How to Prepare Your Backyard for the Perfect Playground

One of the happiest days for your kids is when you decide to install a fun-filled outdoor playground.

Countless hours of running, swinging, climbing and becoming the go-to spot for all the neighborhood kids (good luck by the way) can be had right in the comfort of your own backyard – but before any of the fun begins, it’s important to prepare your yard for the new addition. The last thing you want to do is build it on an uneven surface or not leave enough room for the kids to swing back and forth. Take a closer look at some helpful tips to consider when getting your backyard ready for the playground your kids have been asking you to build for years.

Choose The Right Site

We can’t stress enough how important it is to pick the right spot in your backyard to build your playground. You’ll want to make sure you pick a flat site because even if you build on a slight slope or uneven part of the land, you risk unstable equipment that can lead to accidents. You also will want to know how much space the playground will take up in your yard. Do you want space for your pool, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, kids to play other activities, etc.? Recruiting help from professional landscapers is a great and smart idea as they can properly level the ground where you want to build and keep the equipment and your kids safe. A playground is a great addition, but you don’t want it getting in the way of your other great outdoor features.

Watch Out for Potential Hazards

We’ve all had someone tell us, “better safe than sorry” and when you’re building a playground, it’s best to take this advice to heart. Just like checking the ground where you’re going to build, you should check the surrounding area for potential hazards. Make sure your playground won’t come in contact with utility power lines or low-hanging branches. You also won’t want to build too close to a fence or other objects that can interfere with kids swinging and hurting themselves. We understand accidents can happen, but you can do your best to avoid them.

Pick Your Playground Ground Cover

An important choice you should not overlook when installing playground cover. It’s smart to choose a material that is safe, low-maintenance, affordable and will complement your playground. Lucky for you, there are many great options that can achieve this, including:

• Rubber Mulch – A popular choice as it acts as a weed barrier and provides a cushion in case any children fall while playing. Plus, it is a very eco-friendly choice.
• Wood Chips and Mulch – One of the more attractive choices due to the range of color options.
• Pea Gravel – Affordable option that provides an attractive look and requires low-maintenance.
• Play Sand – One of the most popular ground covers as it’s affordable and provides a cushion for children but can be hard to maintain over time.
• Natural or Artificial Grass – Always a smart option as grass brings an attractive, natural look. Natural grass is the hardest to maintain as you need to mow and water properly. With artificial grass, it offers a smooth, flat surface and requires little to no maintenance. The only downfall is it can be costly to install.

Create a Border

After you choose what ground cover is best, you’ll want to make sure you keep your ground cover where it belongs. It’s important to create a border around your playground to help establish that this is the designated area for play and that your playground blends in with the rest of your outdoor living space design. A great idea is to create a paving stone walkway or custom patio around the playground. This can help create a weed barrier, and if you already have a stone patio, it can seamlessly flow together. Plus, there are many attractive designs and stones you can choose from to enhance the look of your playground and space.

Have the experts at Neave Do the Playground Landscaping

Are you looking to add a playground to your backyard? It’s never a bad idea to ask for a helping hand to ensure your space is prepared for the best playground cover. The experts at Neave Landscaping have specialized in getting properties ready to build custom playgrounds. Call us today, and a member of our team will come to your property and help you choose the best spot and give any other advice on what you will need so your playground can be enjoyed by your kids for years to come.

If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or, fill out our simple web form, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free consultation.