Water will pass through the fabric and enter the soil instead of pooling under the mulch. Please note: comments must be approved before they are published. Rubber Chippings offer many benefits as they are a sustainable use forwaste tyresthat could otherwise be exported or burnt in unregulated practices. http://www.rubberco.co.uk/selectedsize/Rubber-Grass-Playground-Mats/662?gclid=Cj0KEQjwwpm3BRDuh5awn4qJpLwBEiQAATTAQd9tKM457fF1hY90DT2-bkbdS9ct36eVFMLR-aYl_OoaAuIb8P8HAQ#fo_c=961&fo_k=5db91ad9650e7c03806b695550c07e42&fo_s=gplauk, We did this a couple of years ago when we re-did the garden and decided to buy rubber bark. Woodchips also require maintenance, needing to be replaced every few years after constant exposure to the elements, woodchips often begin to rot and decay, making a cozy home for unwanted pests. Unlike pea gravel, rubber chippings wont compress. Soft yet hardwearing underfoot, it is designed to let any water drain through and can also be hosed down and swept if needed. Mulch creates a safe, soft play space for children. Rubber chippings offer many benefits when compared to traditional playground materials. It will also prevent the muddy ground from mixing with your mulch. What Do You Put Down Under Play Bark in a Playground? Spread the mulch evenly with a rake and shovel. Corsican Thyme (Mentha requienii) releases a fresh, zesty fragrance when trodden on while Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) has clouds of tiny purple and white blooms during summer and is a magnet for pollinators. Then grab a coffee, get comfy and read on. To make sure there are no gaps, allow the fabric to overlap 612 inches (1530 cm) whenever you are laying rolls of fabric side-by-side. We specialize in fabricating residential and commercial HVAC custom ductwork to fit your home or business existing system. There are no staining or dirt issues. ', Garden design by Cityscapers (opens in new tab). Fancy a wild, grassy area that bursts into color every summer? From there, a rake can be used to spread it evenly throughout the space. All rights reserved. Often covering a large area, opting for something different for your lawn ideas can be an exciting opportunity to completely transform your outside space. From memory, they will send out samples so you can check the colour before you buy. Unlike sand, rubber chippings can also be washed off keeping them clean and free from bacteria. EPDM, known as wet-pour in the playground industry, is a rubber surface that is available in bright colours. The machine that comes into our farm can process 750 tonnes of timber in a day, to a very tight size specification. Structured vs. Free Play: Which is Better? The best thing to put down under a layer of bark mulch in a playground is a double layer of water-permeable geotextile fabric. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. this website uses cookies to improve your experience. Lay the first layer of fabric in a north-south pattern. How To Avoid using hard mulches that compact easily. Rubber will not become burning hot after long exposure to the summer sun. Why is Playgrade Woodchip a Good Alternative to Playbark? Our guide reveals all there is to know about deadheading hydrangeas so you can keep your shrubs looking beautiful for longer, By Holly Crossley Made from nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene the UV fast grass will not fade or discolour when used by your dog and some products also come with an antibacterial backing which helps to cut down on bacteria and unpleasant odours. No flies but the cats still use it as a toilet. Aesthetically it is a beautiful material tough, stable and resistant to our inclement weather and very easy to maintain an annual rub down with decking oil is all it takes to keep it looking pristine.'. Want to make your outdoor space usable 24/7? Yep, layer of geotextile then rubber bark. After youve laid the landscape fabric, pour 812 inches (2030 cm) of mulch on top and spread it evenly. The stuff we have is made from shredded car tyres. Forming a close-knit turf, the leaves grow at a much slower rate than other grasses, such as ryegrass, reducing the need for mowing. The soft feathery leaves hug the ground and send out shoots in summer, creating a beautiful and closely woven covering, making it one of our favorite alternatives to grass. I would recommend them to everyone who needs any metal or Fabrication work done. Once the mulch is delivered, use a wheelbarrow and shovel to move loads of mulch to the playground. Keep on pruning delphiniums over summer and you will reap the benefits with constant flowers to brighten up your plot, Plants Fully dried and ready to burn from delivery. Maybe you need a durable surface where