Synthetic grass is increasingly replacing natural grass in backyards and public playgrounds. One great reason? No more grass stains! Plus, there are many other benefits to having a quality turf surface.
Customizable and Low-Maintenance
Synthetic grass can be customized to create the perfect playground surface. It’s softer than pebbles and bark chips and has the look and feel of natural grass without the constant maintenance. Turf products are now available in a variety of colors, materials, and styles. Playground grass can look great and be low-maintenance with synthetic turf!
Safety and Security
Artificial turf is safer than other playground flooring options, like rocks or bark. This is especially true if you choose the right options for your synthetic turf.
To ensure safety, select options with the proper ratings for fall height. This often means adding extra padding to the fake grass. You can do this by focusing on several factors: extra padding (thatch layer), infill material, and pile height.
To make synthetic grass safe enough for a playground, you might need to add extra padding. This is usually done by placing a foam mat or recycled rubber tire material under the fake grass. Make sure the level of shock absorption matches the height and weight of the playground equipment.
Choose the correct options for the thatch, infill, and pile height. The fake grass is covered with a layer of thatch to mimic the dying or dead grass blades found in natural grass. This thatch layer provides extra cushioning. Infill layers also absorb shocks, so choose the right material for your playground. The pile height, which is the height of the individual yarn, should be around 1 inch for playgrounds. A higher pile height might look lush but isn’t suitable for high-traffic areas and could become a tripping hazard.
Handling Moisture and Microbes
One downside of synthetic turf is that it doesn’t absorb moisture like natural grass. To avoid the risk of slipping on wet surfaces, choose artificial turf with good drainage. This can be achieved with perforated backing, which allows water to drain completely.
Microbes can be another potential drawback. Like real grass, synthetic turf can be susceptible to fungus, bacteria, and mold over time. Choose an antimicrobial backing to help reduce microbes on your artificial playground turf.
Dealing with Heat
Synthetic turf, like any other type of plastic, absorbs heat from the sun. As a result, it gets hotter in summer than real grass. Using a cooling infill can help reduce heat absorption.
Playground Requirements
When choosing synthetic turf for playgrounds in daycare centers or commercial areas, be aware of specific requirements. In areas with equipment where children may fall, like slides and swings, the cushioning material and turf must meet fall height ratings. Talk to the turf company about your concerns regarding the cushioning of your playground surface.
This post was written by a professional at Sustainable Turf. Looking for the best sports turf field Tampa FL? At Sustainable Turf, we believe in offering sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that benefit both homeowners and the environment. Our artificial grass for playgrounds, homes, and more are designed to provide you with a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that requires minimal resources to thrive. By choosing our artificial turf, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits for years to come. Contact us now for estimate for your sports turf field, residential turf, golf putting turf, and more!
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