7 Important Maintenance Tips for Synthetic Turf Football Fields
Artificial turf football fields provide a beautiful landscape for any of your school’s home games, pep rallies, community events, etc.
They’re also an excellent alternative to dealing with the tiring maintenance of a grass field.
However, that doesn’t mean your artificial field won’t come with a few rules of maintenance for itself. Consistent upkeep can help the field last several years longer.
Not sure what that sort of maintenance looks like? You’re not alone! Here are several tips for keeping your synthetic turf as clean and safe as possible. Consider all of these tips as you plan your upkeep strategy.
1. Remove Stains as Soon as Possible
There’s a common misconception out there about synthetic turf that it is 100-percent impervious to any type of staining.
While that’s certainly true for elemental items such as dirt, water, and sand, there are still several things that can cause a stain.
There might be animal waste that occurs on the field, blood from an injury during a football or lacrosse game, or a stain from some type of debris during a storm.
The trick is to eliminate and remove these stains as soon as you see them. The longer they’re there, the more they’ll ingratiate into the fibers.
Whenever you need to remove a stain, be sure to use as much hot water and soap as possible. If you have a hose available with access to hot soapy water, then, by all means, use it!
Otherwise, you might have to just stick to carrying around a bucket of hot soapy water and scrubbing at the stain(s) with a sponge. Be sure to do a spot check after every major sporting or community event.
2. Pick Up Debris Frequently
The care of your football field requires consistency and thoroughness. Take pride in maintaining the quality of your field’s synthetic fibers by removing anything that could tarnish it over time.
One of the peskiest aspects is making sure the field (and surrounding area) is free of any and all debris.
That’s why it’s important to have a maintenance crew clean up after all major events in the field itself.
Not only will you be helping the environment around you, but you’ll also ensure the quality of your turf stays in-tact.
3. Be Mindful of the Cleaning Solutions You Use
While it’s admirable that you would want to be as thorough with keeping your synthetic turf as clean as possible, some solutions you might use will do more harm than good.
Stay away from any solution that includes bleach. Not only will it damage the turf on your field, but it will also harm the ground underneath it. Using bleach can lead to your turf losing its color, which won’t age well over the years.
Instead, stick with hot water and soap. That’s the cleaning solution that will provide enough power to clean the stains without damaging the fibers of your turf.
If the soap and water don’t seem to be helping, then reach out to your turf installation company to see what they’d recommend.
4. Keep Motorized Vehicles Off of It
Motorized vehicles such as ATVs and golf carts are becoming much more commonplace among many athletic facilities.
be sure to install a rule for your entire staff to keep the motorized vehicles off of the field.
Obviously, there are certain situations, such as when a player needs to be carted off of the field, where that rule can be lifted. But keeping them off the field as much as possible will help keep the turf in good condition.
The weight of the vehicle and tracts on the tires can pull and tear at the fibers in the turf. Over time, that can lead to a torn-up field that will make your athletic director cringe.
5. Keep It Cool on Hot Days
Heat can be a detriment to your turf. Depending on where you live, that consistent heat might be hard to avoid.
Anytime there’s an irregularly hot spring or summer day, be sure to water the turf down in an effort to cool it off a bit.
That will help the turf to fight off some of the heat that can cause it to warp and lose its coloration from the sun.
6. Trim Your Field’s Foliage
Many fields, especially high school and college fields, are surrounded by trees, bushes, etc.
Because of that, you’ll want to make sure and keep the foliage around your field trimmed to prevent debris from flying onto your field.
A normal amount of leaves won’t do it harm, but too much debris will tarnish the quality of your turf.
7. Pick the Correct Field Installation Company
There are some pieces of maintenance that your field desperately needs that only a synthetic turf expert can provide you.
Be sure to hire a field installation company that will provide you with annual maintenance care throughout the years.
With proper training, tools, and equipment, you’ll be more educated and in better shape to upkeep your field. Field installation companies of integrity will help train your staff on proper protocol.
Install Your Synthetic Turf Field Today!
Now that you’ve seen several ways to maintain your synthetic turf field, it’s time to find the right installer for your needs.
Be sure to read this article on how to choose the best football field grass for your facility.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!