Comprehensive review of artificial grass for play areas
Thinking about installing artificial grass in your childcare or play area? It’s a smart move. At Coastal Evergreen Synthetic Grass, we’ve helped countless early learning centres create safe, reliable outdoor spaces where kids can run, tumble, and explore without the usual upkeep of natural turf.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why so many educators and facility managers choose artificial grass for play areas, how we approach installation, and what you can expect over the long haul.
Key takeaways
- Coastal Evergreen Synthetic Grass supplies, low-maintenance artificial grass that’s perfect for childcare and school playgrounds.
- Proper installation – including drainage and underlay for safety is essential to protect little ones during play.
- While the initial investment is higher than natural grass, the long-term savings and durability make it a wise financial decision.
Why more centres are switching to artificial grass
We’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for childcare centres to maintain a natural grass area. Mud, dry patches, weeds—it becomes a cycle of constant upkeep. That’s why we specialise in providing realistic, soft artificial grass designed specifically for play.
It’s not just about saving on maintenance. With our products, there’s no need for fertilisers or pesticides, which means fewer chemicals in your play space and less exposure for the children. You also save significantly on water, especially important during dry seasons or council restrictions.
And when it rains? Our turf dries quickly, so there’s no waiting around for things to clear up before the kids can head outside again.
How we approach every install
Installing artificial grass properly takes more than rolling out turf and calling it a day. Our process always starts with a good chat about your space and what your centre needs.
From there, we prepare the area by grading the base and adding compacted crushed rock or gravel to ensure efficient drainage. This step is key to keeping the turf dry and smooth. Then we install a shock-absorbing underlay to soften any falls and protect active little ones.
Alignment and seam placement matter too. Every section of turf is installed with precision to avoid tripping hazards and ensure a consistent surface throughout. We’ve seen how something as simple as a misaligned join can cause problems, so we don’t take shortcuts.
Why safety’s never an afterthought
When it comes to kids’ spaces, safety always comes first. Every install we do for playgrounds includes high-impact padding beneath the surface. It’s designed to cushion falls and reduce the chance of injury.
We also use non-toxic, child-safe materials across all our products. Whether it’s recycled rubber underlay or antimicrobial infill, everything has been tested and chosen with children in mind.
Seams are carefully aligned, and the turf is secured tightly to eliminate trip zones. You can feel confident knowing the surface stays safe, even under heavy use.
The look and feel of a well-designed space
Artificial grass doesn’t just serve a function—it looks great too. Our turf stays lush and green year-round, no matter the weather. That means your outdoor areas always look welcoming, even in the middle of winter or after a dry summer.
We also offer a range of customisation options to suit different needs. Some centres prefer a natural look, while others go for bold layouts with multiple textures and colours to help define play zones. We’ll work with your space and vision to create something that’s both functional and fun.
Built to last, even under tiny feet
The materials we use are chosen for toughness and longevity. We only install high-quality polyethylene turf that can take daily foot traffic, from toddlers to older kids, without losing its shape.
We recommend a pile height around one inch for play areas, which offers a great balance between softness and durability. It’s springy enough for active play but dense enough to stand the test of time. We steer clear of nylon turf because it tends to wear faster and heat up more in direct sun.
Maintenance that fits into a busy schedule
One of the biggest reasons our clients choose artificial grass is the ease of maintenance. There’s no need for watering, mowing, or fertilising.
Regular care involves a quick rake to lift the blades and clear away leaves or debris. Infill may need topping up in high-use spots, and we recommend an annual deep clean using a wet vac and disinfectant to keep things fresh.
For centres that manage multiple groups of kids each day, that kind of simplicity is a big win. You spend less time worrying about the grounds and more time focused on the kids.
What real-world use looks like
We’ve installed play area turf in dozens of early learning environments, and the feedback is always the same: it holds up well, feels soft underfoot, and is easy to manage.
We often include padded underlayers and rubber infill for better shock absorption, especially under climbing frames and play equipment.
Rainwater drains straight through the surface, so you won’t end up with muddy puddles. And because the surface dries quickly, there’s no need to close off the area for days at a time.
A few things to watch for
Artificial grass isn’t perfect. Like anything, it comes with a few quirks. One of the more common concerns is how it handles heat. On very hot days, the surface can feel warm to the touch. We always recommend some shade coverage or water misting during summer.
Routine maintenance checks help too. We advise monthly inspections in high-traffic zones to keep infill levels even and seams intact. Treating the surface seasonally for moss or bacteria keeps it fresh and hygienic.
Is it worth the investment?
While artificial grass costs more upfront than natural grass, the savings really do add up. No watering, no mowing, no chemical treatments. We offer an 8 year warranty on all our installations.
Schools and early learning centres also tell us they save on things like groundskeeping costs and liability insurance, as the surface reduces injury risks and performs consistently underfoot.
When you look at the numbers, most places see a return on investment in about 3 to 5 years.
Choosing the right fit for your space
Budget plays a role, of course. Installed turf can range from $6 to $20 per square foot depending on the quality and features. We’re happy to talk through your needs, compare options, and give you a clear picture of what works best for your space.
What matters most is creating a surface that works for your children and your staff, while holding up through years of active play.
Summary
Artificial grass is a practical and safe solution for playgrounds and early learning centres. At Coastal Evergreen Synthetic Grass, we take pride in offering a product that’s durable, environmentally friendly, and designed with kids in mind.
From start to finish, our team is there to guide the process, install the right materials, and make sure the end result is a surface that’s safe, clean, and built to last.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using artificial grass in play areas?
Artificial grass is low-maintenance, doesn’t cause allergies, and stays green all year. It’s quick to dry after rain and safe for kids to play on without worry.
What type of turf is best for kids?
We recommend soft, polyethylene-based turf with shock-absorbing underlay. It’s comfortable underfoot, safe for falls, and holds up in busy play areas.
Where is artificial turf most suitable?
It’s ideal for childcare centres, daycare facilities, and schools—anywhere kids need a reliable, durable surface to play on.
How do you keep artificial grass clean?
Routine raking, debris removal, and occasional topping up of infill are usually enough. We suggest an annual clean with a wet vac and disinfectant for hygiene.
How long does it last?
Most of our installations last between 10 to 20 years, depending on traffic and upkeep. We offer a 8 year warranty on all our installations.Â