We were able to take advantage of some sunny weather last week and add a dab of fab to our backyard. Well, not sure if it can really be classified as fab, although my kids are loving it.
We knew upon moving in last July that the mulch in the play area needed a lift in a big way. The area was worn and bare in parts and even had some of the landscaping cloth showing through.
We knew upon moving in last July that the mulch in the play area needed a lift in a big way. The area was worn and bare in parts and even had some of the landscaping cloth showing through.
We also knew, however, that there were tons of things inside the house that needed our attention first, so we decided to put it off until this spring. In the meantime, I did some homework on options so that we would be ready to roll as soon as the weather broke.
It turns out, there are lots of options for covering play areas (grass, wood chips, wood mulch, double shredded bark, sand, gravel, pea gravel, rubber mulch, poured in rubber mat and synthetic grass are among the major players) and there are pros and cons to each. It's really just a matter of preference. We ultimately decided on rubber mulch for our space, and here's why:
-It's soft and cushy and will help keep ouchies down to a minimum.
-It's maintenance free.
-It's made from recycled tires that are chemical free and are non toxic to humans, pets, plants and flowers.
-Awesome durability; it doesn't break down.
- It will not rot or mold or deteriorate in any way.
-It doesn't attract insects, rodents or any other type of pests.
-It will not blow away.
-No special equipment is needed when installing it. Just good old elbow grease (and a wheelbarrow helps).
-It's resistant to fading.
-It's available in a variety of colors (although we went with basic black), and it's color safe. The color used is nontoxic and safe for children, animals and the environment.
We took measurements of the area and, after consulting with the rep, decided that 1,000 lbs. would do it. They delivered a pallet of thirty-four 30 lb. bags to curbside. I left work early to meet the driver and sign for the pallet, and although Vern said he would take care of the job when he got home, I decided to get started. It would save some time, right? Well, wheeling 4 bags at a time to the play area and then spreading it all did take some time, but I managed to get it done before he was home. I also managed to get a fabulous sunburn in the process. It seems I was a little too enthusiastic for my pasty white skin. It was worth it though! When he arrived home, there was no work waiting for him (in the play area) and the kids could enjoy the freshened up space.
It turns out, there are lots of options for covering play areas (grass, wood chips, wood mulch, double shredded bark, sand, gravel, pea gravel, rubber mulch, poured in rubber mat and synthetic grass are among the major players) and there are pros and cons to each. It's really just a matter of preference. We ultimately decided on rubber mulch for our space, and here's why:
-It's soft and cushy and will help keep ouchies down to a minimum.
-It's maintenance free.
-It's made from recycled tires that are chemical free and are non toxic to humans, pets, plants and flowers.
-Awesome durability; it doesn't break down.
- It will not rot or mold or deteriorate in any way.
-It doesn't attract insects, rodents or any other type of pests.
-It will not blow away.
-No special equipment is needed when installing it. Just good old elbow grease (and a wheelbarrow helps).
-It's resistant to fading.
-It's available in a variety of colors (although we went with basic black), and it's color safe. The color used is nontoxic and safe for children, animals and the environment.
We took measurements of the area and, after consulting with the rep, decided that 1,000 lbs. would do it. They delivered a pallet of thirty-four 30 lb. bags to curbside. I left work early to meet the driver and sign for the pallet, and although Vern said he would take care of the job when he got home, I decided to get started. It would save some time, right? Well, wheeling 4 bags at a time to the play area and then spreading it all did take some time, but I managed to get it done before he was home. I also managed to get a fabulous sunburn in the process. It seems I was a little too enthusiastic for my pasty white skin. It was worth it though! When he arrived home, there was no work waiting for him (in the play area) and the kids could enjoy the freshened up space.
Psst-- Now that spring has sprung, are you taking on any outdoor projects?
Be sure to check out the new featured recipe and craft added today on the home page!
Be sure to check out the new featured recipe and craft added today on the home page!