From grassroots clubs to top-tier stadiums, sports teams across the UK are increasingly switching from natural grass to artificial pitches – and it’s easy to see why. Once dismissed as a second-rate substitute, today’s artificial turf has come a long way. Modern systems not only rival natural grass in look and feel, but often outperform it when it comes to durability, performance and cost-effectiveness over time.
With advances in technology, artificial pitches now offer a consistent playing surface in all weather conditions, reduced upkeep, and the ability to withstand heavy use without the downtime natural grass demands. But this shift isn’t just about convenience, it also comes with new challenges and considerations for maintenance. Keeping synthetic surfaces in top condition requires a different approach, and that’s where the right equipment makes all the difference.
So, what’s really behind the rise in sports teams opting for artificial turf, and how can tools like the Westermann WR870 help clubs get the most out of their investment?
Weatherproof Play, All-Year Round
Let’s face it - British weather is unpredictable at best. Rain, frost and even extended dry spells can wreak havoc on natural turf. Waterlogged pitches lead to cancelled matches and training sessions, while overly dry surfaces become brittle and unsafe.
Artificial turf, on the other hand, is designed to withstand the elements. Whether it's torrential rain or a frosty winter morning, synthetic surfaces remain playable and consistent - a key factor for clubs trying to keep up with tight fixture lists and training schedules.
Lower Long-Term Maintenance Costs
While installing an artificial pitch is a significant upfront investment, ongoing maintenance is typically less costly than natural turf. There’s no need for regular mowing, watering or re-seeding - saving both time and money. That being said, proper upkeep is still crucial. Debris removal, infill redistribution and brushing are all essential to keep the surface safe and performing at its best.
Increased Pitch Usage
Natural grass needs rest. Overuse leads to bare patches, compacted soil and uneven surfaces. For sports venues trying to juggle youth teams, community groups and commercial bookings, downtime is a serious limitation.
Artificial pitches can handle much higher traffic without deterioration. A well-maintained synthetic surface can support continuous use - sometimes up to five times more than natural grass - making it a smart investment for pitch owners looking to maximise revenue and community engagement.
Improved Player Safety and Consistency
Modern 3G and 4G pitches offer a consistent playing surface that reduces the risk of trips, divots and uneven bounces. Injuries due to pitch conditions are less likely, and players benefit from a surface that performs the same in August as it does in February. This consistency also enhances skill development, particularly for youth players learning ball control and technique.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
While the production of synthetic turf does have environmental implications, many artificial pitches now incorporate recycled materials and are designed for longevity. Water usage, fertiliser run-off and fuel consumption for maintenance equipment are all reduced, offering more eco-friendly benefits over time.
At the same time, the right maintenance equipment ensures your artificial surface lasts longer, reducing waste and the need for premature replacement.
Discover the Westermann WR870 Astro Turf Power Brush for Artificial Pitches
Artificial pitches are here to stay - and with good reason. But just like natural grass, synthetic surfaces need the right care to stay safe and high-performing. At SPA Power Machinery, we provide specialised power brush machinery designed for artificial turf maintenance - helping clubs of all sizes get the most from their investment.
This is where the Westermann Astro Turf Power Brush WR870 comes in. The durable nylon teeth of its high-performance sports pitch brush attachment helps clubs maintain an optimal surface by keeping the fibres upright, redistributing infill and removing organic matter that could lead to moss or weed growth.
The Westermann Astro Turf Power Brush is incredibly versatile - designed for use on 3G/4G football/rugby pitches, sand-based/dressed astro turf (MUGA's), water-based astro turf pitches and synthetic astro turf. Powered by an ever-reliable 4-stroke Honda GXV160 engine, it lifts and sweeps away debris effortlessly to keep pitches clean and safe for use. Want to find out more? Read more about all the features of the new and improved Westermann Astro Turf Power Brush here.
Optimise Your WR870 for Traditional Astro Turf with the Double Poly Brush
While the Westermann WR870 is most often paired with the Astro Turf brush for crumb-filled 3G and 4G pitches, the machine’s versatility really shines when used with the Double Poly Brush Head – perfect for sweeping traditional carpet-style astro turf and synthetic tennis courts with no loose infill.
Ideal for sports surfaces like sand-dressed pitches and older-style astro turf, the Double Poly brush is a favourite for regular maintenance at clubs and facilities with varied surface types. One such example Fulwood Sports Club in Sheffield, where the grounds include a mix of lawn courts, hard courts and the city’s only remaining grass tennis courts. To keep their courts in top playing condition throughout the year, the club uses the Double Poly brush attachment with the WR870 Moss Brush to clear debris, maintain fibre structure and prevent moss build-up. With a mix of lawn, hard court and the city’s only remaining grass tennis courts, the club uses the Double Poly brush to keep their artificial tennis surfaces clean, safe and ready for play year-round.
With a working lifespan of approximately 100,000m2, the Double Poly brush is a long-lasting solution for regular pitch or court upkeep. It’s only compatible with the WR870 (not suitable for battery versions), and is built to deliver reliable sweeping performance for professional use.
For those interested in maintaining artificial surfaces beyond football and rugby pitches, it’s worth noting that the right brush equipment plays a crucial role in tennis court upkeep too. Whether you’re working with clay, sand-dressed or carpet-style astro turf, regular brushing helps to prevent moss build-up, maintains surface consistency and improved player safety. We explored these benefits in more detail in a blog last year, just in time for Wimbledon. This same principle applies across many artificial sports surfaces, from tennis to MUGAs, where regular brushing not only revitalises fibres, but also extends the life and performance of the surface.
For clubs looking to get even more from their investment, you can swap in the Wire Brush head to tackle tough moss and weeds on hard courts, paths, car parks and surrounding areas with the Westermann Moss Brush.
It’s the ideal solution for sports facilities with a combination of playing surfaces and outdoor spaces that need regular upkeep. This simple brush head change turns your turf maintenance tool into a multi-purpose ground care machine, saving time, storage space and budget.
Contact us
Ready to improve your artificial pitch maintenance routine? Discover how Westermann sports pitch equipment can keep your artificial surfaces in tip-top condition year-round.
If you’d like to know more about using Westermann machinery, please get in touch with us via the contact form on our website, or you can call us on +44 (0)114 2699 119 or email info@spapowermachinery.com.