Synthetic Turf fields Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, synthetic turf fields have gained increasing popularity over traditional natural grass courts. This trend is due to significant technological advances that have made synthetic grass a highly durable and high-performance product.

In addition to ensuring excellent playing quality, synthetic turf fields offer numerous advantages in terms of maintenance and weather resistance.

However, to preserve their biomechanical properties and ensure optimal performance, it is crucial to adopt a regular and well-planned maintenance programme.

In this article, we will explore in detail the routine and extraordinary operations necessary to keep a synthetic turf field in excellent condition.

Routine Operations

Routine maintenance of synthetic turf fields is essential to ensure their longevity and the best possible performance.

One of the most important operations is the regular brushing of the surface. This activity should be carried out with sweepers equipped with PPL or nylon brushes, materials that ensure effective cleaning without damaging the synthetic fibres. The use of brushes with steel bristles is strongly discouraged as they could scratch or break the grass filaments.

The pressure exerted by the brush should be adequate: not too strong to avoid damaging the field, but sufficient to remove debris.

Brushing the field in cross or against-the-grain directions is recommended because it effectively collects foreign objects such as leaves, small debris, and other impurities.

In addition to brushing, it is important to regularly refresh the field. Although irrigation is not necessary as with natural grass fields, light humidification can help maintain the flexibility of the fibres and reduce dust.

Extraordinary Operations

In addition to routine operations, synthetic turf fields require extraordinary interventions, usually once or twice a year, depending on usage intensity. These interventions include:

Checking the bonding strength. The joints between different rolls of synthetic grass can loosen with use and weather conditions. It is therefore essential to periodically check the bonding and, if necessary, reinforce the joints to avoid lifting or bending of the turf.

Replenishing the rubber granules, in infilled synthetic turf field. The infill material, usually composed of rubber granules, tends to shift or compact over time. Maintaining a uniform distribution of this material is vital to ensure the right elasticity and grip of the field. Replenishing the granules ensures that the field remains safe and comfortable for players.

Inspecting and repairing any damage. Weather conditions and intensive use can cause damage to the field surface. It is important to regularly inspect the turf and repair any damage before they become major issues.

Cleaning the drainage channels. Even during extraordinary operations, cleaning the drainage systems remains a priority to prevent debris build-up that could obstruct water flow.

Common problems in synthetic turf fields

Despite their robustness, synthetic turf fields can present a series of maintenance-related problems. Here are the most common:

• Temperature: High temperatures can negatively affect synthetic fibres, making them more fragile and less elastic. It is important to monitor the field's temperature, especially during summer months, and consider using cooling treatments.

• Infill Redistribution: The infill tends to shift with use, creating areas with varying amounts of material. Maintaining a uniform distribution is essential for the field's safety and performance. Regular redistribution of the infill material is therefore a fundamental activity.

• Cleaning, Pest Control, and Disinfection: Keeping the field clean is crucial not only for its aesthetic appearance but also for the health of the players. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dirt and debris, while periodic pest control and disinfection help eliminate bacteria and parasites, keeping the field safe and hygienic.

The use of sweepers for synthetic turf field cleaning

The use of sweepers for cleaning synthetic grass fields offers numerous advantages and benefits. These machines are specifically designed to remove debris without damaging the synthetic fibres, keeping the field in the best possible condition. Professional sweepers ensure effective and rapid cleaning, minimising field downtime and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

MP-HT sweepers are designed to be compact and lightweight, facilitating their use and manoeuvrability.

They can be equipped with non-abrasive bristles such as PPL and nylon, which ensure gentle yet effective cleaning of synthetic grass fields.

Additionally, these sweepers can be fitted with a water misting system on the side brushes. This system offers a dual advantage: it effectively controls dust during cleaning operations and helps refresh the field, further improving playing conditions. Thanks to these features, MP-HT sweepers represent an advanced and versatile solution for synthetic grass field maintenance.

AGILE: the MP-HT sweeper ideal for synthetic turf field cleaning

AGILE is a compact and lightweight ride-on sweeper.

Thanks to the front monowheel drive it is able to steer almost on itself, in order to work nimbly even in the most confined spaces.

Dirt can be collected directly into disposable bags for safe work. The water system on the side brushes allows you to refresh the artificial turf field and control the lifting of dust during the sweeping phase.

Contact us to find out more about our sweepers.

Here is a Testimonial from our German dealer with the AGILE MAX 108 sweeper

“A powerful mechanical suction sweeper is required to clean the synthetic turf fields.

AGILE MAX 108/K is particularly suitable for this type of operation. This is due to the high performance in both garbage and suction.

In our "K" version the sweeper has been modified for a better cleaning efficiency of the non-infilled synthetic turf field (MAX 108/K). Our experience in these surfaces dates back to 2015 and since then we have continued to work to increase the performance and effectiveness of this sweeper in this particular sector.

Main features of AGILE:

• ease of use;
• low running costs and easy maintenance”

Click here to find out more on the web page of our German dealer