the children can play, a dig-free zone for the dog or an all-weather surface for entertaining. It also keeps your playground mud-free and extends the lifespan of the mulch you lay on top of it. Available from specialist growers such as Turf Online (opens in new tab), carefully selected varieties are sown and nurtured to create a dense turf with a strong, developed root system. Recommend 100%. However there are practical and price considerations to consder, and in these aspects playgrade new woodchip is a serios contender, Ordered the play grade wood chip from here great value for money and great customer service would highly recommend. Use it to cover areas of any size and aim for a depth of around 5cm laid on top of landscaping fabric. Rubber chippings provide a much softer, springy surface in the event of a fall on a playground when compared to pea gravel. Before you do this there is actually safe different thinking about why you are doing it. No special prep as were on well drained soil so I just laid weed suppression fabric onto the grass and then had play bark tipped onto it. When considering a loose impact absorbing surface for your playground, you have many factors to compare. The tough, latex backing ensures that the covering is dig-proof and of course the covering will be entirely mud-free too. Click below to find out more! You can reach our experienced team directly on 01564 742 811. Peppers Home and Garden is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Other popular hardwood options include ipe, iroko, cumaru and oak each with their distinctive grain patterns and colouring. Aesthetically the blue works well and its darker, so the plants stand out. For these reasons and many more, clients come back time and time again to JungleMulch as a problem-solving surface which offers peace of mind. It can spit which means you need a closed burner but otherwise excellent and good value usually cheaper than local suppliers despite the distance. Blue slate tends to be the most popular but plum, green and graphite are also available. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Rubber does not rot, decay or fade. In this new world of brutal budgetary control and cuts, playground surfacing creation & maintenance can often take a back seat. A leaf blower or quick sweep will clear up any fallen leaves or debris leaving the surface looking good all year round with minimal fuss. These products are designed to suppress weeds while letting rain permeate through. PlaySmarts Favourite Things About EPDM Mulch, PlaySmarts 5 Top Tips for Summer Playground Maintenance. This is better if the areas grass at present when the end of life has been reached, lift it and no work needed to get the grass back to normal. A double layer of fabric resists being punctured or torn by foot traffic on the mulch above. After about 6 years the grass got back through (and the girls stopped using the swings/slide) so I just pulled up the fabric and let the bark get absorbed back into the soil, took the fence away and that was another part of our lives over . We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Find suitable ways to keep it in place with our lawn edging ideas. Thanks for popping by - why not stay a while? "Highly skilled sheet metal fabricators with all the correct machinery to fabricate just about anything you need. We will be doing it on an existing lawn so interested to hear if people stripped lawn off or dug down or sanded the area to improve drainage or used some form of weed suppressant membrane? Sandy playground areas attract animals, which will often use the sand as an area to urinate and defecate. Anyone built a bark play area in the garden for swings & slide? Truflo Mini Shock Pump review: twofer bargain or double trouble? Then discover how to plant a wildflower meadow the easy way, with a mat of established young plants that are ready to root and thrive. Overlap landscape fabric by 612 inches (1530 cm) wherever two pieces are laid side-by-side. Delivered kerbside on pallets on date and time agreed. If it is grass then it hurts more sometimes than others, if it is dry or wet, etc. What you are doing is giving an outdoor soft area, when most of the rest of the world is not soft. Smarten up your plot with these stylish alternatives to grass, guaranteed to save you time and hassle. This also encourages new roots to form. Rubber chippings offer many benefits over sand. Bringing Playground Surfaces to Your Home with Playsmart, Get Creative with your Playground: PlaySmarts inventive ideas for your Play Space, Outdoor Playground Hazards to Watch Out for This Summer. Plastic will retain water. Then, excavate the ground down to a depth of 812 inches (2030 cm). Youll need