Using plastic ground grids in gateways

[stimpy]

Does anyone have experience of using plastic ground reinforcement grids in paddocks? I am installing some in a gateway and to cover the "hanging about waiting to come in" area. It's not a large area, around 30 sq m, and we are removing top soil, levelling, installing a membrane and then laying the grids. The horses will be grazing around them and we occasionally drive vehicles through the gateway. I am undecided as to what to fill them with, it's the only way in and out of my paddocks so I don't think I can fill with soil and attempt to have the grass recolonise as it simply won't get enough rest to let the grass take hold. Current favourite is sand as I think this will cause the least annoyance when it inevitably migrates into the surrounding area. Does anyone have any experience or advice?

 

[Fiona]

We put stone down then mats on top in a paddock gateway..

Fiona

 

[Baroque]

We used grids in several gateways. All in all they made a huge improvement but it's worth bearing in mind that they can be quite slippery to shod feet so perhaps consider filling with something that can help with grip. The grids we used were actually slightly ridged/serrated along the top edge but these wore smooth within a couple of years.

 

[PorkChop]

We hardcore our gateways, then put fine dusting on top, and then use a compactor. It's honestly worth it.

 

[stimpy]

We used grids in several gateways. All in all they made a huge improvement but it's worth bearing in mind that they can be quite slippery to shod feet so perhaps consider filling with something that can help with grip. The grids we used were actually slightly ridged/serrated along the top edge but these wore smooth within a couple of years.

Yes I have been concerned about shoes slipping on the edges. I had thought I would overfill the grids to help with this.

 

[stimpy]

We used grids in several gateways. All in all they made a huge improvement but it's worth bearing in mind that they can be quite slippery to shod feet so perhaps consider filling with something that can help with grip. The grids we used were actually slightly ridged/serrated along the top edge but these wore smooth within a couple of years.

BTW, what did you fill them with?

 

[Baroque]

1/4" - 1/2" limestone chippings with no fines.

 

[Esmae]

We put rubber stabilising mats in our gateway. We laid limestone chips first and then the mats. Then we put compost in the holes and grass seed. It greened over and looks really well and has made a world of difference. The rubber ones don't appear to be slippery.

 

[Micky]

Hardcore..do a decent job and it'll last you ...

 

[Frumpoon]

Try netpave, hospitals use it to expand car parking space into garden areas and it's made to withstand several tonnes of car

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I have type 1 on the lower yard (main is concreted) which is very well compacted - and it goes out under the gateways off the yard. Then tarmac scalpings over the top in the 3 gateways leading off the yard. Usually need a surface dressing every 5 yrs or so, but I haven't done the small gateway for nearly 10, its holding up v well.