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Designed for playgrounds, fitness areas, dog parks, small game play areas, and other non-specific applications, synthetic turf provides a maintenance-free alternative to natural grasses.
Poured-in-Place paving is customized to meet the safety, design and aesthetic requirements of any play surface. Because the rubber and urethane components get mixed and applied on site, incorporating school colors, logos, games and/or geometric shapes permanently embedded into the surface are practical options. Thicknesses can be modified onsite to meet different fall heights on varying types of play equipment. Colors can be mixed to complement playground equipment, or even act as a durable print surface for games like hopscotch or foursquare.
You can use a few types of material as turf for a children’s playground, ranging from natural grass to creeping carpet plants and artificial grass. However, there’s a reason why artificial grass is conquering most of the US, with usage expected to nearly double by 2025.
This type of material has many benefits that make it superior to other types of turf, even natural ones. Below, we’ve shared these advantages to help you understand why artificial grass for playgrounds is the better choice. Keep reading to learn more!
Artificial grass has unmatched durability. This matters in high-traffic areas like a playground. Since kids play here all day, the area’s grass must be able to withstand constant use. Regular grass will wilt and die in just a few days. The clear choice is artificial grass, which is purpose-made for long-term use. It can last for up to two decades with regular use.
More than being resistant to physical wear and tear, artificial grass is able to withstand any kind of weather. Natural grass goes dormant during winter and may even die in severe conditions. However, artificial grass remains unchanging and unaffected, regardless of the temperature.
Natural grass requires a lot of effort to maintain. Each square foot of turf needs to be watered, fertilized, and mowed to maintain a clean appearance. To accomplish all this, parks will need a team who can perform the necessary tasks.
This won’t be a problem when it comes to artificial grasses. The only maintenance needed is cleaning debris and maybe rinsing on occasion. Otherwise, this type of turf is practically maintenance-free. No need to use harmful chemicals, no need for mowers that emit greenhouse gasses, and no need for watering.
The initial investment for artificial grass may be higher, but don’t let it dissuade you. In general, the cost is around $5 to $20 per square foot, while natural grass is less than a dollar for the same size. However, you have to think long-term to truly see how artificial grass is much more cost-effective.
The maintenance needs of natural grass will pile up. In addition, you’ll need to replace it if it dies. However, artificial grass lasts for years with little maintenance.
Since natural grass turns brown during the summer if left unwatered, this exposes the soil to heat. It then dries up, turns to dust, and gets carried away by rain or wind. This erosion reduces the quality of topsoil and encourages the use of more fertilizers. That’s not the case with artificial grass. This material creates a firm and solid ground cover that protects the soil. This way, you can preserve it even during the worst droughts.
Kids will be the ones who’ll use this turf, so safety is a major consideration. Thankfully, artificial grass provides a safe and soft surface where they can play. It won’t cause scratches like stones or soil and won’t contain fleas and other insects like in natural grass. If children fall or slip in the grass, they also won’t suffer as many bruises or abrasions.
Natural grass won’t grow in shaded areas. In addition, it can be difficult to install in tight spaces. It also won’t grow in some soil conditions and temperatures. These aren’t issues when it comes to artificial grass. It can be shaped to fit whatever edge, won’t need sunlight to stay green, and won’t mind if the soil is sandy, rocky, or nutrient-poor. You can install it anywhere!
The uniform appearance of artificial grass remains even after years of use, unlike natural grass, which needs to be mowed regularly. In addition, you can customize the shades of green for the playground. You can arrange these variations in such a way that the grass itself can become an interactive part of the playground.
By using artificial grass for playgrounds, you and the children who use it will enjoy many benefits. On your end, you’ll have something that’s low maintenance, durable, and long-lasting. Kids, on the other hand, will have a safe, beautiful, and interactive place to play. It’s the better alternative for community and private parks.
For a playground, it is recommended to put a shock-absorbing material, such as rubber mulch or rubber pads, under the artificial turf to provide a safe and comfortable surface for children to play on. This will help to reduce the impact of falls and protect against injuries. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the artificial turf is properly installed and maintained to prevent any tripping hazards or other issues.
Yes, artificial grass can be a great option for playgrounds. It provides a soft, cushiony surface that can help reduce the risk of injuries from falls. Additionally, it is low maintenance, durable, and can withstand heavy foot traffic and playtime activities. It also offers a consistent and even surface, which is important for children to play safely. Overall, artificial grass can be a great choice for playgrounds as it is both safe and practical.
