Artificial Grass for Playgrounds

Artificial grass for playgrounds

Daycares, playgrounds, and parents across the nation are making the switch from real grass and mulch to artificial turf for their playgrounds. Engineered with the highest-quality materials, our products can withstand the impact of children at play.

An Artificial Turf Supply playground system is a safer flooring option than natural grass. Utilizing a “safety first” approach, children’s safety and product durability are our main goals so parents can rest easy while their kids play all day. Another perk of synthetic grass is you don’t have to worry about grass stains, dirty clothes, or muddy shoes!

Natural grass can cause allergies, skin irritations, and rashes, whereas synthetic grass is certified lead-free and won’t cause inflammation from allergies, making it the ideal choice for playground surfaces. Improve the safety, longevity, and aesthetics of your playground with the ProPLAY Series.

Why switch to artificial turf for playgrounds

Synthetic grass is the perfect flooring material for play areas. Playground surfaces are supposed to create fun and safe spaces for children to run on carefree. Mulch can leave painful splinters and natural sod can trigger allergies. Artificial playground grass is soft-to-the-touch, padded to reduce impact and injuries, and won’t aggravate allergens.

Synthetic playground turf is built specifically for safety and durability, so it can endure hours of playtime without any wear and tear. Your playground will remain beautiful throughout impact and high foot traffic.

Say goodbye to your lawn mower and sprinkler system! When you make the switch you’ll not only save time, but you’ll save money by lowering your monthly water bill with a draught-friendly playground.

See how much you can save with our turf savings calculator.

Synthetic playground products

Our fleet of artificial grass for playgrounds ranges in pile height and color. With so many options at your disposal, you can select the one product or combination of products that best fits your unique project.

Our artificial grass blade heights range between 1” to 1.75”. Each of these heights will maintain a natural look, but you’ll be able to select the height that fits your preferences best. Shorter blades give the grassy area a nice polished look and are easy to clean. Taller blades create a luscious green grassy area that resembles a traditional lawn and can still be cleaned easily.

The ProPLAY series comes in a variety of shades of green including a vibrant spring green with yellow undertones to a beautiful and rich olive tone. There are several colors of green along with tan thatching woven into the multi-colored yarn giving the highest quality appearance.

Check out the ProPLAY Series for more.

How artificial turf is safe for any playground

Synthetic playground grass is the ideal playground floor because it is safe for all children. It’s durable enough to withstand constant running and play, but soft enough for your little one’s toes. Children may not have a positive reaction to real grass due to the harsh chemicals used for upkeep or the natural elements in the grass.

There are many benefits with artificial turf for your play surface so there’s no need to worry about hazardous chemicals used to make or maintain the product, and it’s certified lead-free.

Artificial grass vs. real grass

There are many pros and cons to both artificial turf and natural grass. Artificial grass products are made to look and feel like real grass without requiring all the maintenance, but some people say that synthetic turf looks and feels a bit stiff. Also, installing turf is an investment. But when you look at the long-term cost savings from installing artificial turf, it’s well worth it in the end. Because synthetic grass is an extremely low maintenance alternative to natural grass, it requires minimal water to maintain and no pesticides, mowing, or weeding. Plus, it will stay green throughout the whole year, no matter the seasonal or climate conditions unlike natural grass.

Learn more: Artificial grass vs real grass

Advantages and disadvantages of artificial turf

Pros to Artificial Playground Grass:

• Safety – A safer option for children’s playtime, our turf products help reduce allergy symptoms, are softer to land on, and are completely non-toxic.
• Install it once and you’re done – No need to replant, reseed, or resod, just lightly maintain it over the next 20+ years.
• Easy to clean – A simple light hosing of messy areas and removal of debris is all that’s needed to keep your playground turf looking fresh.
• Sustainable & eco-friendly – Because artificial turf doesn’t need watering or harsh chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers to stay green, it is an excellent alternative to natural grass, especially in drought-prone areas.
• Low maintenance – With no regular upkeep required, spend less time mowing, weeding, and watering your synthetic play area, and more time enjoying playing with your children.
• Savings – Homeowners and business owners across the nation are saving money, time, and water that would be spent to upkeep their natural lawns with Artificial Turf Supply products.

