January 11, 2022

Synthetic turf for a better and safer play environment.


Not sure whether to install conventional grass and mulch or a synthetic play surface? We’re here for you! Let us answer the important questions about turf for playgrounds. Discover some of the top benefits of artificial turf playgrounds.


IS ARTIFICIAL GRASS RIGHT FOR Pittsburgh PLAYGROUNDS?

Because it’s designed to be highly-durable, artificial grass is an excellent choice for playgrounds and play areas. Not only is it lower maintenance, but it will remain stunning all year long. Rain, snow, and sunshine won’t dull the turf, providing you the highest possible return on investment available.

Even more important, artificial turf for playgrounds is held to the strictest standards as defined by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). Southwest Greens turf products are specialized to provide a safer surface with increased shock absorption to soften trips and falls.


DOES ARTIFICIAL TURF GET HOT?

Conventional wisdom states that synthetic turf is known to become hot during the heat of summer. However, thanks to research and development, there are options to help cool your turf’s surface temperature. Our solution is called HydroChill®.

HydroChill® is straightforward addition to the turf’s infill providing an average cooling range of 30°-50° and works naturally when hydrated by dew, rainfall, and irrigation. As the turf surface warms up in the sun, moisture stored in the HydroChill® turf is released. Evaporation removes heat, resulting in a cooler, more comfortable surface for the players. You can see a video of how it works here.


HOW MUCH DOES A SYNTHETIC PLAYGROUND SURFACE COST?

We know that when you’re shopping for turf, you are looking for pricing, which will allow you to plan accordingly. Because it is difficult to provide an exact price without the details of the project at hand, we can estimate that it costs $15 to $30+ per square foot to install playground turf.

Note, there are several elements that factor into determining a price. Here are some of the factors that affect pricing:

  • Base Materials
  • Turf size
  • Design
  • Padding
  • Site access & prep
  • Features
  • Installation costs

 

The best way to determine how much your playground makeover will cost is to schedule a free consultation with Southwest Greens Pittsburgh.


HOW LONG DOES ARTIFICIAL TURF LAST?

Speaking only for ourselves, some of our installations are 20 years old or older. To this day, they still have the rich green color and texture of genuine grass.

Our UV-resistant synthetic turf products endure the test of time because they are built to handle temperature fluctuations, extreme weather, and heavy foot traffic for year-round use. Every installation comes with a one-year warranty for workmanship and manufacturer's warranty covering fading.


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL TURF?

Artificial turf installation is an investment, but it’s definitely worth it. Here are just a few reasons to install artificial playground turf.

Safety First

Our safety pad underlayment goes under the turf to help buffer trips and falls and reduce injuries. It’s highly elastic and provides incredible shock absorption. Playground turf from Southwest Greens Pittsburgh is International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) Certified, so you know our turf surfaces are held to the highest standards.

Enhanced Drainage Capabilities

The porous pad underlayment quickens drainage vertically and laterally and also addresses water storage. Southwest Greens turf with Microban® antimicrobial protection provides a clean and well-drained surface safe for children of all ages to play on.

Durable And Long-Lasting

Our dedication to research and development lets us offer the highest quality and most cutting-edge offerings available today. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products endure the test of time because they are made to stand up to temperature fluctuations, extreme weather, and heavy foot traffic for year-round use.

Reduced Heat Retention

Southwest Green playground turf products keep the play area cooler in warmer conditions versus rubber area materials. For even more cooling, we suggest our innovative solution, HydroChill® — an optional add-in to your turf’s infill which provides an average cooling range of 30-50 degrees.

Water Conserving

From coast-to-coast, landscape irrigation is estimated to contribute to approximately a third of all residential water use, totaling approximately 9 billion gallons per day. Because water scarcity is becoming more of a concern, it is vital to cut back any way we can. Artificial turf will eliminate the need to use so much water in order to maintain a safe, beautiful play space.

Reduce Pollution

With synthetic grass, you no longer have to use weed-killing chemicals, fertilizers, and harmful products to control pests. This prevents water pollution and save you money overall. Plus, you eliminate the downtime it takes for these chemicals to be applied, and more importantly, lessen the chemicals in a children’s play area.


TRANSFORM YOUR PLAYGROUND

Are you ready to have a safe and beautiful playground? Southwest Greens Pittsburgh has the answer for you. All of our projects are custom designed and installed by professionals, so you’ll never need to do any of the heavy lifting. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation!