Most grassed areas are not designed to cope with frequent pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Whether used as a school playground, overflow car park, event space or popular footpath, repeated use can quickly result in worn grass, muddy patches and uneven surfaces, creating maintenance and safety concerns. 

Installing the right grass reinforcement system helps protect the underlying ground while preserving the appearance of natural grass. Modern products, including Polymax EASI Grass Mats, ORBIK Grass Mats and Ground Reinforcement Mesh, are designed to suit different site conditions and loading requirements, so selecting the most appropriate solution is essential.

This guide outlines the key factors to consider when specifying grass matting, including expected traffic levels, drainage, soil conditions and safety requirements.

What Is Grass Matting?

Grass matting refers to a range of ground reinforcement products designed to strengthen and protect grassed surfaces without replacing them with hard landscaping.

Depending on the application, these systems can help to:

• Reduce wear and erosion
• Improve grip underfoot
• Reinforce weak ground conditions
• Minimise muddy areas
• Provide impact protection in play environments
• Support occasional vehicle access
• Improve drainage
• Maintain a natural grass finish

Different systems achieve these objectives in different ways. EASI Grass Mats and ORBIK Grass Mats use open grid designs that allow grass to grow through the surface, while Ground Reinforcement Mesh works within the root zone to stabilise the turf more discreetly.

When Should Grass Matting Be Installed?

Grass reinforcement should be considered as soon as early signs of wear appear or where increased traffic is anticipated.

Typical indicators include:

• Persistent muddy areas, like gateways
• Access areas
• High traffic areas
• Bare patches of grass
• Vehicle rutting
• Surface water after rainfall
• Erosion on slopes
• Slippery walking conditions
• Informal footpaths or "desire lines" developing across grassed areas

Addressing these issues early is usually more cost-effective than carrying out repeated repairs and reseeding.

Understanding the Different Types of Grass Matting

EASI Grass Mats: Safety Surfacing for Play Areas

Polymax EASI Grass Mats are designed for environments where both grass protection and user safety are priorities.

Common applications include:

• Playgrounds, especially Climbing Frames, Swings, Slides
• Zip Lines
• Schools and nurseries
• Parks
• Recreational spaces
• Public footpaths

The mats feature an open grid construction that encourages grass growth while providing a durable, slip-resistant surface. A studded underside improves drainage and helps keep the mat securely in position.

Key features include:

• Tested for critical fall height performance up to 3.4 metres
• BS EN 1177 compliant options
• High slip resistance in wet conditions
• Durable recycled rubber construction
• Support for natural grass regeneration

EASI Grass Mats are particularly well suited to playgrounds and other areas where impact attenuation is required.

ORBIK Grass Mats:  Heavy-Duty Grass Protection

ORBIK Grass Mats are intended for more demanding environments where surfaces need to withstand higher loads or mixed-use traffic.

Typical applications include:

• Overflow car parks
• Estate roads and access routes
• Public open spaces
• Parks
• Mixed pedestrian and vehicle areas
• Ice Rinks
• Snow Mats/Ski Resorts
• Mountain bike parks

Compared with EASI mats, ORBIK features a tighter hole pattern that provides improved load distribution and additional grip without restricting drainage or grass growth.

Benefits include:

• Suitable for occasional vehicle use
• Strong natural rubber construction
• Excellent slip resistance
• Increased structural support
• Retention of a natural grass appearance

ORBIK Grass Mats are often specified where durability is critical and vehicle access is required.

Ground Reinforcement Mesh - Discreet Turf Stabilisation

Ground Reinforcement Mesh offers a lower-profile approach to grass protection by reinforcing the root zone rather than sitting above the surface.

As the grass establishes, the mesh becomes integrated within the turf and is barely visible.

Typical applications include:

• Informal footpaths
• Desire lines
• Slopes and embankments
• Golf courses
• Landscaping projects
• Erosion control schemes

Key advantages include:

• Minimal visual impact
• Reduced soil movement and rutting
• Improved resistance to wear
• Effective drainage performance
• Cost-effective coverage for larger areas

This makes it a popular choice for projects where appearance is just as important as performance.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Grass Matting

Traffic Levels and Intended Use

Understanding how the area will be used is the starting point for any specification.

For lightly used footpaths and informal routes, Ground Reinforcement Mesh may provide sufficient support.

Where pedestrian traffic is heavier or additional safety features are needed, EASI Grass Mats are often the better choice.

Areas exposed to occasional vehicle traffic, such as overflow parking or maintenance access routes, typically require ORBIK Grass Mats.

When assessing traffic levels, consider future demand as well as current usage.

Ground Conditions

Soil type has a direct impact on the long-term performance of any grass reinforcement system.

Clay soils tend to retain water and are more susceptible to compaction and rutting, often requiring more robust reinforcement.

Sandy soils generally drain more effectively but may need additional stabilisation on slopes.

Sites with mixed or poor ground conditions should be assessed individually before installation.

No reinforcement system will perform effectively if underlying drainage or subgrade issues are ignored.

Drainage Requirements

Good drainage is essential for maintaining healthy grass and preventing surface deterioration.

An effective grass matting system should: 

• Allow water to drain freely
• Reduce standing water
• Encourage healthy root growth
• Maintain grip during wet weather

Both EASI and ORBIK Grass Mats feature open structures that promote drainage, while Ground Reinforcement Mesh stabilises the soil without restricting water movement.

Safety Considerations

Safety requirements vary depending on the environment.

Slip resistance is particularly important in schools, public spaces and on sloping ground.

Where play equipment is installed, impact attenuation becomes a key consideration. EASI Grass Mats are specifically designed for these applications and are available with certified critical fall height performance.

Accessibility should also be considered. Surfaces should remain level, stable and comfortable to walk across throughout the year.

Slopes and Erosion Control

Unprotected slopes are especially vulnerable to erosion and surface washout.

Without reinforcement, heavy rainfall can lead to:

• Soil loss
• Uneven ground
• Increased maintenance costs
• Poor grass establishment

Ground Reinforcement Mesh is particularly effective in these environments as it stabilises the root zone while allowing vegetation to establish naturally.

Temporary or Permanent Installation

The intended lifespan of the project will influence product selection.

Temporary applications may include:

• Event spaces
• Seasonal vehicle access
• Construction routes

In these cases, rapid installation and removal are often the main priorities.

Permanent applications, such as playgrounds, parks and overflow parking areas, require a more durable long-term solution.

Typical Applications

Common Specification Mistakes

Selecting a product based solely on cost can lead to premature failure and higher long-term maintenance costs.

Ground preparation is equally important. Even the highest-performing grass matting system will struggle if installed over poorly prepared ground.

Traffic levels are also frequently underestimated. Always assess how the area is likely to be used over the lifetime of the installation rather than focusing only on current conditions.

Ongoing Maintenance

Most grass reinforcement systems require relatively little maintenance once established.

Routine tasks typically include:

• Periodic inspections
• Removing debris from drainage areas
• Monitoring grass growth

Ground Reinforcement Mesh generally requires the least ongoing maintenance as it becomes integrated into the turf over time.

Making the Right Choice

The most suitable grass matting system will depend on how the area is used, the condition of the ground and the level of protection required.

Selecting the correct system from the outset helps reduce maintenance costs, prevent recurring damage and extend the lifespan of grassed areas.

Our team of experts are available to help you select the right solution, contact them on +44 (0) 1 420 474 123. or e-mail here.