Just like with everything else, it will last as long as you look after it. Football pitch maintenance is important not only for longevity but to get the most out of performance too.
One of the brilliant things about artificial turf is the lower level of maintenance required to keep your pitch looking good and performing well. When compared to natural grass pitches, artificial turf is low maintenance, however, no pitch is completely maintenance-free. Artificial turf is a popular choice for football pitches for a range of reasons, however, it is important to keep it maintained to make the most of your investment. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of keeping your football pitch well maintained.
Improved Playing Performance
A poorly maintained artificial football pitch will lose some of its playing quality over time, making it a less enjoyable surface to play on. There is a risk of the ball passing over the surface quicker, as well as rolling unevenly. The ball bounce will vary across the playing surface, making it unpredictable and frustrating for players. The pitch will become uneven and players may find it uncomfortable to run on, as well as increasing the risk of injury, which we will look at in more depth. A well maintained pitch will be much more enjoyable for players to use.
Reduced Risk of Injury
A neglected artificial football pitch can be dangerous, presenting a number of hazards to the players using the surface. As mentioned previously, the surface can become uneven and unpredictable if it has not been maintained, making it easy for players to fall and suffer an injury. Furthermore, surface water can become an issue when a pitch is not maintained, which could result in players slipping. A well maintained surface will not have issues with drainage, as well as being even and consistent. Injuries are less likely to occur on a well maintained pitch.
Football Pitch Longevity
The lifetime of an artificial football pitch will be significantly reduced if the surface is not maintained properly. An artificial football pitch is a large investment, therefore you want it to perform well for as long as possible. Poor maintenance will undermine this. Proper maintenance will make your artificial pitch look as good as new for years to come, performing brilliantly and making your investment worthwhile.
Football Pitch Maintenance
The easiest way to keep on top of your pitch maintenance is to make it part of your daily routine, performing a few small tasks each day to keep the pitch manageable. It does not have to be a large, time-consuming undertaking. Make it routine and make a commitment to keeping on top of the maintenance to prevent it from building up. Here are a few quick jobs to include in your daily pitch maintenance routine.
Remove Litter
It is crucial to keep your artificial football pitch free from all litter and contaminants, as it helps to prevent the dirt being compacted into the turf and causing further damage. The majority of litter can be removed by hand, then a machine can be used to remove the smaller, finer waste. Litter picking should be a daily task to keep the pitch looking good. After all, a litter-filled pitch is not appealing.
Remove Leaves & Branches
You will undoubtedly see leaves and branches on your artificial pitch and it is important to remove these. Algae and moss often form on leaves and branches, which can actually damage the water permeability of an artificial turf surface. There are mechanical leaf sweepers on the market which remove leaves from a pitch quickly and safely, without damaging the surface.
Monitor Infill Levels
Keep an eye on the infill levels of your artificial football pitch to ensure they don’t get too low. Over time, some of the rubber infill will leave the pitch on players’ shoes and due to windy weather, but if the level gets too low it can damage the surface. Infill displacement can weaken the pitch’s synthetic fibres, as well as increasing the rate at which the surface wears. This shortens the lifespan of the pitch.
Brush the Fibres
Drag brushing should be carried out at least once a week. This helps to maintain a consistent and even distribution of the rubber infill, as well as helping the synthetic fibres to stand upright. This reduces the likelihood of compaction, reducing the chance of drainage issues and slippage, as well as improving how your artificial football pitch looks and feels.
Here at AS Sports, we provide a range of (3G) synthetic grass systems, suitable for football pitches at all levels. 3G surfaces are now recognised and accepted as a certified playing surface by the football governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA and The FA. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with your new football pitch project.
