Playground equipment can make your backyard more fun, but it’s also a prime spot for stumbles and falls. While you can’t prevent them completely, you can take steps so that your little one lands on the safest surface possible.
Artificial turf for residential homes, with its cushioning features, can be a great foundation for a backyard playground. Combine turf with these tips to boost the safety of your outdoor play space:
Choose the Right Play Structures
When selecting play structures for your artificial grass backyard, consider the age and interests of your children. Swings, slides, and climbing frames are classic choices that can provide hours of fun. Make sure to pick structures that are appropriate for your kids’ ages and abilities.
For example, if you have toddlers, choose a play structure with a smaller slide and lower platforms. For older kids, you could opt for a larger playset with more challenging features like monkey bars or a rock climbing wall.
Plan Your Backyard Playground Layout
Before installing your play structures, take some time to plan out your backyard layout. Consider the size of your yard and the space you want to dedicate to the play area. You’ll also think about the placement of the structures in relation to other features like trees, plants, or seating areas.
One tip is to create a designated play zone by installing a border around the area. This can be done with landscaping timbers, pavers, or even a simple line of rocks. This helps to define the space and keep the artificial grass from getting too worn down in high-traffic areas.
Prepare the Base
A proper base is essential to ensure your play structures are stable and safe. This typically involves excavating the area several inches and filling it with crushed stone or gravel. This helps to provide drainage and prevent the artificial grass from sinking or shifting over time.
For example, if you’re installing a swing set, you’ll want to dig out a larger area to accommodate the footings and ensure the structure is level and secure. If you’re putting in a smaller play structure like a slide or playhouse, you can get away with a shallower base layer.
We can take care of this for you during the installation process, so don’t worry about having to do it on your own.
Consider Adding Shock Pads Under Artificial Grass
Shock pads are thin, dense foam layers that go under synthetic grass installation in Miami to help absorb impact and reduce the risk of injuries from falls. They are especially helpful under play structures with higher fall heights, like tall slides or climbing frames. While shock pads cost extra, they can provide more safety and help your artificial grass last longer by reducing wear and tear.
Add Safety Surfacing
Finally, remember to add safety surfacing around your play structures. This is especially important for areas where kids might fall, like under swings or at the bottom of slides. There are a variety of options, including rubber mulch, wood chips, and poured-in-place rubber.
Book a Free Consultation
Here at Miami Artificial Grass Pros, we take extra care when we’re working on areas that will be used by children. The tips above are just general front yard artificial grass ideas – we’d love to know your concerns and goals for your backyard so we can create a custom solution for you. Get started by calling 408-317-0931 or messaging us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.