Artificial grass and turfs are man’s replacements for cushioning sports fields so as to reduce the risk of injury. These artificial replacements serve as substitutes in not only sports fields but also parks, backyards, grassplots, aesthetic purposes, and scenery.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “aren’t those the same thing?” and the answer is no, they’re not.
Think of it this way, artificial grass is somewhat like a counterfeit, and artificial turf is the main course. Keep reading to find out the difference between the two.
What Is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass is simply a counterfeit of natural grass that is made up of synthetic fibers. It is also referred to as synthetic grass and landscape grass. This grass can typically be found in stadiums and fields where football players train for a game.
From a distance, this field of grass looks and feels like natural grass but it is more than meets the eye. The texture and feel of artificial grass are long, rough, and harsh to the human body when it comes to contact, when a player falls while training, the player is most likely to sustain bruises and grazing to the skin.
Artificial grass can typically be seen in stadiums, fields, and even commercial or residential lawns. A unique feature of artificial grass is its 25 years of lifespan.
Benefits Of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass may be counterfeit but it has many advantages when installed on fields and parks.
- Little or no maintenance skill is required but dusting and grooming should be done periodically.
- Watering is not needed or is minimal.
- Fumigation is not needed.
- It looks appealing all year round in any climate/season.
- Due to the similarity in appearance to natural grass, they are put in lawns, gardens, and terraces to add a touch of nature and greenery.
- The installation of artificial grass is simple and easy.
- There is no emission of carbon associated with artificial grass.
- Artificial grass does not die over time, they stay fresh and green.
- It has an excellent drainage system when it rains as they dry quickly.
- It is environmentally friendly.
What Soccer Cleats Is Best For Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass (AG) soleplates are the best soccer cleat.
When it comes to playing soccer on artificial grass, it’s important to have the right type of shoe. And the best option for this type of surface is AG (Artificial Grass) soleplates. These specialized shoes are specifically designed for playing on AG fields and have several features that make them perfect for this type of surface.
- They have rounded rubber studs that are the perfect length to give you support and stability on the field.
- They don’t penetrate the ground like cleats for natural grass, which can prevent injuries and make the shoes more durable on the abrasive AG surface.
- Investing in a good pair of AG soccer cleats is a wise decision because they will prevent you from losing money from durability issues in AG and turf.
Now, you may also use FG (Firm Ground) soleplates on AG fields. They will work just fine and have a level of depth that won’t represent any danger to you or the shoe. Brands like Adidas even have soleplates that they claim to be AG/FG, meaning they can work fine on both surfaces.
Caveat: it’s not advisable to use SG (Soft Ground) soleplates on AG fields. They are not designed for this surface and can lead to injuries or damage to the shoes.
SEE ALSO | 5 BEST SOCCER CLEATS FOR ORTHOTICS
What Is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf, sometimes known as carpet grass, is short, strong, heavy-duty, and resistant to sunlight. This grass can typically be found on sports fields, parks, playgrounds, and golf courses due to its feature and texture.
Artificial turf is easy to identify when seen from afar and when stepped on as they are hard and rough. The height of turfs is short and shallow without a level of deepness to the ground. Due to its strong and abrasive surface, falling off will lead to injuries and cuts.
Benefits Of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has its own benefits for owners after installation, some are even similar to artificial grass. Let us look at the benefits of artificial turf.
- Watering is not needed.
- Little or no maintenance skill is required.
- There is no presence of harmful contaminants.
- It is great for recreational activities.
- Fumigation is not required.
- It is drought-resistant and environmentally friendly
What Soccer Cleats Is Best For Turf?
Turf soccer Cleats are the best shoe to put on
When it comes to playing soccer on a turf field, it’s important to know the right cleats made for turf. And let me tell you, turf cleats are the way to go. These cleats are specially made for turf fields and have several features that make them perfect.
- They have lots of cushioning for hard surfaces like the turf, making you feel a lot more comfortable.
- The soleplate is made of rubber, which is more durable than anything else on an abrasive surface.
- The studs are short, making it the ideal cleat for a shallow surface like the turf.
- They have great sets of studs to even out your weight and eliminate any possible stud pressure, making you feel more stable.
It’s important to note that sometimes soccer players relate having a turf cleat with having low-end (low-quality) ones, but I would say that’s not it. Brands are launching turf cleats with excellent quality. In fact, some are exactly the same as the high-end firm ground cleats that professional soccer players use, just that with a turf outsole.
