Play area turf
Turf gives kids a clean, green place to play instead of rock or dirt. Here's what to plan for.
A lot of Havasu backyards are rock, decomposed granite or bare dirt, which isn't much fun for kids. Turf gives them a soft, clean surface that doesn't turn to mud after a storm or track dust into the house. Many families turf just a section of the yard around a play set rather than the whole space.
What about falls from play equipment?
Turf by itself isn't a cushioned surface. If the area sits under a swing set, slide or climbing structure, ask the installer about a shock-absorbing pad under the turf and what fall height it's rated for. Follow the play equipment maker's guidance for the surfacing around it and how far that surfacing should extend.
Heat comes first
Turf in full sun can get far hotter than the air, so a play area is the one place shade isn't optional. Think about:
- Placing play areas under a patio cover, shade sail or a tree's afternoon shadow
- Cooling the surface with a hose before kids go out on warm days
- Asking about lighter-colored products or infills sold for lower surface temperatures
- Scheduling outdoor play for mornings and evenings in summer
Other things to ask
- What infill do you recommend for a play area, and why?
- How will the turf drain if water collects under the play set?
- How do you anchor around posts and footings?
- What happens if a section wears out under the swings?
The installer prices the job after measuring the area and seeing what has to come out, what the ground is like and how the space drains. We don't quote prices, and a figure given over the phone before a site visit is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is artificial turf safe under a swing set?
Turf alone doesn't provide fall protection. Ask about a shock-absorbing pad and its rated fall height, and follow the play set maker's surfacing guidance.
Does turf get too hot for kids?
It can in full summer sun. Plan shade, cool it with water before play, and keep play to cooler parts of the day.
Related services
More background: Lake Havasu artificial turf guide.
Tired of watering a lawn that bakes every July?
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