SPR: Backyard Swingsets

Does anyone have one of those big wooden swingsets in their backyard?

If so, what do you have under it?

Right now, it's all dirt (muddy, clay like dirt) and lots of rocks. We've been in our house almost 5 years, but never did anything about it since we didn't have kids.

DD will be walking by the summer, probably before, and we want to obviously make it safe for her.

My landscaper each years mulches areas of our yard, and I thought to do that, but it disintegrates during the winter, so having to do that every year would be $$$$

Someone suggest rubber mulch because it's lasts forever.

Anyone have any other suggestions, or insights on what you have under your playset? And if so, a round about price on what it might cost to put something down in that area?

TIA

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

I did some research on what to put under it and right now...under the picnic table area we have white stones. In the sand box, obviously sand....and under the swings, just grass.

We were going to go with rubber mulch but when I did a post about it lots of people said not too...it's toxic, unless you want to buy the really $$$ stuff AND if you fall etc....it gets all over your clothes.

We were going to put wood chips, but that could mean splintes etc.

So we just left it grass.

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

Thanks for replying...

Grass really isn't an option. I didn't realize that rubber mulch was toxic. I did read that the wood chips can grow mold/mushrooms, etc. because they retain moisture.

We have a side sandbox too that had small pebbles, but I've noticed as of late, there is a neighborhood cat that uses it as a litter box I don't know HOW to stop this.

So, we want to get rid of anything that is going to entice the backyard animals to hang out in that enclosed space. We have LOTS of deer. The previous owners took out the grass because the deer would lounge around and rest under the swingset in the grass. I need something that is child friendly but not animal friendly.

I want to clean out the sandbox part, and put something else there, and that is where I'm going to put DD's little picnic table.

Message edited 3/18/2010 1:55:24 PM.

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

If you research rubber mulch, there are new standards and most reputable companies now have NON-Toxic rubber mulch. Do not go with the cheap stuff.

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

we have pea gravel

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

we just bought our house this past spring and the previous owners put what seems to be some sort of heavy plastic liner on top of the dirt and then wood chips on top. It seems like a good idea, but I'm not sure cause we haven't used it yet!

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

We are getting Joey one for his second birthday in May, and we plan on using wood chips. They have it underneath the swingsets at his daycare.

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

We got one and are hoping to put it up in the next few months!! the non toxic rubber mulch is ULTRA So we're looking at the rubber lining and then wood chips at the bottom...

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

my neighbor has non-toxic rubber mulch.

Re: SPR: Backyard Swingsets

Have you gone to the fence place on Rt. 10? I'm sure they have stuff to recommend