Rut and tear are common problems in grass carparks and driveways, particularly when vehicles regularly park on unprotected turf. Grass reinforcement products solve this by protecting ground surfaces from vehicle weight while maintaining a natural green finish.
These products can be purchased from a landscape supplies store and come in mesh or cellular paving formats. This guide covers the different types available, how to select the right option and what to consider during installation.
Grass reinforcement products fall into two main categories: mesh systems and cellular grid systems. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on your site conditions, traffic levels and budget.
Mesh products are typically lighter, easier to install and more affordable. They work by distributing weight across a larger surface area while allowing grass to grow through the open structure. If you have noticed signs of turf damage from parking, mesh is often the quickest fix.
Cellular grid systems provide deeper protection and higher load capacity. They feature honeycomb or grid structures that create individual cells for soil and grass roots.
The choice between mesh and grid depends on several key factors. Understanding these differences will help you select the most appropriate solution for your project.
Mesh reinforcement products are made from interwoven or extruded polyethylene. They are designed to sit on top of existing grass or can be laid before seeding.
The heavier duty GR14 mesh option handles higher traffic loads and provides excellent protection for regular vehicle use. This 14mm thick mesh is ideal for residential driveways and light commercial parking where cars will be accessing the surface multiple times per day.
For lighter applications, the standard GR11 mesh product offers cost-effective protection for occasional vehicle access. This option works well for overflow parking areas that only see heavy use during events or peak periods.
Mesh products offer several benefits that make them popular choices:
Cellular paving grids feature a honeycomb or grid structure with individual cells. These cells are filled with soil and grass seed or gravel depending on your preference.
The EconoGrid40 porous paving system provides 40mm deep cells that protect grassroots from compaction damage. This cellular design allows roots to spread naturally between cells, creating stronger and thicker grass coverage that handles regular vehicle traffic.
For premium applications requiring maximum load capacity, the Miracell honeycomb grid system offers exceptional strength while maintaining excellent drainage properties. This system suits commercial applications, fire access routes and areas with heavy vehicle movements.
Grid systems provide distinct advantages:
| Feature | Mesh Systems | Cellular Grids |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | Up to 6 tonnes per axle | Up to 400 tonnes per m² |
| Installation | Surface-laid, no excavation | Requires excavation and sub-base |
| Best for | Residential, light commercial, overflow parking | Heavy traffic, commercial, fire routes |
| Typical lifespan | 5 to 10 years | 20+ years |
| Drainage | Good (open mesh structure) | Excellent (permeable cells) |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, better lifecycle value |
For a deeper comparison of residential options, see our guide to choosing the best grass pavers for your home.
Several important considerations will influence which grass reinforcement product best suits your needs. Taking time to assess these factors ensures you choose the right system first time.
The frequency and weight of vehicles using the area directly impacts which product you should choose. Light occasional use requires different reinforcement than daily heavy traffic.
Standard passenger vehicles suit mesh reinforcement products for occasional use. Heavier vehicles like delivery trucks or trailers need cellular grid systems with higher load ratings. If you are unsure how much load your pavers need to handle, our article on porous paver strength ratings breaks down the numbers.
Your existing soil type affects installation methods and product selection. Clay soils with poor drainage benefit from cellular systems that improve water flow.
Sandy soils with good drainage work well with mesh systems. Soft or unstable ground requires deeper cellular grids to distribute loads effectively.
Mesh products can be installed quickly without excavation, making them ideal for time-sensitive projects. Simply lay the mesh over prepared ground and peg in place.
Cellular grids require excavation, base preparation and more labour but provide superior long-term performance. Consider both initial costs and lifecycle value when budgeting.
Proper installation ensures your grass reinforcement system performs as expected. The installation method varies depending on which type of product you have selected.
Mesh installation is straightforward and can be completed by competent DIY installers. Best results come from installing during the active growing season when grass can quickly establish through the mesh. Our detailed grass reinforcement mesh installation guide walks through each step.
The basic installation steps include:
For foot traffic areas with less vehicle use, the lighter TR4 turf mesh provides adequate protection at a lower price point. This recycled plastic mesh works perfectly for pathways, event areas and occasional access routes.
Grid systems require more preparation but create a permanent hard-wearing surface. The installation process takes longer but results in superior performance. For step-by-step details on one of the most popular options, see our EconoGrid40 installation guide.
Follow these installation steps for cellular grids:
Allow four to six weeks of grass growth before subjecting the area to full traffic loads. This establishment period lets roots integrate with the reinforcement system for maximum durability.
Grass reinforcement parking offers environmental advantages that traditional hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt cannot match. Permeable grass surfaces allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil naturally rather than running off into stormwater drains.
This permeability supports water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles that many Australian councils now require for new developments. According to the CSIRO's urban water research, permeable surfaces play a measurable role in reducing stormwater runoff volumes. Reinforced grass reduces impervious surface area on your property, which can help meet local stormwater management requirements.
Reinforced grass parking also reduces the urban heat island effect. Hard surfaces absorb and re-radiate heat, raising ambient temperatures in built-up areas. Grass stays cooler underfoot, which matters during Australian summers. Porous pavers can also help reduce your property's carbon footprint by maintaining green ground cover where traditional paving would otherwise sit.
For councils and developers, reinforced grass parking areas can contribute to meeting the NSW Government's environmental and water management guidelines, particularly on sites where maximum lot coverage limits apply.
Both mesh and grid systems require minimal maintenance once established. Regular grass care including mowing, feeding and watering keeps the surface looking good.
Mesh products may need replacement after 5 to 10 years depending on usage levels. Grid systems typically last 20 years or more with proper installation.
Inspect the surface periodically for signs of wear or movement. Address any issues promptly to prevent deterioration.
Top up soil in grid cells if settlement occurs. Overseed thin patches to maintain complete grass coverage.
You can, but the turf will deteriorate. Vehicle weight compacts the soil, kills grass roots and creates ruts that collect water. Even occasional parking damages unprotected grass over time. Reinforcement products distribute the load so the grass survives regular use.
Grass typically grows through mesh reinforcement within four to eight weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Laying the mesh over established turf gives faster results than seeding. Avoid driving on the surface until the grass has fully integrated with the mesh.
Yes, but the product choice matters. Cellular grid systems anchor soil within each cell, making them better suited to slopes than flat mesh. For gentle gradients, mesh secured with extra ground pegs is sufficient. Steeper slopes benefit from grids combined with a compacted aggregate sub-base.
Most cellular grid systems accept either grass or gravel fill. Gravel-filled cells suit areas where grass growth is difficult, such as shaded zones or high-traffic commercial lots. Grass fill looks more natural and provides better drainage and cooling. Many projects use grass in visible areas and gravel where traffic concentrates.
Residential grass reinforcement rarely requires council approval since the surface remains grass. However, commercial or public parking areas may need development approval depending on your local council requirements. Check with your council if you are creating new formalised parking spaces, changing a property's use or working near stormwater easements.
Coverage depends on the product. The standard GR14 mesh roll covers 40 square metres (2m x 20m). The GR11 mesh is available in a smaller 10 square metre roll (1m x 10m) for tighter areas. Allow an extra 5 to 10 percent for overlaps between rolls.
For more information about park on grass products, contact All Stake Supply on 1300 130 123. Family-owned since 1976, we stock over 1,000 products and ship from our St Marys NSW warehouse Australia-wide.
