Terminology – 3G, AstroTurf, Artificial Grass - Nomow (2024)

FAQs

Terminology – 3G, AstroTurf, Artificial Grass - Nomow? ›

One common term used in the artificial grass industry is “3G.” This term refers to the third generation of artificial grass surfaces, which are designed to perform like real grass whilst being remarkably durable.

A 3G pitch is a synthetic surface that replicates natural grass in playing characteristics. It is different to astroturf, replicating bounce, impact and overall performance. A 3G pitch is safer for players minimising friction burns and injuries.

The main difference between 3G and 4G surfaces is that 3G pitches contain infill, whilst 4G systems do not. 3G pitches are the latest to be recognised by any accredited governing body. Therefore, you will only find 3G pitches being publicly endorsed by sports teams or influencers.

3G is an official name for the technology of using a rubber crumb in-fill on an artificial sports pitch and stands for Third Generation. The rubber crumb helps with cushioning and gives the ball a realistic bounce.

Astroturf is often used as simply another name for artificial grass – but AstroTurf is an American company who specialise in synthetic turf for sports pitches and grounds, though the term is often used to mean all artificial grass found at sports facilities.

As long as the moulds are short in length, then they will not cause damage to the playing surface. Moulded boots are a good option when it comes to playing on 3G football pitches as they offer plenty of grip to minimise the risk of injury and aid performance.

How long does a 3G Pitch last for? An artificial turf football pitch generally has a lifespan of around 10 years, though this will vary based on how well the pitch has been constructed, the weekly hours of usage and how well the pitch has been maintained.

3G Turf is an All-Weather Surface

Come rain or shine, artificial turf is the perfect surface to play football on. A major advantage of 3G sports surfaces is the fact that they are free draining. Gone are the days when matches have to be cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.

These 3G pitches, made from petroleum, take a co*cktail of chemicals to create and last a mere 8-10 years. After their short-lived glory, they end up in landfills, breaking down into microplastics like confetti at a bad party.

What footwear is best for 3G or artificial surfaces? Footwear is important. Trainers and football boots with blades are not recommended, whilst “astro turf” trainers are not ideal. The FA suggests that either a football boot with a moulded stud or a football boot with a screw-in stud is worn.

How much does a full size 3G pitch cost? ›

According to Sport England's facility cost guide, a 3G football pitch of 106m x 70m will cost you anything between £1,075,000 and £1,130,000 depending on the thickness of astroturf (40mm-65mm) your venue requires. This price estimate includes the 3G pitch, fencing, and floodlighting.

The rubber used in 3G pitches is often from used car tyres, which can contain chemicals such as lead and mercury that are possibly carcinogenic. The European Commission has targeted 2031 to ban crumb rubber infill from sports pitches but neither the UK nor Scottish government have set a similar timeframe.

Whilst in most instances this is a safe assumption (if maintained correctly), the weather conditions that a 3G or sand filled astro surface cannot necessarily withstand is a drop in temperature, and the inevitable frost and freezing conditions that ensue.

It restricts access to natural materials like leaf litter and grass clippings – essential for feeding soil organisms like worms and microscopic animals and keeping the soil healthy. Artificial grass reaches significantly greater temperatures than those reached by natural grass under the same weather conditions.

Typically, 3G carpet has a longer pile height (carpet pile height can vary from 40mm to 65mm) and is used in some of the world's best artificial grass pitches. 3G grass has received accreditation as the latest artificial grass technology.

Glass and other sharp objects, cigarettes and fireworks should all be kept away from your artificial grass. Rips, tears and burn marks are not a good look. To avoid other issues, it's a good idea to ban chewing gum in your artificial grass areas too.

According to Sport England's facility cost guide, a 3G football pitch of 106m x 70m will cost you anything between £1,075,000 and £1,130,000 depending on the thickness of astroturf (40mm-65mm) your venue requires. This price estimate includes the 3G pitch, fencing, and floodlighting.

The 3G pitch has been specifically designed for football and has a long pile turf that gives a realistic grass feel whilst also being able to withstand heavy use. When using the pitch, players must use boots that have studs, this stops the fibres from becoming compressed and damaging the surface.

With water conservation issues on the rise, synthetic grass makes more sense than ever. Fake grass uses far less water than real grass, doesn't need water to keep it green, and doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides. Since mowing is not required, the carbon emissions of lawnmowers are non-existent.

Polyethylene – The most popular type of artificial grass yarn, as it is generally the most durable and looks the most like real grass due to its robust, stiff blades. Usually, it can withstand heavy traffic, making a great ground cover for sports facilities and playgrounds.