the short-pile design offered little natural contrast for boundaries. These adaptations highlighted the turf's novelty, though its resilience under the dome's controlled environment proved a key advantage, paving the way for refinements like taller pile systems in subsequent decades.

Expansion in Sports and Commercial Use

Following its debut in the Houston Astrodome, AstroTurf saw rapid adoption across in the late 1960s and 1970s, driven by the need for durable, low-maintenance surfaces in multi-purpose stadiums. In 1969, the became the first team to install AstroTurf at an outdoor venue, covering to accommodate shared use with the and reduce upkeep costs. By the early 1970s, several other MLB teams followed suit, including conversions at Cincinnati's in 1970 and Kansas City's Stadium in 1973, reflecting a broader trend toward synthetic surfaces in new domed and open-air facilities to ensure year-round playability. In the , AstroTurf's expansion accelerated during the 1970s, particularly in enclosed stadiums where natural grass struggled with limited sunlight. The pioneered NFL adoption in 1969 by installing it at , marking the league's shift toward for its resilience under heavy use. This momentum continued with the opening of the in 1975, home to the , which featured AstroTurf as its primary surface to suit the domed environment. By the start of the 1976 season, 16 of the NFL's 28 teams played on first-generation , including variants like AstroTurf, highlighting its dominance in professional football amid growing stadium constructions. Licensing agreements by in the 1970s further fueled this growth, allowing competitors to produce similar systems and resulting in widespread installations across sports venues, with hundreds of fields converted by the decade's end. Beyond elite sports, AstroTurf entered commercial applications in the , targeting non-professional settings for its all-weather reliability. Monsanto aggressively marketed it as a versatile, maintenance-free alternative to natural grass, emphasizing quick installation and adaptability for multi-sport use in ads that showcased its toughness against wear and weather. Early adopters included indoor courts, where the surface provided consistent bounce and traction during the sport's booming popularity, as well as urban parks like New York City's Park, which installed it to withstand high foot traffic and eliminate mowing needs. These uses extended to amateur fields and recreational areas, promoting AstroTurf as an economical solution for public spaces facing budget constraints and environmental challenges. To address criticisms of early AstroTurf's hardness and injury risks, the 1990s introduced infill systems that enhanced playability and safety. Basic sand infills were added to the pile fibers, stabilizing the surface and mimicking natural grass's cushioning, with more advanced rubber-sand mixes following to reduce abrasiveness. This innovation, pioneered in sports turf designs, supported further commercial expansion while improving athlete performance on professional and amateur fields alike.

Modern Developments and Ownership

In the late 1980s, AstroTurf transitioned from its origins under , where it had been developed as a , to greater independence. By 1986, Monsanto established AstroTurf Industries, Inc. as a separate entity to manage the brand's growing popularity. In , company Balsam AG acquired all capital stock of AstroTurf Industries, Inc., marking a shift away from Monsanto's direct control and toward broader licensing arrangements that allowed for expanded production and distribution. During the , the brand introduced polyethylene-based synthetic turf systems, which offered improved durability and a more natural feel compared to earlier variants, aligning with industry advancements in fiber technology. Ownership of AstroTurf underwent several changes in the following decades. In 1994, Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc. (SWRI) acquired the AstroTurf brand from Balsam AG, integrating it into its portfolio of sports surfacing products. SWRI was subsequently purchased in 1996 by American Sports Products Group, Inc., which continued to market AstroTurf amid competitive pressures in the synthetic turf sector. By , and Associates (TMA) took over and intellectual property, rebranding the entity as AstroTurf LLC to streamline operations. In 2016, German-based SportGroup Holding acquired AstroTurf LLC following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, positioning it as a key within a global leader in sports surfaces and expanding its capabilities. Technological advancements continued into the with the development of taller pile systems designed to enhance performance and safety. For instance, the AstroTurf GameDay Grass, introduced in the early , featured a monofilament structure with materials to better mimic natural grass resilience and reduce player injuries. In the , AstroTurf has emphasized sustainable innovations, incorporating eco-friendly options and treatments in its premium turf lines to address environmental concerns and improve hygiene for high-traffic applications. Under SportGroup's ownership, these developments have supported AstroTurf's role in , with products meeting rigorous standards such as certification for international soccer fields.

