Synthetic turf

Beware infill dispersal

The ability of a synthetic turf surface to sustain high levels of usage and facilitate large numbers of people to play sport has cemented their role in many communities. However, it’s important that it is used in such a way that minimises the negative impact it has on its surroundings. One important fact to consider is minimising the migration of infill into the environment.

The EMEA Synthetic Turf Council, working in conjunction with the European Standards Committee, have prepared Technical Report 17519: Guidance on how to Minimise Infill Dispersion into the Environment – detailing how employment of some simple design, operation and maintenance procedures can help to reduce the potential of infill contaminating the surrounding environment. Together with construction considerations, such as containment barriers, decontamination mats and perimeter drainage, the ongoing maintenance must also be conducted mindfully.

With the use of a synthetic surface, infill will naturally migrate outwards towards the pitch perimeters which is where effective maintenance comes into play; ensuring that infill is returned to the higher use areas for surface stability and playability. The easiest way to do this is through regular brushing, though thought should be given to the type of brush used to reduce the risk of infill flicking up and off the surface.

GKB Machines have a range of brush options including the 4m wide Brush, for quick surface coverage with hydraulically foldable wings for convenient transportation and storage. In addition, the GKB Quick-Brush can be configured with a range of optional extras including a rake or rubber finishing mat to suit individual requirements.

Also in the GKB stable is the Rotobrush, for the effective maintenance of perimeter areas with significantly lower risks of infill dispersal when compared to the use of other equipment, such as leaf blowers. The rotating brush head on the arm of the Rotobrush can switch between clockwise and anti-clockwise operation, with the rigid bristles effectively collecting the accumulated infill and moving it towards the centre of the surface. Together with redistributing infill, brushing the perimeters of an artificial pitch is also crucial to stop moss, algae and other contaminants taking hold.

When brushing or using any other tools such as cleaners, it is inevitable that some infill will be collected on the bristles so take care to ensure that machinery is thoroughly cleaned before it leaves the surface. Ideally, once the job is complete, the equipment should then be securely stored on a hard surface, in an area that doesn’t drain into the surrounding environment.

Deep renovation will bring pitch back to life

As we emerge from the winter months, now is the time to renovate your synthetic surface. Tell-tale issues such as water pooling, weed and moss ingress and compaction may be visible if brushing regimes have not been sufficient enough to cope with play and climatic conditions. If this is the case, the surface will benefit from a deep renovation with the Redexim Extreme Clean to remove debris and alleviate compaction in a single pass.

The Extreme Clean is a horizontal rotary unit designed to breathe new life into compacted carpets or target specific neglected areas. The stiff bristles of the rotating brushes ‘scrub’ the surface to loosen infill, lift flattened fibres and remove debris and contaminants. Available in either 120cm or 180cm working widths, the Extreme Clean is adjusted on four threaded spindles allowing the brush head depth and pressure to be set accurately depending on the aggressiveness of clean required.

This machine is particularly effective on sand-dressed surfaces, making it a popular choice for the regeneration of tennis courts, football and hockey surfaces. By loosening hardened and/or compacted infill materials, the Extreme Clean will help to restore both the aesthetic and physical play characteristics of a carpet – improving drainage, player safety and ball roll/bounce, and reducing the likelihood of more serious and costly surface repairs being required further down the line.