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Best Artificial Grass for a Playground (Turf Buying Guide)

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Artificial grass, sometimes called astro turf, has a lot of benefits, especially for the wear and tear a  playground gets. But what is the best artificial grass for a playground?

The best artificial turf for playgrounds is Global Syn-Turf’s Playground System, which features a cushioned, slip-resistant surface and non-flammable underlayer, easy maintenance, fade-resistance, and a 20-year lifespan. 

With a long lifespan and realistic appearance, it surpasses its competitors.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into why synthetic turf is better than real grass when it comes to playgrounds. We will discuss the differences between real and artificial grass in terms of safety, maintenance, and appearance.

You’ll also learn how to pick the perfect artificial turf product tailored specifically for playground use. And finally, we’ll reveal some of the best artificial playground turf options available in today’s market that are designed with children’s safety in mind.

So sit back and relax as we guide you through everything there is to know about choosing the best artificial grass for playground surfaces – because your little ones deserve nothing but the best!

Table of Contents:

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Why Synthetic Turf is Better for Playgrounds

Undeniably, outdoor playtime is a favorite activity for children. However, maintaining a safe and attractive playground surface can be quite challenging with natural grass. This is where synthetic turf comes in – the perfect solution for playgrounds.

Synthetic turf offers numerous benefits over natural grass when it comes to playgrounds.

It is durable, safe, requires low maintenance, and is eco-friendly. With synthetic turf, there are no more muddy puddles or patchy grass; just a consistent, lush green play area that stays looking great all year round.

But beyond that, you also have the following benefits:

  • Enhanced Safety: Synthetic turf provides a cushioned surface that helps reduce injuries from falls, providing a safer playground environment.
  • Durability: Synthetic turf is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it more durable and long-lasting compared to natural grass.
  • All-Weather Usage: Synthetic turf allows playgrounds to be used in all weather conditions, including rainy and muddy days, without the risk of creating a muddy or slippery surface.
  • Low Maintenance: Synthetic turf requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass, saving time, money, and resources in terms of watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
  • Accessibility: Synthetic turf offers a more accessible surface for individuals with disabilities, allowing wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to move around more easily.
  • Versatility: Synthetic turf can be customized to fit any playground design, allowing for creative and engaging play areas with various patterns, colors, and features.
  • Consistent Play Surface: Synthetic turf provides a consistent and level playing surface, reducing the risk of tripping or uneven ground that can be present in natural grass playgrounds.
  • Looks Great Year Round: Synthetic turf is always green. It doesn’t matter how much sun it gets, how little water it gets, or if you forget to take care of it. Aside from maybe needing to blow leaves off of it, it always looks pristine.

A softer surface is also important for safety in play areas and playgrounds cost less to maintain than natural grass lawns.

Just don’t skimp on the installation!

You can’t (or shouldn’t) just lay this down over bare ground or concrete. Ideally, dig out a flat surface, then put down a sub-base before laying down the turf. But what is the best sub-base for artificial grass?

I cover that in a recent article, so just click that link to read it on my site.

Real Grass vs Artificial Grass for Playgrounds: How They Differ

There are a lot of pros and cons concerning natural and artificial grass. To help you make an informed decision, let’s dive into the key differences between these two options.

Pile Height Matters

Pile height, or the length of grass blades, is crucial for playground safety and aesthetics. Natural grass can become uneven over time while artificial turf maintains a consistent appearance and feel.

Fall Height Rating: Safety First

A fall height rating measures how well a surface absorbs impact from falls – super important for kids at play. Synthetic turf products often have higher fall height ratings than their natural counterparts, providing extra protection during rough-and-tumble fun times.

As a result, you can help minimize injuries as the result of a fall.

The Power of UV Protection

No one wants faded grass on their playground.

That’s where UV protection comes in handy. High-quality artificial turfs are designed with built-in UV resistance to keep your green space looking fresh year-round – unlike real grass that may lose its luster under harsh sunlight conditions.

Maintenance: Time & Money Savings

Let’s face it: maintaining a natural lawn can be time-consuming and costly. Artificial grass, on the other hand, requires minimal upkeep – no mowing or watering needed.

This means more playtime for kids and less work for you. Win-win.

Environmental Impact

When making a decision, think about the environmental consequences of your choice to ensure a win-win outcome.

Natural grass may require pesticides, fertilizers, and other harsh chemicals that could harm local ecosystems while artificial turf is often made from recyclable materials.

Do bugs live in artificial grass?

Yes, bugs can live in artificial grass, although their presence is generally less common compared to natural grass.

