Artificial turf is versatile enough for a variety of settings, including childcare centers. In fact, there are several reasons why many childcare centers have made the switch to synthetic grasses, including:
- Improved safety and injury prevention
- Reduced allergen and pest presence
- Reduced maintenance (and maintenance costs)
- A durable turf design that ensures year-round utility
- A natural-like feel and appearance
Current generation turf products are designed with value-adding features, such as advanced cooling and UV resistant pigments that ensure childcare centers get the most from their turf. One of the most important considerations is that artificial turf can provide better safety for childcare centers and daycares.
How Artificial Turf Improves Safety at Childcare Centers
Safety is the number one priority at childcare centers, and artificial turf makes it easier to ensure children can play safely.
When installed by an expert turf company, artificial grass provides additional protection against shock-related injuries caused by falls or trips, which can result in head injuries or broken bones. Artificial grasses improve safety because they are installed with a shock-absorbing layer that is laid under the turf. The turf professionals will ensure this cushioning layer is properly placed under all high traffic areas such as playgrounds, whether they are located inside or outside. Professional turf installers can cut artificial grasses to fit any space, and this includes the shock-absorbing layer underneath.
Artificial grasses are so effective at absorbing shock that quality turfs are certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) as an injury-preventing play surface. Compare this to harder surfaces like concrete or gravel, or surfaces like wood chips that can cause scrapes and puncture wounds if not well maintained.
Turf cannot be picked up and thrown, either, which is another problem for childcare centers that rely on wood chips, gravel, sand or crumb rubber to surface their play areas.
Four More Reasons Why Artificial Turf is Installed at Childcare Centers
Safety is the number one reason for installing artificial turf at childcare centers, but it’s not the only one. Other benefits of synthetic grasses include:
- Reduced allergen and pest presence – Many children struggle with allergies, which are exacerbated by a variety of insect and plant species. Keeping pests and weeds out of natural grass is a challenge that typically necessitates the use of pesticides or herbicides – neither of which should be used around children.
By contrast, artificial turf is pest and weed-free by design, so herbicides or insecticides are not required, which means childcare centers can ensure allergen-free play spaces without relying on potentially dangerous chemicals. - Reduced maintenance – Artificial turf requires zero watering (aside from the occasional light spritz to rinse it off), no mowing, zero edging and so on. As long as the turf is kept clear of debris and spills, it will hold up well over time. It is recommended that childcare centers sweep a broom across the grass surface on occasion to stand the grass blades up straight and protect their stability and durability over time. This process is termed “blooming.”
By greatly reducing yard and playground maintenance, childcare centers save time and money on upkeep. - A durable build that lasts year-round – Artificial turf is built to handle the elements if it is professionally installed. High quality synthetic grasses are much more durable than previous generation turfs, with sturdy blades that resist compression and retain their springiness even after years of rambunctious play. While natural grasses are torn apart by active feet, meaning regular resodding, artificial turf will provide a reliable play surface for years – and around the calendar, as it resists water damage, intense sun, wind, ice and snow.
- A natural-like look and feel – Modern turf products no longer resemble the green carpets that many people associate with old turf. Today’s synthetic grasses are made with several layers of grass blades, including thatch, to perfectly simulate the look and color of natural grasses.
Further, high quality turfs also mimic the texture of natural grasses, with a similar feel and bounce that encourages active play.
Why Childcare Centers Bring in the Professionals to Install Artificial Turf in The Woodlands
Artificial turf offers several benefits to childcare centers in The Woodlands, but these benefits can only be reliably captured if the grass is installed by an expert turf company. Here’s why:
- The experts ensure proper site preparation – To maximize the turf’s durability, utility, and drainage efficiency, the project site must be prepared first. This includes removing the topsoil, removing any vegetation, grading the site and ensuring drainage structures are in place. This takes heavy machinery like extractors and skid steers – the kind of machinery that only a turf contractor will be able to mobilize quickly.
- The experts invest in high quality turf products – There are many artificial grasses on the market to choose from, so it may not be immediately clear which is the best option for your childcare center. The turf experts can help their clients identify the right turf, taking note of the client’s play surface needs and the features they are looking for.
- The turf experts guarantee their work quality – Your artificial grass should last at least 10 years (and closer to 15 years) if it is professionally installed and maintained properly. If your turf does last that long, it will provide a full ROI and then some. To secure that value the project site must be prepared appropriately, the turf must be high quality, and it must be installed while observing best practices. Only an experienced turf installation company can guarantee all three and provide a warranty that backs their work.
Artificial Turf is a Proven Play Surface Solution for Childcare Centers
Synthetic grasses protect against injury, reduce allergen loads, are easy to maintain and offer a natural-like play area for year-round activities. There is a lot to like about modern artificial turf, but these benefits can only be secured with the help of a professional turf installer. The turf experts will ensure best practices are observed when installing your artificial grass, so your childcare center will be ready for the kids to enjoy.
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