Please Park On The Grass (Paver)!
For years, signs saying “keep off the grass” have dotted the landscape. Heavy traffic on grassy areas led to dead grass and muddy ruts. Industry and technology have combined and the grass pavers was invented. In an age where we are trying to be environmental conscious and people realizing the importance of green areas (even in cities); the grass pavers has allowed turf to thrive in landscapes once impossible.
Parking grass pavers allow the construction of parking areas while maintaining the green benefits of large areas of grassland to remain. Pavers are utilized to provide drainage in locations that might otherwise remain water logged and unusable. The paver patterns also allow steeply sloped areas to be sown with vegetation and prevent soil erosion from construction and development.
The primary principle of the grass paver is to provide a well drained area for grass roots to grow and yet not become root bound. Grass needs well drained soil or the dirt becomes oversaturated and the roots die. Grass also needs soil that is permeable enough for the roots to extend and continue propagating the grass. If the soil becomes compacted by water or by the constant compaction that occurs when an area is heavily trafficked (human, animal or machine); then it is not suitable for the tender grass roots to survive.
Turf paver is another name the construction industry refers to the pavers as. The pavers resemble honey comb grid that interlocks and has holes in it. The holes are filled with soil that allows the root system of the grass to thrive. The solid part of the paver prevents the soil from collapsing or becoming too compacted. The site preparation before installation of the pavers encourages water drainage down into the soil to be filtered away from roots unless they need it.
If a parking area is desired, for instance, the area would be made as follows:
1. Desired area is excavated and leveled with at least a slight sloping to ensure drainage. You will need to dig out and remove the topsoil, sod (grass) or other organic matter such as leaves and mulch.
2. Fill area with gravel or other granular composite and pack down tightly. Packing can be accomplished via a tamping tool or a machine. It is recommended to use a machine for large areas.
3. Smooth and level the area by spreading the correct sand mixture for you soil type.
4. Place turf pavers (they come in mat sheets) over the surface. Concrete grass pavers work well if you will be utilizing the area for driving over frequently (such as a driveway). Pavers are available everywhere, but if you want to make your own be sure to get molds to make concrete pavers.
5. Fill the holes of the pavers with top soil and broadcast plant grass seed. If a green area is not desired the pavers can be filled with pebbles, sand or other fill stone.
The result is an area that drains water away, supports grass growth and yet can be driven on without causing damage.
Parking grass pavers have allowed highway and interstate construction that includes green ways to incorporate the roadway into the landscape and prevent destruction of plant life. The green ways also aid in the soil erosion due to water runoff that can occur with road construction as well. Commercial construction of things such as shopping malls, condominiums and industrial facilities use the grass paver to make parking lots more environmental friendly without adding to storm water drainage problems.
