Artificial grass has become a popular choice for playgrounds in Colorado. It offers durability, and safety, and is low maintenance, making it ideal for children’s play areas.
That’s why choosing the best artificial grass for playgrounds is crucial.
Artificial grass typically comes in three types of materials and pile heights. Each of these grass types offers unique benefits and is suitable for playground use:
- Polyethylene Artificial Grass: The most popular choice of artificial grass for playgrounds.
. - Nylon Artificial Grass: An excellent choice for playgrounds with equipment.
. - Polypropylene Artificial Grass: A good choice for small and private playgrounds
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In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of artificial grass for kids, and the benefits, helping you with choosing the best artificial grass for playgrounds.
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Top-Quality Artificial Grass Types for Playgrounds
When choosing the best artificial grass for your playground, consider factors such as your budget, the expected usage of the playground, and the local climate, and always opt for high-quality products to ensure safety and longevity.
Let’s explore the three materials that artificial grass is made of:
Polyethylene Artificial Grass
Polyethylene artificial grass is the most popular choice for playgrounds.
It’s soft and safe for children, resilient, and highly durable meaning it can withstand heavy foot traffic.
It is suitable as a play area artificial grass as it is UV resistant and realistic in appearance with a bright green color.
An elementary school in Denver opted for Polyethylene grass for its playground. The grass has been able to withstand daily use by hundreds of children and still retains its vibrant color and texture.
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Nylon Artificial Grass
Nylon artificial grass is known for its strength and resilience.
It holds up well under extreme temperatures and maintains its original shape even under heavy use, making it an excellent choice for playgrounds with equipment where extra durability is required
A popular playground in Boulder chose Nylon grass due to its strength. The grass remains resilient and attractive despite constant use and exposure to Colorado’s changing weather conditions.
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Polypropylene Artificial Grass
Polypropylene artificial grass is the most economical of the three. It’s a good choice for small, private playgrounds where budget is a concern.
It is however less durable than polyethylene and nylon and would work well as artificial grass for play areas with less foot traffic.
A community playground in Colorado Springs chose Polypropylene grass. Despite being budget-friendly, the grass provides a safe and appealing play area for the neighborhood children.
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How to Choose The Best Artificial Grass for Playgrounds
Choosing the best artificial grass for a children’s play area in Colorado can be a daunting task.
Here are some key factors to consider to ensure a safe and lush-looking play area for your children:
- Pile Height Considerations: Pile height refers to the length of the grass blades, and a medium pile height (1.25 to 2.5 inches) is recommended. This ensures enough cushioning for children while also maintaining durability as a taller pile height might seem more natural, but it can flatten quickly under play equipment
. - Density and Weight Factors: Density refers to the number of yarns per square foot; the higher the density, the more durable the turf. Opt for a higher density to withstand the high traffic of a playground and balance density with weight. Heavier turf can be more difficult to install but offers more longevity.
A density of 16,000-18,000 stitches per square meter is ideal for playgrounds.
- Color and Texture Preferences: Artificial grass comes in a variety of colors and textures. Choose a color that blends with your playground’s aesthetic such as a dual-tone green which will create a natural look and consider a softer texture for comfort but ensure it can withstand heavy use
. - Turf Backing: Turf backing is crucial as it holds the blades in place. Choose a high-quality backing for a more durable playground surface such as double-layered or polyurethane backings which are typically more durable
. - Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent puddles on your playground, so look for artificial grass with built-in drainage technology. The recommended drainage rate is at least 30 inches per hour
Grass with a permeable backing will ensure quick drying after Colorado’s frequent afternoon showers.
- Infil Material: Infil helps the grass stand up and gives the turf extra weight, and sand or rubber infill is best for playgrounds as it provides cushioning
. - UV-Protection: UV-protected artificial grass will maintain its color under Colorado’s intense sun. It is important to check for a UV protection guarantee from the manufacturer as UV-protected turf will also prevent the playground from heating up excessively in summer
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Benefits of Artificial Grass for Playgrounds
Artificial grass provides a multitude of benefits when installed in playgrounds.
Here’s why more and more Colorado properties are switching to play area artificial grass.
Safety Features
- Injury Prevention: Artificial grass is softer and more forgiving than traditional playground surfaces, reducing the chance of injury from falls
. - Non-toxic: Artificial grass is free from any harmful chemicals, ensuring the safety of children at play
. - Allergy Reduction: With no grass pollen, artificial turf can decrease allergy symptoms
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Low Maintenance Requirements
- No Watering: Unlike natural grass, artificial grass does not need watering, saving a significant amount on water bills
. - No Mowing or Fertilizing: Say goodbye to regular mowing and fertilizing. Artificial grass stays the same length and color all year round
. - Easy Cleaning: Spills or dirt can be easily rinsed away with water, making it a clean play area for kids
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Durability and Longevity
- Weather Resistant: Whether it’s the harsh Colorado winters or the warm summers, artificial grass for play areas can withstand all types of weather conditions
. - Heavy Use: Artificial grass is perfect for playgrounds as it can withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear
. - Long-Lasting: With proper care, artificial grass can last for more than 10 years, making it a cost-effective solution for playgrounds
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Importance of Professional Installation for Playground Artificial Grass
When planning a playground in Colorado, choosing the best artificial grass for playgrounds and having it installed by professionals not only guarantees safety but also ensures durability and compliance with safety standards.
Let’s delve into the importance of professional installation of play area artificial grass:
- Proper Installation for Safety: Professionals understand the correct installation methods to ensure safety. They will ensure the artificial grass is installed evenly, eliminating uneven surfaces that could create trip hazards. They use the right kind of infill to provide a cushioning effect, reducing the impact of falls and minimizing the risk of injuries.
Imagine your child running around and accidentally tripping over a poorly installed section of the grass. With professional installation, this risk is significantly reduced.
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- Ensuring Durability Through Installation: A professionally installed artificial grass play area can withstand Colorado’s varying weather conditions, providing a long-lasting play surface. Experts know how to secure the grass properly, preventing it from getting loose or being ripped up, especially in high-traffic areas like swings or slides.
Think about a scenario where the grass near the slide gets worn out due to constant use. Professional installers can prevent such issues by using the right installation techniques and high-quality materials.
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- Critical Fall Height: Critical Fall Height (CFH) is a crucial factor to consider in playgrounds. It refers to the maximum height from which a child can fall without getting severely injured. Professional installers are knowledgeable about CFH and ensure the playground meets the necessary safety standards.
For instance, in a playground with equipment like monkey bars, the artificial grass should be installed with an adequate amount of shock-absorbing material underneath to comply with CFH requirements.
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Get Your Playground Artificial Grass in Colorado
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