Football pitches with natural grass

The construction of natural grass football pitches is a multi-stage process that requires proper preparation and the use of technology to ensure the durability and high quality of the surface. As specialists in the design and construction of sports fields, we encourage you to review this offer and contact us. Each of our projects is tailored to the individual needs of the investor.

How is a football pitch constructed?

1. Planning and design

First, the site where the pitch is to be built is assessed. The topography, soil type, and drainage possibilities are checked. Next, a detailed design of the pitch is developed, which includes its dimensions (typically 105 m x 68 m for professional pitches), and the installation of drainage, irrigation, lighting systems, and other infrastructure elements.

2. Site preparation

Excess soil is removed, or new soil is brought in to achieve the proper levelness and slope (usually a slight slope towards the sides of the pitch to allow for water runoff). The pitch requires proper water drainage to prevent rainwater from pooling and causing the turf to silt up. Drainage trenches are created, into which perforated pipes are laid to carry water to the main drainage system.

3. Sub-base

A drainage layer of aggregate (gravel or crushed stone) with a thickness of 10 to 20 cm is laid on the prepared surface, which facilitates water drainage deep into the ground. Above the drainage layer, a suitable layer of sand, a mineral-organic mixture, or another material that will promote grass growth is laid.

4. Irrigation system installation

An irrigation system, often automatic, waters the pitch regularly to keep the grass in good condition. Sprinklers can be hidden underground, automatically popping up to the surface during irrigation.

5. Laying the natural grass turf

There are two main methods for laying natural grass:

• Seeding: Grass is sown directly onto the prepared soil. This process is cheaper but requires more time for the grass to fully take root.
• Sod (Roll-on Turf): A faster method where ready-made grass (sod) is rolled out onto the field. Roll-on turf allows for almost immediate use of the pitch, although it still requires time to take root.

Natural surfaces for football pitches

Natural surfaces for pitches are those made from living grass, which provides excellent playing conditions in terms of comfort, shock absorption, and ball bounce. There are several different approaches to constructing natural pitch surfaces, depending on the type of grass, how it is cultivated, and the technologies used to support its maintenance.

Types of grass suitable for natural turf

Choosing the right grass mix is crucial for the pitch to be durable, resistant to intensive use, and easy to maintain. For sports fields, cool-season grasses are most commonly used, as they perform well in moderate temperatures and have good wear resistance:

• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne): Germinates quickly and withstands intensive use well. It is often used as the main component in grass mixes for football pitches.
• Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis): Very resistant to wear and durable, it forms a dense root system, making it ideal for sports fields.
• Red fescue (Festuca rubra): Tolerates drought well and is often used in mixes to increase the turf’s resistance to various weather conditions.
• Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea): Resistant to water stress and high temperatures, used on pitches in warmer climates.

Advantages of natural surfaces

• Comfort and Safety: Playing on natural grass is less strenuous on players’ joints and muscles than playing on artificial surfaces.
• Natural Cooling: Natural grass absorbs less heat than artificial surfaces, which makes the pitch surface cooler on hot days.
• Aesthetics and Ecology: Natural grass looks more attractive and is environmentally friendly, as it absorbs carbon dioxide and helps with water retention.