enough mulch to cover the entire square footage at a depth of 812 inches (2030 cm). For landscaping purposes, rubber mulch can imitate the look of natural wood, without any of the drawbacks. Firstly, and most importantly is child safety. One to consider if you're thinking about how to design a child friendly garden, it's pretty simple to install. Cheers. So in summary, all products when bought from reputable suppliers will cover the basic safety requirements. However, woodchips can cause painful and irritating splinters, and after frequent use, woodchips compact into a hard, unforgiving surface. I will be back for more soon!! The team at Maitanne Hunt Gardens (opens in new tab) share their knowledge of a recent project. Rubber Chippings can be used for the same applications as EPDM but in a much more cost effective and sustainable manner. Sand provides fall protection and will not rot. Published 29 July 22. (SPOILERS). Go for a stone size of 20mm to deter cats from digging and think carefully about the best color for your space. Rubber chippings offer many benefits. Which playground surfacing is best for my project? For a lush, tropical feel highlight glossy leaved shrubs and ferns with dark grey granite chippings. Start by marking out the playground area. Mat forming plants such as Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) and Bugle (Ajuga Reptans) are quick to establish and will form a tight mass of leaves in next to no time. Swap a sun-scorched, free draining lawn for a mass of sedum, and youll soon have an everchanging carpet thats alive with pollinators. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. After excavating the ground for a playground or swing set, install two layers of geotextile fabric. We explain what to do when the blooms fade, Tips, advice and inspiration on how to maintain your garden, Weekly issues delivered direct to your door or device. Landscape fabric is far better because its water-permeable. The topic Anyone built a bark play area in the garden for swings & slide? is closed to new replies. Our capabilities go beyond HVAC ductwork fabrication, inquire about other specialty items you may need and we will be happy to try and accommodate your needs. Once youve excavated the playground area, spread two layers of commercial-grade, water-permeable landscape fabric over the bare ground. Choose from vibrant blues or natural browns to complement your existing landscape design or provide a colour contrast. As the input material is freshly harvested timber, there is no risk of foreign materials getting in. During this unprecedented busy period where we must adhere to COVID 19 government regulations there may be delays to delivery. New woodchip doesnt suffer from any of these issues. Raviolo Outdoor Armchair by Magis from Chaplins (opens in new tab). Animals are also attracted to sand and stray animals may use it as a giant outdoor litterbox, fostering harmful bacterial growth. Our cat btw. Our local forestry sold us a lorry load of play bark so no splinters. These are then supplied cut and rolled to customers for a speedy installation. Alternatively continue spreading chippings under trees and shrubs to the very edges of your plot for a natural and space-enhancing finish. JungleMulch contains the best quality recycled rubber which eliminates impurities and contaminates such as steel and fabric which can introduce mould, bacteria and rust. Best Landscape Fabric for Playgrounds [Top 4 Products], How to Install Landscape Fabric Under a Swing Set [6 Steps], How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard [6 Amazing Methods], How to Fix Hose Leak [4 Methods for Any Leak], How to Protect Corn from Frost [3 Easy Methods], How to Protect Daffodils from Frost [3 Steps to Beat Frost], How to Get Rid of Mold on Your Window Sills [7 Methods], Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs? Always lay landscape fabric before mulchingit keeps your playground weed-free and increases the lifespan of your mulch. With no root structure and happy to rely on rain for nutrients, it is a magical plant that will cover practically any surface, given time. Hannah tries out the Truflo Mini Shock Pump that can take on tyres, shocks, Presta and Schrader. We can fabricate your order with precision and in half the time. ", 1041 Redi Mix Rd, Suite 102Little River, South Carolina 29566, Website Design, Lead Generation and Marketing by MB Buzz | Powered by Myrtle Beach Marketing | Privacy Policy | Terms and Condition, by 3D Metal Inc. Website Design - Lead Generation, Copyright text 2018 by 3D Metal Inc. -Designed by Thrive Themes | Powered by WordPress, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Vertical (Short-way) and Flat (Long-way) 