Manufacturing and Composition

Production Process

The production of AstroTurf begins with yarn extrusion, where or pellets are melted at high temperatures and forced through spinnerets to form continuous synthetic fibers. These fibers are then cooled, stretched for strength, and twisted to mimic natural grass blades, often incorporating UV stabilizers during this stage to enhance durability. Next, the is fed into a machine, where it is stitched into a primary backing material, typically woven , at stitch rates ranging from 5 to 10 tufts per inch to create the turf's pile surface. A secondary backing, composed of or , is then applied via coating to secure the tufts and provide stability, forming a durable carpet-like roll. Post-tufting, materials such as silica sand or rubber crumbs are added during or after for cushioning and , though initial production focuses on the unfilled turf roll. measures throughout the process include testing for UV to prevent fading and , as well as seam strength to ensure under , adhering to industry standards like those from the Synthetic Turf Council. AstroTurf's primary manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, with a major vertically integrated plant in , spanning approximately 375,000 square feet and operational since 1968. Following the 2016 acquisition by SportGroup, all manufacturing operations were consolidated at this Dalton facility to streamline production. The resulting turf is produced in standard rolls measuring 15 feet in width, with customizable lengths up to 100 yards to accommodate various needs. As of 2025, annual global production of synthetic turf, including AstroTurf products, exceeds 500 million square feet, driven by demand in sports and sectors.

Materials and Variations

AstroTurf products primarily utilize synthetic fibers derived from polymers such as , , and to form the visible grass blades. , such as Type 6 or Type 6,6 , is valued for its high and , allowing it to withstand heavy and maintain upright positioning under foot traffic. offers flexibility and a softer , mimicking grass movement while providing good recovery from compression. , in contrast, is selected for its cost-effectiveness and sufficient strength in lower-traffic applications, though it is less resilient than . The turf's foundation consists of backings made from woven or non-woven fabrics, typically composed of or layers, which secure the tufted fibers and facilitate drainage. These backings may include multiple layers for added , with a secondary often applied to enhance seam strength and permeability. Infills, added between the fibers to provide cushioning and , commonly include silica sand for ballast, EPDM rubber granules for shock absorption, or organic alternatives like for environmentally friendlier options. AstroTurf variations have evolved to address performance needs, beginning with short-pile designs in the featuring fibers less than 1.25 mm (0.05 inches) in length for basic durability in indoor stadiums. Medium-pile versions emerged in the 1970s with longer fibers than the original, transitioning in the 1990s to third-generation systems with heights of 40-70 mm (1.6-2.8 inches), often using blends for improved playability and reduced abrasiveness. Contemporary tall-pile systems, developed since the , reach 1.5 to 2 inches and incorporate a thatch layer—often texturized —for enhanced realism and infill retention. Fiber shapes in AstroTurf influence and functionality, with monofilament forming single, continuous strands that yield a smoother, more natural appearance and feel. Fibrillated , slit into fine ribbons, provide a textured surface that better mimics grass blades and improves grip on materials. Modern lines like AstroTurf RootZone integrate these shapes in a texturized layer to encapsulate , with some variants incorporating up to 11% biobased and recycled content for .

Applications

Sports Facilities

AstroTurf has become a staple in professional and amateur sports venues, particularly for high-impact team sports requiring durable, consistent playing surfaces. In American football, it is widely used in stadiums to withstand intense play, with installations at numerous U.S. college facilities such as Boston College's Alumni Stadium, where it supports both football and multi-sport events. Similarly, in the NFL, synthetic turf systems including AstroTurf variants are employed in several stadiums to enable year-round usability and reduce maintenance compared to natural grass. For soccer, AstroTurf's LigaTurf series provides FIFA-certified fields that meet international standards for ball roll, player safety, and , allowing professional matches and training sessions on surfaces that mimic natural grass while offering greater longevity. These systems are designed for elite-level play, with perforations and ensuring optimal traction and reduced slippage during wet conditions. In and , hybrid systems integrate AstroTurf fibers with natural grass or incorporate dirt cutouts for bases and pitching areas, enhancing durability in high-wear zones like foul lines and warning tracks; for instance, the Diamond Series supports true ball bounces and sliding distances akin to traditional fields. Key adaptations in facilities focus on player safety and functionality. Shock pads, such as AstroTurf's elastomeric underlays made from or rubber blends, are installed beneath the turf to absorb impacts, reducing G-max values (a measure of field hardness) and minimizing injury risk from falls or tackles. Drainage systems feature perforated backings that facilitate rapid water , preventing accumulation and allowing fields to remain playable shortly after heavy rain. As of 2025, AstroTurf and its parent company SportGroup have contributed to over 30,000 synthetic turf installations worldwide, including thousands of sports fields across professional, collegiate, and community levels. Notable examples include U.S. college stadiums like those at , where green technology variants were implemented for sustainable performance.

