There are many options for playground surfaces such as sod, sand, ground-up tires, and mulch. All of these options have disadvantages making playground artificial grass a great alternative.
Disadvantages of Sod for Playgrounds
- Needs mowing
- Needs watering
- Needs fertilizer
- Needs pesticides
- Needs weed killer
- Subject to wear and tear requiring replacement
- More labor intensive
Disadvantages of Sand for Playgrounds
- Harbors ants and other sand pests
- Animals defecate in sand
- Sand is sticks to kids and is tracked in vehicles and homes
- Sand needs to be redistributed
- Sand needs to be replenished
- Requires weeding or weed killer
- Not wheelchair accessible
Disadvantages of Ground-up Tires for Playgrounds
- Flammable
- Subject to fading
- Requires weeding or weed killer
- Harbors insects
- Contains many chemicals and heavy metals
- Releases volatile organic compounds
- Not a good cushioned surface
- Not wheelchair accessible
Disadvantages of Wood Mulch for Playgrounds
- Needs to be replaced annually
- Harbors insects
- Subject to mold
- Requires weeding or weed killer
- Painful splinters
- Animal feces
- Fades
- Not a good cushioned surface
- Not wheelchair accessible
Advantages of Playground Artificial Grass
- No mowing
- No watering
- No fertilizer, pesticides or weed killer
- Less maintenance
- No pests
- No mold
- No splinters
- Lasts years
- Safer for children
- Wheelchair accessible
Tough Turf has installed artificial turf in many private and public playgrounds. Artificial grass is much safer alternative to the more traditional playground media.
