Which is better – fake or natural grass?

When considering the creation of a play area for children, this is not an either/or question for your entire outside space. For many families, arranging their external space, particularly if it is limited in space, is about creating different areas which fulfil certain needs. You may have a quiet area where you can sit in the shade and read a book with a glass of wine in hand. Naturally, there may be a corner where you can be creative, horticulturally, or artistically.

If you have children, then a playground area is crucial – providing them with a space that is safe, durable, and hardwearing so that they can run wild, take risks, and get rid of excess energy.

The question is, is real or artificial grass best for playgrounds?

There is a reason why most municipal parks specify different materials for use in playgrounds, and safety is just one aspect. There are just too many problems associated with using real grass, which is why artificial grass is a good alternative for use as a playground surface.

One of the biggest aspects is that grass can wear out really quickly, particularly in those areas where use is heaviest, such as underneath the swings and at the bottom of the slide. Imagine a child swinging backward and forwards, pushing themselves off each time with their feet. The grass in that area will soon disappear, with little respite to grow back at any time.

Muddy puddles

Have you also noticed in a playground how the ground is worn down into a neat concave, creating the perfect shape for a puddle to form in wet weather, creating a muddy mess in winter, which then compacts into a hard, unyielding surface in hot summer weather?

Instantly you can understand why artificial grass may be a better alternative to real grass in this scenario may be. A low pile, hard-wearing artificial grass will be able to withstand years of kids’ shoes pushing to and from In any weather.

There is nothing worse than cooped-up children desperately waiting out the rain before they can get out to their play area, only to not be able to use the equipment because the ground is too wet and muddy.

By installing artificial grass in your playground, you resolve any drainage issues and eliminate the problem of slippery, muddy surfaces in the winter and hard, packed earth in the summer.

Eliminate the constant need for constant maintenance

Real grass does need constant maintenance – not just to repair any damage caused by constant wear and tear, but because, as a living organism, it grows! Left to its own devices, it will start to take over the playground. So, real grass needs regular cutting, watering, and treating.

It’s true that there is no better smell than freshly mown grass, but far better to enjoy maintaining those areas of grass that are not then going to be jumped on and destroyed by little feet. By using artificial grass on and around the playground area, you are minimising the potential damage that can be wreaked by constant wear and tear on real grass and keeping the pleasure for areas that can be enjoyed more sedately.

Cutting down on laundry

Anyone who cares for a bunch of kids will know that endless piles of laundry come with the territory. Grass and mud stains do not come out, no matter how many times they go through the washing machine.

Safety concerns

Finally, there are real concerns about safety with real grass. Artificial grass when accompanied by a safety underlay can meet certain fall ratings, and these can be designed into the overall installation so that you have the reassurance that your artificial grass surface meets standards and regulations that councils usually have to adhere to in public playgrounds.

Fall ratings are achieved by specifying the correct thickness of the padding. By following official guidelines around laying artificial grass in your playground, you can be assured that your play area will be safe and fit for purpose.

A long list of reasons to choose artificial grass

In conclusion, if you are considering creating a separate playground area for your children, then your best choice of surface would be artificial grass. Not only is it safer and softer to cushion any unfortunate falls, but it is less messy, less muddy, and creates a clean environment all year round for use in all weathers.

It needs no mowing or maintenance, just a wash down with a hose pipe every now and again, and your kids will come back into the house free of mud and grass stains.

If you would like to discuss which artificial lawn would be best for your playground needs, get in touch with us now.