Landscaping Ideas for a Play Structure

Play structures provide hours of entertainment for children, making them a solid investment for the average family. Developing and landscaping the play area requires planning and attention to detail. The purchase of the play structure is only the beginning of the process. Both the aesthetic and safety value of the landscaping factors into the overall design of any play structure.

Location

Selecting a location for the play structure presents the first challenge of this landscaping project. Assess the available space to locate the best fit. Flat land offers an ideal play area, allowing a variety of play structures to rest evenly on the land. Placing the play structure at the side of the area or in a corner increases the amount of usable lawn that is left. The location of power lines and trees also influences the placement of the play equipment. Evaluate the possibilities to determine which makes the most sense.

Integration

A play structure that is integrated into the overall landscaping preserves the tone of the outdoor space. Select a play structure that keeps with the overall feel of the backyard and fits your personal style. Wood, metal and plastic comprise the majority of play structures for children. Keep the style of the backyard in mind throughout the play structure landscaping process.

Ground Cover

Ground cover options underneath the play structure vary in both safety and appearance. Mulch or wood chips exude a natural look to the ground cover while providing protection from falls. Sand also protects children from falls, but may prove to be more messy than other options. Rubber chips, sometimes called rubber mulch, offer a newer option for play structure ground cover. The look is less natural, but it provides good protection for the children. Pea gravel works as a play area ground cover, but it doesn't provide as much protection against falls. Grass presents more opportunity for injury, because it doesn't absorb the shock of a fall like other options.

Border

A border around the play area holds the ground cover in while defining the space within the yard. Options include a wood border, landscaping bricks, plastic landscaping borders or small scrubs. Select a border that fits your budget and the overall tone of the backyard area. Consider the maintenance involved with each option. Shrubs provide a natural border, but require pruning and general maintenance to keep them alive. Wood borders often weather over the years, detracting from the visual appeal of the space.

Shade

A source of shade provides protection from the sun. Trees offer natural shade from the sun and blend well with the existing landscape. Locating the play area near existing trees results in the greatest amount of shade. Consider another shade option if the area has no trees. While trees may be planted, it takes years to achieve a height that will provide adequate shade. Large umbrellas placed in the play area provide areas of shade. Shade sail cloths offer another option. Strung between poles, these shades protect the area from the sun and come in various sizes.

References

• Ground Cover Comparisons

Resources

• Safe Kids Playground Tips