Cons to Synthetic Playground Turf:

• Initial Cost of artificial turf installations – The artificial grass installation process is typically a larger upfront investment over real grass. But, this investment will save you money in the long run.
• Heat – Synthetic grass products can become warm to the touch if placed in direct sunlight, especially during the hotter months. To avoid this, we recommend shading or hosing down the area when experiencing warm weather. Our Envirofill infill is another easy way to keep the overall temperature of the turf as cool as possible.
• Odors – Just like a natural lawn, artificial grass can hold odors if it is not cleaned properly, particularly if you have pet turf. This can be easily prevented by quickly hosing off the turf area after your pet does its business. For best practice, we recommend lightly cleaning your yard weekly.

Learn more: Pros and cons of artificial grass

Potential water savings with artificial grass

Installing synthetic turf can save homeowners and business owners significant amounts of water, especially when compared to traditional landscaping. Natural grass lawns typically require copious amounts of water to grow.

An average sprinkler system in a residential lawn will use about 12 – 30 gallons of water per minute for 30-35 minutes at least 3 days per week. The gallons of water add up quickly! When you switch to artificial grass, homeowners can save 15,000 – 50,000 gallons of water per year.

Artificial turf is a great grass alternative for any residential and commercial playground, especially in drought-prone and dry climates where it is important to conserve water. Some counties are choosing to limit residential sprinkler use to save precious natural resources.

Because artificial grass products are made of high-quality synthetic materials that don’t lose color or texture in the sun or rain like natural grass can, fake grass will stay green even with these government regulated restrictions.

Learn more: How much water you can save with artificial grass

How to shop for artificial grass

The landscaping design process can be an overwhelming process, but ATS is here to help make your artificial turf installation stress-free – From planning to execution, our team of experts is here for you!

First, start with the basics – What is your playground size, shape, and aesthetic preference? Do you want to incorporate any additional customizations such as putting greens?

Next, compare products so that you can select the turf that is right for the specific needs of your play space. Key factors you’ll want to consider are price, quality, and look. Synthetic grass comes in a variety of weights, pile heights, and colors to best suit different needs.

Lastly, plan how your new fake grass will be installed. You can either choose to hire a contractor to complete the installation for you or opt to do it yourself/ DIY. If you plan to hire someone to install it for you, we have an extensive list of preferred partners we can connect you with. If you choose to DIY, our installation guide offers simple references and tips!

Finding the best playground flooring may seem like a daunting task with so many options. Here are a few of the key things to look for with poolside applications:

• Non-Toxic
• Shock Absorbent
• Excellent Drainage
• Durability
• Quality Materials
• Slip-Resistance

Once you determine which product meets those needs, you can choose the exact model based on your project type and personal preference.

Learn more: How to choose the best artificial grass

Cost of artificial turf for playgrounds

The cost of synthetic turf for playgrounds varies based on the specific model you select for your project. Typically the range is between $2-$3 per square foot for playground applications.

So, if your playground area is 1,000 sq.ft with the playground equipment taking up 250 sq.ft and you select a turf model that is $3 per sq.ft, your synthetic turf grass will cost $2,250.

750 sq.ft x $3 = $2,250 for the artificial turf

There are additional costs to consider when quoting out a project like tax, shipping, installation (if you are hiring a team), base prep materials, and infill. It is important to look at a comprehensive list of the costs combined in order to have an accurate price estimate.

Speak with one of our turf experts to get a free quote! Contact us for more information.

Best way to install artificial turf for playgrounds

Install artificial turf in your playground area to help prevent injuries, grass stains, and dry patchy areas in your play space. With the proper installation technique, turf allows for proper drainage which will keep your fake grass looking fresh for years to come! See below the listed steps for installation:

1. Planning & Design – Map out a design that you love and gather all the tools necessary for installation such as a Sod Cutter, Shovel, Hoe, Wheelbarrow, Measuring Tape, Spray Paint or Chalk Line, Landscape Rake, Broom, Hand Roller or Plate Tamp, Trowel, Carpet Cutting Knives or Razor Knife, etc.
2. Ground Preparation – Remove the topsoil, rough grading, and weed killer barrier, and determine the base type, depth, and application.
3. Install the Artificial Turf – Roll out the artificial grass mat over the prepared base. Make any cuts needed to fit your custom design, seam the pieces together, and nail down the perimeter.
4. Apply Infill – This step is not required, but we recommend that the infill should be placed in play turf areas for proper drainage. Spread about 2 lbs. per sq.ft of infill over the top of your turf.

