No matter how much you try to protect kids on a residential playground, they will fall. That's part of playing and growing up. And as long as they're supervised, falls are generally nothing more than a rite of passage.
But what about when kids fall and there is no adult around to catch them? Are you sure they’re safe on your existing lawn?
Natural green grass may look wonderful around swings, slides and other playground equipment, but it's not the safest surface to land on. Below are a few reasons:
In short, natural grass is not an ideal surface for playgrounds, parks and other areas where kids play.
There are a few different types of materials that can be used as playground surfaces, including:
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While the alternatives above do have advantages, there are still significant cons to deal with.
For example, aside from being a choking hazard, sand also tends to harbor bacteria and foul odors. Concrete and asphalt can increase the risk of injuries because it doesn't provide adequate fall protection.
However, you do have another option: artificial grass.
Artificial grass is one of the most cost-effective and convenient materials to use on playgrounds. It's soft, durable, easy to clean, non-irritating to skin (even when wet) and does not fade in sunlight.
What's more, the best synthetic turf makes playgrounds safer in several ways:
Playground turf is supported by foam padding, which makes it much softer than other surfaces, including natural grass. The shock-absorbent properties in artificial turf help reduce the risk of injury to children when they fall, especially from a height (e.g. from the top of jungle gym equipment).
Not only does playground turf have excellent shock-absorbent properties, it's pretty much engineered to resist wear and tear from daily use. While natural grass around play sets will get worn out quickly by movement of heavy play structures and foot traffic, artificial turf is designed to maintain its quality and safety over time.
ASTM F1292 is the safety standard that playground turf must meet in order to be considered safe for children. This standard requires any surface used in a playground to withstand a certain impact force without causing injury. ASTM F1292 artificial turf has been tested and proven to meet this requirement.
Artificial grass is perfect for playgrounds because of its safety features, as well as the fact that it doesn't require any special maintenance. Aesthetics are also a plus, as most types of artificial turf have a realistic look and feel. No more brown patches or dirt spots – with synthetic turf, your playground will always look pristine.
Artificial turf can also be used in parks, where it serves as a more attractive and durable surface than natural grass. Like playgrounds, parks often see a lot of traffic, so artificial turf is ideal because it doesn't get worn down easily.
Installing artificial turf in schools is becoming an increasingly popular choice, as more and more schools are realizing the benefits of synthetic turf over natural grass. While natural grass can often be difficult to maintain, artificial turf requires little to no maintenance, making it a cost-effective option for schools. In addition, playground turf meets all safety standards required for school playgrounds.
Artificial turf is also a great choice for sports courts. It provides a consistent and level playing surface, which is important for competitive games like soccer and basketball. The synthetic turf also helps reduce the risk of injuries, as it's much softer than concrete or asphalt.
Day care centers are another place where artificial turf can be a valuable addition. The soft surface is perfect for toddlers and young children, who are more prone to falls and injuries. In addition, artificial turf is easy to clean and doesn't harbor bacteria like natural grass can.
Artificial turf is also perfect for indoor play areas, where it can provide a safe flooring surface. This is particularly beneficial in shopping malls and other public places where children are present.
Yes, artificial turf is becoming more and more common as an alternative to real grass. Not only does it provide a similar aesthetic appeal as natural grass, but it also doesn't require any special maintenance or upkeep. While you will still need to do some basic cleaning and maintenance for artificial turf, it's much easier than caring for natural grass.
Yes, high-quality playground turf meets fall safety standards required for child-safe surfaces. It has been tested and proven to withstand a certain impact force without causing injury. In addition, the soft surface is perfect for children who are more prone to falls and injuries. It's also non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
Artificial turf is slightly warmer than natural grass, but it's still cooler than concrete or asphalt. It's important to keep in mind that the synthetic turf will absorb heat from the sun, so on particularly hot days it may be a bit warmer than usual, but nothing that will cause injury.
Yes, artificial turf is completely waterproof and can be used in areas that are exposed to rain or snow. It will not get wet or muddy like natural grass often does.
Artificial turf typically lasts anywhere from 8 to 20 years, but this depends on the amount of use and the quality of the turf.
Here at Heavenly Greens, of course! We offer one of the largest selection of premium, eco-friendly artificial turf for your playground, sports court, park or backyard.
Artificial grass for recreation and play is one of our specialties and we'd love to help you with whatever project you have in mind. Give us a call today at 844-287-5876 for a free consultation!
In the meantime, learn more about playground turf by downloading these FREE guides: