Each season, 3 to 4 times per season, we replace the turf on both sides of our walk bridges. This turf is replaced because foot traffic and compaction thin the grass until it is nearly bare. While attending the Golf Trade Show, we came across a product called Traqmatz. (www.traqmatz.com)
Traqmatz is an "environmentally-friendly turf protection and safety system that allows water to drain through turf and top soil, improving growth and preventing damage. Made of 50% recycled premium rubber, lightweight protect the crown and root of grass blades and other organic materials, allowing them to grow in high-traffic areas." (Traqmatz.com, 2020)
Pictures below courtesy of Traqmatz
Essentially, the porous design of the mat allows the grass to access water and sunlight while shielding the plant from traffic. There are two methods for installing the Traqmatz and we are currently evaluating both methods.
The pictures below are of our 9th golf hole. On this hole, we excavated the trafficked soil and replaced it with a topsoil/compost/seed mixture. Once the soil mix was graded, the mat was installed. The idea will be that in 3-4 weeks, the grass shoots will cover the mat, but the crown of the plant will remain protected from traffic.
On the 4th golf hole, pictured below, we tried the alternative method which is to lay the mat directly atop the newly installed sod. Similar to the seed method, in this example, the sod should blossom in the spring and its growth should come through the mat until it is virtually covered.
In addition to the turf protection, these mats should keep our bridge crossings safer at all times. Over the next 3-4 weeks, we will evaluate which method we prefer. Prior to opening day, all of our bridge crossings will have the same mat installed and be much more durable throughout the growing season.
