Why Sand is the Best Option for Backyard Play Areas

Having an area dedicated in your backyard for child play encourages kids to get outside for healthy exercise. Swing sets, slides and other outdoor play equipment are a wonderful gift for children, but you want to ensure it is safe and durable. One of the considerations when building a backyard play area is the ground cover. Here is why sand is the best option to protect your kid’s play area.

Benefits of Sand

Obviously a paved area is not a good idea for swings and climbing equipment. One fall and it could mean a trip to the ER for fractured bones. However, even grass or turf has its drawbacks. Grass requires water to keep it healthy; sprinklers near outdoor play equipment can cause rust and rot, hastening deterioration and making it unsafe. Sand, like the white sand used for sandboxes, offers a few benefits:

  • It is soft and less likely to cause injury if a child falls
  • Kids love playing in sand – it is great for playing with big and small toys
  • It is easy to maintain, requiring no watering or cleaning
  • Insects are less likely to be lurking in sand versus grass or mulch

Sand is a nice option to cover the ground in your child’s play area. It looks neat and is the safest option. You want to choose a quality white sand that is made for play areas and sand boxes. Contact your local landscape supplier – many quality suppliers offer white sand and can deliver it in bulk quantity right to your home to make it quick and easy to build your backyard play area.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

3 Ways to Use Sand in Your Backyard

There are many gravel materials that are used in landscaping projects, including sand. Fine sand is an essential ingredient for creating some hardscapes, protecting water features and xeriscaping. Here are three ways that sand can be used in your backyard in your landscaping endeavors.

  1. Stone paving. If you are using flagstones, field stones or pavers to create a patio or walkway, sand can be an excellent filler for finishing your project. Sand can be used instead of mortar to fill the cracks between pavers for stabilization. Just pour sand over the pavers and sweep into the cracks.
  2. Sand boxes. Kids love to play in sand. If you have little ones at your home, you can create your own sand box where they can dig and play in the flowing mounds. But, keep in mind animals love sand, too. If you have cats in your backyard, they may have other ideas for your sand box. Build a cover to protect the sand from animals when not in use.
  3. Low-water gardens. Want a, low-water garden for your backyard? Use sand or a sand/loam mixture to make a low-water garden for cactus and other drought-resistant plants. These gardens can be beautiful and require little water or maintenance.

There are other uses for sand, such as a mix for concrete or to protect pool liners from weed growth. Sand can even be added to paint to create a non-slip surface. It is a good item to have on hand for many different landscape projects. Sand can be found at your local landscape supply store to complete any of these projects.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Uses for Natural Sand in Landscaping

Are you planning a project that will require sand? There are many landscaping and home improvement projects that use sand as a material. From creating a play area for the kids to paving a patio with natural stone, sand can be a useful material for your home projects. However, it is important to choose the right sand for your projects. Here are some of the landscaping and other home projects that may require sand and the right sand to buy for the best results.

  • Sand is perfect for helping stabilize pavers and fill the cracks between the stones. It can be poured before the pavers are lain, then swept into cracks to keep pavers in place and reduce weed growth. Granite dust is a good choice for this type of project.
  • Leveling lawns. There are types of grasses that require leveling with the use of sand. Some grasses that benefit from river sand leveling include Zoyzia, Bermuda and Centipede.
  • Sand boxes and playgrounds. For a sand box or sand for around swing sets and slides, white beach sand is preferable. You will want white sand that has been screened to remove impurities.
  • River sand can be used to help improve drainage in soils and gardens.
  • Masonry. Masonry uses sand to create mortar and cement; natural sand can have advantages to manufactured varieties due to the smooth exteriors of granules.

While manufactured sand can have its benefits for some applications, natural sand can be a wise choice for your home projects. If you need sand for a project, visit your local landscape supplier that offers natural sand options.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220