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Which Ground Protection Product is Best for Your Job?

There are a variety of options when trying to protect a grassy area from rutting, hardscape and landscape damage. There are multiple solutions that can be used for different applications, each of which has its own strengths and benefits. Please see below for descriptions of three types of ground protection solutions:

1) Ground Protection Mats
2) Grass Protection Mesh
3) Rolled Plastic Pavers

Ground Protection Mat Protecting a Grassy Area

Blue Gator Mat Used for Protecting Grassy Area

Ground Protection Mats

This ground protection option is made of HDPE, and is the most heavy-duty and portable option. These mats can be moved from location to location over a number of years, and provide a very durable option for protecting your landscape. These mats are not permeable and are therefore not ideal for long term use on grassy areas.

Cost: $$$$

ADVANTAGES:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Very easy to install
  • Can be used from job to job for a number of years
  • Provide a high level of strength and durability

Ideal For:

  • Landscaping or construction projects where heavy machinery will be used
  • Short term jobs where the mats may need to be moved from location to location
  • Large, short term events with heavy foot traffic

Drawbacks:

  • Higher Cost
  • Cannot be used longer than temporarily on grass
  • Not permeable
  • Minimum order quantities apply

Products:

  • Blue Gator Mats (Standard Grade)
  • Signaroad (Medium Duty)
  • Megadeck (Heavy-Duty)

Please note that the below levels are an approximation.

Strength
100%
Portability
90%
Ease of Installation
95%
Durability
85%
Permeability
0%
Blue Gator Mats Connected in Corners

Ground Protection Mats Connected in Corners

Blue Gator Mat Used under heavy equpiment

Blue Gator Mat Used at Job-Site

Ground Protection mat used for landscaping job

Ground Protection Mats Used in Backyard During Landscaping Project

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Grass-protection-mesh-Mudstop.jpg__PID:20a294a6-bdd1-4f29-80f0-e73d9c1b4bd0

Heavy Duty Grass Protection Mesh Used for Overflow Parking

Grass protection Mesh

Grass protection mesh is a product used to protect grassy areas from vehicle, foot traffic and dog run areas. This option provides higher levels of both strength and permeability.

Cost: $$

ADVANTAGES:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Easy Installation
  • Permeable
  • Available in long rolls

Ideal For:

  • Overflow Parking Areas
  • Dog Runs
  • Events/High Foot Traffic Areas

Drawbacks:

  • Can be moved, but ideally stays in one place
  • Cannot be used longer than temporarily on grass
  • Not to be used under heavy equipment or heavy trucks

Products:

Please note that the below levels are an approximation.

Strength
65%
Portability
55%
Ease of Installation
75%
Durability
55%
Permeability
100%
Car Parked on Mud Stop

SUV Parked in Grass Protection Mesh

Mud Stop Roll

Roll of Grass Protection Mesh

Dog Paws on Grass Protection Mesh

Dog Standing on Grass Mesh

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Rolled Plastic pavers used for grassy area

Blue Gator Mat Used for Protecting Grassy Area

Rolled Plastic Pavers

The Rolled Grass Pavers are a very strong, durable, and permeable option to protect grass from heavy vehicle traffic.They are made of 100% recycled HDPE plastic, and are rugged, flexible, and ideally suited for outside exposure and longevity.

Cost: $$$

ADVANTAGES:

  • Very high compressive strength
  • Permeable
  • Easy to connect

Ideal For:

  • Overlow Parking Areas
  • RV and Boat Access
  • Emergency/service vehicle access roads

Drawbacks:

  • Higher Cost
  • Not ideal for moving between jobsites/areas
  • More of an involved installation process

Products:

  • NDS EZ Roll

Please note that the below levels are an approximation.

Strength
100%
Portability
25%
Ease of Installation
35%
Durability
85%
Permeability
100%
NDS EZ Roll Grass Paver Being Rolled Out

EZ Roll Grass Pavers are quickly rolled into place. This allows for a large area to be covered with much less labor than is required by square grass pavers.

Rolled Plastic Pavers Under Vehicle Weight

EZ Roll grass pavers have a very high compressive strength which increases even further when filled with soil / grass.

Rolled Plastic Pavers at School

Car park area reinforced by NDS EZ Roll Grass Pavers.