The case for natural turf


For the first time in a single document -a


ALMOST lost in the plethora of activities at Harrogate was probably one of the most important announcements of the year.


Early on the Tuesday morning the European Seed Association launched a report entitled Why Choose Natural Turf - a discussion on natural versus artificial turf for sport and leisure applications. A 20 page document it presents the issues to be considered when buying and installing a new sports surface and argues a powerful case for natural turf, from an economic, safety and environmental point of view. For the first time in a single


all the unanswered concerns about artificial turf


document all the unanswered concerns about artificial turf are raised - player injuries, health threats, maintenance requirements, environmental impact of use and disposal and, an interesting one, the threat of litigation.


On the natural turf side there is proof of the developments in new grass species to cope with shade and drought conditions, supported by sound economic and environmental arguments.


It would be all too easy to accuse the ESA of having a vested interest but, in my opinion, it would be unjustified bearing in mind the evidence they have produced.


In the document there is a


statement that says ‘there is a place for artificial turf’, although it does not make clear where. The proponents


of artificial turf should see this as an opportunity to state their case and provide the information to support it. This is a very important document and a must read for anyone who is considering the installation of new sports pitches in the near future. The document can be


downloaded from the ESA site at www.euroseeds.org


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