Hall says, but this is only delaying the problem of disposal. “Ultimately, we’ll have to ask: `How can we dispose of such large quantities of material in the most environmentally green manner?


“Should we be using virgin materials for surface bases when track ballast and crushed concrete is available for secondary use? We have to strike a balance between recycling and fitness for purpose.” The real turf movement could present an increasingly powerful lobbying force from both climate change and sustainability perspectives, to say nothing of its centuries- old sporting pedigree. But if trends here follow those abroad, the roadsides and gardens of Britain may be laid with vast acres of lush, green, synthetic grass, not to mention the roofs of


buildings such as hotels. How long before pitches, playing areas and stadia follow suit? McArdle Sport-tec is


already operating a separate division called Astrolawn, which is growing rapidly to keep pace with the spread of demand.


“Synthetic grass will be huge,” Weedon states. “The market will expand


UNISEEDER easy to


manoeuvre overseeding


GROUNDBREAKER


de-compacts and drains the soil


exponentially worldwide. In the US, vast acres of front gardens are already to be seen. Dubai is laying synthetic grass at a phenomenal rate. In Valencia, roundabouts and the central reservations of dual carriageways are laid with it. More and more people want it for their back gardens. You could even lay a 3G surface in your back garden for the children to play on.” An expensive option,


Weedon admits, but when drought hits the country, the population increasingly expect to gain full use out of their plot.


The alternative green future beckons.


How long before pitches, playing areas and stadia follow suit?


What are first, second and third generation pitches?


Suppliers themselves seem uncertain about what constitutes first, second or third generation pitches. “First generation pitches were laid typically for American


football,” David Brown says, “and comprised a green nylon carpet on a hard base. The surface was uncompromising and ankle and knee damage was common.” Seeking to address these problems, second generation pitches included a rubber shockpad laid beneath the synthetic grass (approximately 18mm pile depth), with an infill of sand, which served to slow down fibre wear. “However, as a playing surface it was still hard,” says Brown. In the last 10 years, third generation (3G) surfaces have been


developed and rolled out. “It is these that have become the benchmark for the industry,” Brown adds. “The pile is much longer – 2 to 2.5in – with a mix of sand and shredded rubber (crumb) infill. These surfaces are more forgiving and ball bounce is nearer that of real grass because the rubber and sand mix absorbs energy.” The ideal playing surface for hockey is a water-based pitch, a


more expensive option (up to £100,000 more than a sand-filled alternative) as the product is pure textile, says Simon Hall, but it boasts a much denser pile.


a selection from our extensive range, contact us for further information


overseeding MULTI-SEEDER


for fast accurate


BLECAVATOR


single pass multi purpose ground


preparation


HARLEY RAKE


grade level and rake


SPECIALIST LANDSCAPING AND TURFCARE EQUIPMENT Global Centre, Spalding Road,


Deeping St James, Nr Peterborough PE6 8SD Tel: 01778 346222


Fax: 01778 346777 Email: sales@blec.co.uk Website: www.blec.co.uk 26 www.pitchcare.com/re 61


Stand C28 BTME


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