Like a lot of the globe, landscape architecture is certainly going through somewhat of the shift towards more eco-conscious ways of operating. Skyscrapers are now adorned with living, breathing green walls, apartment blocks are topped by communal vegetable gardens, and there are even changes happening underfoot.

More and more our company is seeing issues with a shortage of groundwater on the main one hand and flooding on the other hand, all because water is unable to permeate in to the ground due to a rise in paved surfaces (concrete, tiles, paving blocks, etc.). This is why the Flemish Region has introduced stricter legislation on precipitation, effective since 1 January 2014: precipitation/rainwater must either be collected in a rainwater reservoir, or be permitted to permeate into the ground.  Grass grid and gravel sheets allow you to truly have a water-permeable surface, therefore allowing water to readily permeate in to the ground. This prevents both a shortage of groundwater and prevents flooding, all without having to choose costly drainage system. This also reduces our ecological footprint and prevents the limitation of natural habitats.

The push by contractors, engineers and architects for a greener future has flowed into some ingenious answers to problematic conditions that were usually solved by less “green” means. One such area has been that of walkways and common areas.

When you have a higher traffic area on lawn in your backyard, on your course or in your business’s courtyard, what now ?? You deposit a path, with concrete, pavers or rocks, leaving the grass to grow untrampled around it. But while paths can be made to look good, the actual fact remains that the eco-friendliness and the green “feel” of the area is compromised.

The answer? Grass pavers.

Generally designed in a hollow honeycomb pattern, these grid systems are laid over gravel and sand or topsoil. Grass seeds are then sown into the gaps, and as time passes will fill in the openings, producing a turf covered area that is totally shielded from any kind of traffic that is thrown at it. The paving system isn't only ideal for allowing air and water to the turf, but also supplies the grass with essential stability.

Whether for a backyard walkway or for a golf cart path, or civil projects such as parking lots or emergency lanes, grass pavers can do everything. With technology getting better and better, some pavers may take up to 4800kPa (100,000 pounds per square foot) of pressure, meaning their use gets more and more versatile each day.

THE VERY BEST Reasons to Use Grass Pavers

It’s a proven - yet unsurprising - reality green spaces improve our health. Studies show that physical, mental and emotional health levels are higher for those living nearer green spaces like parks and playgrounds in comparison to those who don’t. Green areas are also a major incentive for kids to try out, aiding their development.

Eco-friendliness is more than just a passing fad. We, as a society, need to begin treating nature as more of a privilege when compared to a right, and replacing concrete with the oxygen-giving gifts of nature is a superb start. The plastics used in quality grass pavers are completely recycled, and they avoid creating pollutant-ridden stormwater by enabling the natural soaking of any soil.

When it comes to simple installation, no other walkway type can contend with grass pavers. The installation process doesn’t require any extra tools, and the pavers’ overall flexibility means they can be comfortably deposit over the most uneven terrain easily.

The simple installation has an appealing flow-on effect - saving money. The initial cost will more-often-than-not be less than an alternative solutions that will require greater labour and materials, and the upkeep of the grass pavers is only that of a typical lawn.

So far as the upkeep goes, the longevity and strength of grass pavers means that where in fact the pavers themselves are worried, you can set them and forget them. The one upkeep required will be that of the lawn, but due to the protection provided by the grid, issues of deterioration and disease outbreaks are either a non-event or a breeze to keep. You’ll be in a position to use that mower like normal!

The desirable “softscape” feel of your grass paver fitted premises is very good news for your hip pocket. Property value and curb appeal are on the up, as more and more people recognise the advantages of this form of landscape architecture.

As well as for those in the installation and selling game, showing that you’re a forward thinking entrepreneur who embraces eco-friendly ideals means that you’ll have a huge appeal to like-minded clients. Invest in doing things a better way and folks will respect it. A lot.