Landscaping and Non-Sports Uses

AstroTurf has found extensive application in residential settings, where it serves as a low-maintenance to natural grass for lawns, areas, and rooftop terraces. In residential lawns, it provides a weed-free surface that requires no mowing, fertilizing, or watering, allowing homeowners to enjoy a consistently appearance year-round without the labor associated with traditional turf. For areas, the durable, non-toxic material withstands heavy use and simplifies cleanup by facilitating easy and resisting stains from pet waste. On rooftop terraces and balconies, AstroTurf adds functional greenery to limited spaces, enhancing while minimizing weight loads compared to soil-based . In commercial environments, AstroTurf supports diverse non-sports installations, including golf putting greens, event spaces, and military bases. Custom putting greens utilize the material's smooth, realistic texture to create professional-grade practice areas for resorts, offices, and retail venues, offering low-maintenance durability that reduces upkeep costs. Event spaces benefit from its versatility in temporary setups for outdoor gatherings, providing a stable, attractive surface that installs quickly and withstands foot traffic. On military bases, AstroTurf enhances recreational and training grounds with resilient, all-weather coverage that supports base-wide landscaping needs, as seen in installations at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden for multipurpose fields. Urban greening initiatives increasingly incorporate AstroTurf to create accessible green spaces in parks and public areas, exemplified by its use on the rooftop of New York's to simulate natural lawns in constrained environments. This application promotes aesthetic integration in cityscapes, blending with surrounding to foster community interaction without the resource demands of live vegetation. The market for AstroTurf in has seen notable growth by 2025, particularly in drought-prone regions like , where installations help conserve amid ongoing shortages and align with state policies such as bans on potable use for nonfunctional turf. A typical residential replacement can save approximately 55 gallons of per annually, translating to tens of thousands of gallons yearly for average households and qualifying for rebate programs for sustainable upgrades. Additionally, AstroTurf offers customizable color options, enabling tailored shades of green or even non-traditional hues to integrate seamlessly with diverse architectural and designs. Its sports-derived ensures in these varied applications, often lasting 8-10 years with minimal intervention.

Performance Characteristics

Advantages

AstroTurf provides exceptional , designed to endure heavy foot traffic in high-use environments such as fields, where it can support millions of plays over its lifespan without degradation from wear or environmental exposure. This resilience stems from advanced fiber technologies like TRIONIC, which balance strength and , allowing for all-weather usability that eliminates mud formation and the need for . As a result, facilities can maintain playable conditions year-round, regardless of or . In terms of cost efficiency, AstroTurf installation generally ranges from $12 to $22 per , offering long-term savings through minimal upkeep compared to natural grass. Annual maintenance for synthetic turf averages $5,000 to $23,000—translating to under $0.50 per for a standard —versus $23,000 or more for natural grass, which requires ongoing , fertilizing, and mowing. Additionally, AstroTurf conserves by eliminating needs, saving 500,000 to 1 million gallons per athletic annually, a critical benefit in water-scarce regions. Other key advantages include a consistently level playing surface that enhances fairness and in sports, free from divots or uneven growth common in turf. It also reduces the need for mowing, pesticides, and fertilizers, lowering operational demands and environmental inputs associated with grass care. UV stabilization in modern AstroTurf formulations ensures color retention and structural integrity for 8 to 12 years, extending usability in outdoor settings.

Disadvantages and Safety Concerns

One significant disadvantage of AstroTurf is its tendency to retain , resulting in surface temperatures that can exceed 170°F (77°C) on hot sunny days, compared to approximately 100°F (38°C) for natural grass under similar conditions. This elevated can cause burns upon contact and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for athletes and users, particularly during prolonged in warm climates. To mitigate this issue, some modern installations incorporate cooling infills, such as those designed to release or reflect , which can reduce surface temperatures by up to 20-30°F. AstroTurf also presents higher risks of certain injuries compared to natural grass due to its harder and more abrasive surface. Turf burns—friction-induced abrasions that can lead to if not properly treated—are more prevalent on synthetic turf, as the fibers cause greater scraping during falls or slides. Additionally, the firmer playing surface increases joint stress, contributing to elevated rates of lower extremity injuries, including strains and sprains. Studies on specific sports highlight these risks further. Analyses from the , including data, revealed about 15-16% higher overall lower extremity injury rates per play on synthetic turf compared to grass, with non-contact knee injuries showing up to 32% greater occurrence; as of 2025, data indicates a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries on . For soccer, research shows mixed results on ACL tear incidence, with some older studies suggesting higher rates on artificial turf but a 2025 analysis finding no significant difference (incidence rate ratio 1.1). Maintenance challenges compound these safety concerns over time. AstroTurf fields typically experience noticeable shedding and after 5-10 years of intensive use, leading to uneven surfaces that heighten trip hazards and reduce shock absorption. Annual loss can reach 5-10% in high-traffic areas, necessitating regular grooming and eventual to maintain playability and minimize risks.

