Author BWPlaygrounds are an essential part of childhood memories for many of us. As children, we spent countless hours running, jumping, and playing on the playground. However, playgrounds also come with their fair share of risks, and safety is a major concern for parents and caregivers. One of the most important considerations when it comes to playground safety is the type of surface used. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at soft turf for playgrounds and why it’s such an excellent choice.
What is Soft Turf for Playgrounds?
Soft turf, also known as artificial turf or synthetic grass, is a type of surface that is becoming increasingly popular in playgrounds. Soft turf is made from a blend of materials such as nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene that mimic the look and feel of natural grass. Unlike natural grass, soft turf is incredibly durable and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as playgrounds.
The Benefits of Soft Turf for Playgrounds
Soft turf offers a variety of benefits for playgrounds, including:
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Safety
Safety is the most significant benefit of using soft turf for playgrounds. Soft turf provides a soft, cushioned surface that can help prevent injuries. Falls on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can result in serious injuries, but soft turf can reduce the impact of falls, making it less likely that children will get hurt.
Soft turf requires very little maintenance compared to other playground surfaces such as natural grass or mulch. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be mowed, watered, or fertilized, making it an excellent choice for busy playgrounds.
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Durability
Synthetic soft grass is incredibly durable and long-lasting. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, harsh weather conditions, and rough play, making it an excellent investment for playgrounds.
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Aesthetics
Soft turf looks just like natural grass, making it an attractive choice for playgrounds. It can also be customized to fit any design or color scheme.
Types of Soft Turf for Playgrounds
Soft turf comes in a variety of types, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of soft turf for playgrounds:
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Nylon Soft Turf
Nylon soft turf is the most durable type of soft turf and can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. It’s also the most expensive type of soft turf.
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Polyethylene Soft Turf
Polyethylene soft turf is softer and more comfortable than nylon soft turf, making it an excellent choice for playgrounds. It’s also less expensive than nylon soft turf.
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Polypropylene Soft Turf
Polypropylene soft turf is the least expensive type of soft turf. It’s not as durable as nylon or polyethylene soft turf, but it’s still an excellent choice for low-traffic playgrounds.
Installing Soft Turf for Playgrounds
Installing soft turf for playgrounds is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps involved:
- Clear the area where the soft turf will be installed
- Install a layer of crushed stone or gravel to provide drainage
- Install a layer of sand to create a stable base for the turf
- Roll out the soft turf and cut it to fit the area
- Secure the edges with stakes or adhesive
- Infill the turf with a mixture of sand and rubber to create a stable surface
It’s important to note that installation should be done by a professional to ensure the turf is installed correctly and safely.
Maintenance of Soft Turf for Playgrounds
Soft turf is incredibly low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep it looking and performing its best:
- Regularly sweep the turf to remove debris and keep it clean
- Use a leaf blower to remove leaves and other large debris
- Remove stains and spills as soon as possible
- Infill the turf as needed to maintain a stable surface
The Cost of Soft Turf for Playgrounds
The cost of soft turf for playgrounds varies depending on the type of turf, the size of the area, and the installation process. On average, soft turf costs between $5 and $12 per square foot, including installation. While soft turf may be more expensive than other playground surfaces upfront, its durability and low maintenance make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Safety Considerations
While soft turf is an excellent choice for playgrounds, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Soft turf can get hot in direct sunlight, so it’s essential to install it in shaded areas or provide shade structures.
- Soft turf can be slippery when wet, so it’s crucial to keep the surface dry and free of debris.
- Soft turf can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, so it’s essential to regularly clean and sanitize the surface.
Comparing Soft Turf to Other Playground Surfaces
Soft turf offers many advantages over other playground surfaces, such as natural grass or mulch. Here’s how it compares:
Soft Turf vs. Natural Grass
Soft turf is more durable, requires less maintenance, and provides a safer surface than natural grass. Natural grass can be slippery when wet, and it can be difficult to maintain in high-traffic areas such as playgrounds.
Soft Turf vs. Mulch
While mulch can provide a soft surface, it requires frequent maintenance and replacement to maintain its safety and appearance. Soft turf is a more durable and low-maintenance choice.
