FieldTurf offers a variety of benefits that make it far superior to traditional natural groundcover for airfield and airside applications. Being virtually maintenance free greatly reduces FOD, which currently costs the military millions a year in aircraft repairs. Security is also improved because there is little need for lawn crews to service restricted airfield areas. Synthetic turf also provides enhanced dust control, which can be helpful in eliminating brownouts during helicopter operations. Plus, FieldTurf provides nonlethal wildlife management by removing sources of food, water and shelter, significantly reducing birdstrike and wildlife hazards. Additionally, FieldTurf ’s superior drainage minimizes water erosion around runways, taxiways and shoulder areas. Another important feature of FieldTurf is that runway and taxiway markings can be designed directly into the turf, providing better visibility and helping to delineate runways during poor weather conditions.