Environmental and Health Impacts

Lifecycle Analysis

The production of AstroTurf, a petroleum-derived synthetic turf, begins with the and of crude to produce or fibers for the turf blades and backing. A of a standard FIFA-certified field indicates that requires approximately 9,524 kg of crude oil, equivalent to about 1.16 kg per square meter for a typical 8,214 m² field. This process is energy-intensive, particularly the stage where fibers are sewn into the backing, contributing significantly to the overall during fabrication. During the use phase, AstroTurf offers low water consumption compared to natural grass, requiring minimal irrigation for maintenance in most applications. However, it contributes to microplastic pollution through fiber shedding, with estimates of 0.4–20 grams of microplastics released per square meter annually from granulate-free surfaces under typical wear conditions. Additionally, infill materials like recycled tire crumb can leach heavy metals such as zinc, lead, and cadmium, though federal research indicates only small amounts are typically released into the environment via stormwater runoff or direct contact. At end-of-life, AstroTurf is non-biodegradable and poses disposal challenges, with global rates remaining low—often under 10% as of 2025—leading to predominant landfilling that contributes to as synthetic components slowly degrade. Over a 10-year lifespan, the total lifecycle from fields are 2–3 times higher than those from natural grass equivalents, primarily due to production and disposal phases.

Controversies and Regulations

In the , concerns emerged over the potential health risks posed by infill in synthetic turf, particularly the presence of and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. Early studies detected in the headspace of samples from fields, raising fears of during play. Similarly, PAHs were identified in recycled crumb, with levels in newer fields sometimes exceeding those in older installations, prompting debates about long-term cancer risks for athletes and children. These fears led to assessments, such as California's Office of study, which evaluated whether posed a but concluded risks were low under typical use. In 2017, the (ECHA) released a comprehensive evaluation of recycled rubber granules used as in synthetic turf, assessing potential risks including cancer from PAHs and other substances. The report concluded that cancer risks were negligible for most exposure scenarios but highlighted non-cancer risks from certain metals and recommended stricter controls on chemical content. This spurred regulatory action, including the European Commission's 2021 limits on eight carcinogenic compounds in rubber , and a broader 2024 EU ban on microplastic-releasing infills like , set to phase out sales by 2031 with an eight-year transition for existing fields. These measures addressed ongoing concerns about chemicals and environmental persistence, though industry groups contested the cancer links as overstated. Additionally, (PFAS) have been detected in some synthetic turf components, contributing to concerns over persistent environmental contamination and potential , as highlighted in EPA research. Environmental regulations intensified in the U.S., with New York State introducing bills in 2023 for a moratorium on new synthetic turf installations pending health and environmental studies, targeting crumb rubber's microplastic pollution and chemical runoff. In 2025, New York City Council proposed prohibiting Parks Department installations of artificial turf except for limited cases, citing PFAS contamination and heat retention issues. Federally, the U.S. EPA's ongoing research into tire crumb and PFAS in turf, including a 2025 study on chemical exposures, has informed state-level actions but stopped short of nationwide infill guidelines, emphasizing no safe PFAS level while reaffirming low risks from crumb rubber under normal conditions. By mid-2025, at least one state, Maine, adopted a three-year moratorium on artificial turf reinstallations due to tire infill concerns, with several others like Massachusetts advancing bans on tire-derived materials in playgrounds and fields. Legal controversies surrounding AstroTurf have included and market dominance disputes in the 1980s, when , the original developer, faced antitrust lawsuits from competitors like SuperTurf, which alleged monopolistic practices in synthetic turf sales and installation. These cases, including a 1981 federal appeal, highlighted aggressive enforcement of patents and market share but did not directly involve claims. More recently, athlete lawsuits have targeted turf-related injuries, with the advocating for natural grass amid a 16% higher rate of lower extremity injuries on synthetic surfaces compared to grass. While no major 2020 class action specifically on turf injuries emerged, growing liability concerns build on broader NFL settlements that indirectly influenced surface debates. The ongoing regulatory debate reflects a tension between turf's durability and of elevated risks, with over a dozen U.S. states introducing tire restrictions by 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    AstroTurf®, The Story Behind the Product That Revolutionized ...
    AstroTurf was originally designed for urban schoolyards, then used at the Astrodome after the real grass was killed by painting the roof.
  2. [2]
    A History of Synthetic Grass - Astroturf - ThoughtCo
