Commercial Landscaping Companies Near Me Explore Artificial Grass for Playground Safety

The playground is a child’s haven, a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and energy is expended. However, it’s also a space where accidents can happen. Ensuring the safety of our children should always be a priority, and the choice of playground flooring is paramount in this regard. With technological advancements, artificial grass has emerged as a leading choice for playgrounds. With technological advancements, commercial landscaping and artificial grass have emerged as a leading choice for playgrounds. Commercial landscaping companies near me shows consumers the reasons for its increasing popularity, specifically focusing on injury prevention.

Common Playground Injuries

Every year, countless kids get hurt on playgrounds. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Abrasions and Scratches: Running, jumping, and even simple tumbles can result in minor injuries when the flooring is rough or uneven.
• Falls: Often, children lose their balance while playing on slides, swings, or monkey bars, leading to a direct fall on the ground.
• Fractures and Breaks: Unfortunately, the wrong kind of landing on a hard surface can lead to broken bones or fractures, especially in the wrists or elbows.
• Head Injuries: These are particularly alarming. A fall from a significant height on a hard surface can lead to concussions or worse.

Such injuries can not only be instantly painful and traumatic, but can sometimes lead to long-term physical and emotional scars.

The Dangers of Conventional Playground Floorings 

The choice of playground flooring can greatly influence the chances and severity of injuries. Here’s a look at traditional options:

Concrete

While durable and easy to maintain, it offers no shock absorption. A fall on concrete can cause serious injuries.

Asphalt

Asphalt is similar to concrete in terms of hardness, but slightly more yielding. Still, it’s far from ideal in terms of safety.

Gravel

While softer than concrete or asphalt, small stones can be sharp, leading to scrapes. There’s also a risk of children ingesting or getting gravel stuck in their ears or noses.

Wood Chips or Mulch

This option offers better cushioning than concrete or asphalt. However, over time, wood chips and mulch can decompose, leading to uneven surfaces. Plus, there’s the risk of splinters.

How Does Artificial Grass Prevent Playground Injuries?

The evolution of artificial grass is not just about aesthetics or ease of maintenance—it’s also about maximizing safety. Here’s an in-depth look into the safety features of artificial grass by commercial landscaping companies near me:

Shock Absorption

Traditional surfaces like concrete and asphalt have no give, which means any fall will be met with a hard impact. 

Artificial grass, however, usually comes with a cushioned underlay made of foam or rubber. This underlayer acts as a shock absorber, reducing the force of the impact. It’s akin to having a mini-mattress under the grass, ensuring that falls, even from heights, are less likely to cause severe injuries like fractures or concussions.

Uniform Surface

Natural playgrounds can get muddy, patchy, or develop holes, all of which are tripping hazards. 

Artificial grass offers a consistent and even surface. Since it doesn’t respond to weather changes in the same way natural grass does, there’s no risk of mud after rain or barren patches during a drought, ensuring kids have a stable ground to play on year-round.

Soft, Non-abrasive Texture

The fibers used in quality artificial grass are soft and gentle on the skin. So, even if children slide, tumble, or fall, the risk of getting abrasions, scrapes, or rug burns is significantly lower compared to rougher surfaces like gravel or wood chips.

Hygienic and Non-toxic

Children have a habit of sitting on the ground, touching the surface, and often putting their hands in their mouths afterward. It’s crucial that the surface they play on is non-toxic. 

Premium artificial grass is typically made without harmful chemicals or lead. It also doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers, which can linger on natural grass and pose health risks.

Allergen Reduction

For children who are sensitive or allergic to certain types of natural grass, pollen, or mold that thrive in natural settings, artificial grass provides a reprieve. It doesn’t produce pollen nor does it support mold growth, ensuring a sneeze-free playtime.

Heat Dispersion

High-quality artificial grass reflects sunlight rather than absorbs it, which reduces the heat it retains. This means during hot days, the playground won’t become a hotbed, potentially burning little feet or hands.

Low Maintenance Ensures Ongoing Safety

Natural playgrounds require regular maintenance—trimming, mowing, and filling in holes. These maintenance activities, if not done promptly, can introduce risks. With artificial grass, the maintenance requirements are minimal, ensuring the play area remains consistently safe without dips, holes, or overgrown patches.

In essence, artificial grass offers multi-faceted protection, ensuring that playgrounds are not just fun, but also safe spaces for children.

Prioritize Safety in Your Playground

Safety, especially for our children, should never be compromised. The transition to artificial grass for playgrounds with the help of commercial landscaping companies near me doesn’t just ensure a green, aesthetically pleasing space. It also guarantees a significantly safer environment. 

If you’re considering such an commercial landscaping upgrade, reach out to Sunburst Landscaping for a free consultation. Fill out our contact form or call us at 623-412-2200. Together, let’s create a safer play space for our children.