Child-Friendly Play Lawns: Softer, Safer Grass for Family Gardens in Arundel & Chichester

Create a durable, cushioned play lawn for kids; without turning the garden into a mud patch.

Play areas take a beating. The key is a dense, elastic sward and good drainage so bare patches don’t appear after a wet weekend.

Build a tougher lawn

• Seed choice: Perennial rye + strong fescue for wear tolerance.
• Aeration twice a year in high-traffic zones (goal mouths, slides).
• Topdressing (3–5 mm) after aeration to firm and level.
• Overseed little and often in spring/autumn to keep it thick.

Softer underfoot

• Keep height around 4.5–5 cm for cushioning.
• Use mulch rings around play equipment posts to prevent bald circles.

Quick repairs that last

Rake, top up with loam, overseed, press seed to soil; keep lightly moist for 2–3 weeks.

Need help choosing robust tools for tidy edges and safe heights? See:
👉 The Best Lawn Care Tools for Homeowners in West Sussex (and When to Use Them)
https://lawncarechichester.co.uk/the-best-lawn-care-tools-for-homeowners-in-west-sussex-and-when-to-use-them/