Creating a child-friendly lawn requires more than just planting grass and hoping for the best. Plenty of kids love running, jumping, and playing, and for them to do all these things safely, you need a durable, slip-resistant lawn. Traditional grass lawns, while beautiful, can present several challenges when creating an optimal play area.
Enter synthetic turf, an alternative that has gained popularity in recent years, especially when it comes to creating child-friendly play areas. In past decades, synthetic turf had noticeable shortcomings as a substitute for natural grass. More modern examples are far more convenient, convincing, and cost-effective, particularly where it concerns your kids. In this article, let’s take a look at why synthetic turf works so well for families looking to design safe, durable, and low-maintenance play spaces for children.
Durability and Longevity
One of the most significant advantages synthetic turf provides is its durability. Traditional grass lawns can become patchy, muddy, or even bare in areas that experience heavy foot traffic, such as the kids’ favourite play spots. Natural grass can struggle to recover from the repeated running, sliding, and tumbling that is common in a play area. Over time, all that wear can leave the lawn looking unsightly, and become uncomfortable for children to play on.
Synthetic turf, on the other hand, is specifically designed to withstand heavy use. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t develop bald spots or mud puddles. This durability ensures that your children’s play area remains lush and green year-round, even after countless hours of play. Families no longer need to worry about re-seeding or sodding bare patches, which can be time-consuming and costly. Synthetic turf retains its appearance and functionality over many years, making it a solid long-term investment for a family-friendly yard.
Safety First
Safety is, understandably, a top priority when designing a play area for children. Traditional lawns can sometimes pose risks, especially after rain. Wet grass can become slippery, increasing the risk of falls. Additionally, uneven ground or exposed roots in natural grass can create tripping hazards. For active children who love to run at full speed, these dangers can be a significant concern for parents.
Synthetic turf provides a more level and consistent playing surface, which can help reduce the risk of trips and falls. The evenness of synthetic turf eliminates the worry of hidden bumps or roots beneath the grass, providing a smooth surface for kids to play on. Moreover, synthetic turf can be installed with shock-absorbing underlayers to offer additional protection, which is especially important in play areas with playground equipment. This extra cushioning can reduce the impact of falls, making it a safer option for high-energy play.
Low Maintenance
Maintaining a traditional grass lawn can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. Regular maintenance for a natural lawn typically involves mowing, watering, fertilising, and weed control. Parents already have busy schedules, and dedicating hours each week to lawn care can take time away from more enjoyable activities, such as spending time with their children.
Artificial turf is generally a low-maintenance alternative that requires very little upkeep. There’s no need to mow or water it, and fertilisers are unnecessary. For families, this means more time spent playing and less time maintaining. Synthetic turf also eliminates any need for harsh chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, creating a safer environment for children to play in. With no need for chemical treatments, families can rest easy knowing their children are playing on a non-toxic surface.
All-Weather Playability
In Canada, weather can be unpredictable. One day the sun is shining, and the next, there may be rain or even a brief snowfall. For natural grass lawns, these fluctuations can be a nightmare, particularly when it comes to keeping the play area in good condition. After a rainstorm, the grass can become muddy, making it less than ideal for play. If children do venture out onto a soggy lawn, they are likely to track mud and dirt back into the house.
Synthetic turf boasts excellent drainage, which allows water to pass through quickly and prevents puddling. This means that children can resume playing shortly after rain without creating a muddy mess. Even in colder weather, synthetic turf maintains its appearance and usability. Unlike natural grass, which can become brown or dormant in winter, synthetic turf stays green and lush throughout the year. Families no longer need to worry about seasonal changes impacting their child’s outdoor playtime.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Many children suffer from allergies triggered by pollen, which is often present in natural grass lawns. For kids prone to hay fever or other seasonal allergies, playing on a traditional lawn can lead to discomfort, sneezing, and itchy eyes. For parents of children with these sensitivities, a day of play outside can quickly turn into a day of discomfort.
One of the key benefit synthetic turf offers is its hypoallergenic nature. Since synthetic grass doesn’t produce pollen, children can enjoy playing outside without triggering their allergies. This makes synthetic turf an excellent choice for families looking to provide a healthy, allergy-free play environment. By reducing exposure to allergens, parents can ensure that their children can play without the fear of allergic reactions.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining a clean play environment is important, especially for families with younger children who are more prone to putting objects from the ground into their mouths. Traditional grass lawns can hide various debris, including sharp stones, insects, or even animal waste. These can pose potential health risks to children if not consistently monitored.
Synthetic turf prrovides a cleaner playing surface. It is much easier to spot and remove any foreign objects, and its surface discourages pests like insects or rodents from making it their home. Many synthetic turf systems also come with antimicrobial treatments, which can help keep the surface free from harmful bacteria. This makes synthetic turf an appealing option for families who want to ensure their child’s play area is both safe and clean.
Versatility in Design
Artficial turf isn’t just for wide-open spaces; it can also create customised play areas tailored to your child’s needs and interests. Whether you’re looking to design a traditional lawn area, a mini sports field, or even a playground, synthetic turf can be installed to accommodate a variety of uses.
For example, synthetic turf can be shaped around playground equipment, used to create pathways, or combined with other landscaping features like sandpits or outdoor seating areas. It can also be installed on sloped surfaces, which might otherwise be difficult to maintain with natural grass. This versatility allows families to create the ideal play environment that complements the layout of their yard while meeting their children’s needs.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond its practical benefits, synthetic turf also provides aesthetic advantages as well. It provides the appearance of a perfectly manicured lawn without needing constant upkeep. Synthetic grass stays green and vibrant throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, and doesn’t fade or discolour over time. For parents who want a beautiful lawn that also serves as a functional play area, synthetic turf can offer the best of both worlds.
A visually appealing play area not only enhances the overall look of a family’s outdoor space but also makes it more inviting for both children and adults. Families can enjoy a lovely green space without the worry of mud, dead patches, or weeds interfering with the play area’s appearance.
For families looking to create a child-friendly lawn that balances durability, safety, and ease of maintenance, artificial turf is an excellent solution. The low-maintenance nature of synthetic turf allows your family to spend more time playing and less time on lawn care, and its hypoallergenic and clean surface makes it a healthy choice for children. Whether you’re looking to create a safe play area for young children or a versatile space for active kids, synthetic turf makes a great choice for family-friendly lawns.
When it comes to building an appealing lawn with synthetic grass, Lazy Lawn is the one to call. We offer a wide range of synthetic lawn options to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, and at affordable prices. If you’re in the market for a cost-effective lawn that boosts your home’s curb appeal, we’ve got what you need. Give us a call at (888) 622-5296 to get a synthetic lawn just for you now.