BW Landscape Supply Store’s Best Products for Playground Turf
Here are the two best selling products for Playground Turf.
Emerald-92 Stemgrass Soft Turf for Playgrounds: The Perfect Choice
If you are looking for soft turf for your playground, Emerald-92 Stemgrass is an excellent choice. This high-quality synthetic turf is specially designed for heavy foot traffic areas such as playgrounds, parks, and sports fields.
With its emerald green color and brown/green thatching, Emerald-92 Stemgrass looks and feels just like natural grass, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the product specifications of this amazing product:
Product Specification:
Color: Emerald Green
Thatching: Brown | Green
Traffic: Light-Heavy
Pile Height: 1 7/8″
Turf Gauge: 3/8″
Face Weight: 92 oz.yd2
Backing Weight: 26 oz.yd2
Total Weight: 118 oz.yd2
Stitch Rate: 18.5/10 cm
Stitches/m2: 19,425
Blades: Stemgrass
Series: Emerald Series
As you can see, Emerald-92 Stemgrass is made with high-quality materials and is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. The 1 7/8″ pile height, combined with the 92 oz.yd2 face weight and 19,425 stitches/m2, ensures that the turf is soft and comfortable to play on, while also providing excellent durability and longevity.
The backing weight of 26 oz.yd2 also provides excellent stability, ensuring that the turf stays in place even during heavy use. The stemgrass blades give the turf a natural look and feel, making it virtually indistinguishable from natural grass.
In conclusion, if you are looking for soft turf for your playground, Emerald-92 Stemgrass is an excellent choice. With its high-quality materials, durability, and natural look and feel, this turf is sure to provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family.
All Natural-75 Soft Turf for Playgrounds: A Safe and Durable Option
If you are looking for a safe and durable option for your playground, All Natural-75 Soft Turf is a great choice. Made from high-quality materials, this synthetic turf provides a natural look and feel, while also ensuring the safety of your children.
With its field green and olive-green color and brown/green thatching, All Natural-75 Soft Turf looks just like natural grass, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the product specifications of this amazing product:
Product Specification:
Color: Field Green | Olive Green
Thatching: Brown | Green
Traffic: Light-Heavy
Pile Height: 1 3/4″
Turf Gauge: 3/8″
Face Weight: 75 oz.yd2
Backing Weight: 28 oz.yd2
Total Weight: 103 oz.yd2
Stitch Rate: 16/10 cm
Stitches/m2: 16,800
Blades: Diamond Blade
Series: Other Turf
As you can see, All Natural-75 Soft Turf is made with high-quality materials and is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. The 1 3/4″ pile height, combined with the 75 oz.yd2 face weight and 16,800 stitches/m2, ensures that the turf is soft and comfortable to play on, while also providing excellent durability and longevity.
The backing weight of 28 oz.yd2 also provides excellent stability, ensuring that the turf stays in place even during heavy use. The diamond blade blades give the turf a natural look and feel, making it virtually indistinguishable from natural grass.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a safe and durable option for your playground, All Natural-75 Soft Turf is an excellent choice. With its high-quality materials, durability, and natural look and feel, this turf is sure to provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is soft turf safe for children to play on?
Yes, soft turf is a safe surface for children to play on. It provides a cushioned surface that can help prevent injuries.
How long does soft turf last?
Soft turf can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Is soft turf expensive?
Soft turf can be more expensive than other playground surfaces upfront, but its durability and low maintenance make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Can soft turf be recycled?
Yes, soft turf can be recycled, and many manufacturers use recycled materials in their products.
Does soft turf require a lot of maintenance?
No, soft turf requires very little maintenance compared to other playground surfaces such as natural grass or mulch.
Conclusion
Soft turf is an excellent choice for playground surfaces due to its safety, durability, and low maintenance requirements. While it may be more expensive than other playground surfaces upfront, its long lifespan and cost-effectiveness make it a smart investment for any playground. With proper installation and maintenance, soft turf can provide a safe and attractive play surface for children for many years to come.