artificial turf

Artificial turf with rubber crumb infill Side view of artificial turf Diagram of the structure of modern artificial turf Artificial turf square mats Artificial turf to be rolled out on a football pitch in Ystad in 2025. Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass, used in sports arenas, residential lawns, and commercial applications that traditionally use grass. It is much more durable than grass and easily maintained without irrigation or trimming, although periodic cleaning is required. Stadiums that are substantially covered or at high latitudes often use artificial turf, as they typically lack enough sunlight for photosynthesis and substitutes for solar radiation are prohibitively expensive and energy-intensive. Disadvantages include increased risk of injury especially when used in athletic competition, as well as health and environmental concerns about the petroleum and toxic chemicals used in its manufacture.

Artificial turf first gained substantial attention in 1966, when ChemGrass was installed in the year-old Astrodome, developed by Monsanto and rebranded as AstroTurf, now a generic trademark (registered to a new owner) for any artificial turf.