5 Things You Should Know About Your Turf Field…

And 3 Things You Should Do Every Year.

Artificial turf fields are a major investment—and like any investment, they require smart upkeep to protect performance, safety, and longevity. Here are the five most important things every facility director, coach, or administrator should know:

1. Your Turf Field Has a Lifecycle (and It Might Be Closer to the End Than You Think)

Most turf fields are built to last 8–10 years—but usage, weather, and maintenance can significantly speed up or slow down that timeline. High-traffic areas like goal mouths and hash marks wear faster. Knowing your field’s age and actual wear condition is the first step in avoiding sudden failures.

2. Infill Displacement Happens Faster Than You Realize

Over time, rubber and sand infill migrate due to heavy use, weather, and inadequate grooming. Low infill levels reduce shock absorption, create hard spots, and increase injury risk. Monitoring infill depth regularly is critical—especially in high-impact zones.

3. Small Repairs Can Prevent Big Costs

Loose seams, worn lines, and minor tears may seem like cosmetic issues, but they often signal deeper problems. Ignoring them leads to bigger damage and much more expensive repairs—or even early replacement. A professional eye can often spot what’s easy to miss.

4. Turf Maintenance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Each field has unique needs based on usage, sport type, and weather. Football, soccer, and lacrosse stress different parts of the field. Without a tailored maintenance plan, some areas will degrade much faster than others—impacting play and safety.

5. A Clean Field Is a Safe Field

Turf fields collect more than just cleat marks—bacteria, debris, and contaminants like bodily fluids and trash build up over time. Left unchecked, these can create health risks and affect performance. A professional deep clean not only improves safety but restores how the field feels underfoot.

3 Things You Should Do Every Year

1. Schedule a Professional Field Assessment

Even if your field looks fine, a trained turf specialist can identify early-stage problems before they become major issues. Think of it like a check-up for your field—peace of mind now can prevent costly surprises later.

2. Deep Clean and Decompact High-Traffic Zones

Routine brushing isn’t enough. Annual deep cleaning removes contaminants and decompacts infill that has hardened over time. This restores cushion, improves playability, and extends the life of your surface.

3. Top Off Infill to Prevent Fiber Breakdown

Low infill levels cause turf fibers to lay down, reducing traction, increasing abrasion risk, and accelerating wear on the turf. Without proper infill, cleats dig into the backing, not the cushioning layer—leading to faster fiber damage and unsafe play. Annual top-offs keep fibers upright, protect the field system, and extend the life and safety of your surface.