KISSS + Natural Turf

Artificial turf*

Cost: 1/3 the cost of artificial turf

The total cost of installing KISSS sub-surface textile irrigation, relaying drought tolerant turf and adding topsoil, equates to around a third of the cost to lay artificial grass on the same sized area.

Factors will vary depending on average evaporation rates, turf quality, level of the surface and the availability of water and power.

Cost: 3 times the cost of KISSS

The cost to install artificial turf can be up to three times the price to install KISSS for the same size playing field.

Health risks: Minimal

Associated health risks are very low - the same as would be for turf maintenance practices of standard sporting fields. It is also completely safe to use recycled or even waste water to irrigate your playing fields.

Health risks: High

6 major issues identified – toxicity, bacterial retention, burns, injury through loss of traction, increased incidence of grazes.

Environmental concerns: Zero  

Helps maximize water use and to prevent evaporation. 

Environmental concerns: Many

Iincluding toxic run-off.  Also requires watering during hot weather and for cleaning purposes, so it won’t help you save water.

Maintenance:  Simple and in-house

Can be carried out by your current groundskeeper. Plus one annual visit from KISSS experts, Storm Sustainability, to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from your system.

Maintenance:  Complex, specialist machinery

Requires specialized equipment and routines, plus regular cleaning to prevent bacterial build-up and watering in hot weather to prevent burns.

Longevity: 20+ years

All KISSS installations offer a permanent solution to maintaining a green, lush oval or field. All materials and textiles used in the installation are durable and designed to last for at least 20 years with correct maintenance practices.   

Longevity:  7-10 years

Plus frequent replacement of high traffic areas.

Psychological effects:  Positive.

As you know, students encouraged to participate in the school’s environment become better school citizens and more environmentally aware. Storm Sustainability also provides an education program to help engage your students!

Psychological effects: Negative.  

William Crain of the City College of New York’s Psychology Department recently stated that replacing natural grass playing fields with artificial turf can hinder children’s creative play and affect their development. (source)