When planning an outdoor event, the last thing you want is to see the grass areas turned into churned-up muddy patches. From summer weddings to large music festivals, maintaining the quality of the grass surface, before and after the event, is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with heavy foot traffic, unpredictable weather conditions, or the long-term wear and tear of multiple events – using the right ground protection solutions can make all the difference.
Here are the best ways to protect your grass with advice for event organisers, as well as recommendations of the the most effective products for creating durable, safe and stable surfaces.
Why Grass Protection Matters
During the summer, outdoor events offer a natural setting, with delicate grass. High traffic areas like entranceways, walkways, dance floors or catering zones are especially vulnerable. Repeated foot traffic can compress soil, kill grass roots and turn once-healthy lawns into messy and uneven surfaces. Wet weather can cause guests and visitors to slip or bring dirt and debris into marquees and other surfaces.
With the right preparation and products such as grass mats you can create grass walkways, protect vulnerable areas and ensure a smooth and safe experience for guests, all while keeping the grounds in good condition.
What Are Grass Mats?
Grass mats are designed to shield grassed areas from wear, while still allowing the outdoors ground to breathe and recover. Our grass mats are suitable for everything from one-day events to year-round use.
These mats can be laid directly over natural green grass or soil, offering a stable surface that protects against damage and helps maintain the integrity of your lawn. Many of our mats feature open mesh structures, which allow grass to grow through holes while offering traction and safety underfoot. This can be important with the unpredictable weather in the UK during the summer months.
Key Benefits of Grass Turf Mats
Durable and Long Lasting – Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and high traffic areas, our mats are made from strong recycled rubber which offers long-term protection and durability.
Low Maintenance – Once installed, our grass mats require very little upkeep. They help prevent damage, reduce mud as well as keep the site looking clean and tidy.
Safety – Mats reduce the risk of slips and falls by offering better grip – even in wet weather conditions.
Versatile – Suitable for festivals, weddings, sporting events, garden parties and even indoor use in temporary structures.
Cost Effective Solution – Investing in grass protection helps reduce future repair costs, especially if you regularly host events on the same site.
How to Protect Grassed Areas for Different Events
Festivals
Festivals attract large crowds and heavy footfall, which can quickly wear down any surface. Use reinforced grass surface solutions such as grass mesh or grass mats to create defined walkways, for entrance areas and zones for food vendors or stages. These rubber mats protect the underlying ground and reduce the volume of dirt being tracked across the site.
Weddings
Weddings often take place in gardens or scenic outdoor spaces, in order to protect the grass while maintaining a clean and elegant look, anti slip matting can be discreetly laid beneath the areas being used. The thickness of the mats can add cushioning for guests standing for long periods while protecting delicate lawns underneath.
Outdoor Venues
Permanent or semi-permanent outdoor venues can benefit from year-round solutions. Grass mats can be laid over grass to create grass walkways and seating areas that remain safe and tidy throughout the year. If your venue hosts events in all seasons, choosing a durable, low maintenance matting system will make sure the lawn stays in top condition.
Parking Solutions
When you’re hosting large events or venues where the parking area is grass, you can risk mud being churned and even cars becoming stuck in the mud on wet days. Grass reinforcement mesh can be laid over parking areas to help prevent mud churn over larger areas. This means that your guests will be able to easily enter and exit, allowing for a more pleasant experience.
Product Recommendations to Withstand Heavy Foot Traffic
Here are some of our top grass protection products suitable for different event types.
Grass Reinforcement Mesh
Ideal for long-term reinforcement of grassy areas with moderate to heavy use. Mesh allows grass to grow through while offering a stable surface. The mesh can also be suitable for cars to drive and park on0.
Rubber Grass Mats
Rubber mats are one of the most popular products for event surfaces as they are easy to install and cut to size. These mats provide anti-slip safety and protect the area from wear and tear.
Temporary Grass Walkways
For temporary access across grass, use thick temporary access boards to create clean paths for guests to navigate your site. Prevents muddy shoes and damage to decorative lawn features, they are easy to clean and reuse across different events throughout the season.
Installation Tips
Preparation is key – Always assess your site before laying mats. Clear away any debris or dirt and level the ground where possible.
Lay mats in advance – For weddings or festivals, we recommend installing your mats a few weeks or months before the event to allow them to settle and blend into the grass. If you’re only using temporary access boards, lay them just before the event.
Choose the right thickness – For heavier equipment or very high footfall, opt for thicker mats with more cushioning and grip.
Secure your mats – Ensure your mats are properly secured with pegs or ties to prevent slips or movement during the event.
Year-Round Grass Protection
Many of our customers use our mats year-round, not just for single events. Whether you’re protecting school playing fields, maintaining access paths in wet winter months, or preparing for wedding season, the long-lasting durability and versatility of our grass mats means they can be used again and again. They’re suitable for both temporary and permanent installation which makes them a smart investment for any outdoor space.
Protecting the grass during events will ensure the venue remains functional and attractive long term. It is a cost effective choice in the long run and means throwing a large event won’t ruin the field it is thrown on.
At Grassmats Limited, we offer a wide range of mats designed for different uses, styles and levels of traffic. Explore our full range online or contact our team today to find the right solution for your site.