Learn more: How to install artificial turf

If you’d like to hire someone to install your turf lawn for you, ATS has an extensive list of trusted install partners across the nation we are happy to connect you with.

Cleaning and maintaining your artificial grass

Keeping artificial grass playground surface clean is a simple process, but it is important to maintain quality for years to come. With proper care, your synthetic grass can last for 15-20 years or more!

We recommend these steps to keep your playground clean and in good condition:

1. Sweep, rake, or brush the surface of the playground’s artificial grass to remove any unwanted dirt, debris, or fallen leaves.
2. Pick up pet waste, food, or unwanted debris that has landed on your turf as needed. This step is especially important to monitor if you have pets to prevent strong odors.
3. With a hose, lightly water any dirty or high foot traffic areas. Make sure to hose off any areas that are especially high in foot traffic.
4. For stubborn spots that won’t come out with a quick rinse, use laundry detergent and scrub lightly to clean the area.

Learn more: How to clean artificial grass

How does turf drain

Artificial Turf Supply has TURBOFLO maximum drainage technology built into the selected synthetic turf models. There are holes on the backing to allow superior drainage and help prevent odor or bacteria.

Another important component is to ensure you have the base prep done properly to allow complete and proper drainage. See here for our recommendation on how to do so.

How long artificial turf lasts

Artificial playground grass has a life expectancy of 15-20 years, but it can surpass this time if it is well maintained.

Having a weed barrier and keeping the turf cleaned by picking up debris and hosing down messy areas will keep it like new.

Learn more: How long artificial turf lasts

When it doesn’t make sense to switch to artificial turf

Artificial playground surfaces may not work in your favor. Some of the reasons include:

• You are one that enjoys mowing the lawn and doing yard work.
• When there are other factors that would not allow artificial turf use – such as HOA limitations or city restrictions.
• If there are many or large reflective surfaces, such as windows and vinyl fencing, as heat can reflect and magnify the heat which can cause the fake grass to melt.
  Note: You can prevent this by tinting the windows or putting shading in the yard.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best artificial grass for a playground?

Our ProPLAY series is the ideal surface for any playground area. It is amongst the safest and most durable outdoor synthetic grass surfaces available on the market today.

Utilizing an innovative “safety first” engineering approach, the ProPLAY series is a state-of-the-art synthetic surface, ideal for artificial playground grass. With children’s safety and product durability as our main goals, we select only Polyethylene for its soft and forgiving feel combined with resilience under the stress of heavy-duty-all-weather use, protecting your children from impact injuries. Together with a 100% envirofill infill, it’s safer than sod, wood chips, sand, and even urethane surfaces.

It is also easily customizable. Depending on what features and equipment your playground has, there are endless possibilities to accommodate your project’s unique needs

What turf is best for kids?

While all of our products are safe for children, the ProPLAY series is the ideal flooring solution for kids to play on. Made with antimicrobial fibers, this line of turf will remain free of bacteria and odors no matter how much foot traffic and playtime it sees.

Even without a foam pad, the turf products in the ProPLAY series offer a soft landing surface to prevent injuries. It can withstand heavy-duty use and all weather conditions without becoming, dry, patchy, or ridden with mud puddles.

ASTM-approved, our artificial playground turf is completely non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals. Without the need for fertilizers and pesticides to maintain, fake turf products are an eco-friendly alternative to natural grass.

Can you use turf on a playground?

Yes, turf is an ideal flooring solution for playgrounds. Because artificial turf is completely customizable, we can work with you to get the right product combination for your unique applications.

Synthetic turf is great for playgrounds because it does not require the typical upkeep that natural grass does, but it looks luscious and natural like traditional grass.

The best artificial grass for playgrounds will be non-toxic, durable, soft-to-the-touch, odor-resistant, stain-resistant, and non-slip. For help selecting the perfect turf for your playground application, speak with one of our experts!

What do you put under artificial turf for a playground?

There is no definitive answer to this question due to various factors, such as the layout of your playground surface and the specific product selected. But, typically we recommend infills such as Envirofill or OptiFILL as an ideal base for artificial grass.

A good rule of thumb is that if the soil is sandy or loose, installing a synthetic lawn will most likely be successful. If the soil has a high level of moisture or is clay-based, then the artificial grass installation will probably be unsteady and risk the possibility of becoming dislodged.

