What is Astro Turf and How is it Different from Artificial Grass?

Astro turf is a term that is often used to refer to artificial grass, but it is actually a specific brand of synthetic turf that has its own history and characteristics. In this blog post, we will explore what astro turf is, how it was invented, how it differs from other types of artificial grass, and what are its advantages and disadvantages.

What is Astro Turf?

Astro turf is an American subsidiary of SportGroup that produces artificial turf for playing surfaces in sports. The original Astro Turf product was a short-pile synthetic turf invented in 1965 by Monsanto Since the early 2000s, Astro Turf has marketed taller pile systems that use infill materials to better replicate natural turf

The name Astro Turf comes from its first well-publicized use at the Houston Astrodome stadium in 1966, where it was installed as a replacement for natural grass that could not grow under the dome’s roof The name was coined by John A. Wortmann, a company employee, who combined the words “Astrodome” and “turf”

Astro Turf was initially popular among many major stadiums and sports venues, especially in baseball and American football, because it offered a uniform and durable surface that could withstand the demands of the game. However, it also had some drawbacks, such as causing injuries to players due to its hardness and abrasiveness, and being aesthetically unappealing compared to natural grass

To address these issues, Astro Turf developed new products that used longer fibers and infill materials, such as rubber granules or sand, to create a softer and more realistic surface. These products are known as third-generation or 3G turf, and they are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural grass more closely

How is Astro Turf Different from Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is a generic term that refers to any type of synthetic turf that is used for landscaping or recreational purposes. Artificial grass can be made of various materials, such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a blend of these. Artificial grass can also have different pile heights, densities, colors, and textures, depending on the intended use and preference of the customer

Astro Turf is a specific brand of artificial grass that is mainly used for sports applications. Astro Turf products are made of nylon or polyethylene fibers that are tufted into a backing material and then coated with a latex or polyurethane adhesive. Astro Turf products also use infill materials to provide cushioning and stability to the surface

The main difference between Astro Turf and other artificial grass brands is the quality and performance of their products. Astro Turf claims to be a leader in synthetic turf technology, offering products that have superior safety, playability, durability, and appearance. Astro Turf also boasts of having the most advanced manufacturing facilities and quality controls in the industry

Some of the features that distinguish Astro Turf products from other artificial grass products are:

• The RootZone system: This is a patented technology that consists of a layer of textured fibers that are intertwined with the primary fibers to create a dense matrix that holds the infill in place and prevents it from migrating or compacting. This system enhances the shock absorption, traction, stability, and drainage of the surface
• The Trionic fiber: This is a proprietary fiber that blends polyethylene and nylon to create a stronger and more resilient fiber than either material alone. This fiber resists wear and tear, UV degradation, fading, and splitting better than conventional fibers
• The US Open colors: These are the official colors of the US Open tennis tournament, which are US Open Green and US Open Blue. These colors are exclusive to Astro Turf products and are designed to provide optimal contrast and visibility for players and spectators

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Astro Turf?

Astro Turf has some advantages and disadvantages compared to natural grass or other artificial grass brands. Some of the advantages are:

• It requires less maintenance than natural grass, as it does not need watering, mowing, fertilizing, or weeding.
• It can be used in any weather condition or season, as it does not freeze, flood, dry out, or become muddy.
• It can be installed on any type of base or sub-base, such as concrete, asphalt, gravel, or soil.
• It can last for up to 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
• It can reduce water consumption and pesticide use compared to natural grass, which can benefit the environment and save money.
• It can provide a consistent and high-quality playing surface for various sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, tennis, hockey, golf, and more.
• It can offer a variety of options for customization, such as colors, logos, markings, patterns, and shapes.

Some of the disadvantages are:

• It can be more expensive than natural grass or other artificial grass brands in terms of initial installation and replacement costs.
• It can cause injuries to players due to its hardness, abrasiveness, or heat retention, especially if it is not properly maintained or installed.
• It can harbor bacteria, mold, or fungi if it is not cleaned or sanitized regularly or adequately.
• It can release toxic chemicals or microplastics into the air, water, or soil if it is not disposed of properly or recycled.
• It can have a negative impact on the aesthetics and biodiversity of the natural environment, as it does not support the growth of plants or animals.

Conclusion

Astro Turf is a brand of artificial grass that is mainly used for sports applications. It was invented in 1965 by Monsanto and has evolved over the years to offer products that use longer fibers and infill materials to better replicate natural turf. Astro Turf products have some advantages and disadvantages compared to natural grass or other artificial grass brands, depending on the needs and preferences of the customer. Astro Turf is one of the leading synthetic turf manufacturers in the world, offering products that have high standards of quality and performance.

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