Turf for play areas and backyard sports
Kids wear lawns down to dirt fast. Turf can hold up to it, as long as you plan for padding, shade and heat.
A backyard play area gets more foot traffic than any other part of the yard. Natural grass under a swing set or along a soccer goal turns to bare dirt, and in Washington County's heat it's hard to bring back. Turf stays even and usable, and it doesn't need mowing around play equipment.
What to plan for
- Padding under play equipment. Turf alone isn't much of a cushion. Ask about shock pads under swings, slides and climbing structures, and whether the setup is rated for the fall height of your equipment.
- Anchoring equipment. Swing sets and goals are easier to anchor before the turf goes down. Plan footings first.
- Product durability. Play turf takes heavy, concentrated wear. Ask which products hold up best and how the warranty treats high-traffic areas.
- Drainage. A play area that puddles after a storm stays muddy underneath. The base should slope and drain.
How do I keep it from getting too hot?
Synthetic turf in full sun gets much hotter than grass. The New York State Department of Health's summary of a BYU study reported an average turf surface temperature of 117°F and a maximum of 200°F on the field studied. In St. George, where July highs average around 102°F, plan shade over play areas with trees, a shade sail or a structure, schedule outdoor play for mornings and evenings in summer, and teach kids to check the surface before sitting or playing barefoot. Watering cools turf only briefly.
Backyard sports
Short-pile turf works for backyard soccer, a batting cage floor or a bocce lane. Mention what you'll use it for so the installer can recommend the right pile height and base.
The installer prices the job after measuring the area and seeing the site: how much grass or rock has to come out, how much base is needed, access for equipment, and the turf and infill you pick. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is turf safe under a swing set?
Turf on its own provides little cushioning. Ask the installer about shock pads rated for your equipment's fall height.
Can we play on turf in the summer?
Yes, but in full afternoon sun it can get very hot. Shade, timing and checking the surface first make a big difference.
Related services
- Artificial grass for front and back yards
- Lawn-to-turf conversions
- Backyard putting greens
- Pet turf and dog runs
More background: Washington County artificial turf guide.
Tired of watering a lawn nobody walks on?
Call and a local turf installer will talk through your yard, your water-district options and what the job involves.