O
ne of the many reasons field owners embrace
the idea of synthetic turf is the fact that it will
save on water bills since it doesn't need irriga-
tion.
This is true; the field will stay green despite
not having a regular drink. However, it's a rare synthetic field
that doesn't need irrigation. And while synthetic turf does not
need to be watered in the same way natural grass does, an
irrigation system is essential. It helps to clean the field, settle
the infill and reduce static electricity. It also helps reduce the
much complained-about "heat island" effect common to syn-
thetic fields in hot weather.
So while we can all agree that irrigation systems help fields
function more efficiently, the question becomes this: what can
be done to help irrigation systems themselves function more
efficiently?
The good news: it's not all that complicated, really. Like all
other aspects of a sports facility, an irrigation system will work
Irrigation System Care
System Maintenance
By Mary Helen Sprecher
www.greenmediaonline.com July 2014 Green Media 21
Photo courtesy of GMB Architecture + Engineering, Holland, MI
