That is the question. And it’s a good question. Artificial grass has been making up more ground in recent years as it has replaced natural grass on playing fields and even in backyards and garden areas. So which one is better? We thought we’d take a deeper look at this subject and come up with a list of the good and bad for each.
Backyard sports basketball 2007 ps2. Although no answer is definitely the right or wrong one, eventually it will be up to you. Let’s start with good old natural grass.
Live Turf Lawn
Backyard University in York Pennsylvania offers private baseball and softball instruction, including but not limited to hitting, pitching, catching and fielding. We also offer camps and clinics, tournament teams, coaching and umpire seminars, field rentals, batting cage rentals, pitching lane rentals and birthday parties. With 9,500 feet of indoor turf, we are always available for your indoor. Backyard soccer field - My husband recently completed this home reno project in Delta, BC: Company 'Best Builders' - Featured in Homes & Living magazine. Backyard Soccer Field Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel and Decor Backyard soccer field, so fun for the kids! Retro Home by Sarah Gallop Design See more.
For many, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass. Or what it looks like when it’s at its most full and lush time of the year. Unfortunately it doesn’t always stay like that and homeowners and maintenance people alike spend a good amount of time getting it looking just right.
Pro’s
You can’t beat the look and feel of a real lawn. When it’s at its best, not only does it look good, but it feels good to walk in or even roll around in.
It’s real…and that’s what most lawns and ballfields have been for many years and with a little maintenance have always performed as expected.
Growing real grass is a low cost installation. You get some decent soil, some grass seed and some water and you’re ready to go.
Con’s
There is more than a little maintenance with natural grass. From mowing, to watering, to fertilizing, you are putting time, effort and money into the upkeep of your lawn.
Natural grass is not an eco-friendly lawn. Between the water, pesticides, gas and electricity to keep it in tip-top shape, you are not the environments friend.
The amount of traffic your lawn gets from children or pets will most likely create bare or discolored areas or muddy zones from overuse.
Artificial Turf
There have been some very good advances in artificial turf and we are seeing more and more yards and playing fields using it. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.
Pro’s
Lower maintenance costs with artificial turf. No need to water, cut or fertilize which will save you a few dollars and give you a lot of free time back.
Much more durable than natural grass. Artificial turf can hold up to heavy use and weather conditions and maintain its look and consistency.
Because it won’t create muddy patches or holes and ruts, people are less likely to be hurt while playing on this surface.
Easy to clean up. Synthetic grass can easily be cleaned and raked like a real lawn.
The amount of water and chemicals needed to keep natural grass healthy and green is concerning to those who enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle. Artificial turf requires zero pesticides to keep it green and absolutely no gasoline or electricity is required to keep it at the ideal length.
Con’s
The initial costs to install artificial grass can be high, but are offset over time by the savings on water, gas, electricity and fertilizer, not to mention the cost of your time.
Artificial turf can absorb heat and can get a bit hot on extremely warm days.
You won’t get the smell and feel of natural grass but you also won’t get the maintenance and upkeep.
Synthetic grass will last many years but the normal shelf life can be up to 15 years.
Additional Information on Artificial Turf
By materials, artificial turf is divided into 3 main groups: polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene. Polypropylene is used for sports fields and lawns. Polyamide is used for lawns and gardens; this synthetic turf needs to be irrigated with water. Polyethylene is the most popular new type of material, which is used for sports fields and gardens. It is very strong and durable.
Pile height is the average height of the yarns measured from the top of the backing layer.
Synthetic Grass utilizes infill materials like crumb rubber and sand to get a better appearance, improved performance, and greater durability. Therefore, part of the pile height will be covered with infill. Sport products are usually infilled up to 70 % of the pile height.
For sport applications, the pile height is extremely important because the higher the pile height, the greater the amount of infill material that can be applied. Resulting in a surface with better performance and shock absorption.
The infill will add weight and will also protect the backing from too much UV exposure. The color of your grass can possibly be affected by UV exposure although there are protective measures for your fibers that you can ask about.
Coach Danny Bernstein • Coach Vin Minotti • Coach David Villalobos • Coach Ural Hogans • Coach Doug Barshop • Coach Dillon Faulkner • Coach Dave Boykin
Danny Bernstein
Executive Director and Founder
M.A.T, Physical Education, Manhattanville College
B.A., Economics, Amherst College
Backyard sports wii. Danny Bernstein learned to love all sports right in his own neighborhood. Raised in Long Island, Danny played in the schoolyard, driveways, and backyards of suburbia. He attended Amherst College where he played goalie on the varsity soccer team and was elected captain his senior year.
His positive experiences throughout his youth inspired him to create Backyard Sports. Now as an adult, Danny continues to be athletic. He still plays soccer on Saturday mornings, and believes that the love of playing sports can continue throughout your life.
