At Artificial Pitch Decompaction, we deliver specialist services designed to keep synthetic sports surfaces safe, consistent, and game-ready.

Our rejuvenation and aeration treatments restore durability, traction, and overall performance while extending the longevity of 3G pitches, MUGAs, and school fields across the UK.

Whether you manage a full-size football pitch or a multi-use training ground, regular decompaction ensures optimal shock absorption, drainage, and playing comfort through effective conditioning and care.

What Are The Benefits Of Regular Artificial Pitch Decompaction?

Routine artificial pitch decompaction improves shock absorption and reduces player fatigue or injury risk. It restores drainage efficiency, reducing puddling and surface freeze in cold months.

The turf fibers remain upright and well-supported, maintaining a natural ball roll and consistent play. Regular infill movement also protects the turf’s backing from compaction damage, significantly extending the life of the pitch and preserving its durability and performance characteristics throughout the year.

What Types Of Artificial Pitches Require Decompaction?

We provide artificial pitch decompaction services for a variety of synthetic surfaces where soil or infill depth compaction affects safety and performance, including:

• 3G pitches – Football and rugby surfaces with sand and rubber infill that compact quickly under high player traffic.
• Multi-use game areas (MUGAs) – Versatile spaces used for multiple sports, requiring regular decompaction to retain surface resilience.
• Synthetic training grounds – High-frequency usage by maintenance teams leads to infill compression that impacts shock absorption and drainage.
• School sports pitches – Daily use across multiple activities demands consistent decompaction to maintain playing standards and safety.

How Much Does Artificial Pitch Decompaction Cost?

The cost of artificial pitch decompaction services ranges from £500 to £2,000, depending on pitch size, infill type, and the level of compaction.

A standard full-size 3G football pitch will fall at the higher end of the range, while smaller MUGAs or training areas cost less. Costs may be lower when decompaction is included in a scheduled maintenance package alongside brushing and repair work.

Contact Artificial Pitch Decompaction to get customised prices for getting decompaction services for artificial pitch on your sports complex.

What Are The Signs That An Pitch Needs Decompaction?

Key indicators that your artificial pitch surface requires decompaction include:

• Hard or compacted surface – Reduced shock absorption leading to increased player fatigue and discomfort.
• Poor drainage – Water pooling or slow drying after rain due to blocked or compacted infill layers.
• Irregular ball bounce – Inconsistent ball movement affecting playability and performance.
• Slipping or unstable footing – Players may experience reduced grip and unpredictable movement across the pitch.
• Uneven infill distribution – Visible low spots or clumped infill in high-traffic zones such as goalmouths or centre circles.
• Accelerated turf wear – Premature damage to the turf system caused by inadequate support and infill movement, requiring restoration and improved upkeep.

How Often Should A Pitch Be Decompacted?

Artificial pitch decompaction should be carried out every one to three months depending on pitch usage.

High-traffic surfaces, such as community football pitches or school training areas, typically benefit from monthly treatments, especially in wetter months. Pitches used less frequently or during off-seasons may only require quarterly attention.

A maintenance log helps track infill depth, tines penetration, and compaction trends to identify when the next decompaction service is needed for the best results.

What Is The Decompaction Process For Artificial Pitches?

The artificial pitch decompaction process begins with brushing to lift the fibers and redistribute surface-level infill. Next, rotary or tines-based decompaction machines are used to penetrate the infill layer and break up compacted zones.

These machines agitate and loosen the material without damaging the underlying soil or base layers. The loosened infill is then brushed evenly across the surface, ensuring balanced cushioning, leveling, and restored resilience.

What Equipment Is Used In Synthetic Pitch Decompaction?

Artificial pitch decompaction uses a range of specialist machinery designed to restore surface performance and infill resilience, including:

• Power brushes – Lift and agitate surface infill to prepare for deeper decompaction.
• Drag mats – Evenly redistribute loosened infill and support turf fibre recovery.
• Tine rollers – Penetrate compacted infill layers without damaging the turf base.
• Rotating decompactors – Break up dense infill to improve drainage and shock absorption.
• Redexim Verti-Top – A widely used decompaction system for 3G and MUGA surfaces with adjustable depth control.
• SISIS FlexiCombs – Flexible brushing units suitable for lighter grooming and surface loosening across various synthetic pitches.

Is Decompaction Different For Various Infill Types?

Artificial pitch decompaction for SBR rubber requires deeper tines penetration due to its dense nature, while EPDM and TPE systems may need gentler settings to avoid over-agitation.

Organic infill, like cork or coconut fibre, is lighter and more prone to displacement, requiring more frequent but shallower treatments. Sand-based surfaces, like hockey or tennis pitches, also benefit from light decompaction, though methods are modified to preserve leveling and prevent material separation.

Contact Artificial Pitch Decompaction to get details on using artificial pitch decompaction for your sports complex, or to order a full combination service package that supports restoration, maintenance teams, and long-term longevity of your grass-based synthetic surfaces.

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Make sure you contact us today for a number of great artificial pitch decompaction services.

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