April 17, 2025
At TigerTurf NZ, we’ve seen how the right playing surface can completely change the way a sport is played—and experienced. Whether you’re managing a school ground, a community sports hub, or a professional facility, choosing between artificial and natural grass isn’t always straightforward. It depends on the sport, how often the field gets used, and what you expect in terms of performance and upkeep.
So, we thought we’d help by breaking it down. Sport by sport, here’s how artificial grass for sports stacks up against natural grass—based on what we’ve learned on the ground (literally).
There’s something romantic about natural grass on a football pitch—it’s traditional, familiar, and, when it’s in pristine condition, a beautiful thing to play on. But that perfection is fleeting. One rainy weekend and your field can quickly turn into a bog. Frequent use only speeds up the wear and tear, especially at school or club level.
That’s exactly why more and more clubs and councils are switching to TigerTurf artificial grass for football. Our artificial turf systems are designed for consistent play all year round—rain or shine. No muddy patches. No divots. No cancelled games. Just reliable performance and a safer playing environment, season after season.
Rugby’s a tough game—it demands a surface that can take a hit and keep on performing. Natural grass might look the part on game day, but after a few scrums and wet-weather trainings, it can quickly become unsafe and uneven.
We’ve developed rugby turf systems that combine durability with player safety. They’re engineered for shock absorption, traction, and resilience—so players can train and compete without worrying about the ground giving out beneath them. Plus, they’re built to handle the constant pounding that comes with weekly games and full-contact practices.
Hockey players need speed and precision—and natural grass just doesn’t deliver that consistently. Uneven surfaces, unpredictable ball roll, and weather-affected conditions can disrupt the flow of the game.
Our FIH-certified hockey turfs are fast, flat, and built for elite performance. We’ve worked with schools and clubs across NZ to install systems that mimic the speed of water-based turf, without the same high level of maintenance. Whether it’s grassroots or professional play, the result is the same—smarter, smoother hockey.
Traditionalists might favour natural grass for its soft touch and low bounce, but in reality? Grass courts are high-maintenance and often out of action due to weather or wear.
Our artificial tennis surfaces give you a consistent bounce and reliable grip across all seasons. Whether it’s for a family club or a competitive training centre, our turf offers a cushioned, durable surface that’s easy on the joints and even easier to maintain.
Keeping a natural bowling green in top shape takes serious dedication. Even slight imperfections can affect pace and bias, and one harsh winter can undo a whole year of careful upkeep.
With TigerTurf artificial bowls greens, you get a reliable surface that plays true every day of the year. We’ve designed our synthetic greens to replicate the feel of a well-maintained natural surface—without the stress, expense, or weather limitations.
Natural turf wickets can be a joy when they’re just right—but too often, they’re anything but. Weather, overuse, and pitch wear can all affect bounce and pace unpredictably.
That’s why we offer synthetic cricket wickets and practice nets that provide consistent conditions every time you step out to bat or bowl. Ideal for training, schools, and club-level matches, our cricket turf takes the guesswork out of the game.
If you’re running a school or community facility, versatility matters. You need one surface that works for everything—football, tennis, hockey, netball, and more.
Our multi-sports artificial grass is designed to handle multiple codes without compromising performance. They’re a smart, long-term investment for organisations that want to get the most out of every square metre—without spending half the week on upkeep.
Look, natural grass has its charm. But for most sports facilities in New Zealand—where fields get a hammering from frequent use and wild weather—artificial grass simply makes more sense. It’s cost-effective, low maintenance, and consistently high-performing.
If you’re weighing up the switch, we’re here to help you choose the best surface for your sport, your players, and your budget. Flick us a message or check out more about our products and services to get started.
How can we help?
Whether you need a surface solution for sports, leisure, or landscaping, our product range and expertise are second to none. Our experts are with you all the way, from selection to installation to maintenance: we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service. So, what would you like to do next?