    Jan 30, 2019 · AstroTurf is a brand of artificial turf or synthetic grass. James Faria and Robert Wright of Monsanto Industries co-invented Astroturf.
  3. [3]
    Synthetic Turf: History, Design, Maintenance, and Athlete Safety - PMC
    Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, many newly constructed multisport stadiums and several existing stadiums replaced their natural turfgrass with AstroTurf.
  4. [4]
    This week in 1966, the Astrodome got its AstroTurf - Chron
    Jul 19, 2016 · A new chapter in professional sports began this week in 1966, when AstroTurf was first installed in the Astrodome's outfield.
  5. [5]
    Astrodome (Houston, TX) - Society for American Baseball Research
    As a result, the 1965 season closed out with dead grass and painted dirt, an unacceptable situation. To resolve the problem in time for the 1966 season ...
  6. [6]
    The Rise and Fall of Artificial Turf
    In 1967 Astroturf was installed at Memorial Stadium in Seattle, which hosted a pro football team, the Seattle Rangers, in the Continental League. The AFL Oilers ...
  7. [7]
    AstroTurf at 50
    But you shouldn't assume green was the only choice. A more bold scheme would have seen blue in the infield, yellow in the outfield and red along the foul lines.<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Great Moments on AstroTurf
    When the Houston Astros took the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the new synthetic field in the Astrodome on April 8th 1966, a new era of playing ...
  9. [9]
    Artificial turf's 50th anniversary in baseball - MLB.com
    Apr 17, 2016 · On April 18, 1966, the Astros hosted the Dodgers in their home opener at the Astrodome in Houston, in the first Major League game played on artificial turf.Missing: January 15 high school
  10. [10]
    Artificial Turf: Change From the Ground Up - Sports Illustrated
    May 21, 2014 · By the beginning of the 1976 season, 16 of the 28 teams in the NFL were playing on first-generation artificial turf of some variety, a number ...
  11. [11]
    Pontiac Silverdome | American Football Wiki | Fandom
    Pontiac Silverdome ; AstroTurf (1975–2005) FieldTurf (2005–2006) · $55.7 million (eqivalent to $220 million in 2010) · Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium (1975), Pontiac ...
  12. [12]
    AstroTurf - Google Arts & Culture
    Jan 30, 2025 · Monsanto's ads emphasized the toughness of artificial turf, while also pointing out that fields could be quickly rolled out for different sports ...Missing: weather | Show results with:weather
  13. [13]
    Artificial Turf And How It Grew | Invention & Technology Magazine
    The division that made AstroTurf changed hands a few times (Monsanto sold it in 1988), but it still dominated the field. Artificial turf was quite expensive— ...
  14. [14]
    Turf Wars - Science History Institute
    Oct 3, 2015 · Artificial turf was created in the 1960s, and while mostly gone from major baseball, is still used in colleges, high schools, and parks for ...
  15. [15]
    Beyond Crumb Rubber: A New Era in Turf Infill - The Motz Group
    During the 1980s, turf systems started to use a very basic sand infill which later progressed to a rubber sand mix, the most common infill still used today. As ...Missing: introduction AstroTurf<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Artificial Turf the History of AstroTurf - Agripower Contractors
    In 2005 Textile Management and Associates (TMA) acquired the AstroTurf assets and intellectual property from ASPG and began marketing the AstroTurf brand under ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
  17. [17]
    The History of Artificial Turf: From AstroTurf to Today's High-Tech ...
    1990s–2000s: The Rise of Residential Turf ... In the late 1990s, artificial grass made a major leap forward. Manufacturers introduced polyethylene fibers that ...
  18. [18]
    AstroTurf - Wikiwand
    In 1994, Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc. (SRI) acquired the AstroTurf brand. In 1996, SRI was acquired by American Sports Products Group Inc. While ...
  19. [19]
    SportGroup-purchases-bankrupt-AstroTurf - Rubber News
    Jul 1, 2016 · SportGroup Holding GmbH, Burgheim, Germany-based manufacturer of artificial turf, sports surfaces and running tracks, has agreed to purchase AstroTurf and ...Missing: 2005 | Show results with:2005
  20. [20]
    The new Astroturf Gameday Grass 3D at Griswold Stadium - YouTube
    Oct 26, 2010 · Reed McNeil from Astroturf tells PioStream about the process for updating the turf at Griswold Stadium.
  21. [21]
    Commemorating 60 Years of AstroTurf: A Legacy Forged in ...
    ... first major league game ever played on synthetic turf between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 1966, at the legendary Houston ...Missing: school | Show results with:school
  22. [22]
    How Artificial Grass Is Made: Step-by-Step Turf Manufacturing ...
    2.Step-by-Step Artificial Grass Manufacturing Process · （1）Raw Material Preparation · （2）Yarn Extrusion · （3）Cooling and Texturizing · （4）Tufting (Stitching ...
  23. [23]
    How Artificial Grass Is Made - CCGrass
    Apr 5, 2024 · Turf Production Process – Tufting of Artificial Grass Manufacturing · Process. Yarn is pulled from the creel, through tubes and fed into needles.Yarn Production Process of... · Types of artificial grass fibres · Final checks
  24. [24]
