June 18, 2025
Across Canada, sports organizations including local soccer or football clubs to national leagues face a similar challenge: how to get the most from their playing fields during a short outdoor season. Synthetic turf has gained popularity for its ability to remain usable year-round, and perceived low maintenance appeal but its benefits may come at a steep cost especially to athlete health and environmental sustainability.
A trend has emerged as more professional athletes and sports organizations are turning back to natural turf grasses, recognizing it not just as a tradition but as the safer, more sustainable playing surface. The conversation is gaining momentum in Canada, focusing where youth and community sport participation is trending higher, and where safety, comfort, and long-term costs deserve a closer look.
The Shift in Athlete Sentiment
Professional athletes, recreational players, and parents of young athletes are becoming increasingly vocal about the risks associated with synthetic turf. While elite players have the platform to speak out, concern is growing across all levels of sport—especially among those just starting out.
NFL veteran Reggie Bush captured the issue plainly in GQ Magazine:
“If I plant my foot going full speed on grass, it’s going to tear a little bit and give. I plant my foot on rubber, fake grass... it’s going to grab. I’m going to be able to stop a lot harder, but my joints are going to suffer because of that.”
He continued,
“It’s a repetitive cycle, and it’s going to continue. It’s unfortunate. It will continue until the players decide to stand up and say, ‘Listen, we don’t want to play on turf anymore.’ The thing is, all players hate it.”
That same sentiment is echoed across Canadian sports as well. Several CFL players have spoken out in recent seasons about the elevated rates of ankle, knee, and soft-tissue injuries linked to synthetic fields—surfaces that offer little give and increase impact on joints.
But the concern goes beyond the pros. For children learning new sports still discovering their balance, coordination, and confidence an injury on a hard or slippery synthetic surface can be more than just a temporary setback. It can mean the difference between continuing in a sport they love or stepping away before they’ve had a chance to reach their potential. Parents, too, are paying attention. They want safe fields where their kids can play, grow, and learn without unnecessary risk.
There is a Case for Natural Turf Grass in Canada
Natural turf grass has long been regarded as the ’gold standard’ for player safety when it's properly maintained. Its ability to absorb shock, tear under cleats, and provide a softer landing surface helps reduce injuries, particularly in high-impact sports like soccer, football, and rugby. Natural turf grass also stays significantly cooler than synthetic surfaces in the summer months, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for athletes.
But the key word here is "properly maintained." Unfortunately, far too many natural turf fields across Canada suffer from severe neglect. When turf is compacted from overuse, or when grass cover is patchy and soil is left bare, the field can become just as dangerous if not more so than its synthetic counterpart. Hard-packed soils lose their shock absorption, bare areas can create inconsistent traction, and uneven surfaces lead to twisted ankles and unpredictable ball movement.
This isn’t a problem with turf, it's a problem with how it’s managed. And unlike synthetic turf, natural fields can recover with care: aeration, proper watering, rest periods, overseeding, and responsible scheduling.
According to Canada Grassroots Sports Field Report 2022, municipalities that commit to even modest improvements in turf maintenance like scheduled rest periods and improved drainage see marked improvements in both field safety and user satisfaction. A field doesn't need to be perfect to be safe it just needs to be well managed which requires care and attention at all levels from parents to players to facility owners.
Another strength of natural turf is its resilience during Canada’s shoulder seasons. While it may not look lush and green in early spring or late fall, a well-maintained natural field still performs exceptionally well even when dormant. Grass in its off-season state continues to provide a level of cushioning, traction, and consistency that synthetic surfaces often lose when subjected to cold temperatures or light snow. In fact, synthetic fields can become slick or rigid in freezing conditions, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Natural turf, by contrast, maintains more predictable surface behavior, even in frost conditions.
Don’t forget about the heat! In southern Alberta, for example, summer highs of 30°C can create synthetic turf surfaces that reach 50°C or more. Natural grass, by contrast, remains cooler and contributes to a more breathable, livable outdoor space. This isn’t just a comfort issue it’s a player safety issue, especially for younger athletes.
The Synthetic Turf Give and Take
Synthetic turf is often chosen for its durability and ability to withstand frequent play, even in inclement weather. In regions like the Greater Toronto Area, where playing time is highly competitive, synthetic fields extend the calendar well into early winter and late spring. But this year-round usability comes at a price.
The material used in synthetic turf doesn’t offer the same shock absorption as natural soil and grass, increasing the risk of joint stress, rolled ankles, and concussions. And the surface can lock in heat, creating a playing environment that can be stifling even dangerous during warm weather.
Despite the perception of low maintenance, synthetic fields still require upkeep, regular grooming, infill top-ups, and disinfection due to bacterial build up. They also must eventually be replaced. And here’s the kicker: most synthetic turf products are not recyclable. Even if they’re made with some recycled content initially, they can’t be reused once they wear out and typically end up in specialized landfills for centuries.
Over a typical 10-year period, a well-managed natural field can be re-established multiple times and maintained for the same or lower cost as a synthetic field lifecycle. The total cost of ownership should take into account all aspects of a field for its entire usable life span.
Can We Focus on Better Field Management—At Every Level
One of the greatest challenges facing natural turf in Canada isn’t the climate, it's underinvestment in proper field management. Whether it’s a small-town football field or a major city’s community sport complex, maintenance matters.
Parents should want their children to play on surfaces that are cooler, safer, and environmentally responsible. Coaches should expect fields that perform well without compromising the health of their players. And local governments and sports organizations should look beyond the upfront price tag and consider the real, long-term costs of synthetic surfaces including injuries, replacements, and environmental impact.
Where Eagle Lake Turf Farm & Landscape Supply Stands
Yes, we grow turf for a living. But more importantly, we care deeply about where our families, friends, and young athletes play. We see fields being neglected. We see injuries that might have been prevented. And we know that with better planning, better maintenance, and a shift in perspective, natural turf can and should be the standard in Canadian sport.
Let’s give our players the ground they deserve so they can hone their skills, test their limits and be safe doing it for the game they love.