Artificial grass can still attract certain insects, such as ants, beetles, or spiders, especially if there are food sources or favorable conditions nearby.

However, the synthetic materials used in artificial grass are less inviting for insects since they do not provide the same habitat and food sources as natural grass.

Additionally, proper installation and regular maintenance, including cleaning and brushing the artificial turf, can help reduce the likelihood of bugs taking up residence.

How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Your Playground

Are you looking for the perfect artificial grass for your playground? There are several considerations to take into account to make sure you choose the right one for your playground and budget.

Here are some essential steps to follow:

  • Foot Traffic: The first thing to consider is the amount of foot traffic the playground area will receive. In high traffic areas, you’ll need a more durable turf that can withstand wear and tear.
  • Proper Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for any playground surface. Make sure the artificial grass you choose has adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling on the surface.
  • Softer Surface: Artificial grass is softer than natural grass, making it an ideal choice for playgrounds. Look for a turf product that provides a cushioned surface to reduce the risk of injury from falls.
  • Color: The best brands blend multiple colors for a more natural look.

By following these steps, you can choose the best artificial grass for your playground. Not only will it provide a safe and beautiful play area for your children, but it will also require less maintenance than a natural grass lawn.

What Are the Best Artificial Turf Playground Options?

Here are the top four choices that are sure to make your playground look and feel amazing:

1. Global Syn-Turf’s Playground System

This product features a cushioned, slip-resistant surface and non-flammable underlayer, easy maintenance, fade-resistance, and a 20-year lifespan.

With a long lifespan and realistic appearance, it surpasses its competitors.

Check it out on the company website – https://www.globalsynturf.com/artificial-grass-products (not a paid endorsement)

2. ALTRUISTIC Premium Artificial Grasss

This product is non-toxic and features a blend of 4 colors for a natural look.

Blade height is 1 3/8″, high-density for extra heavy use, and top-quality UV protection against fading. Almost 1,000 near-perfect reviews on Amazon, and it comes in dozens of size options. Easy installation too.

CLICK HERE to check the current options and prices on Amazon

3. SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass

Crafted from premium UV-resistant polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, this artificial grass boasts a unique “spine” yarn design for exceptional density.

Its dual-layer polypropylene backing, coated with a top-quality rubber waterproof seal, ensures remarkable dimensional stability.

Lab-tested for color retention, durability, and fire resistance.

With a substantial weight of 70 oz. per square yard, it maintains an upright blade position, whether with or without infill. Installation options include gluing, seaming, or stapling for a secure bond.

CLICK HERE to check the current options and prices on Amazon

4. Endless Summer Artificial Grass Roll

A favorite among golf courses and sports fields alike, the Endless Summer Artificial Grass Roll is perfect for playgrounds and play areas. With a softer surface and a wide variety of turf products, this synthetic grass is sure to impress.

Whether you choose artificial grass or natural grass lawn, it’s important to ensure proper drainage and adequate surfacing for your playground area.

With the right playground surfacing, you can create a safe and enjoyable play structure for children of all ages. So, go ahead and install artificial grass products for your playground installation and enjoy the benefits of a low-maintenance, long-lasting playground surface.

Check it out on the company website – https://grass-tex.com/product/endless-summer/ (not a paid endorsement)

FAQs

Which artificial grass is the most realistic?

EasyTurf’s FieldTurf line offers some of the most realistic-looking artificial grass options on the market. Their products are designed with varying blade lengths, colors, and textures to mimic natural grass closely.

What is the best artificial grass for sports?

For sports applications, Shaw Sports Turf provides high-quality synthetic surfaces that cater to various athletic needs such as football fields or soccer pitches.

Their Legion series combines durability with performance characteristics suited for intense play.

What thickness of artificial grass is best?

A thickness between 30mm-40mm works well in most situations; it strikes a balance between comfort and durability while maintaining a natural appearance.

For higher traffic areas or sports use, consider opting for thicker options like 50mm (2 inches) + to ensure longevity.

Conclusion

Choosing the best artificial grass for playgrounds can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort.

For playgrounds, synthetic turf is the ideal playground floor due to its superior safety and durability compared to natural grass. When picking an artificial turf, consider factors such as pile height, density, and backing to ensure you get a product that meets your needs.

Some of the best options for artificial turf playgrounds include products from top manufacturers like Global Syn-Turf and ForeverLawn. These turfs are designed to withstand heavy use while providing a soft surface that reduces injuries during falls.

Image by Alexa from Pixabay and Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

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