    What Artificial Grass is Made From And How It Is Made
    Rating 5.0 (71) Nov 26, 2018 · Today's synthetic grass is lush and softer and is manufactured from the following materials; polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon.
  25. [25]
    [PDF] Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance
    Climatic Resistance (Yarn and Infill)—UV / Water / Heat—Measures the col- our change, appearance change and yarn tensile strength changes (infill proper- ties ...
  26. [26]
    AstroTurf Brings It All Under One Roof
    AstroTurf's new facility, located on Callahan Road in Dalton, measures approximately 375,000 square feet, or roughly the size of seven football fields. It will ...
  27. [27]
    Roll Width & Size | Purchase Green Artificial Grass
    Jul 14, 2022 · Purchase Green produces products in both 13.1' wide and 15' wide to provide customers the option to select a grass that is the ideal width for their particular ...
  28. [28]
    Artificial Turf Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027 - Arizton
    7-day returnsThe global artificial turf market was valued at USD 8.105 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2027, growing with a CAGR of over 7.7% ...Missing: AstroTurf production
  29. [29]
    A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Artificial Turf Terminology
    Synthetic polymers used for synthetic turf fiber include Type 6 nylon (polyamides), polyethylene and polypropylene. Polypropylene. Fiber, Backing. Polypropylene ...
  30. [30]
    Types of Artificial Grass: Nylon, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene?
    Feb 3, 2021 · Nylon is extremely resilient, which means the individual turf fibers will “spring back” and maintain an upright position. · Nylon is resistant to ...Missing: sand EPDM
  31. [31]
    Fibers or Grass “Blades” on Artificial Turf // TURF NETWORK
    Modern synthetic grass fibers are manufactured using one of three main types of artificial grass materials: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), and Nylon (PA) ...Missing: EPDM | Show results with:EPDM
  32. [32]
    Exploring the Components of Artificial Grass: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mar 5, 2024 · Smart Turf Artificial Grass offers high-quality, realistic artificial grass solutions with features such as UV resistance, durability, and low ...
  33. [33]
    Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields
    The fibers are typically made from nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene and are connected to a backing material. The base material, also called infill ...Missing: EPDM | Show results with:EPDM
  34. [34]
    Synthetic Turf (Tufted Polyolefin Backing, EPDM + Sand Infill) - Pharos
    Its composition is similar to that of carpet. The artificial grass fibers are generally made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. The... More about ...
  35. [35]
    The Development History of Astro Turf Pitch - CCGrass
    Mar 22, 2022 · Since these early artificial turfs were made of nylon PA (polyamide), which was essentially a thick carpet. These artificial pitches soon became ...Missing: original | Show results with:original
  36. [36]
    Types of Artificial Turf | And How to Choose the Right One
    Jun 12, 2024 · ... turf technology. This type of artificial turf has a short pile height (0.4 to 0.75 inches) and may be made of nylon rather than polyethylene.
  37. [37]
    Root Zone 3D Series New Artificial Turf - AstroTurf
    The RootZone, a texturized layer of fibers that draw down to encapsulate infill, results in minimal rubber splash, better shock absorbency, and less infill ...Rootzone 3d Series · Rootzone 3d3 Blend · Rootzone ShowcaseMissing: recycled shapes
  38. [38]
    Types of Artificial Grass Fibers for Football Fields - CCGrass
    Dec 6, 2018 · Learn the differences between monofilament, fibrillated, and stem-supported artificial grass fibers used in football fields.
  39. [39]
    RootZone GT-B Series - AstroTurf
    Sustainable Material Integration: The RootZone GT-B Series is crafted using 11% of materials that are renewable and biobased. · Trionic Plus Fiber Technology: ...Missing: shapes | Show results with:shapes
  40. [40]
    AstroTurf is the Exclusive Synthetic Turf Provider of Boston College
    AstroTurf will provide cutting edge artificial turf for the field house, the baseball and softball fields, and will resurface Alumni Stadium.
  41. [41]
    NFL field surface intel: Grass vs. turf, owners, problems - ESPN
    Oct 11, 2023 · Hard Rock Stadium is one of 15 NFL stadiums that uses natural grass, while the other 15 feature various types of synthetic turf.
  42. [42]
    LigaTurf Series Turf Soccer Field - AstroTurf
    AstroTurf's LigaTurf Series turf soccer field combines durability with natural grass playability. This synthetic turf system is FIFA-certified turf.
  43. [43]
    Hybrid Turf Systems - AstroTurf
    AstroTurf's hybrid systems, using SIS Grass, combine 95% natural grass with synthetic durability, exceeding natural grass in endurance and playing hours.
  44. [44]
    Turf Field Pads - AstroTurf
    AstroTurf's turf field pads increase the artificial turf field systems lifespan and provides additional shock absorption and better protection for the players.
  45. [45]
    Understanding Artificial Grass Drainage: A Homeowner's Guide
