Is Artificial Grass for Playground Surfaces Safe for Kids and Pets?
Artificial grass for playground surfaces is quickly replacing natural grass across California. Think schools, colleges, nurseries, day care centers, public parks and more. Aside from that, it’s now a popular choice among dog facilities as well.
In fact, you’ve probably seen a few of these installations in your area— except you may not have noticed, because modern synthetic turf looks so realistic!
That alone should tell you how safe it is, but as a parent or pet owner, we understand that you have very high standards. And rightly so, because nothing is more important than the safety of your kids and pets.
So, let’s talk about what makes the best artificial grass a safe choice the whole family— furry friends included!
Benefits of an Artificial Turf Playground
- Artificial grass is soft underfoot.
High quality artificial turf will never feel like fake grass. It’s lush, soft and gentle for both delicate feet and paws.
Furthermore, the installation process gets rid of most yard debris as well. For instance, it removes grass seeds, sharp rocks and other hazards that can hurt their feet.
Because of this, artificial grass creates a comfortable space where kids and pets can run, jump and play on the entire day!
- Artificial grass for playground surfaces provides fall protection.
This is one of the top reasons why schools and childcare facilities are replacing grass with synthetic turf. The way this is measured is by using the ASTM 1292 fall height requirement. This measures how safe a surface is when a child falls from a critical height or from playground equipment. Natural grass is usually non-compliant with the fall height rating due to the hard ground under it.
- Kids and dogs will rarely encounter pests on a synthetic lawn.
Have you ever dealt with a flea infestation? How about mosquito bites in the summer? If you have a real lawn, it’s only a matter of time before pests and insects crash the party.
Switching to synthetic turf protects children and dogs from most pests. It’s simple— they’ll never find any food, water or shelter on an artificial lawn.
- Synthetic grass surfaces are non-toxic.
First, high quality playground turf is made out of safe, lead-free materials. Next, you’ll never have to treat a synthetic playground with pesticides, herbicides and weedicides. There’s no need to fertilize it with chemicals either.
Because of this, there’s no risk of your pet or children coming into contact with these poisonous substances. Best of all, your lawn will stay evergreen and lush without them.
- Artificial grass comes with anti-bacterial protection.
A lot of parents and dog owners get surprised when they find out about turf’s anti-bacterial feature. As a playground surface, it helps repel bacteria. In addition, it prevents your dog and child from tracking them all over your home after playing in the yard. This safety surface feature doesn’t just ensure a clean lawn, but also a cleaner and safer home.
- Artificial grass for playground surfaces doesn’t get slippery when wet.
How many times have you slipped while walking on wet grass? One wrong fall and you can get seriously injured on a damp lawn. The risk is much higher for dogs and children.
In contrast, playground turf doesn’t get slippery when wet. That’s why it’s also a popular material for pool surrounds and other water features.
First, the excellent drainage system quickly directs water away from the surface so it dries out fast. On top of that, synthetic turf fibers provide stable footing even when there’s moisture on the surface. So, the next time it rains, let your dogs and kids play in the yard! Better yet, join them as well!
- Artificial grass is an extremely durable play surface.
Children are rough on grass. They’ll stomp, jump, run and play hard on it as long as you’ll let them. Dogs are no better— they love nothing more than digging holes in the soil!
Eventually, these activities will create dips, ruts and other injury-causing imperfections on your lawn. They increase the risk of trips and falls, not to mention turning your yard into an ugly mess.
None of that will happen on a synthetic play area. For instance, dogs can’t dig through it or rip out the fibers. Children can try, but no amount of tumbling or jumping around will damage synthetic turf.
Artificial Grass is the Best Playground Surface
Now, the features we discussed above are just the safety aspect of artificial grass. We haven’t started on its effortless maintenance, forever green and lush looks and everything else that makes it the perfect alternative to natural green grass. Want to learn more? Call Heavenly Greens today!
Finally, you can reach us at 844-287-5876 to discuss any project you have in mind. Whether you’re interested in artificial grass playgrounds, a synthetic dog run, putting green and other turf products, we got you covered. Contact us now to receive a free estimate!
