What goes underneath artificial playground grass?

A compacted aggregate base, graded for drainage. Where the fall height of the equipment calls for it, a shock pad is specified and installed between the base and the turf. The pad thickness is set by the fall height of the equipment, not by the turf above it.

How long does artificial playground grass last?

Traffic level and base construction decide that more than the turf does. A surface that was excavated, compacted, and graded properly holds its shape far longer than one laid over a shortcut base, which is why ground preparation takes up most of the install.

Does artificial playground grass get hot in the sun?

Like any outdoor surface in full sun, it warms up during peak summer temperatures, and it will read warmer than shaded natural grass. Rinsing it down brings the surface temperature back down, and shade over the play area makes the largest difference. It is worth planning for in a Texas summer rather than assuming it will not happen.

What maintenance does it need?

Brushing to keep the fibers upright, clearing leaves and debris, and rinsing the surface periodically. There is no mowing, watering, fertilizing, or reseeding.

What happens during heavy rain?

Water passes through the turf backing into the compacted base below and drains away from the play area. The surface clears well ahead of a natural grass field, though a hard storm still needs a little time before the playground is back in use.

Church Playground Artificial Grass Installation Jonesboro TX

The Situation

Jonesboro First Baptist Church needed a better surface under its playground. The area wore down in the places children used most and took steady upkeep to keep it presentable, and after rain it stayed wet long enough to put the playground out of use for a day or two. Church leadership wanted something that looked right on the grounds and did not add to the maintenance list.

The Transformation

4M Outdoors installed 900 square feet of artificial grass for playgrounds. Ground preparation came first: excavation, a compacted aggregate base for drainage, and grading to a level finish. The turf was then laid across the play area and secured around the perimeter, with the infill worked in to hold the fibers upright under repeated foot traffic.

The Outcome

The playground carries one consistent green surface across the whole area now, with no bare patches and no mud after rain. Upkeep is brushing and debris removal rather than mowing and reseeding. The play area comes back into use shortly after a storm, which is most of what the church was asking for.