The Partnership for Healthy Playing Surfaces
Artificial Turf
Costs for initial installation, maintenance and replacement are significantly higher for artificial turf fields than for natural grass fields.
Cost: The cost to construct an artificial turf field can vary depending on size, materials and base construction. The installation of a new field can require extensive site development for proper surface stability, long-term wear and drainage.
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Maintenance: Maintenance costs include regular cleaning and disinfecting, anti-static and flame retardant chemical applications, painting, brushing, infill replacement, seam repair and surface cooling with special water cannon equipment.
Artificial turf fields need to be replaced at the end of their useful life. It is important to check the number of years specified in the manufacturer warranty. For example, one industry website notes that “The industry standard is to provide an eight (8) year warranty on all synthetic turf materials,” while noting that some fields last significantly beyond the warranty.1
Blood, urine and vomit must be manually removed and the synthetic carpet cleaned by maintenance staff using disinfectants (pesticides). Manufacturers recommend cleaning after every sporting event.
Temperature: Artificial turf fields, especially those using tire crumb for infill, can become superheated to temperatures from 120 to 180 degrees F. Playing on artificial turf during extreme heat can melt athletic shoes, cause blisters on hands and feet and induce heatstroke and dehydration.
Environmental Impact: Artificial turf surfaces can negatively impact the environment. See our page on Environment.
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Disposal: The Sports Turf Managers Association estimated in its Guide to Synthetic and Natural Turfgrass for Sports Fields, 3rd edition (undated) that decision makers should “[p]lan on an approximate range of $6.50 to $7.80 per sq. ft. for the disposal and resurfacing of a synthetic field.”2
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​As an example, the town of Arlington, MA considered a cost comparison between artificial turf and natural grass in 2024. Drawing on input from various sources, they estimated installation costs for artificial turf at $850,000 to $1 million, compared to $50,000 to $600,000 for natural grass. Annual maintenance was estimated at $13,000 to $40,000 for artificial turf and $8,000 to $50,000 for natural grass. Finally, end-of-life costs were estimated at $150,000 (excludes costs such as landfill charges and transportation) to $665,000 (includes removal and replacement but does not include transportation) and $150,000 for natural grass (resodding). 3,4
The Turfgrass Resource Center has also compiled information on one-time purchases that may be necessary for maintenance of either artificial turf or natural grass. 5
References:
[1] FieldTurf. 2025. “Answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about turf.” https://fieldturf.com/en/why-fieldturf/faq/
[2] Sports Turf Managers Association. No date. A Guide to Synthetic and Natural Turfgrass for Sports Fields. Viewed at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57fe8750d482e926d718f65a/t/593debdc3a04116ac56f1d1b/1497230317304/STMA+Syn+and+Nat+Guide+3rd+edition+FINAL.pdf, September 30, 2025.
[3] Artificial Turf Study Committee Report Summary, May 13, 2024, available at https://www.arlingtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/70071/638512110815430000
[4] Artificial Turf Study Committee: Final Committee Report, April 12, 2024. Available at https://www.arlingtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/69732/638494836316530000.
[5] Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: "Separating Myths and Facts. Available at https://www.saratogasod.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/NaturalGrassArtificialTurf.pdf
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