In the long run, using natural grass on pitches is cheaper than artificial turf

Many years ago, I was one of the governors for Hong Lok Yuen International School (now the International College of Hong Kong). We decided to retain our natural grass pitch by investing in new drainage beneath the pitch and equipment to maintain it.

As I recall, the project cost around HK$2.1 million – a considerable sum for a small school. As the grass pitch was a feature of the school and we believed it to be healthier and more natural for our primary students, the school board felt strongly we should make the investment.

The pitch was closed for months as the work took place. Opening day was joyous as all the children kicked off their shoes and ran onto the grass.

Grass, in our analysis, over the long run, is actually cheaper to maintain than artificial turf, which must be completely resurfaced every few years, depending on use. As a mother of two rugby-playing children, I have seen some very poorly maintained artificial turf. Some fields are so dusty that a fine film clings to the children’s bodies after playing on them.

It is unlikely that these pitches are being properly maintained, that is, they are not being resurfaced when they should be. This is what makes them more expensive then grass.