Summer heat can turn artificial turf into a hidden hazard for athletes and families alike. A recent NBC Bay Area report revealed a troubling incident: a 16-year-old high school football player in Las Vegas suffered painful second-degree burns after being forced to crawl across scorching synthetic turf—where the surface temperature had soared to more than 100 °F—during practice discipline (NBC Bay Area).

This alarming situation highlights a serious concern: artificial turf doesn’t just get hot, it gets dangerously hot. At West Coast Turf, we believe natural grass is not only better for performance and the environment, but also a much safer surface for athletes, students, and families in extreme heat.

The Hidden Dangers of Overheated Artificial Turf

While the air temperature may register around 100 °F, synthetic turf often reaches 150–170 °F under direct sun. Plastic fibers and rubber infill absorb and trap heat, creating surface temperatures that can cause:

  • Burns and blisters on exposed skin
  • Heat exhaustion for athletes and pets
  • Uncomfortable, even unplayable, conditions

The Las Vegas student’s injuries are an unfortunate reminder of how unsafe artificial turf can become in hot climates like California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Why Natural Grass Stays Cooler

Unlike synthetic turf, natural grass cools itself through evapotranspiration (the natural release of water vapor). This process keeps surface temperatures significantly lower, often 30–50 °F cooler than artificial turf in the same conditions.

Other advantages of natural grass:

  • Softer, safer surface that reduces impact injuries
  • Cleaner play environment without rubber pellets or plastics
  • Environmental benefits such as oxygen production, carbon capture, and reduced “heat island” effect

Safety Always Comes First

At West Coast Turf, we don’t just grow sod—we build natural grass solutions for stadiums, schools, and communities that prioritize both safety and performance. Our grasses are bred for durability, climate tolerance, and year-round beauty.

We also work with coaches, athletic directors, and facility managers to ensure:

  • Practices are scheduled during safe times of day
  • Irrigation is optimized for cooling and turf health
  • The right grass variety is selected for climate and usage

Natural Grass: The Proven Standard

The Las Vegas incident serves as a wake-up call: artificial turf may seem convenient, but in high heat it can be unsafe. Natural grass provides a cooler, safer, and healthier alternative for athletes of all ages.

Whether you’re managing a professional field, a high school stadium, or your own backyard, investing in natural grass is investing in safety.

At West Coast Turf, we’ve supplied top-quality sod to professional sports teams, schools, and homeowners across California and Arizona for more than 40 years. Let us help you create a natural grass surface that’s cool, safe, and ready for play—no matter how high the thermometer climbs. For more information, visit westcoastturf.com