Surfacing Guide
Turf and Hybrid Grass
Durable, Accessible Surfacing for Active Outdoor Spaces
Turf and hybrid grass are popular surfacing solutions for playgrounds, fitness areas, and multi-use spaces across Canada. While both offer durability, accessibility, and low-maintenance performance, each delivers different benefits depending on how the space will be used.
Learn how the two surfaces compare and which solution may be best suited to your project.
What is hybrid grass?
Hybrid grass combines natural grass with a discreet reinforcing mesh that stabilizes the surface and protects the root system from wear and compaction. The result is a durable, accessible grass surface that retains a natural look and feel while improving resistance to heavy use—without replacing nature.
Key Benefits of Hybrid Grass
Natural grass appearance and feel with added durability
Extends play time by up to 3x compared to normal grass
Protects grass roots during heavy use and winter months
Improved accessibility for mobility devices and strollers
Fast, simple installation with minimal site preparation
No adhesives, chemical binders, or treatments required
Fully recyclable, lightweight material (approx. 1 kg per m²)
Permeable surface that allows water to drain naturally
Fall height protection for heights up to 2.7 meters*
*With impact-attenuating mats installed beneath the hybrid grass system
Once established, hybrid grass blends seamlessly into the landscape, leaving a greener, more resilient surface behind. The goal is not to replace natural grass, but to help it thrive in high-use outdoor spaces.
Where does hybrid grass works best?
Hybrid grass is ideal for areas where natural grass is prone to wear, compaction, or heavy use. It is particularly effective in locations that benefit from the natural look and feel of grass but require greater durability and accessibility than conventional grass can provide, including:
What is turf?
Turf, also known as artificial grass, is a fully synthetic surfacing solution designed for durability, consistent performance, and year-round use. Unlike hybrid grass, turf does not rely on natural grass growth, making it well suited for environments where a uniform appearance, low maintenance, and reliable performance are priorities.
Key Benefits of Turf
Durable surface designed for intensive use
Consistent appearance throughout the year
Low-maintenance alternative to natural grass
Accessible, stable surface for everyday use
Permeable surface that supports drainage
Suitable for play, fitness, and recreation areas
Available in a variety of styles and colours
Turf is particularly well suited for high-use environments such as playgrounds, fitness areas, recreation spaces, and multi-use courts where a consistent surface is needed. With a range of products available, artificial grass can be selected to match the appearance, performance, and functional requirements of each space.
Types of Artificial Grass
Sports-focused Turf
Designed for intense use, sports-focused turf is ideal for recreational areas that demand long-term durability.
Dense turf construction for intensive use
Optimized surface for ball sports
Durable performance in high-wear areas
Landscape Turf
Landscape turf prioritizes a natural appearance while providing a stable, low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
Natural look inspired by garden grass
Suitable for play and landscaping
Compatible with shock pads for playground use
Multi-use Turf
Multi-use turf is designed to support a wide range of activities within a single, flexible surface.
Suitable for various types of ball sports
Sand-filled for stability and durability
Reliable performance across mixed-use areas
Design Options
Artificial grass can be tailored to complement the design of a playground or needs of a fitness space.
Custom colours to match playground themes
Integrated graphics for play and wayfinding
Fitness activities and movement markings
Installation Process
Preparation and installation vary between hybrid grass and artificial grass. KOMPAN can help you find and install the right surfacing solution for your project.
Hybrid grass requires minimal site preparation compared to artificial grass:
Ensure the soil beneath is suitable for growth
Reseed or lay new sod to replace worn grass (optional)
Roll out the hybrid grass in large sections
Cut to shape using standard tools
Secure with biodegradable pegs until the grass is established
There is no need for deep excavation, extensive base construction, or the transport of large amounts of soil or aggregate. This can help reduce installation costs and environmental impact. Once established, hybrid grass is maintained much like a conventional lawn. Regular mowing, watering as needed, and debris removal will help keep the surface healthy, attractive, and performing as intended.
Artificial grass typically requires a more extensive installation process:
Remove existing soil and vegetation
Construct a stable, free-draining base
Install shock pads where fall protection is required
Lay and join the turf using adhesives
Apply sand infill where required
This creates a flat, stable, and durable surface that performs consistently throughout the year. While installation requires more materials and site preparation than hybrid grass, ongoing maintenance is generally limited to routine cleaning, debris removal, and occasional infill top-ups where applicable.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Both hybrid grass and artificial grass can help improve accessibility compared to worn grass or muddy surfaces.
Improved accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers
Reduced mud and uneven ground conditions
More consistent access throughout the year
Smoother transitions between activity areas
This helps support inclusive outdoor environments while maintaining an attractive, functional landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hybrid grass is a natural grass surface reinforced with a discreet synthetic mesh that protects the root system while allowing real grass to grow through.
The reinforcing mesh stabilizes the surface, reduces wear, and helps grass withstand heavier use than a conventional lawn. Once established, the mesh is barely visible, creating a durable, natural-looking surface that looks and functions like real grass.
The main difference between hybrid grass and artificial grass is that hybrid grass contains real grass, while artificial grass is a fully synthetic surface.
Hybrid grass combines natural grass with a reinforcing mesh to improve durability and wear resistance.
Artificial grass is made entirely from synthetic fibers and does not rely on natural grass growth.
Hybrid grass is ideal when maintaining a natural look and integrating with the surrounding landscape are important. Artificial grass is better suited to environments that require a durable, consistent surface for intensive, year-round use.
Hybrid grass is best suited for outdoor areas where natural grass is prone to wear, compaction, or heavy use, but a green, natural-looking surface is still desired. Typical applications include:
Play mounds and sloped areas
Playgrounds with lower fall height requirements
Daycares and school playgrounds
Landscape-integrated play areas
Hybrid grass is particularly effective in locations where conventional grass would struggle to remain healthy and attractive over time.
Artificial grass is best suited for areas that experience intensive use or require a durable, consistent surface throughout the year. Typical applications include:
Multi-use sports areas (MUSAs)
School grounds used for ball sports
Sports and activity zones with heavy wear
Play and recreation spaces requiring a uniform appearance
Artificial grass provides a durable, stable surface with consistent performance and minimal ongoing maintenance, making it a popular choice for high-use outdoor environments.
Hybrid grass helps natural grass withstand significantly more use than a conventional lawn by protecting the root system and stabilizing the soil beneath the surface. Benefits can include:
Up to 3x more usable play time than standard grass
Improved root protection during wet and winter conditions
Reduced bare patches and mud formation
Greater surface stability in high-traffic areas
Even when the grass experiences wear, the reinforcing mesh helps maintain a stable, usable surface while supporting continued grass growth and recovery.
The sustainability of hybrid grass and artificial grass depends on the intended use, expected lifespan, and performance requirements of the space.
Hybrid grass:
Uses minimal material compared to fully synthetic surfaces
Supports natural grass growth and natural drainage
Can be fully recycled at the end of its service life
Requires less excavation and base construction
Artificial grass:
Provides long-term durability in high-use environments
Maintains a consistent surface throughout the year
Reduces wear-related damage in heavily used areas
Can reduce the need for frequent surface replacement
The most sustainable solution depends on how the space will be used. Hybrid grass is often preferred where preserving a natural landscape is important, while artificial grass can be an effective option for areas that require a highly durable surface capable of supporting intensive use over many years.