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Is Artificial Turf Playground Surfacing Safe For Your Kids?

Is Artificial Turf Playground Surfacing Safe For Your Kids? http://www.heavenlygreens.com/blog/is-artificial-turf-playground-surfacing-safe-for-your-kids @heavenlygreens

Artificial turf playground surfacing is becoming an extremely popular choice. Not only is it cost effective, it can actually help protect children from illness and injury. In areas where drought conditions are often a problem, artificial turf is basically maintenance free and requires no additional moisture to look its best.

Artificial Turf Playground Surfacing Reduces Exposure to Allergens

Artificial grass produces no pollen and its construction prevents the growth of weeds and other plants. With a natural grass lawn, pollination can be a problem for children who are extremely allergic with hay fever and other upper respiratory problems. In a playground setting where children are constantly running, jumping and diving into the grass, pollen and dust can become a major problem. With artificial turf, there is no pollen being produced except for that which comes from nearby trees.

Even Terrain

In playgrounds, one of the biggest dangers to children is uneven terrain or washed out areas where high volumes of foot traffic and rain have eroded the surface of the ground. Bare spots can eventually form under swings or at the base of slides causing tripping hazards. After a good, hard rain, those areas can fill with water or become muddy and slippery causing children to trip and fall. As natural grass grows it can begin to hide debris such as sticks and rocks that have become embedded in the surface. Children who are constantly running and playing may not be watching where they are going or stepping and trip or fall unto something pointed or sharp.

When artificial turf is used to resurface playgrounds, its constant height prevents debris from being hidden. It can be easily spotted and removed before anyone has the chance to get hurt. Artificial turf will not wear away or erode during heavy rains. High volumes of foot traffic will not wear paths into a playground surface that is made from something as resilient as synthetic grass. With natural grass, mowing and raking are needed to maintain the playground to keep it looking nice and debris free.

Easier on Skin and Clothing

Small children enjoy rolling and tumbling in the grass. They run. They fall and, for the most part, come out unscathed. Playgrounds that have been resurfaced with artificial turf can reduce the risk of injury as well as help to protect clothing. There is no chlorophyll to stain clothes and the texture of the synthetic fibers will not damage most types of cloth. Although artificial turf playground surfacing can be slightly more abrasive than natural grass, it rarely causes discomfort or harms the skin.

Another advantage to artificial turf playground surfacing is that the surface of the ground stays constant. With natural grass and dirt, the ground can become choppy and uneven, especially after a good rain. It is much easier for debris to build up and because a problem with natural grass than it is with artificial turf. Rocks and small sticks can become lodged in dirt leaving them sticking out just enough to cut the skin or cause a bruise if a small child would happen to land on them.

Inhibits the Growth of Bacteria

Most brands of artificial turf contain anti-microbial agents that help to fend off any bacteria or virus that attempts to thrive in it. While there will always be a small degree of bacteria in a playground setting, it is minimal compared to what is found on counter tops, in public restrooms and other areas where children and adults are constantly active. By following the same hygienic habits that are used at home and at school, a child's exposure to bacteria at the playground can be kept to a minimum.

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