    Aug 23, 2024 · While natural grass might drain at a rate of 5-20 inches per hour, our artificial turf can handle up to 30 inches per hour or more.
  46. [46]
    AstroTurf installations at Division I football, baseball stadiums, Green ...
    Highlights in 2022 included major Division I football and baseball stadiums, award-winning projects and the new Green Technology installed at Duke University.
  47. [47]
    Top 10 Benefits of Artificial Grass - Heavenly Greens
    Jun 3, 2025 · Many people add it to balconies or small side yards to make the space look clean and fresh without any extra work. Some even use it in home gyms ...
  48. [48]
    What are the benefits of installing artificial turf in a residential ...
    Mar 10, 2023 · Artificial grass is low-maintenance, durable, pet-friendly, long-lasting, cost-effective, offers flexible design options, and will give you a ...
  49. [49]
    The Benefits of Artificial Turf for Home and Business Owners
    Jan 30, 2024 · Synthetic turf provides many benefits for homes and businesses, from low maintenance requirements to increased safety and environmental sustainability.
  50. [50]
    Nine Popular Commercial Applications Of Artificial Turf
    Golf courses, resorts, and sports facilities install artificial turf to create putting greens and practice areas. High-quality turf mimics the natural feel of ...
  51. [51]
    Commercial Turf Solutions - Heavenly Greens
    Our custom greens offer realistic ball roll, durability, and low maintenance, making them ideal for golf courses, resorts, and commercial spaces. Learn More.Missing: AstroTurf non- military bases
  52. [52]
    USAG Wiesbaden celebrates the opening of a new artificial turf field ...
    Jun 8, 2021 · Members of the U.S. Army Garrison, Wiesbaden community have a new multipurpose field that is environmentally friendly and can be used ...
  53. [53]
    "There's one park taboo to be broken" – Alexandra Lange on AstroTurf
    Jul 31, 2014 · The AstroTurf lawn installed on the roof of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art symbolises the next step in our acceptance and desire for artificial nature.
  54. [54]
    Artificial Turf Market Size, Trend Analysis, Share & Research Report ...
    Jul 7, 2025 · The artificial turf market is valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 11.9 billion by 2030, registering a 12.7% CAGR.<|separator|>
  55. [55]
    Save Water With Artificial Turf Grass - Lawn Kings
    Homeowners can save up to 50 gallons of water per year for every sq foot of natural grass they replace with synthetic turf.Missing: AstroTurf | Show results with:AstroTurf
  56. [56]
    Just How Much Water Can You Save with Artificial Grass?
    Try 660,000 gallons over the course of 15 years. “It is amazing that a healthy grass lawn typically requires 55 gallons of water per square foot per year,” said ...Missing: AstroTurf | Show results with:AstroTurf
  57. [57]
    AstroTurf Launches Field Building Configurator
    Choose your custom colors, select your desired field lines, add text in the end zones, upload your school's logo, and add your own personal touches to ...
  58. [58]
    Synthetic Turf Field Durability - AstroTurf
    We all know that the all-nylon, short pile AstroTurf of yore could last 20 years, but no one wants to fall on it. The trick is to balance durability with ...Missing: foot | Show results with:foot
  59. [59]
    How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2025? - LawnStarter
    Jul 24, 2025 · The average cost to install artificial grass is $15 to $19 per square foot, including materials and labor.
  60. [60]
    Artificial Turf Field Maintenance costs and guidelines
    The maintenance costs for an artificial turf sports field range from $7,000 to $23,000 per year, depending on the size of the field, the geographical location, ...
  61. [61]
    Artificial Turf or Natural Grass: Which Costs Less for Baseball?
    Mar 11, 2020 · Maintenance costs for grass were estimated at $23,000 per year, while annual maintenance costs for synthetic turf were estimated at $5,000.
  62. [62]
    [PDF] Is Artificial Turf a Beneficial Water Conservation Tool in the West?
    Artificial turf for residences has proven especially popular in drought- · stricken California, where some areas were limited to one day of outdoor watering per ...Missing: 2025 | Show results with:2025
  63. [63]
    How Synthetic Turf Saves Time, Water, and Maintenance Costs
    No Mowing: With synthetic turf, there's no need to invest in expensive mowing equipment or dedicate hours to cutting the grass. · No Fertilizers or Pesticides: ...Missing: advantages sources
  64. [64]
    How Hot Does Artificial Grass Get in the Summer? Heat Resistance ...
    Jun 15, 2025 · Unfortunately, cheap artificial turf can get dangerously hot – we're talking about surfaces hitting 170°F under peak summer conditions in places like Arizona ...
  65. [65]
    Synthetic Sports Fields and the Heat Island Effect | Operations
    May 8, 2019 · Another study conducted at Brigham Young University found that “The surface temperature of the synthetic turf was 37° F higher than asphalt and ...Missing: retention | Show results with:retention
  66. [66]
    Understanding Artificial Turf Cooling Technology and Its Benefits
    Apr 7, 2025 · Traditional artificial turf installations face significant challenges in hot climates, with surface temperatures reaching up to 170°F (77°C) on ...
  67. [67]
