Benefits – Synthetic Turf versus Wood Chips
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All American Turf Co. wants to thank you for considering a better alternative that will help to safeguard not only your investment in the playground, the equipment and the labor to sustain it but also the children that will derive endless hours of imaginative play. Perhaps, more importantly, synthetic turf used for playground surfacing can save up to 71% from the cost of installing and maintaining a wood chip surface. It has always taken creative thinking to consider choices that can be proven to be better, and more cost effective, because they aren’t the standard choice.

The purpose of this analysis is to compare and contrast the benefits and detriments of using synthetic turf as opposed to wood chips for use as a base material for playgrounds, around and under equipment.

Synthetic Turf: The Better Alternative

• As a stable green surface, turf maintains the aesthetic view of a park setting.
• As a permeable surface allows free infiltration and does not retain surface moisture.
• Turf maintains the watershed and promotes access to groundwater.
• Does not interfere with peripheral trees’ access to water.
• Migration free, G-Max ratings and HIC values will not change as with any shifting material.
• Turf is virtually indestructible and maintenance free.
• Turf is environmentally safe, user friendly and 100% recyclable.
• There is no need for refilling or replenishing materials.
• Turf can be used for playgrounds, water parks, open play fields, and dog parks.
• Turf installations are 100% wheel chair and stroller accessible.
• Due to its nature, turf can be installed around the anchor posts of existing play equipment and amenities.
• Barriers and other surrounding retention walls are not needed.
• Immediately following rainfall, play can resume as there is no standing water.
• As a result, turf systems inherently result in fewer bugs and mosquitoes.

Wood Chips: A Health and Maintenance Nightmare

• Displacement/migration issues plague wood chips resulting in a general unsightly mess.
• In walkways chips become a safety hazard and obstruct wheel chairs and stroller wheels.
• Below the visible surface level, chips decompose developing fungus and mold retaining moisture.
• Wood chips become pulverized and compacted requiring annual or semi-annual replacement.
• Chips incur annual costs associated with replenishment and ongoing maintenance.
• G-Max and HIC Values change with depth as chips shift due to use, rain and standing water migration.
• With random play on a bed of wood chips, possible injuries include abrasions, splinters, and joint hyper extensions due to excessively low rotational resistance levels (no firm substance under foot).
• Insects are attracted to wood chips for multiplication and breeding with the primary cause being the retention of moisture and the friendly nature of wood chips for hosting of larva.

Conclusion

The contrasts listed above provide overwhelming reasons for using synthetic turf in lieu of wood chips. However, the best reason is evident when a mother approaches a playground and, with confidence, lets a child go to play while saying, “Wow, that looks great.” Combining creative thinking, visionary planning, and concern for the health of the child, as well as stewardship of available funds, synthetic turf is the only viable choice for the base material that can be used for playgrounds.  

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