Vin Minotti
Program Director, Backyard Sports
Two Time New York State Private School State Champion as Head Coach (2010, 2012)
New York State Small Private School Coach of the Year (2012)
Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Darien, Mamaroneck and Rye Country Day
Graduate Assistant Coach at the birthplace of basketball, Springfield College
Awarded Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, Springfield College
Helped development of numerous high school players who went on to play at:
Vanderbilt University
Boston University
Loyola University
Lemoyne College
Springfield College
Union College
Norwich College
Health Education Instructor, Mamaroneck Public Schools
Three sport standout at Fox Lane High School (Basketball, Football, Baseball)
Coach Minotti spent the early years of life watching his father teach elementary physical education and coach high school soccer. By the time Minotti entered his freshman year at Fox Lane High School he already knew his chosen profession. Minotti earned both his undergraduate and Master’s Degree from Springfield College. At SC, Vin taught physical education courses and became the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. After his college teaching tenure, Minotti's passion led him to coaching High School Basketball and teaching both elementary physical education and health.
Vin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Backyard Sports, infusing both solid teaching progressions and dynamic lessons that enable our Backyard Sports Athletes to develop love of the game and increase their maximum potential. Minotti currently teaches health education at the Mamaroneck Public Schools and is the head boys’ coach at Rye Country Day. Vin lives in Bedford New York with his wife Lorraine and two children.
David Villalobos
Director of Soccer Operations at Backyard Sports
Retired Assistant Principal, New York City Department of Education
Trainer & Assistant Varsity Coach at Edgemont High School
Travel Soccer Trainer and Coach at Edgemont Travel Club and Rivertowns Football Club
Player at Brignorth Town FC, Newport Town FC and Shrewsbury Town FC - England
3 year All State college player at Manhattanville College
Born in Chile, Coach Villalobos brings over 30 years of playing and coaching experience to Backyard Sports. He has coached all age levels from Pre K through college. A former professional player and received all-American distinction in his collegiate career. In addition to Backyard Sports, Coach Villalobos coaches at Edgemont High School, CSA New York - Complete Soccer Academy, and trains many travel soccer teams in the WYSL. He has Masters in education and school supervision. Coach Villalobos is retired from the New York City Department of Education after serving 30 years as a Teacher and Assistant Principal. He resides with his family in Yonkers, New York.
Ural Hogans
Assistant Coach at Woodlands High School for 7 yrs
Head Coach at Alexander Hamilton High School for 4 yrs
Helped Woodlands win two league titles
Coached Sectional Title at Hamilton in 04'
Won 3 Sectional Title and a State Title as a player
Played Division I Basketball
Doug Barshop
Associate Director
B.A., Speech Communication, University of Maryland
Doug never met a sport he didn’t like. Growing up in Westchester County, Doug was always ready for pick-up game of baseball, basketball, football, kickball, soccer or anything else that was being played at school or in the neighborhood. That enthusiasm continued through high school where Doug played Varsity football and Lacrosse.
Doug’s lifelong passion for sports and desire to work with kids lead him to join Backyard Sports. He believes, the positive lessons learned through sports can impact everyone in helping build better communities. Doug lives in Weston, Connecticut with his three children.
Coach Dillon Faulkner
Backyard Sports Field Games
Backyard Sports Home Field Advantage Coordinator
B.A., Sport Management, Minor in Communications, SUNY Fredonia
M.S. Sport Business Management, Manhattanville College (May, 2018)
Dillon Faulkner has always been passionate about sports. Growing up in Westchester County, Dillon was competitive in multiple sports, leading him to pursue a degree in Sport Management at SUNY Fredonia.
Dillon quickly became the President and Founder of the Club Basketball team at Fredonia before earning his title as Intramurals Commissioner and Student Assistant Coach of the Men’s basketball team during his final two years at Fredonia. Graduating Summa Cum Laude in May of 2016, Dillon received a B.A. in Sport Management with a Minor in Communications and went on to pursue an M.S. in Sport Business Management from Manhattanville College. Dillon’s passion for sports steered him to Backyard Sports, where he immediately felt right at home.
Coach Dave Boykin
Dave Boykin is White Plains, NY native.
He starred as White Plains high school's point guard from 2002-2006
Played college basketball at Fordham University.
After two years at Fordham University, Dave transferred to the University of Bridgeport where he won 2 conference championships and managed to score 1,000 points in only 2 seasons
In 2010, he was named the Scholar-Athlete of year of the ECC. After his college career, he played professional ball in Germany, China, Colombia and most recently Brazil in 2016.
Coach Boykin has been with Backyard Sports for the past five years and loves teaching young athletes
Dave has a great demeanor while coaching and serves as a terrific role model to all of our Backyard Sports Athletes.