Another advantage of turf cleats is that you can also use them in third-generation AG fields. You may not have that very aggressive traction as you would with the AG soleplate, but they will get the job done for you easily.
You can also use AG soleplates to play in turf fields, however, do note that AG shoes have rounded studs that do not penetrate the ground firmly, so you have no risk of having your feet stuck and suffering an injury.
The only risk you may face using AG soleplates in turf fields is to suffer from stud pressure because of the hardness of the surface.
Caveat: You should never use FG (Firm Ground) or SG (Soft Ground) soleplates on turf fields. They are not designed for this kind of surface, and if you do, you run a serious risk of getting the studs stuck, and you are at risk of suffering from serious ankle, and knee injury, not to mention possible damage to the cleats
Artificial Grass vs Turf: What Are The Differences?
Artificial grass and turf are becoming in demand thanks to technology. Based on choices, people either turf it out or go for artificial grasses. Nonetheless, both have benefits and features that make them different from one another either for private, commercial, or football purposes. Whether you are concerned about the cost, the life span, or maintenance, there is a choice for you.
- Appearance
Based on appearance, artificial grass is longer, fluffier, and long-lasting while turf is shorter and harder. Both have a long life span as they remain green.
- Level Of Deepness
Artificial grasses are longer and therefore have a level of deepness to the soil as there is sand underneath while turf has no level of deepness as they are shorter.
- Usage
When it comes to aesthetic features and landscaping, artificial grass is mostly used. On the other hand, turf is used for sports such as baseball, rugby, tennis, etc. Both artificial grass and turf are used interchangeably when it comes to soccer fields.
- Care & Maintenance
Both artificial grass and turf need care and maintenance but that of artificial grass is higher.
- Sport
When it comes to sports and football, both artificial replacements are used. But a player knows the length of the ground and the feel of the grass matters. Artificial grass is longer hence they make passes and the ball rolls faster but it gets heated up as a result of the sun making playing uncomfortable. On the other hand, turf is shorter which makes passes accurate and there is no risk of burns from sunlight.
To aid this, there are cleats players wear when playing on artificial grasses or turf. The soleplates in these cleats provide safety and protection from harsh weather and abrasive surfaces.
SEE ALSO | HOW TO REMOVE FOUL SMELL FROM SOCCER CLEATS: TESTED SOLUTIONS
| S/N | ARTIFICIAL GRASS | ARTIFICIAL TURF |
| 1 | The cost of maintenance and installation is high | The cost of maintenance is low after the high cost of installation |
| 2 | They are longer and fluffier | They are shorter and coarse |
| 3 | There is a level of deepness to the soil | There is no level of deepness in the soil |
| 4 | Watering is not required | Water is sometimes required |
| 5 | It stays green and fresh as it is unaffected by climate and sunlight | Its color may change |
| 6 | It comes in green color | It comes in different colors and lengths |
| 7 | It has a lifespan duration of 25 years for landscaping and 10 years plus for sporting activities | It has a long lifespan |
| 8 | It gets heated due to sunlight | It absorbs heat in hot temperatures |
| 9 | It is used for landscaping, ornamentals in hotels and restaurants, and sports | It is used for sports fields like tennis, golf courses, football, rugby, and stadiums |
Wrapping it up – Artificial Grass vs Turf
Nothing comes close to the look and feel of natural grass but in recent times, thanks to technology advancements, both artificial grass and turf are popular in demand and can be found in households for private purposes. Although one can tell which is which, both artificial turf and grass can replace natural grass as they provide the same aesthetic appearance.
Both artificial replacements are durable and long-lasting, one worries less about cost, care, and maintenance as they stay the same all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
- What’s the difference between turf and grass?
Artificial grass (or landscape grass) is longer and has depth to the soil while turfs (sports carpet) are shorter with no depth.
- Is turf cheaper than artificial grass?
When it comes to cost, turf is generally expensive but it comes with the prospect of lower maintenance after high installation cost.
- Can artificial grass look real?
Yes. Artificial grass is made to look and feel like natural grass.
- Does artificial grass burn in the sun?
Yes. Artificial grass burns in the soil and gets heated when players play on the field.
- Is artificial turf high maintenance?
The cost of maintenance is low with artificial turf, unlike artificial grass which is high to maintain.
