Artificial Turf for Athletic Facilities

In Sacramento and across the country, fitness centers and gymnasiums are starting to use artificial turf instead of natural grass or more typical flooring surfaces like vinyl or linoleum. Artificial grass has already seen widespread use for lawns and landscaping purposes, but many of the characteristics that make it an ideal choice in those industries also make it excellent for athletic facilities.

Versatility

Synthetic grass is useful in both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoors, synthetic turf installations are more comfortable to walk on and exercise on than hard or rubber flooring. Outside, a synthetic turf field looks fresh and green year-round without the need to be watered.

Low Maintenance Costs

Because artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered or mowed, businesses can spend far less money on water and lawn maintenance equipment. This, in turn, means being able to spend much less on upkeep for long-term operations. Maintenance for a synthetic turf field consists of simply rinsing it with a hose to wash away dirt and occasionally brushing it to remove larger pieces of debris.

Durability & Safety

Thanks to the turf’s perforated backing and drainage grid underlayer, synthetic turf can drain water extremely quickly. This means that outdoor fields don’t develop puddles, which makes it far less likely for people to slip and fall while running on damp turf. A common problem for grass fields is that the soil they grow in develops holes, bumps, and divots as people exercising damage the ground. These irregularities can also cause people to trip and fall and suffer injuries. Artificial turf, on the other hand, is far tougher than natural grass, and it can endure rough use like sled pushes and pulls, heavy foot traffic, dropped exercise equipment, and more without suffering from cracks, ruts, or indentations. Another unique feature of synthetic turf is that it can be installed with shock-absorbing pads underneath the turf that reduce pressure on people’s joints and cushion a fall when it does occur.

Style & Customization

Because synthetic turf looks good with only minimal maintenance, it presents a clean and professional atmosphere for businesses. Additionally, green carries connotations of vibrancy, energy, and good health, all fitting elements for a fitness center to project. Synthetic turf can come in numerous different colors, pile heights, backings, and yarn compositions, and it can be customized for almost any application. Some businesses, for instance, prefer cork or rubber infill and padding, while some prefer none. Synthetic turf can also feature inlaid lines, numbers, and hash marks for training purposes, or business logos that reinforce brand awareness in customers and patrons.

If you own an athletic facility in Sacramento and are interested in installing synthetic turf in your business, contact Artificial Turf by Fenix today. Our design and installation experts can help you in every step of the process of choosing the right artificial grass design for your home or business. They’d also be happy to provide you with a free estimate when you call us at (877) 673-8873.

Artificial Grass Winter Maintenance Tips

While artificial grass is far more resilient than an organic lawn, it still requires a degree of maintenance and care during the winter months as temperatures drop and the weather becomes harsher. While snow may not be a major concern for the Sacramento area, there are still certain steps and precautions you should take when caring for your artificial grass lawn, whether you’re a private homeowner or a commercial interest. 

Dealing With Fall’s Leftovers

While caring for your artificial lawn during the winter, there’s a good chance that there are still leaves and plant debris finding their way into your synthetic turf from the fall. While your fall maintenance routine should take care of the majority of fallen leaves, it’s still a good idea to clear away any plant matter that ends up on your lawn. This will reduce bacteria created by rotting leaves and make sure that mushy, organic matter doesn’t get stuck between the blades of synthetic turf. 

Check Your Nails

The changing of the seasons and weather can affect the materials you use to secure the lawn to its base. During the winter months, make sure that your lawn is firmly secured, and if any nails are rusting or broken, be sure to replace them.

How To Handle Frost

While synthetic grass can withstand severe temperature fluctuations, both heat waves and cold snaps, there are still precautions you should take. During cold weather, ice can form on the blades and can pose a slipping hazard to anyone trying to walk or run on it. When ice forms, it is usually best to let it melt naturally and drain away via your lawn’s drainage system. If you do want to remove the ice from your lawn, whether as an aesthetic choice or to let children or pets play on it without risking someone falling, use a plastic snow shovel or a tool like a bristle broom. Metal tools are harder, and therefore rougher on the grass. You can also use heated towels or rags to melt away the frost. 

Cold weather can also make blades brittle, and these brittle blades can be damaged if stepped on. If you do have to cross cold synthetic grass, walk lightly or take preventative measures like placing a tarp or plastic sheeting. This can keep moisture from forming on the turf. Coverings are also helpful if severe weather is on its way; these will make for easier cleanup and protect the blades from whatever punishment the weather might put them through. 

 

After harsh weather, artificial grass can look flattened or matted. To get it upright and erect, you can try “fluffing” it with a rake, broom, or brush. Again, you’ll want to use a plastic tool instead of metal to gently lift the blades. 

 

Whether you need a low-maintenance lawn for your Sacramento home or turf that will look good all year round for your business, Artificial Turf by Fenix and its synthetic grass lawns are the perfect solution for your requirements. If you’d like to start exploring options for artificial grass, you can contact us by calling (877) 673-8873. We’re eager to work with you to develop the perfect landscaping solution for your needs, both private and public.