Yes, but pile height alone does not determine drying performance.

A taller, denser turf can retain more moisture around the fibers after the main drainage process has finished. A shorter turf may allow more airflow and faster evaporation.

However, two artificial turf products with the same pile height can have very different drainage characteristics because of differences in:

• Yarn structure
• Tuft density
• Backing
• Drainage openings
• Cushion layer
• Foundation
• Installation method

Therefore, statements such as “30 mm turf dries in two hours” should not be treated as a universal technical specification.

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The Foundation Can Be More Important Than the Turf

One of the most common mistakes in artificial turf projects is evaluating drainage solely from the turf product.

The complete drainage system can be viewed as:

Turf → backing → shock pad/base where applicable → sub-base → perimeter drainage → site discharge

If one part of this system is inadequate, surface water can remain after rainfall.

Common drainage problems include:

• Insufficient surface gradient
• Localized depressions
• Poorly prepared sub-base
• Settlement after installation
• Blocked drainage channels
• Insufficient drainage capacity
• Poor connection to stormwater infrastructure
• Debris blocking perimeter drains

FIFA’s installation guidance specifically identifies basework and drainage as important components of football-turf construction and notes that quality basework contributes to the longevity and evenness of the finished field.