Problem: The Risk of Hard Surfaces

Hard Surfaces = Big Falls

One of the things we’ve noticed at Greenscapes is the stats that come with playgrounds in Austin. Playgrounds should be places of joy, not risk. Yet every year, thousands of children suffer playground-related injuries—many caused by unsafe ground surfaces like concrete, gravel, or compacted dirt. These unforgiving materials lack cushion impact. Instead, they increase the chances of scraped knees, head injuries, and long-term trauma from falls.

If your playground still has outdated or hard surfacing, it’s time to rethink what’s under your kids’ feet. Today’s children deserve better—a surface that’s as safe and fun as the play equipment itself.

The Safer Solution

Soft Landings Every Time

When it comes to building a playground—whether it’s in your backyard, a school, or a public park—the surface you choose can have a major impact on safety, usability, and long-term costs. In Austin, where heat, drought, and sudden rainstorms are part of the package, the choice becomes even more critical. Grass often struggles to stay alive, concrete is harsh and unforgiving, and mulch requires constant replenishment. That’s where turf comes in—offering a smart, safe, and sustainable alternative for play areas of all sizes.

Natural grass may seem like the traditional choice, but in Austin’s climate, it’s a constant struggle. Heatwaves dry it out. Heavy foot traffic wears it down. And let’s not forget mud—a common headache after every rainfall. With kids running, jumping, and tumbling daily, bare patches and uneven ground quickly become trip hazards. Grass also requires regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing, adding time and expense for schools and parents alike.

On the flip side, concrete may solve the maintenance problem—but at the cost of comfort and safety. Falls on hard surfaces can lead to scrapes, bruises, or worse. In the Texas sun, concrete can become dangerously hot, turning a play area into a no-go zone for bare feet.

High-quality artificial turf—like what Greenscapes installs—offers the perfect blend of durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Unlike grass, it stays lush and green with zero watering, even during drought conditions. Unlike concrete, it offers a cushioned, soft-touch landing that reduces the risk of injury from falls, making it an ideal surface for children of all ages.

Why Turf Is the Smart Investment for Playgrounds

When considering playground upgrades, budget is always a key factor. While turf may have a higher upfront cost than mulch or gravel, it pays off in the long run. With traditional surfaces, you’re often dealing with frequent top-offs, muddy cleanups, pest problems, and inconsistent coverage. Artificial turf eliminates those recurring headaches.

What makes turf a smart investment?

  • Low Maintenance: No need for watering, mowing, or reseeding.
  • Durable Under Foot Traffic: Perfect for high-use areas like school recess zones and public parks.
  • Consistent Safety: Unlike mulch that shifts or compacts, turf maintains its protective cushioning for years.

Plus, playground turf requires minimal upkeep and can last 10–15 years—even longer with proper care. Factor in reduced maintenance costs, improved cleanliness, and a lower injury rate, and it’s clear that turf is more than just a surface—it’s a long-term solution for safe, functional play spaces.

We’ll Build You a Safer Playground in 3 Steps

  • Free Site Visit & Safety Evaluation

  • Custom Turf Installation

  • Safe, Ready-to-Play Playground!

Weather-Proof and Worry-Free

Texas weather doesn’t play around. From scorching summer heat to sudden downpours, outdoor play areas take a beating. That’s why our playground turf systems are engineered to perform under extreme conditions.

In hot months, we use turf options with cooling infill and UV-resistant blades that help reduce surface temperature by up to 30%. No more scorching hot playgrounds that kids avoid in summer. Our systems stay playable year-round.

When it rains, our built-in drainage layers go to work. Water flows through the turf and out of the system—meaning no soggy playtime delays, no mud, and no slipping hazards. It’s a clean, dry surface within minutes of most showers.

From sunny schoolyards to shaded backyard play zones, we tailor each installation to the specific microclimate and layout. Rain or shine, kids stay safe and parents stay worry-free.

Turf Solutions for Parks, Schools, and Homes

Playgrounds come in all shapes and sizes—and our turf is designed to fit them all. Whether it’s a sprawling public park, a private school courtyard, or your own backyard, we bring the same level of safety and design to every project.

3 Big Visual Blocks:

📍 Public Park Playgrounds
Handle heavy traffic while keeping children safe with durable turf that stays green and clean, no matter the season.

🏫 School & Daycare Playgrounds
Create a safe, welcoming surface for all age groups. Perfect for recess, PE, or after-school play.

🏡 Backyard Play Areas
Turn your backyard into a personal play paradise—soft enough for toddlers, tough enough for teens.

Every installation includes drainage planning, impact padding, and ADA-compliant pathways if needed. We build more than just turf—we build peace of mind.

Certified for Child Safety

When it comes to kids, we don’t cut corners. Our playground turf systems are engineered to meet or exceed the most rigorous national safety benchmarks:

✅ ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation
✅ ADA Accessibility Compliance for inclusive play
✅ Lead-Free, Non-Toxic Materials
✅ Anti-Microbial Turf Options Available

Custom Turf Designs Kids (and Parents) Love

Playgrounds should be more than functional—they should inspire imagination. With artificial turf, you can customize your play space in ways that traditional surfaces simply can’t match.

  • Add Colorful Turf Zones: Choose bright, kid-friendly colors to mark safe play areas, paths, or sensory zones.
  • Incorporate Themed Shapes: From hopscotch outlines to game boards or logos, turf can be cut and designed to fit your theme.
  • Blended Surfaces: Mix turf with rubber mulch, pavers, or sand pits to create dynamic, multi-use areas.

Parents love it too—especially the clean shoes, minimal mess, and picture-worthy spaces that look great year-round.

Let us help you design a play surface that excites kids and satisfies grown-ups. Safety doesn’t have to be boring—and with the right turf, your playground will be anything but.

See Our Playgrounds in Action

Want to know what our turf really looks like in action? Explore real-life projects we’ve completed across Austin and surrounding areas. From city parks to private preschools, each installation is a testament to safety, style, and sustainability.

Parents and Schools Love Us

Ready to Build a Safer, Happier Playground?

Don’t wait until the next accident to make the switch. Let Greenscapes transform your play space into a safer, more sustainable area kids will love. We serve all of Austin and surrounding communities with expert turf installation you can trust.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Is it safe for toddlers and older kids alike?

Absolutely. Our systems are designed to protect children of all ages and comply with national safety guidelines.

How is your playground turf different from regular artificial grass?

Playground turf includes a built-in shock pad layer underneath the turf to absorb impact. It’s specifically engineered to meet child safety standards—unlike regular turf, which is made for landscaping, not play.

What’s the turf made from? Is it safe?

Yes! Our turf is made from lead-free, non-toxic polyethylene or polypropylene fibers. It’s safe for children, pets, and the environment.

What happens when it rains? Does the turf get slippery or soggy?

Not at all. Our turf systems include efficient drainage layers that allow water to pass through quickly. No puddles, no mud—just quick-drying play surfaces.

Will the turf flatten over time?

High-quality turf fibers are designed to stay upright longer. Occasional brushing helps keep it looking fresh. We also use infill that helps blades remain springy and resilient.