Soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, CNN reports. The number of soccer fans has increased by 52% since 2012, a growth that outpaces all other major American sports, including baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and American football. With soccer’s popularity only continuing to grow, we can naturally expect more players to take up the sport. Offering consistency, durability, and safety, artificial pitches, in particular, are a great choice for players both new and experienced. By taking time to look after your pitch, you can ensure it stays in excellent condition for life.
Clear the surface
The pitch should be kept clean and debris-free at all times – unwanted leaves, sticks, and general trash typically build up fast. Fortunately, a large brush or leaf blower can easily take care of this job. Similarly, it’s also important to take care of spillages of any kind as soon as they happen. Energy drink spills, for example, can stain and breed bacteria, which damages the condition of your grass. Simply use a paper towel to mop the stain up, before then grabbing a cloth or sponge and gentle detergent to clean the area. To finish, rinse the area with a small amount of water and brush it off.
Wash it once a week
Once your astroturf is clear of debris, you’ll need to wash it – ideally, once a week. All you need to do is spray the pitch down with a hose, but be careful not to soak it – artificial grass can be prone to flooding, which warps the turf. Use a large broom to then sweep any lingering water off the surface. Since astroturf doesn’t require watering like a real lawn, it has the benefit of being water saving. Water-retaining landscapes are key to preventing water waste, which is a serious problem in the United States – shockingly, outdoor watering accounts for around 30% of total water use. You can also occasionally give the pitch a deeper clean to kill bacteria. Simply make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and spray the pitch with it. You can then rinse it with water before sweeping it off.
Avoid inadvertently damaging the pitch
Although astroturf is fairly low-maintenance, there are a few precautions you need to take to avoid inadvertent damage and keep it in tip-top condition. For example, don’t treat your pitch with harsh chemicals. Stick to gentle detergents (such as, washing-up liquid) and vinegar-water solutions. It’s also important not to use sharp objects like scissors, mowers, or strimmers on the pitch. Yes, this may be obvious, but it’s important to note that sharp objects run the risk of puncturing the surface, which in turn may lead to a serious injury for players on the pitch.
Consistent, durable, and easy to maintain, astroturf is the ideal choice for soccer pitches. By making an effort to keep the surface clear, wash the pitch once a week, and avoid inadvertent damage, you’ll be able to keep your pitch in excellent condition for life.