A cooler approach to artificial turf starts with BrockFILL—our organic wood infill engineered to help reduce surface temperatures and create a more comfortable playing environment.
Heat stress is a major safety issue with artificial turf. In many areas in the U.S., temperatures of an artificial turf field with crumb rubber can exceed 175° F.
The solution is BrockFILL
Finding a material that could address the issues associated with crumb rubber, as well as the durability, cost, and availability challenges of other organic infills, was no small task. BrockFILL is a 100% organic wood infill sourced from sustainably cultivated and harvested trees in the USA. Southern Pine, which is both safe and prevalent, has been utilized by humans for centuries. However, transforming this raw material into an infill necessitated an entirely novel process. Therefore, we created a unique 9-step process to yield smooth, rounded particles that facilitate efficient drainage, cool the field, and provide the necessary natural foot traction.
How we test for heat
Cooling
BrockFILL is a significantly cooler infill than crumb rubber and does not require watering. Each BrockFILL particle is naturally hydrophilic, so they absorb natural rainwater and condensation into their core, not just on the surface. Moisture is then released slowly for extended cooling. Plus BrockFILL gains weight when wet, so it doesn’t float or migrate like cork.
We measured two adjacent fields in the same location, with the same turf product, the same day, the same time, and both were dry. The BrockFILL field measured 33 degrees cooler than the crumb rubber field with a cooling agent added. Plus the lower thermal conductivity of BrockFILL reduced heat transmission through shoes and skin. The difference is even greater after a rain.
A cooler surface can reduce dehydration which in turn can reduce risk of injury.
“The risk of heat cramps increases when you aren’t properly hydrated. As your body loses water during physical activity, your muscles can become tense. This interferes with your athletic performance and can make you more likely to injure yourself. Muscle strains, tears, and bone fractures are common effects of exercising with tense, cramped muscles.” – Orthoatlanta, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Watch Now: A Cooler Surface Starts With BrockFILL
Hot playing surfaces can make practices and games more demanding for athletes. Artificial turf with crumb rubber can reach extremely high surface temperatures, adding to the challenges of playing in the heat. BrockFILL’s engineered organic wood infill helps lower surface temperatures, supporting a cooler, more comfortable playing environment. Watch the video to see the temperature difference—and why infill choice matters for the athletes on your field.
Ready to Build a Safer Field?
A typical field can reach temperatures over 175°F. Learn how BrockFILL keeps surfaces cooler and athletes safer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Turf Heat
Synthetic turf absorbs solar radiation throughout the day. Surface temperature varies based on sunlight, air temperature, humidity, wind, turf color, infill, and field construction. Under intense summer conditions, some artificial turf surfaces have been measured above 175°F.
BrockFILL is a 100% organic wood infill engineered specifically for synthetic turf systems. It is made in the United States from sustainably cultivated and harvested Southern pine and processed into smooth, rounded particles that support cooling, drainage, and natural foot traction.
BrockFILL particles are naturally hydrophilic, meaning they absorb moisture into their internal structure. That moisture is released gradually as temperatures rise, helping cool the playing surface through evaporation.
BrockFILL does not depend on a scheduled irrigation system for its normal performance. Its wood particles can absorb naturally occurring moisture from rain and condensation and release it slowly as the field heats. Available moisture and cooling performance will vary with local weather conditions.
In one side-by-side field measurement, two adjacent fields with the same turf were tested at the same location, date, and time while both surfaces were dry. The field with BrockFILL measured 33°F cooler than the comparison field. Actual temperatures and temperature differences will vary by field design, climate, weather, and maintenance conditions.
Yes. Rain replenishes the moisture stored within BrockFILL’s wood particles. As that moisture is gradually released, evaporative cooling can continue beyond the rainfall event. The duration and degree of cooling depend on environmental conditions.
BrockFILL absorbs moisture into its core and gains weight when wet. This characteristic helps the particles remain within the turf system during normal rainfall and field use.
Wood has relatively low thermal conductivity, which means it transfers heat differently than many conventional infill materials. This can help reduce the amount of heat transferred from the playing surface through shoes or during contact with the field.
No. A cooler playing surface can support a more comfortable environment, but it does not replace proper hydration, rest breaks, temperature monitoring, acclimatization, or established heat-safety procedures. Field managers and athletic staff should always follow appropriate heat policies.
Brock can provide heat-comparison data, technical documentation, product specifications, and guidance for evaluating BrockFILL as part of a complete synthetic turf system. Contact our team to request documentation or discuss your field’s climate and performance requirements.