If you are unsure about the condition of your base surface, speak with an Artificial Turf Supply specialist for guidance.

What is the best material for a playground?

We select only Polyethylene for our ProPLAY Series for its soft and forgiving feel along with its durability under heavy-duty use. When you pair this with a 100% Envirofill infill, the ProPLAY artificial turf line is safer than any other product on the market such as sod, wood chips, sand, and even urethane surfaces.

What is the best way to clean artificial turf?

To keep your artificial turf clean, we recommend you take these steps. First, you’ll sweep, rake, or brush the surface of the artificial turf lawn to remove any unwanted dirt, debris, or fallen leaves. Then pick up pet waste, food, or unwanted debris that has landed on your turf as needed. With a hose, lightly water any dirty or high-traffic areas. For stubborn spots that won’t come out with a quick rinse, use laundry detergent and scrub lightly to clean the area.

How much does turf cost for a playground?

The cost of turf for a playground will vary depending on the quality of the synthetic grass products, the infill of choice, the size of the area to be covered, and the installation costs. The average cost of artificial grass is $6 – $12 per square foot.

What are the benefits of artificial turf?

There are many benefits to using synthetic grass for your playground surface. Synthetic grass is actually a safer alternative to real grass. It is completely non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals because there is no need for pesticides or fertilizers to maintain.

All Artificial Turf Supply products create an even playing surface to prevent injuries. There are no holes or mud puddles for you to trip over, and turf grass is a non-slip surface.

Artificial turf requires less maintenance to maintain than natural grass and saves money in the long run. Also, if cared for properly, artificial grass can remain beautifully intact for 15-20 years or longer!

Is artificial grass worth the money?

Yes! The benefits of artificial turf are well worth the cost if you are looking for quality that will last. Our warranty will ensure that your ATS products will outlast natural grass with minimal upkeep. A synthetic grass lawn has a life expectancy of 15-20 years, but it can surpass this time if it is cared for properly.

Natural grass is sensitive to climate, foot traffic, and pet waste which means that it has to be replaced frequently. Synthetic turf has been specifically engineered for the outdoors and to withstand natural elements such as rain, snow, drought, and hot climates.

Additionally, Our infill options have incredible draining capabilities to prevent puddles and flooding. Your turf will remain green no matter the weather.

Will artificial playground turf withstand the elements?

Yes – Artificial turf systems are made to be outdoors. We offer a UV-resistant Polyethylene fiber system in our artificial turf products. We also have contracted independent laboratory testing on our models to ensure we offer the best quality material to our clients.

Can I install the artificial playground surface myself?

Yes – You can absolutely DIY your project. Just ensure you have all the needed equipment for the project beforehand so you can be ready once the product arrives. You will want to make sure you have done the measurements correctly – it is always wise to order extra in case you measured incorrectly, or you can save it later for any patch work that may need to be done in the future.

Is artificial turf safe for the environment?

Yes – it is completely safe to the surrounding environment. Switching to an artificial grass surface is an environmentally friendly decision because it helps with water conservation. Plus, with artificial grass, you don’t need to use pesticides or hazardous chemicals that would harm the environment around you.

Where We’ve Installed Synthetic Grass for Playgrounds

Artificial playground grass has serviced a variety of projects. It’s an excellent landscaping solution for daycare playgrounds, residential backyards, children’s camps, and more. Our synthetic turf is mom approved!

Carter’s Residence

Mr. Carter wanted to create a backyard playground for his children to explore and be free, but also safe. He needed something durable but soft, so he made the choice of using our artificial playground systems. He created a dream backyard for his children to play and grow.

Long Bay School

Long Bay School in Turks & Caicos needed a play area for their students. They needed something that has children’s safety as the top priority, so they chose artificial playground grass. It is certified lead-free, soft, and helps reduce symptoms from allergies.

Above & Beyond Daycare

A daycare in Hanover, PA wanted to replace the 2 playground’s yards with synthetic grass. They chose one of our artificial playground turf models that suited both play yards and now the children can run, and nobody worries about grass-stained clothing.

View Project Portfolio

Where we operate

We proudly offer nationwide service and can ship directly to your project. If you need a professional to do the job, we are able to assist as we have a GreenPRO Partnership Program that gives us the ability to refer a professional local to you. Proudly serving the below areas and many more. All service locations