The question of astro turf.

[Ism]

OK, first the disclaimer... I'm not a fool, this would be hand retrieval only, no digging implements.
Also, I have no experience with astroturf so this might be a stupid question for some with astroturf knowledge....

Has anybody detected Astroturf?
Is it too short to hide targets?

Reason I ask is I have a couple fields that I used to detect that are now astroturf. Both were really great for finds but are now ignored once I saw the Astroturf installed.
Then I got the idea that maybe they could still be viable locations if I took the utility belt off and explained to the owner my intentions.
One owner of a professional field had no problems with me detecting before they switched to Astroturf. But last year I drove to the location and saw that they upgraded, I turned around and left.

So, before I drive the long distance to those locations and talk to the owner(s), I thought I would pose the question here to see if anybody has experience.

 

[Rick(ND)]

Myself I wouldn't consider it as what was there before is covered up and probably deeper than it was before, plus I dont think you could dig though the turf. Now if it was a lost ring lost after the turf then it should be right on top of the ground so no digging and no digging tools in your hands or you tool belt.
Just my opinion

 

[Odanscoils]

Usually when they lay AstroTurf.
They dig a good bit of ground.
Lay new dirt. Pack and level.
Also cutting AstroTurf on a playing field could get a player hurt.
Maybe I would detect. Though not sure I'd dig.

 

[Ism]

I probably wasn't clear enough; it's right in the first line of my original post that there would be no digging.
Like I said, I don't have experience with artificial turf and how long the grass will be.
If the grass is short enough for drops to be seen with the naked eye, then people using the fields will find them and probably not worth anybody's time to detect it.
But if the grass is long, say 2-3 inches, then it will likely hide the drops, they would settle on top of the base material and be captured there. Not easy to see, but easy to retrieve.
That's my thought on the matter.

 

[Ohio pull tabs]

The turf on football fields is long it could hide stuff. And I also have thought about it. You have me thinking about it again lol. If you try it let us know how it went. Good luck out.

 

[Gold Seeker 69]

I probably wasn't clear enough; it's right in the first line of my original post that there would be no digging.
Like I said, I don't have experience with artificial turf and how long the grass will be.
If the grass is short enough for drops to be seen with the naked eye, then people using the fields will find them and probably not worth anybody's time to detect it.
But if the grass is long, say 2-3 inches, then it will likely hide the drops, they would settle on top of the base material and be captured there. Not easy to see, but easy to retrieve.
That's my thought on the matter.

The internet says....

"Artificial grass length (pile height) generally ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The ideal length depends on your primary use, as shorter blades handle heavy foot traffic better, while longer blades provide a more lush, natural aesthetic.

Recommended Lengths by Application

• Landscaping & Lawns: 1.5 to 2.0 inches. This provides the most realistic, deep, and plush look for typical residential yards.
• • Pets & Playgrounds: 1.0 to 1.5 inches. Shorter lengths are more durable, less prone to matting under heavy use, and significantly easier to clean and hose down.
  • Putting Greens & Balconies: 0.5 to 0.75 inches. A very short, flat pile is necessary for a smooth, rolling golf surface or low-clearance patio applications.

Factors to Consider

• Wear and Tear: Shorter grass blades are stiffer and resist matting much better than long, heavy blades.
• Maintenance: Longer grasses look beautifully natural, but they may trap leaves and debris more easily.
• Roll Sizes: If you are planning a DIY project, artificial turf rolls are typically available in standard widths of 15 feet (or 12 feet) and can be cut to whatever length you need for your space."

 

[sprchng]

It's definitely thick enough to hide stuff and depending on who uses it could be productive. My experience is with fields used by school systems not professional organizations for pro athletes and such. Players lose stuff regardless but pros probably protect their jewelry better than middle and high schoolers. In conversations with caretakers at the fields I have detected the real important factor , after the no digging and cutting aspect , was that they blast the field occasionally with high pressure water and frequently find interesting things in the drain clean outs. I would not waste my time if the field has been recently power washed but try to schedule your trip just before that.