90 degree elbows, Vertical (Short-way) and Flat (Long-way) 45 degree elbows, Website Design, Lead Generation and Marketing by MB Buzz. These tough drought-tolerant and frost hardy plants hold their waxy leaves all year round and produce tiny nectar-rich blooms throughout the warmer months. Nigel Gomme, landscape designer at Cityscapers tells us more about this recent project: 'The deck features smooth planed Yellow Balau hardwood decking boards which, contrary to the name, are warm medium brown in colour. We enclosed the area with sleepers and laid membrane underneath. Find out how to give your decking the edge with our covered deck ideas and decking railings ideas. Youll get good results from wood fiber or rubber mulch. Use marking paint to mark the area for the planned playground. Sand also hurts to fall on it compacts quickly providing insufficient shock absorbency. When in use, the wood fibres lock to gether to create a clean, free draining springy surface. 'A gravel area will need a retaining edge in order to define it and prevent the stones escaping into other areas,' explains JoFenton, Partner atFentonRobertsGarden Design (opens in new tab). Dont use sand instead of mulchit attracts animals that will use the space as a toilet. Ideal for areas that are used occasionally, these plants prefer a sunny position in a light, moist soil and take up to a year to get growing. Rubber chippings also look great as a landscaping product. DH World Cup Round 6 Snowshoe delivers drama! Ditch a tired lawn and replace with gravel for a smart, but laid-back look. Use stakes, flags, or marking paint to clearly mark the perimeter. OPEN AND DELIVERING: Free Delivery on orders 100 and over. Mulch is an excellent ground-covering under a swing set or in a playground. Largely shade loving, the easiest way to establish a moss carpet is to pin down sheets of live moss, available from online retailers such as All About Moss (opens in new tab), keep it well watered and wait. Synthetic turf is another possibility. Lovable as they are, our canine friends do little to help the lawn. A friend used the shredded rubber and that seems much better. Excavate the marked area to a depth of 812 inches (2030 cm). Do not skip the excavation step during playground construction. Not to be confused with flowering Roman chamomile, the best variety for a lawn is low growing Chamomile Treneague. Bark chippings come in a range of different shades so you can tailor the look, but be sure to go for a FSC approved product to be sure it comes from a sustainable source, especially if you're keen to create an eco friendly garden. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Heavier and less cat-friendly than gravel, slate chippings are a perfect lawn substitute. After taking the plunge and installing our first log burner we had to source some logs. Secondly (in many of my conversations with buyers) comes practicality/cleanliness. How did you prep the area? You also remove labour costs of checking for sharps and rubbish in the loose surfacing and frequent sweeping required to move the material back to its original area. Do not pour playground mulch without first excavating the playground area. The larch is reasonably economical, burns well with a good heat and minimal ash. Most play barks, woodchip, rubber and recycled woodchip will all have this. Varying flower and grass combinations are on offer so you can choose from native and heritage blends featuring favorites such as Cornflowers, Ox-Eye Daisies and buttercups; cottage garden, shade loving and pollinator mixes. The only other consideration here would be the use of recycled materials (both rubber and woodchip). Its more expensive, but it doesnt rot or mulch down and the cats dont like using it to poop in. Geotextile fabricoften called landscape fabricis an essential ground covering for playgrounds. (Image credit: Matanne Hunt Gardens & Landscapes), (Image credit: Alexa Ryan-Mills Garden Design), (Image credit: Andreas Mann/Getty Images), (Image credit: Stefan Cristian Cioata/Getty Images), Pruning delphiniums: simple tips to keep your flowers blooming, Should I deadhead hydrangeas? Snowshoe, scene of some of the most dramatic DH racing of recent times but always in the dry. Logs that weren't too damp and would effectively void any warranty we had on the log burner. After alternatives to grass that will require little mowing? How do I stop the grass wearing on the mounds in our play area? Will versatility add up to a useful tool? It will take time to establish and for gaps to cover but the result is enchanting. Then adding one of our favorite decking ideas is a must. They significantly reduce weed growth when used with a suitable membrane, while still allowing water and fertiliser to permeate into the ground. Consider your neighbours and dont make it too high. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Rubber surfaces also offer advantages over pea gravel in landscaping. This Japanese-style garden by Maitanne Hunt Gardens (opens in new tab) uses the moss-like Soleirolia soleiroliias a lawn alternative. Whatever type of mulch you use, adding landscape fabric beneath it will contribute to a higher-quality, longer-lasting play space. Leaving tell-tale yellow and burnt patches behind and the occasional digging spot too, you may be tempted to find more pet-friendly alternatives to grass. Not just for mulching borders or for adding to play areas to suit family garden ideas, bark chippings are attractive alternatives to grass. Sand provides fall protection and will not rot. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Good communication from Angus and free delivery to the West coast of Scotland, which is almost unheard of and very welcome. The bright, vibrant colours dont fade and it provides protection from falls making it an ideal playground surface. It is however made from a synthetic rubber, polymerssynthesized frompetroleumbyproducts, EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. Order mulch from a garden supplier by the cubic yard. In comparison to artificial grass or rubber tiles, mulch is a less expensive option for playground safety. Wood chips and bark mulch make excellent ground covering beneath and around playground equipment. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Another week, another chance to win! Imagine relaxing on a springy, green patch of chamomile inhaling in the sweet, fruity fragrance. This means it is not an environmentally sound product. It attracted swarms of flies and every cat in the area used it as a toilet. Designby Alexa Ryan-Mills Garden Design (opens in new tab). Lots of fun moving the mountain into the back garden. It will also stop the playground from becoming a muddy mess. It can also be very expensive. Pea gravel is only available in its natural colours. However, sand can get incredibly messy and scorching hot in the summer sun. Mistakes to Avoid Before Adding Playground Mulch. This time were giving you the chance to win a pair of snazzy Shimano ME7 shoes courtesy of Freewheel. Just a thought. Vigorous and low growing, this largely evergreen little gem rapidly creeps over the soil surface, filling gaps between paving or bricks and cloaking imperfections, creating a seamless sea of lush tiny bright green leaves.'. By using a bound rubber mulch, you eliminate the need for constant topping up of loose surfacing levels which can be expensive. The coloured products all carry a level of staining, the rubber gets into kids pockets and shoes and play bark can go a bit muddy when it gets older and wet. The wood is FSC certified, an important environmental consideration for us, which means it has been grown and felled sustainably. The reality is that lush and healthy lawns require plenty of love and regular care and not all of us have the time. Important News - Product changes to come into line with Woodsure, The How And The Why Of DIY Log Drying (Seasoning). Heres why you can trust us. Be the first to hear about our offers, new products and see our latest projects. Convinced gravel is one of the right alternatives to grass for you? Then, add a second layer running in an east-west pattern. Grass can be stubborn and sometimes theres no convincing it to thrive. Go for a layer of chips around 5-10cm deep laid on top of landscape fabric. Rubber chippings offer many benefits as they are maintenance free and last for many years without losing the vibrant colour or rotting. You may be used to pouring wood chips directly into your garden bed, but this tactic wont work for playgrounds. We got ours from here: Terrasofta.co.uk. Warm toned aggregates such as Cotswold or golden gravel create a sunny, welcoming vibe while limestone and white marble work well for a sharp, contemporary look. Hardwood and softwood all of good quality for our Rayburn multi fuel cooker. Gardeningetc is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. You dont need to do any ground or soil treatments before laying landscape fabric. When the kids play, especially if they ar small, there is less energy to absorb so they learn that falling off stuff is dangerous and can hurt, but not too bad. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Timber frame to keep it in. Ideal for combining with our small Japanese garden ideas, it is revered for its velvety texture, verdant colour and soft undulating mounds. Rubber mulch allows water and fertiliser to permeate into the soil. Lay the second layer of fabric in an east-west pattern. Smart permeable paving ideas with raised planters; gravel and boulder gardens planted with grasses and cacti or, perhaps, a timber deck with potted olive and citrus trees can all create a smart and relaxing outside spot needing very little maintenance. Clover is one good option. Yep we did. Drought tolerant sedums, thyme and other low growing plants can make a great alternative to a lawn. This can cause harmful bacteria and insects to breed in pools of standing water. Landscape fabric under playground mulch has several benefits, including adding durability and suppressing weeds. Mulch spread directly on top of the ground will form a thin surface that spreads out and becomes ineffective over time. If your playground is 300 square feet and has been excavated to a depth of 8 inches, youll need about 8 cubic yards of mulch. Our shop is equipped to fabricate custom duct transitions, elbows, offsets and more, quickly and accurately with our plasma cutting system. The downside is that this option does little for the environment both in its production and by reducing pollinator and wildlife friendly habitats. Your email address will not be published. Then, follow the steps below for ordering and spreading mulch: Its important to have the mulch delivered close to the playground. 3rd time I've bought from these guys and this time I included the waxlings as I camp on mountains a lot and it's hard to start a fire with firelighers. If this is the case, go with it and try a less stressful option. 1 cubic yard will cover a 324 square-foot area at a depth of 1 inch. Rubber surfacing versus other playground and landscaping materials. Installing it is one of the best ways to keep weeds out of your playground. You need a deep bed of mulch to provide a safe, cushioned play area for children. Should You Spray for Weeds Before or After Mowing? Well yes, but there's a chance that your patch of green is anything but. Gardeningetc is supported by its audience. This is mainly because a loose surface needs frequently topping up to maintain fall protection and levels need to be kept consistent this can be a challenge in high wear areas. It needs little feeding or watering but can continue spreading on to beds and borders too, so not for everyone. We couldn't have asked for a better service! My brother did and regretted it. Firewood Express was recommended from a lady we rented a holiday cottage from in Wales, they are very competitive on price and you always get good customer service. Its virtually maintenance free and will last without compacting for many years of outdoor playground fun. Cover the ground with bark chippings and cut logs to help suppress weed growth and retain moisture too. Alternatively, why not take a look at our How to choose a safety surface guide? This topic has 11 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated. Never use sand instead of mulch. From a safety point of view, protecting against falls using a bound product, installed to pre-certified depths, is more consistent than a loose surface. Avoid using plastic sheeting as a substitute for geotextile fabric under playground mulch. Playground rubber mulch is durable and a natural product, so it makes for an excellent play surface. Why is Playgrade woodchip a good alternative to play bark? + It mulches down every couple of years so needs topping up and weeds pulling out. Never use plastic sheeting instead of water-permeable landscape fabric. A level, mud-free, uninterrupted surface is supremely practical and will encourage you to move outside and use your backyard with minimal hassle. The size of the chippings will not only alter the look and mood created but the spread of the covering. Most deliveries within 2- 3 days. Rubber surfaces will last through floods and strong winds unlike traditional mulch which often floats or blows away. Surround your trees, shrubs and flowers with bright, vibrant rubber chippings sure to complement your existing landscaping dcor. Keep well-watered until the roots are established. Next door made one and unintentionally produced a platform where their kids would just stand and watch us instead of playing. You can use wood mulch or rubber mulch for your playground. Pea gravel will naturally compress and bind after constant use, forming a hard, non-shock absorbing surface which can lead to broken bones after a fall. Rubber Chippings offer many benefits as they are a sustainable use for, Italian Study Verifies Benefits of Rubber in Equine Surfaces. Mulch is far less likely to attract this activity. Can You Use Wood Chips as Playground Mulch? Sleepers around the edge to keep it in. Woodchips have been the go-to playground materials for many years.