    Abrasion injuries on artificial turf: A systematic review - PubMed
    Nov 16, 2018 · To review the incidence of abrasion injuries sustained on artificial turf playing fields and the level of evidence existing on player perceptions of abrasion ...
  68. [68]
    [PDF] Natural Grass and Synthetic Turf Playing Surfaces
    No soccer cohort found an increased risk of ACL injury on synthetic surfaces. High-quality studies support an increased rate of ACL injury on synthetic playing ...
  69. [69]
    The effect of playing surface on the incidence of ACL injuries in ...
    The rate of ACL injury on artificial surfaces is 1.39 times higher than the injury rate on grass surfaces. Non-contact injuries occurred more frequently on ...<|separator|>
  70. [70]
    Only Natural Grass Can Level The NFL's Playing Field | NFLPA
    Cold-climate teams like the Packers, Steelers and Browns successfully maintain natural grass fields. Indoor stadiums shouldn't be a barrier for grass fields, ...
  71. [71]
    How To Know When It's Time To Replace Your Artificial Turf Field
    Aug 12, 2020 · After their life expectancy of 8-10 years, artificial turf fields do require to be replaced to ensure proper performance and safety.Missing: shedding | Show results with:shedding
  72. [72]
    The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread ...
    Oct 1, 2023 · Annual AT fiber loss per sports field has been estimated at 5–10% (Lassen et al., 2015), 10% (Sundt et al., 2016), and 0.5–0.8% (Hann et al., ...
  73. [73]
    [PDF] Sustainability of Artificial Turf Fields - DiVA portal
    The aim of this report is to assess the potential environmental impacts, GWP and embodied water consumption, of FIFA certified artificial turf fields and ...
  74. [74]
    [PDF] Report 7021 Microplastic from cast rubber granulate ... - DiVA portal
    Jan 13, 2022 · ... per unit area was determined to be 0.4–20 g/m2 per year for granulate-free artificial grass and 0.6–48 g/m2 per year for rubber surfaces.
  75. [75]
    Federal Research on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields ...
    Apr 16, 2024 · Generally, only small amounts of most organic chemicals are released from tire crumb into the air through emissions. · For metals, only small ...
  76. [76]
    Fields of Waste: Artificial turf, touted as recycling fix for millions of ...
    Dec 19, 2019 · But landfilling synthetic turf can be expensive and costs vary widely among states, experts say. Some field owners, wanting to save money ...
  77. [77]
    Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass: A Case Study of Environmental ...
    By the 1970s and 1980s, many stadiums replaced natural grass with AstroTurf because it was durable and able to handle high traffic [1]. ... 1 million ...
  78. [78]
    [PDF] Human Health Risk Assessment of Artificial Turf Fields Based Upon ...
    Jul 28, 2010 · Benzene was detected in the head space from two of the five crumb rubber samples while methylene chloride was detected in four of the five.Missing: AstroTurf | Show results with:AstroTurf
  79. [79]
    Evaluation of potential carcinogenicity of organic chemicals in ... - NIH
    Oct 24, 2018 · Newer synthetic turf fields have higher levels of PAHs and benzothiazole in crumb rubber samples than in those collected from older synthetic ...
  80. [80]
    The European Union Ban on Microplastics Includes Artificial Turf ...
    Feb 1, 2024 · This newly passed EU regulation gives field owners eight years to make the transition away from microplastic-containing infill materials and to allow current ...
  81. [81]
    Is Synthetic turf Being Banned - ESTC
    Aug 8, 2024 · No. Only the sale of polymeric infill such as EPDM, TPE and SBR (3G pitch rubber crumb) will be banned from 2031.
  82. [82]
    NY State Senate Bill 2023-S7239
    May 18, 2023 · An act to establish a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf pending a comprehensive environmental and public health study.
  83. [83]
    The New York City Council - File #: Int 1202-2025
    Feb 27, 2025 · This bill would prohibit the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation from installing artificial grass in New York City parks, with the exception of ...
  84. [84]
    EPA Research Partner Support Story: Synthetic turf field study
    Apr 14, 2025 · This research, now complete, serves to provide a better understanding of the chemicals found in tire crumb rubber and the potential exposures that field users ...Missing: guidelines | Show results with:guidelines
  85. [85]
    None
    ### Summary of State Initiatives on Tire-Derived Infill in Synthetic Turf (Up to July 2025)
  86. [86]
    Superturf, Inc., Appellant, v. Monsanto Company, Appellee, 660 F.2d ...
    SuperTurf brought suit in 1978 alleging that Monsanto had monopolized, attempted to monopolize and conspired to monopolize the market for the sale and ...Missing: trademark | Show results with:trademark
  87. [87]
    NFL's Grass vs. Turf Debate Crosses Medical and Legal Lines
    Sep 5, 2024 · It concluded there was a 16% increase in lower extremity injuries per play on turf than on grass, along with a 27% higher rate for non-contact ...
  88. [88]
    Lawsuit By Former Milwaukee Brewer Ruf Is Latest In Line Of Field ...
    Jun 13, 2025 · Darin Ruf, a former utility player for the Milwaukee Brewers and several other clubs, sued the Cincinnati Reds in an Ohio state court arising out of an ...<|separator|>