How Long Will My Synthetic Turf Field Last & How Can I Extend Its Life?

One question that we often answer for prospective clients and field owners is “how long will our synthetic turf field last?” Purchasing a synthetic field is a large investment for your organization and your main goal is to get the most out of it. It’s no surprise that you want to know how long it’s going to be around. The question seems like it should be simple to answer, just throw out a number! But the reality is that there are quite a few factors that can play into the longevity of your synthetic turf field.

The Factors that impact the longevity of your synthetic turf field

1. What determines the lifespan of your synthetic turf field

So let’s begin with the easy answer: the standard lifespan of a field is approximately eight years.

Projections are showing that the fields installed now could see lives up to 10 or 12 years, thanks to technological advancements and the establishment of annual maintenance programs that have occurred since the first generation fields were installed. Barring an act of nature, your field should last eight years on its own. But the best way to give your field a long and healthy life is comparable to what you would do to extend your own life: take care of it and perform regular maintenance.

2. Ways you can expand the life of your synthetic turf field

Regular grooming of your field is one of the easiest ways you can keep your field performing at high levels and keep your athletes safe. Brushing your field will help keep infill levels even, which is key in maintaining the health of your synthetic fibers and avoiding the appearance of bare spots. It is also important that you fill the inevitable high-traffic areas with infill on a consistent and frequent basis. Areas that are low on infill can become a tripping hazard and cause extra or unnecessary wear to occur on the fibers, thus shortening the life of your field.

A word of caution, there is such an issue as over-grooming. This could include high frequency, over-aggressive grooming, or using improper equipment. You can set up a maintenance training or field assessment with a member of our Motz365 team to ensure your equipment is correct and you’re using it properly on your field.

3. Why join an annual maintenance program and how does hiring a professional improve the life of your synthetic turf field

Participating in an annual maintenance program, conducted by Motz365, is an excellent way to ensure that your field is performing at its highest standard and is safe for your athletes. Much like an annual appointment with your doctor, you will find out how your field is operating and how well it’s protecting your athletes. Another key component of having an annual service for your field is being able to assess field conditions year over year which results in better planning for replacement. Through the maintenance program, the professional will be also able to determine a few things:

• Locate and fix areas of high wear or heavy use
• Inspect seam and inlay integrity
• Condition and quality of the fiber
• Safety concerns and hazards

The best way to ensure a long, healthy life for your synthetic turf field is to take care of it. Make sure that you and your team are armed with the necessary tools to protect your field. Contact our Motz365 team today to make sure you’re prepared.