D urable, uniform, and usable in all weather; synthetic turf— also known as artificial turf or Astro Turf— has become a popular choice for sports pitches at colleges, clubs, and leisure centres. Its lowmaintenance appeal is undeniable; no mowing, fertilising, over-seeding or watering required- more a matter of keeping the surface clean, brushed and replenished with infill now and then.
SPORTS PITCHES
Electric Weeding on Synthetic Turf: Getting weeds sent off without the chemical red card
D urable, uniform, and usable in all weather; synthetic turf— also known as artificial turf or Astro Turf— has become a popular choice for sports pitches at colleges, clubs, and leisure centres. Its lowmaintenance appeal is undeniable; no mowing, fertilising, over-seeding or watering required- more a matter of keeping the surface clean, brushed and replenished with infill now and then.
One persistent challenge on any outdoor surface is weeds. Even a high-quality synthetic pitch that’ s been properly installed and is wellmaintained can attract unwanted growth. Wind-blown seeds can settle into the infill and germinate, and an ever opportunistic array of weeds can pop up around the edges. Artificial turf can also develop patches of algae or moss, especially in shaded areas, spots with poor drainage, or zones with lighter foot traffic. Over time, these intruders can compromise the surface, durability, performance, and clean, professional look that synthetic turf is valued for.
Regular hand-pulling can keep weeds in check, but it’ s physically demanding and time-consuming when dealing with anything more than a few, small, isolated plants. Chemical herbicides are highly effective and suitable for covering larger areas, yet their use is increasingly discouraged due to concerns about their impact on people, pets, and wildlife. They are
62 GroundskeepingJournal. co. uk | January / February 2026