Glimpse to the sky, the feel of earth and wind on the face. When you play outdoors, the fun is doubled, after all, in addition to having fun, you keep in touch with nature; and this is the proposal for the swing.
The plaything breaks the routine and allows the sensation of flight in you, instigating your imagination and balance, apart from the nice chill in the belly. It’s also the same story for kids, but here comes the question: can you put a swing set on artificial grass?
Read on to find out if it’s safe or not.
Can You Put a Swing on Artificial Grass?
More than any other flooring for playing grounds, the artificial grass is considered the best regarding safety, fast installation, and every other additional benefit. Therefore, if you consider putting a swing set on artificial grass, I guarantee you that it is the best to use.
Swing sets can be installed anywhere in your house that is safe. It can be in your backyard or anywhere free from hazardous objects.
Moreover, when installing any swing set, you must anchor the equipment to the ground to prevent it from tipping over during use. Concrete anchors are the safest, anchoring a swing set is a relatively simple process.
How to Anchor a Swing Set on the Grass?
A swing set must be anchored adequately on the grass to avoid unpleasant surprises. However, what factors do you need to consider when anchoring your swing set, and why do you need to anchor it?
Anchoring prevents it from moving or even turning around when several children are playing or especially during gusts of wind.
Now you know why you should anchor but not just anywhere. You might feel the grass is suitable; yes, it is but the ground in which the grass is rooted must also be considered. Different characteristics must be taken into account:
- The nature of the ground: Falls are to be considered, and a floor composed of grass or sand will cushion them gently. A concrete base is not recommended, as well as a tiled or stone terrace.
- A flat and leveled ground: it is necessary to plan a flat ground and not in slope; not only the swing would move and would not be correctly fixed;
- A clear environment: obstacles such as walls and trees must be at a distance of 2 meters. Indeed, while swinging, your child could bump into himself. Similarly, also plan the space to be able to mow. It would be best to consider the length and width of the frame.
Now let’s go to the main question so we won’t leave any table unturned.
How should you anchor the swing set after considering those above factors?
Most swings for private use come by default with metal pegs that must be sunk into the ground or grass and fixed with concrete. To put anchors, a hole must first be made, the metal anchors are sunk, and the hole will be filled with concrete at the end of the installation.
Follow these easy steps to anchor an accident consequence limited swing set:
- Position the swing set and mark the location of each leg with a shovel. Place the swing set where you intend to install it permanently and make a small mark on the floor where each leg is with the blade of a shovel.
- Make this mark on the edge of each leg to locate it as accurately as possible. Also, make sure you are confident with the location of your swing set because after filling the anchor with concrete, it will be challenging to move the set.
- After the marking, dig holes at each point where you marked the ground with your shovel. Move the swing set out of the way to have direct access to each anchor point. Dig each hole to be about 30 centimeters (30 cm) deep and 20 centimeters (20 cm) in diameter.
- Drill holes in the sides of each leg of the swing set. Use a 9.5 mm drill bit to drill a hole on each side of each leg, oriented horizontally.
- Drill each hole at least an inch above the bottom of the leg. This is technically optional if your swing set has wooden legs since you can screw in the anchors without pre-drilling a hole. However, it is a much easier process if the legs already have holes, especially if they are made of metal.
- Place a concrete anchor plate at the bottom of each leg. Use the materials that came with the anchor kit for the best results. Screw two large screws through each fixing plate to attach it to the leg. Usually, you will need to use large screws to attach each anchor plate to the corresponding leg.
- Place each anchor in the anchor hole. Carefully position the swing set over each concrete-filled anchor hole and press the bottom of each anchor plate into the concrete. Insert the bottom of the anchor plate deep enough into the hole so that the entire bottom of the anchor is below the concrete.
- Make sure that the bottom part doesn’t stick out of the ground; it may pose a security risk if this happens. For best results, have one person hold each leg of the swing set as you lower them into the holes to keep the swing at an even level.
- Let the concrete dry and cover the area below the swing. Wait 24 hours for the concrete to harden fully. Then place the previously removed soil around the base of each leg. Please note that the total time may vary depending on the concrete formula and current weather conditions.
- Tap the concrete to test its hardness before use. For maximum safety, check the swing set one more time. Firmly push each leg of the set. If you anchor the set correctly, the pressure should not be enough to cause any leg movement.
What Things Can You Put on Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass can serve as a place to put furniture where you can relax and have some fresh air. You can place items such as a paddling pool, hot tub, trampoline, football goal, or garden on your artificial grass.
After decorating an environment with artificial grass, it is common to use furniture and other decorative props. There’s no problem! Use and exploit creativity with tables, chairs etc.
What Should You Not Put on Artificial Grass?
- Heavy, sharp, and hot objects should be kept off from artificial grass.
- Vehicles: avoid, as much as possible, parking vehicles on artificial grass. Even if the act takes place for short periods, it can damage the quality of the grass. The damage occurs because of the car’s weight which pulls bristles from the grass. In addition, automotive fluids have chemical agents that damage the lawn.
- Grill: yes, artificial grass can withstand high temperatures. However, leaving it in direct contact with fire is harmful. At barbecue time, pay attention to the embers so that the grass bristles do not melt. You can invest in a good cover or tarp to separate the grill from the lawn.
Can Heavy Objects Damage Artificial Grass?
Whether heavy objects damage your lawn depends on the quality of the artificial grass.
If you regularly place heavy objects on your artificial turf, we highly recommend using the ones made from nylon fibers as they are the strongest.
It’s also important to regularly move heavy objects around your lawn to avoid damaging the fibers.
If a heavy object has flattened the grass, use an artificial grass rake or stiff broom to stimulate the fibers and return them to an upright position.
Tips For Protecting Artificial Grass
All artificial grass environments need to follow efficient cleaning and maintenance methods. As it is not a natural material, gardening techniques are not necessary here. In other words, it is already quite an economy in the final account of the environment.
In this article, learn what artificial grass care you need to follow. In addition to promoting the quality of the material, they also generate cost savings and even sustainable benefits.
- Dirt: Among the care with artificial grass when cleaning, removing all the dirt beforehand is paramount. Watch out for dry leaves, animal dirt, plastics, paper, and other debris. For smaller particles and dust, count on a broom.
- Water: As mentioned earlier, a lot of water is not needed. Therefore, the material gains a considerable advantage over natural grass. Unlike synthetic grass care, the last-mentioned demand irrigation and other gardening services that use water.
- Disinfection: If your environment has pets, the artificial grass must be disinfected. You can perform the service with water dissolved in disinfectant or non-chlorine bleach. To disinfect, splash the mixture on the grass. Do it with an ideal frequency (once a week, for example).
- Also, when moving furniture, do not drag them. This can gradually deteriorate the grass and shorten the life of the material.
Before concluding, it’s best to take this word of warning about garden furniture: Always make sure that the legs of chairs and tables do not have sharp edges, as they could cut the artificial grass.
If this happens, it is possible to fix it using bonding tape, but it can be avoided by checking the garden furniture before placing it on the artificial grass.
Conclusion
Artificial grass can transform your property and make your life easier. With proper maintenance and care, your artificial grass will retain its excellent appearance for a long time.